- Stuck in Customs / Amazing Photos / CC BY-NC-SA
Friendships formed while traveling can last a lifetime whether venturing alone or with a group, sharing the experience with others can be quite rewarding. In today’s world of online forums, social networks, and travel communities, it has never been easier to find some good company.
But is this always safe? Regardless of what type of trip you’re on, it’s always important to keep your guard up and your eyes open. With this in mind, there are a number of great ways to meet fellow travelers in a safe, reliable fashion.
Consider where you are staying.
That quaint, tucked-away B & B may be perfect for a secluded get-away, but perhaps not the best for some good company. As far as B & Bs go, however, there are plenty of more social options. When booking, check the capacity ahead of time, and get a feel for the community side of things. The personable atmosphere of a bed and breakfast can be great for making acquaintances, and is most likely a pretty safe bet.
Don’t rule out hostels! That’s right ñ not all hostels consist of a dozen moldy beds in a noisy, concrete bunkhouse. Fancier, well-kept hostels are becoming more and more trendy, and are popping up all over the world now. Virtually all of these offer private rooms, while encouraging the traveling community to mingle. Hostels are also great for planning other outings ñ employees are responsible for booking group tours and providing on-site entertainment. Finding a luxury hostel is one of the best ways to bond with fellow travelers.
Regardless of where you are staying, always keep your valuables locked safely away. When socializing, do so in public places. Telling others where you are going is also a good bet, and always leave yourself an “out” should the need arise. If drinks are involved, keep your wits about you know your limits, avoid rash decisions, and never leave your drink unattended.
Online travel networks.
Online socializing can be a blessing or a disaster. Fortunately, the safety measures of most reputable sites combined with a few simple precautions help make sure a more rewarding experience. Always check the authenticity of a particular site, and talk to others who are familiar with it.
One favorite is Couchsurfing.com. In signing up, you are joining a worldwide network of travel-loving folks, many of which freely open their doors to other members. Several misconceptions naturally pop up with regard to this site, but these should not keep you away! Simply sign up, create a personal profile, and view other member’s profiles from around the globe. You are under no obligation to offer anything to anybody. Regardless of where you are staying, Couchsurfing is a great way to meet locals, enjoy some interesting company, and rekindle your faith in humanity.
When considering Couchsurfing, be wary of profile authenticity. Read references left by other members (the more the better), and check to make sure they are “vouched for” by the system. When meeting up, always stick to public places.
Consider group tours.
Whether taking a cruise, hopping on a private bus trip, or simply enjoying a day-long excursion, guided tours can be a great experience to share with a group. Anywhere you stay should have ample information about local tours, and will most likely assist with the booking. Multi-day excursions such as train rides or bus tours can be a very bonding experience, and are about as hassle-free as traveling gets.
Always talk to others when considering a guided tour. Check with locals for authenticity, and take the advice of those who have had the experience.
Joining forces with fellow travelers can help create a truly unforgettable experience. The bonds we share on the road (or sea, or rail, or foot) spark new ideas for adventure, and often lead to a lifetime of friendship. While common sense prevails, certain precautions are important to bear in mind when meeting fellow travelers. After all, things don’t always go as planned. But with your head up and eyes open, you just might discover the joy of spontaneous friendship.
Jeffrey Ferraro is a travel enthusiast and expert. He is the Director of Marketing of Diamond Tours, the leading provider of charter group bus tours in the US and Canada, which include tours of major cities, bus trips to shows and casinos. Jeffrey loves uncovering lesser known travel destinations and sharing them with his customers.