I’m currently about two weeks into my first solo trip, which will last around three months, and overall I’m really enjoying the experience. However, I’ve been thinking a lot about how to meet people and build connections while traveling.
At my first hostel, I joined a large group outing and later spent time socializing in a common area. While it was a good experience, I found the large group setting overwhelming and outside my comfort zone. Conversations also felt surface-level and didn’t go much deeper beyond basic introductions.
After that, I tried using apps to meet people in smaller groups, usually just two or three at a time. I found these interactions much more enjoyable and meaningful, spending time exploring, relaxing, and connecting more naturally.
I know it’s still early in my trip, but I’m curious how others approach meeting people while traveling. I often see solo travel portrayed as a very social, group-focused experience, especially in party hostels, and I’m not sure if that’s something I should be pushing myself toward or if it’s okay to prefer quieter, smaller interactions.