Do you want to make friends in a hostel while travelling and don’t know how? don’t worry you are in the right place. Everyone feels nervous when we are surrounded by unknown people in an unknown place.
My experience
I hadn’t heard much about hostels before I started my solo travel. My 1st solo trip was to Varkala (a small beach town near Trivandrum). It was during new year time, the cost of single rooms was damn high. I had a fixed budget for my trip and I didn’t want to exceed the budget. I was a bit confused and it was during this time, one of my friends suggested the hostel stays.
When I was about to enter the hostel, I had a weird feeling like, how a small kid would feel on the 1st day of the school. As I stepped into the hostel, all the guests started starring at me, like who is this new kid in town. My nervousness and tensed look on the face never seem to calm down.
Even after travelling to different places and staying in a lot of hostels. I still feel little tensed when I am about to enter into a new hostel.
I would like to share my personal experience as in how I make friends while travelling. All points mentioned below are tried and tested ways.
Table of Contents
Ways To Make Friends In A Hostel While Travelling
Choose Your Hostel Wisely
It is one of the most important things, as you will spend a good amount of time in a hostel while you are travelling.
I did make a lot of mistakes initially by not making choosing proper hostels which are suited for me. You have to remember one thing all hostels won’t be the same. If you are a bit louder and confident like I do, choose a larger hostel or else to choose a small hostel with lesser people.
Many a time I ended up choosing family or couples friendly hostels. I can tell how much awkward it would feel and you won’t find anyone to talk with. If you are in the ’20s and you like to party like hell, then, please stay away from hostels, which promote family or couple rooms.
Furthermore, always read customer reviews and check out what facilities they provide before booking your hostel.
Always Stay In A Dorm Room
There will be private rooms in the hostels, so always choose a dorm if you have intentions to make friendships. Most friendships are made in a dorm as you live close to each other or probably on top of each other.
Personally, I feel its ideal and always better to choose 4 or 6-bed dorms. I find it annoying as a number of people keep walking in and out when you stay in 8 or more bed dorms.
You need to develop a skill to judge people as quickly as possible and probably not on their character. Some people talk instantly and others don’t so never disturb anyone who is reserved and wants to have their me-time.
It is always a best practice to say “hello” and introduce yourself to everyone in the dorm as soon as you enter. Once you have shuttled down, ask a few more questions to roommates like “ where they are from’ and “how long are they staying?”.Asking questions is always the best possible way to break the ice between fellow travellers.
I have seen many people hiding in their bunk, by reading books, sitting in front of a laptop with headphones on. In fact, in the initial days of my journey even I did the same thing and it took me a while to break the shackles.
Golden hours of a hostel
There is something known as golden hours in a hostel, that is when people in the hostel are getting ready to go out in the evening. Usually, during 5 or 6 o clock in the evening. Always try staying in a hostel during golden hours as you will be invited by others or vice versa, for parties, evening walks, night out, dinner etc
Hangout In The Communal Area
Every hostel will have a communal area. Generally, the communal area is a place where a lot of lonely travellers hangout to make friendships with others. You want to make friendships then better hangout in a communal area and it is an indication that you are trying to get along with other travellers.
Communal areas can be anything like hostel bars, Kitchen, tv lounge, garden area, playroom, pool etc.
It is always told the communal area is the best place to get or make friends but that wasn’t the case for me when I visited the hostel 1st time. I was a bit afraid to go sit in a communal area, as it always has a big group of travellers sitting around. At this moment I need to thank my Dutch friend John, who helped me overcome fear and break the ice.
What better way to make friends than hanging out for a glass of beer in the hostel bar. You can chat, watch your favourite movies, play games, conduct a music jam and last but not least cook food together by sharing your recipes.
Participate In Gathering Or Events
Most hostels are structured in such a way to support all kind of fun activities.some or the other events keep happening in hostels. usually, it will be organized by the hostel or even guests who are staying there. There will be notice boards in every hostel, so check for events on the notice board or ask staffs about it.
Get To Know The Staffs
Hostel staffs are the most interesting, friendly and full of energy people to talk with. They know in and out of the town. Make sure you save their number and always try calling them when you are in trouble, Staffs will inform you about the favourite places to dine, secret places to visit, places where you get cheap foods and majorly they will introduce you to other guests and local guides. I think this is one awesome and best way to make friends in a hostel while travelling.
Ask questions and strike a conversation
If you are in the hostel means that you both share something in common. You love travelling and exploring the place, so does the other person. Always try wearing a smile on the face and keep eye contact while talking to someone. Don’t isolate yourself.
Ask a few well-crafted questions and try breaking the ice.
These are the questions I ask when I meet someone new
- Where are you from?
- How long have you been travelling?
- Where and all have been so far?
- Where are you going next?
- Ask them tips to travel for a long period
It is a basic human tendency when you talk to someone others will join you and in no time you would have found your friend.
Friends over food
I can’t think of any better way to become friends other than over a plate of food. Food has got so much power to it as it always gets people together and makes everyone happy.
Usually, in the hostels, most travellers sit together in a big table and have breakfasts. It is during the breakfast most plans are made, as to what needs to be done for the rest of the day. All travellers will share what are they up to and by chance, if you had intended to do the same, you can join hands with each other. I think this is one of the best ways to make friends in a hostel while travelling.
Share Your Stuff
Sharing is caring
It is true the more you share the more you get it back. And when you share something it always strengthens the bond between any two. You can share snacks, food, books, music, movie downloads etc.
You can cook little extra food and share it with other fellow travellers and this is on my top of the list.
Sharing can be the best ways to earn more friends in no time. And chances are, seeing this other guest will also start sharing stuff and you will get it back when you need it the most.
Organize Your Own Events
When you go to a hostel during non-season, chances are there won’t be much of events. Therefore you gotta be on your toes to make your own events.
Plan for an event and put up posters or write it on the notice board in a common area. You have to promote and create awareness among other fellow travellers. You will become famous and you will be remembered as a person who brings everyone together.
If I am staying in a place for a long period, I usually organize small games and food tours for other guests. You can choose to organize whatever you like for example trekking, cooking, fitness-related stuff, music, games etc
Be Flexible With Your Plan
You have to make sure, you are flexible with your plans. Initially, when I started to travel, when I would be invited by anyone to join hands with them. But I use to refuse most of the times as I was shy and it was outside my comfort zone. I regret having refused those offers by my fellow travellers.
You will meet so many people on your journey. And there is no reason why you can’t change your plan and go on an adventure with others. Many a time there are chances you might cross paths again, so always yes to new opportunities. If you never seek you will never know your strengths.
Conclusion
You don’t have to be afraid of solo travelling, solo travel is not always about travelling or being all alone. There are plenty of opportunities to make friends while travelling but we have to search for it. I have tested all the ways mentioned above. it has worked wonders for me and it will work for anybody. I think staying in a hostel is a great way to make friends easy while travelling
Got any other tips as in how you can make friends in a hostel while travelling ? have I missed out on an important point? or want to share about any of your special experiences while travelling? please put it in the comment section below, we are happy to hear from you.
Also, read: how to make money while travelling
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