image, solo traveler and companion hiking
The quest for ideal Travel Companions is a topic of much discussion, even within the solo travel community. While the idea of solo exploration is appealing to many, the reality is that sometimes, having the right travel companions can significantly enrich your journey. Conversely, the wrong companions can unfortunately detract from it. A recent vibrant discussion on the Solo Travel Society Facebook page highlighted these varying perspectives.
Many in the solo travel community firmly believe in traveling alone. As Karen succinctly put it, “I don’t want to connect with anyone, love being solo.” This sentiment reflects the core desire for independence and self-discovery that fuels solo travel. However, others recognize the benefits that travel companions can bring in specific situations. Danielle, for example, noted, “when it comes to hiking or camping remotely while solo, that’s a little nerve wracking and I’d love to meet up with people who are in the same mindset.” For some, like Mary, the practicalities of travel also come into play: “I like the idea of being connected to someone sometimes to avoid that “single-occupancy tax.””
It’s important to acknowledge that even dedicated solo travelers often find themselves traveling with companions at times. My own experiences are a testament to this. Traveling with travel companions can indeed elevate your travel experiences. Sharing perspectives and observing a new destination through different cultural lenses – your own and your companion’s – can offer a richer, more nuanced understanding.
Regardless of your motivations for seeking travel companions, whether it’s for safety, cost-effectiveness, or simply shared enjoyment, proceeding with caution is advisable. Utilizing safe and reliable methods is key to increasing your chances of a successful and positive travel partnership. Below are some recommended approaches to finding compatible travel companions.
How to Find a Travel Companion: Recommended Methods
Finding the right travel companion can be approached in various safe and practical ways. These methods allow you to maintain your independence as a traveler while offering opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals when desired, whether for a day trip, a week-long adventure, or longer.
1. Leverage Your Existing Network: Warm Introductions
One of the most secure and reliable ways to find travel companions is through your personal network. Friends or family members who know you well and are invested in your well-being are excellent resources. They are likely to suggest travel companions they genuinely trust and believe would be a good fit for you. Ideally, you should be able to meet potential travel companions locally before embarking on a trip together. This allows you to gauge compatibility and ensure you feel comfortable spending extended time with them. A few informal meetings can be invaluable in determining if your travel styles and personalities align.
2. Organic Encounters: Meeting Travel Companions on the Road
Meeting travel companions organically during your travels is a common and often rewarding experience. Hostels are frequently cited as places where travelers connect, but these encounters can happen anywhere – on tours, at cafes, or even in transit. The beauty of this method is that you meet potential travel companions in person and can spend a few days together engaging in activities like sharing meals or joining day tours before making any long-term commitments. Initially, keep interactions in public settings and return to your separate accommodations each night. This gradual approach allows you to assess compatibility and comfort levels before deciding if a longer travel partnership is right for you.
3. Tour and Cruise Connections: Partnering with Fellow Travelers
If your primary goal in seeking travel companions is to mitigate single supplements on tours or cruises, directly inquire with the travel company. Many tour and cruise operators offer roommate matching services specifically for solo travelers. They will often pair you with another solo traveler of the same gender to share accommodations. If a match isn’t available, some companies will even waive the single supplement fee, providing you with a room to yourself at no extra cost. Exploring dedicated solo travel deals pages, like the Deals page, can also reveal tours and cruises with reduced or eliminated single supplements, making solo travel more affordable without requiring a travel companion.
4. Local Connections: Utilizing Meetup.com for Shared Interests
Meetup.com is an invaluable platform for solo travelers seeking local connections and shared experiences. While primarily designed for meeting locals rather than long-term travel companions, it provides fantastic opportunities to engage with people who share your interests in your destination. Connecting with locals can significantly enhance your travel experience, offering unique insights and perspectives. For example, using Meetup.com, you can find local hiking groups, photography enthusiasts, or foodies to explore your destination with. These local connections can lead to enriching experiences and even lasting friendships.
5. Immersive Local Experiences: Booking a Greeter Service
International Greeters is a service that connects travelers with local volunteers who are passionate about showcasing their cities. These “greeters” offer free, personalized tours and insights into their hometowns. Having utilized this service in cities like Paris, New York, Kyoto, and Chicago, I can personally attest to its value. Greeters provide a wonderful way to meet locals, learn about the destination from an insider’s perspective, and enjoy activities together. Experiences can range from cycling tours and shared lunches to shopping excursions, creating memorable and authentic local interactions.
6. Women’s Travel Networks: Women Welcome Women World Wide
For women travelers, Women Welcome Women World Wide (WWWW) offers a unique international community. This network comprises over 2,400 women in more than 80 countries, primarily women over 60 who are enthusiastic about travel and cultural exchange. WWWW facilitates connections by allowing members to host each other for tea or longer stays, fostering friendships and providing a supportive network for women travelers. This organization is particularly valuable for women seeking to travel more frequently, connect with locals, and build international friendships. For more information, explore resources like “Women Welcoming Women: A Gateway to International Friendships.”
7. Social Activities: Day Tours and Classes
Integrating social activities into your itinerary, such as day tours or group classes, is an excellent way to meet potential travel companions. These structured social settings provide opportunities to interact with other travelers who share similar interests. Whether it’s a cooking class, a historical walking tour, or an adventure excursion, these activities facilitate natural interactions and conversations. You might just find yourself connecting with someone with whom you’d like to spend more time exploring your destination. For further insights on combating loneliness while traveling solo and enhancing social aspects of your trip, resources like “How to Travel Alone Without Being Lonely: 10 Tips & 6 Short Stories” can be helpful.
solo travel companions
Using Meetup.com led to great hiking experiences with locals in Hong Kong.
Essential Safety Rules for Traveling with New Companions
When embarking on a journey with someone you haven’t known for long, especially during independent travel, prioritizing safety is paramount. Here are key safety guidelines to follow:
- Maintain Public Interactions Initially: When first spending time with a new travel companion, confine your interactions to public spaces for at least the first few days. This initial period allows you to get to know them better in a safe and observable environment before engaging in more intimate or secluded activities like renting a car together or sharing a hotel room. Take this time to assess your comfort level and determine if you genuinely feel safe and at ease with this person.
- Be Proactive in Decision-Making: Take the initiative in choosing how you spend your time and who you spend it with. Make your own plans and decisions rather than simply reacting to invitations from others, who might have different agendas or expectations. Being proactive ensures you remain in control of your travel experience and safety.
- Avoid Rushing into Commitments: If the idea of traveling with someone new arises, resist any pressure to make immediate decisions. Be wary if a potential travel companion insists on a quick commitment before you feel comfortable. If you are given an ultimatum or pressured to decide faster than you’re ready, it’s wise to decline the opportunity. Trust your instincts and take the time you need to feel secure in your decision.
For comprehensive safety advice, refer to our primary post on solo travel safety.
Concerns Regarding Travel Companion Apps and Websites
While numerous apps and websites aim to connect travelers seeking travel partners, I have reservations about recommending them due to several potential issues:
- Compatibility Beyond Destination: Simply sharing a destination does not guarantee compatibility as travel companions. You may discover only after starting your trip that you have fundamentally different interests, travel styles, or paces of exploration. These mismatches can lead to significant friction and a less enjoyable travel experience for everyone involved.
- The Risk of Catfishing: “Catfishing,” or online identity deception, is a real concern. Without prior in-person interaction, it’s challenging to verify the authenticity of online profiles. Someone portraying themselves as an ideal travel buddy might have ulterior motives, ranging from romantic expectations to more concerning scenarios. This lack of transparency can put you in a vulnerable position.
- Potential for Misunderstandings: Even without malicious intent, misunderstandings can easily arise when partnering with someone met online. Your new travel companion might have different expectations or hopes for the trip than you do. These differing expectations, even if unintentional, can lead to awkward or uncomfortable situations.
- Broadcasting Solo Status and Itinerary: Participating in travel companion matching sites often involves sharing your travel plans and itinerary. This inadvertently broadcasts to a public forum that you are traveling solo and reveals your location and schedule. While I am open about traveling solo, for safety reasons, I avoid publicly announcing my specific whereabouts and travel plans.
- Over-Collection of Personal Data: In an attempt to enhance user safety, some travel companion platforms implement extensive verification processes, including collecting government-issued identification. While intended to increase security, this practice raises concerns about identity security and the potential risks associated with sharing sensitive personal information with third-party platforms.
Due to these concerns and my lack of personal experience with travel companion apps and websites, I refrain from providing a list of recommendations. However, if you choose to explore these options, numerous lists are readily available through a simple Google search. Should you decide to use these platforms to find travel companions, I strongly advise exercising caution, thoroughly vetting potential partners, and reviewing the Solo Travel Safety section of this site before your departure.
Last updated: February 1st, 2024
