Over the past few posts we've given you tons of information on how to travel solo, from safety tips to benefits and more. Today I want to talk about one of the greatest gifts of solo travel- making new friends. Often times people choose not to travel solo because they fear being lonely. While going it alone can, obviously, get lonesome, it's all part of the experience! So if loneliness is your excuse, here are a few tips to get you out in the world meeting great new lifelong friends! 

1. Book an Adventure

One of the easiest ways to meet people while on the road is to take a tour, learn a new skill like scuba diving, or sign up for an excursion. Tours are a great way to meet like minded people and you'll be pleasantly surprised at the people you connect with. There's an element of vulnerability that everyone feels at the beginning of a tour but by the end, everyone might as well be old time pals. Learning and experiencing new things together gives people something to bond over. You'll quickly find more fun experiences to cherish with new friends and loneliness will be the furthest thought from your mind!

2. Say Yes!

It is so easy to say "No" and wonder what could have been, but that's no way to live! When we open ourselves up to the possibility of something new, our lives flood with incredibly life changing experiences and opportunities. Traveling is about giving yourself to the road, letting it take you where you needed to go and to relinquish the idea that we have control over our lives in the first place. You should always listen to your instincts in regards to the safety of a given situation, but otherwise, a solo trip is about saying yes to new and exciting possibilities! So, if you're on the fence, just say yes and you won't regret it!

3. Strike Up A Conversation

A simple "Hello!" can lead to hours of conversation. Do you have a long flight, train ride, or bus commute coming up? You might as well make the most of it with a little chit chat! I find that complimenting others is a great way to open the conversation platform, see where it goes and find the common ground. Strangers often have the best information on local spots and must sees, ask about what to do in the area! Be nice, be open to conversation, and be happy for the time to create lifelong bonds!

Making friends isn't as difficult as it might seem, it just takes a little bit of open-mindedness and a smile! What are some of your tips for making friends while traveling? Let us know in the comments below!