Traveling alone can be a life-changing experience, but it can also be incredibly lonely. Whether you’re on a business trip or just getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life during your daycation with HotelsByDay, it wouldn’t hurt to have a date especially as the weather is getting colder.
Some may ask why you can’t just approach people at the hotel bar and start a conversation. Because it’s awkward and you don’t want to be labeled as the creep at the bar alone. So here’s a list of ten ways to meet people when traveling alone that won’t make you feel awkward.
1. Take a Dance or Cooking Class
Especially if you’re traveling overseas, dance classes are available in pretty much every city! And what better way to learn the region you’re in than to immerse yourself in their cuisine! Do your research ahead of your hourly hotel stay and sign up for a cooking or dance class. You never know who you’ll be partnered with in either. And even if it doesn’t work out in class, you can impress future dates with your smooth moves and delicious cooking.
2. Rideshare
Grab an UberPool! You never know who you might meet! Or search online for “rideshare [country name]” and there’s a good chance you’ll find a local network of free or low-cost rides. Strike up a convo, you’ve got nothing to lose since you’re in a car with them. This can lead to memorable stories, a date, and new friendships during your day stay.
3. Conferences or Seminars
If you have a niche interest do a quick search to see if any big events are scheduled in the area where you’re on your daycation. You’ll meet people with interests just like yours, and you’ll learn something new while doing so. There’s always something going on in the large urban areas that HotelsByDay thrives in so make a stop at one of our partner hotels and hit that Python Programming conference or Creative Writing seminar.
4. Festivals
Nothing is as life-changing as attending a music festival, and I strongly believe that everyone should do so at least once in their life. Everyone is so extremely welcoming and friendly its hard not to leave with at least a great group of friends. You may even get a few phone numbers. Before traveling definitely check out the schedule for festivals near your location of travel.
5. Find a Travel Buddy
While the possibility of meeting a travel buddy is always present in our day to days, like dating, it’s clear many of us would prefer to just do it online. Accordingly, there are several different websites that can aid in finding that perfect adventure companion.
6. Connect with People at a Communal Table
Available in cities all over the world, EatWith connects chefs with travelers and locals. From home chefs to food entrepreneurs, the hosts sign up for this opportunity so they definitely can’t wait for you to join their table. You aren’t limited by cuisine either! They have a variety of cuisines available from 650 talented hosts in 200+ cities across the globe. Whether you want to make friends or meet someone to grab a nightcap with, their communal dining tables are shared with interesting people from all walks of life.
7. Play Multiple-Person Games in Public
A very unconventional tactic, but it’s totally worked. Just set up and play a two- (or more) person game in a public place. Card games are always great for this, or why not go bold and set up a rousing round of Twister. Other games that work well for this purpose include chess, Go, and, for the highly ambitious, Settlers of Catan or Monopoly. Really the only thing you can lose is the game when other players join you!
Well, there you have it! Finally, casual opportunities to meet people while traveling that aren’t awkward. So try some of these tactics out when you book with HotelByDay!
