By Rachel Puryear

Traveling around and seeing more of the world is awesome! There are so many great things about it.

One of the biggest problems that can arise out of it for many, though, is loneliness on the road. It can be hard to meet people, as well as forge ongoing relationships, while moving around a lot.

However, there are ways a nomad can help themselves connect better with the world around them, and also stay close to those they care about. Here are some suggestions:

Local Hangouts

Every city and tourist destination has its own touristy areas. No doubt, these can be fun/beautiful/interesting, as there’s a reason why they draw a crowd. However, going past the tourist areas can give you a whole different experience than just sticking on the beaten path.

Check out locals’ favorite restaurants, bars, clubs, parks, destinations, natural beauty, and whatever else you’re into.

Note: Sometimes tourists don’t go to certain places, neighborhoods, or areas for a good reason. Do listen to the advice of locals, rangers, law enforcement, and guides about where to go – and also importantly, where not to go. Not everywhere is safe for everyone or anyone to visit at any given time, for many reasons.

Hostels/Renting from Locals

Hostels can be a much less expensive alternative for lodging accommodations than hotels. These might look like a hotel, but you share a room with a few other travelers; or maybe a dormitory with rows of bunk beds.

Either way, these options are a great way to meet other travelers while saving some money.

Or, you might be able to rent a room (or parking spot for a travel vehicle) in the home or on the land of a local. This could be through listings on a site like Airbnb or Vrbo, or you might have a connection in the area. This could also be a great way to get a local perspective on places to go, and the local culture.

Local Languages

The ability to communicate with others is, of course, an important prerequisite to getting to know them and building a rapport. If you’re traveling somewhere where not many people speak the same language as you, it can really pay to learn some of the local dialect.

This will help you connect with others on a much deeper level, as well as the more practical advantages speaking the local language can have. Besides, even if many people in the area do speak the same language as you, but their preferred language is a different one; they will likely feel flattered and like you more if you demonstrate effort to speak their language – even if your language skills are far from perfect.

Luckily, it’s easier than ever to do this nowadays, with plenty of tools to help you learn new languages quickly – and better build a rapport with more people.

Many Strangers are Friendly

It can feel strange and scary to be in a place where you don’t know anyone there, and it’s a vulnerable position to be in.

Fortunately, though, many strangers all over the world are friendly – and with just a little effort, are glad to talk to you, and even help you. They might even approach you first, if you pay attention to their cues.

Sure, cultures will vary on their level of gregariousness, and there are occasional towns or neighborhoods with unfriendly locals. If you’ve stumbled upon one of those, you’ll probably know it quickly, and it’s best to get out of there as soon as possible. But on the whole, there will be far more friendly towns, neighborhoods, and locals out there than ones that are unwelcoming to strangers.

Relying on your instincts will go a long way in determining which people and places are great to hang out with/in and get to know, as well as the minority of them you’re best off avoiding.

Tours

Sometimes it’s nice to sit back and let someone else to the driving. Or, if you prefer a walking tour, then to let someone else guide you along.

This can also give you a great local perspective, and help you learn things you might not on your own. Besides, driving and licensing might be different in other areas, so this eliminates that problem (especially if you’re visiting somewhere where they drive on the opposite side of the road than you’re used to).

Online/Apps

In addition to all above options that will help you meet others in person, there are also plenty of online sites and apps that can help digitally connect you with other people.

You could use social apps to meet people where you’ll be visiting. You could even use dating apps if you’re looking for someone special, and eventually meet up in person. Or use a site like Boondockers Welcome to find a place to park for free (just please be a considerate guest, of course) overnight on private property.

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Thank you, dear readers, for reading, following, and sharing. Here’s to meeting new people everywhere. If you enjoyed this post, please “like” and subscribe, if you have not already.

Check out my other blog, too – World Class Hugs, at https://worldclasshugs.com.

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