How to Find a Travel Buddy For Your Next Trip
While solo traveling has become a popular way to see the world on your terms, it doesn't suit everyone. Sometimes, it can be lonely and expensive to travel alone. And depending on your destination, it can also be very unsafe!
Travel buddies are a great way to visit new countries, make memories, and create lifelong friends. Best of all, modern travel buddies come from all corners of the world. You don't have to know them before jetting off; you can meet them there!
Not sure how to connect with the right travelers on the move? Let's look at the benefits of group travel and how you can find the right companions.
Three Reasons Why a Travel Buddy Makes Sense
First, let's take a quick look at why finding a travel buddy will upgrade your trip abroad. Below are three core reasons to keep in mind:
Stretch Your Budget Further
Your budget is an important part of traveling. Having more money lets you do more things and stay on vacation longer. One benefit of traveling with one or more buddies is that you can save costs across the board.
Whether accommodation or transport, you can split costs evenly among the group. Even with one person, that's 50% off each bill! Best of all, many tour operators offer discounts for pairs or small groups. You'll get to see the sights and experience the best sights at a fraction of the cost!
Companionship With a Difference
While solo travel allows you to go at your own pace and see what you want to see, it can get lonely. At some point, you'll want to share all your amazing adventures with someone. You'll want to look back at your trip and see more than selfies.
The simple truth is that a friend or stranger can transform your trip. Whether sightseeing or sharing a meal, another person adds meaning to activities. Spending time with someone will fight off potential travel loneliness.
It’s Safer to Travel in Numbers
As well as adding a social element, traveling with a buddy makes your trip safer. If something goes wrong, your companion can raise the alarm. Likewise, you're there for them if they need you.
Even in busy tourist hotspots, traveling together can mean you're less likely to be the victim of harassment or crime. The best part of a travel buddy is that even when separated, you can keep in constant contact until you meet up again.
But staying in touch with new friends when abroad can be difficult. Your smartphone might be unable to connect to networks to send or receive messages.
For the ultimate peace of mind, travelers should pack an eSIM on vacation. This is a virtual SIM card that allows you to connect to the best local networks in your area. You can make all changes through a simple-to-use smartphone app.
When you download an eSIM, you'll enjoy reliable connectivity at your destination. This way, you can stay in contact with brand-new buddies and family back home throughout your trip.
How Can You Find the Right Travel Buddy?
Now that you know the benefits of a travel buddy, you might be wondering how best to find one. Some easy ways of finding a suitable companion include:
1. Use Online Platforms and Travel Communities
The internet has revolutionized travel, including finding travel buddies. This is because several platforms are tailor-made to link similar people together. You can check out profiles or plans and see if someone shares the same itinerary as you.
If your dates match, you could message them to see if they want to link up! Below are some of the best sites to check out:
- TripGiraffe allows you to meet travelers from around the world. You can search for members by country, city, gender, and age. Profiles tell you about a person's plans, type of trip, and budget. It also shows whether they want to split bills.
- Travelerspoint is a community of people who share, map out, and book trips collaboratively. With over 1 million members, you're sure to find someone with similar interests heading to your destination.
- Travelo aims to connect travelers and cut trip costs. You can book tour packages that put you in the company of other solo adventures and small groups.
- Meetup.com is a networking site that helps people with similar interests connect. By researching different groups in your destination, you can find fellow travelers and locals to connect to!
2. Book the Right Accommodation
Sometimes, where you stay is as important as where you go. And if you're looking to make new friends overseas, you should probably try to stay in hostels.
Hostels are tailor-made for solo and small-group travel. They are in the heart of major towns and cities and are very affordable. Shared facilities also make meeting people feel natural and easy.
Hostels often host ice-breakers and group activities so guests can make connections. They also often partner with local tourist attractions. This means you can explore your destination in a fun, social environment.
Finding a Travel Buddy for Your Next Big Adventure
Traveling with someone can take your trip abroad to the next level. Not only do you have company, but you can also save money and feel more secure. And with the internet, finding a suitable companion has never been easier.
Best of all, new travel tech like eSIMs are opening up better ways to stay in contact with new friends while abroad. This way, you'll always have someone to connect with and make amazing memories with.