I have traveled solo to more than 100 countries – here are my top tips for making friends on vacation

Solo trips is becoming increasingly popular – but it can be daunting for the first time.

Although safety is a great concern for many, fearless solo travelers can also worry about lonely feeling lonely about countless meals for one.

But Lee Thompson, co-founder of Travel Company Flash packageSays that it can only be vacation on vacation, can actually be one of the most social types of travel.

The former photojournalist has been to more than 100 countries around the world and made lifelong friends on his travels.

Here Lee reveals his top tips for connecting with others when he flies solo …

Immerse yourself in local life

“The trick is to be open and curious for new opportunities when they occur and say ‘yes’ to invitations – even if you feel a bit shy there,” says Lee.

‘Volunteering (eg English teaching) can be a great way to meet new people while you travel alone, especially in large cities.

Lee Thompson, co-founder of Travel Company Flash Pack, has been to more than 100 countries around the world and made lifelong friends on his travels. Above he is depicted in Morocco

Lee reveals his top tips for making friends while traveling. Above he is depicted in New York

“Likewise I have made friends with the man who comes to the park, or by saying yes to a spontaneous pickleball.”

Register with community events

Lee recommends registering for events, such as Supper clubs, Open Mic -Nights or weekly Parkruns, while they travel alone.

He says: ‘A dash of online research will open a world of events where you also travel.

‘All you have to do is look them up and opt for your personal interests and values.

This is a really effective way to meet people in a non-printing environment.

“Because you are already immersed in another activity, your focus is elsewhere and the conversation does not feel forced.”

Get the most out of ‘dead’ time

One of the biggest mistakes that solo travelers make, according to Lee, is gluing themselves on their phone while they are in an airport or on a night train, instead of speaking with fellow passengers. Above he is depicted in Brazil

Lee recommends registering for a group trip. Above he is depicted on a Flash Pack tour in Peru

One of the biggest mistakes that solo travelers make, according to Lee, is gluing themselves on their phone while they are in an airport or on a night train, instead of speaking with fellow passengers.

“These windows of dead time are a rare opportunity to lower tools and make contact with others,” he explains.

‘Read the room: who looks friendly and the game for a card round?

“Some of my most rewarding travel friendships have taken place on a seemingly endless journey somewhere randomly – with nothing but the views and a beer or three with strangers to take the time away.”

Become a member of a group tour

“There was once the expression ‘group tour’ a byword for cringey forced banter,” says Lee. ‘But that world has changed, and now there are more options than ever to make contact with like-minded solo travelers in a group format.

‘Being together in a new place with people with a similar age and life phase means that the foundations of friendship have already been set up.

“Throw a few exciting activities to break the ice, for example, desert canyoning or starling in a national park and the binding process becomes second nature.”

Lee on a Flash Pack tour in Sri Lanka

Go big or go home

Lee ends: ‘Saving a conversation with someone you don’t know can be terribly exposed.

‘But the truth is that you simply cannot meet other people if you travel alone, unless you are willing to be a bit brave.

‘Take the initiative, take the first step and do not take it personally if the other person does not respond in kind.

‘I once spent a whole day in New York City to ask strangers to be my friend, for a social experiment: so I know how rejection feels. However, what it has taught me is that he immediately pays off.

‘Even if you don’t walk around with a plate (like I did!), Put yourself outside as a solo traveler will pick rewards.

“Sooner or later you have to meet your people – the kind you can talk to all night, and it feels like you’ve known them forever.”