You may think Solo backpacking is a lonely experience, but in reality, you are rarely truly alone. Most backpacking routes tend to crossover at popular hostels and must-visit locations around the world, so you will get countless chances to meet like-minded travellers on your trip. 

All it takes is that first intimidating backpacking conversation starter to break the ice. 

But we get it, the fear of rejection and social embarrassment has you rehearsing entire conversations in your head, picking out certain words that will paint yourself as an adventurous, kind-hearted, tag-along-worthy friend or new member of the backpacking group. 

Conversation tips for backpacking hostels

We suggest ditching the scripted introductions and simply opening up the conversation through a genuine human interaction. You’ll still need to put yourself out there, but these conversation starters will remove almost all the dreaded awkwardness of introducing yourself that you fear so much. 

Here is a list of natural conversation starters that Backpackers can use to introduce themselves, start conversations and make friends while solo backpacking :

• Hostel Breakfast – the power of saying “Good morning”, and “What are you up to today”:
  

 If they have plans and they are something you’d enjoy, take a genuine interest ask a few questions about the experience and see if you can ‘tag along’. If it’s applicable, a less direct way of inviting yourself may be mentioning ‘Shall we share a tuk-tuk there it will be cheaper’.

If they don’t have many plans suggest an activity and after a quick conversation describing it simply let them know “you’re welcome to join”.

• Eating on your own – If you are eating alone and someone else is too why not ask, “I’m eating alone do you mind if I join you, no pressure either way!” or ask nearby tables for their recommendations and see what the conversation brings. 

• Offer to take people’s photos and start up a conversation – Usually offering to take a picture does initiate some small talk and is rarely met with nothing but appreciation. At the very least you will capture a memory for the people you approach. 

• Ask for advice – Have you guys been to x? “What’s the best place to eat round here” “what have you guys been doing here”. These conversations create a perfect opportunity to learn about your local area and often reveal a backpacker’s future plans and potentially a chance to join them. 

• Sign up to group activities and tours and ask what their next plans are – Usually the hardest part about forming friendships while backpacking is that initial conversation. Yet, tours and group activities allow you to share an experience with other backpackers which always sparks all kinds of natural conversation, discussion and laughter in the group. Towards the end of the tour get the contact information of the group and ask them what else they are planning over the next few days? 

• Ask others to play any sort of game – Most backpackers’ hostels are kitted out with classic games like ping pong, snooker, cards and smash ball. Joining in on a game or asking someone for a game is a great way to ditch the surface-level conversation and have fun with the backpackers in your hostel 

How to be approachable as a Backpacker? 

Remember you don’t always have to be the one to start the conversations but the way you act in the hostel will ultimately affect whether other backpackers view you as someone who wants to be social or someone seeking a more private trip. So how do you come across as approachable with other backpackers? 

• Put down the phone – A nervous tic most solo backpackers have when they are on their own is to quickly pull out their phone or pop in their headphones. This immediately shuts you off from the real world and prevents any social interaction whatsoever. 

• Hunt for the social areas – Try and find the most social areas of hostels and regularly relax there. Putting yourself in social areas will give you the best chances of meeting others. 
• Sign up to hostel activities – These are one of the best opportunities to naturally spark a conversation and have fun with your newfound traveller friends. 
• Smile – Research shows that people decide whether they want to talk to you within the very first few seconds of seeing you, so don’t underestimate how a smile can form a positive first impression to build upon. 

• Discuss plans with staff (loudly) – Sometimes talking to staff about your plans, their suggestions and advice at a busy bar, or in the hostel’s common room can encourage eave dropping backpackers to lend their own advice and join the conversation. 
• Don’t sit too far away from others – Sitting nearby will prevent you from blending into the background and encourage travellers to include you in their conversations and activities. 
• Enjoy meeting people from all walks of life – We all have an idea of who we want to be friends with, and while I’m not suggesting you should cast your values aside don’t be too quick to judge the people you meet. I’ve found friendship with backpackers, expats and locals on my travels meeting unique characters that were often worlds apart from the usual friends I would initially set out to find. 

Sometimes starting that initial conversation that sparks a backpacker friendship feels like it has the potential for complete and utter social suicide. But it really isn’t that deep of an issue, worst comes to worse, and you do have an underwhelming conversation, but who cares, you’ll likely never meet any of these people again in your life so why not chance it and see if you find a connection.