Making friends with total strangers is part and parcel of traveling solo. Most people think that traveling alone is a lonely occasion. Well, you may choose to have some 'me' time during your travels if you wish, but going solo is actually a better way to meet people. When you travel in a group, you tend to stick together and not socialize with others. Strangers might also find it intimidating to approach and strike a conversation with you. When you're alone, you may find yourself in a situation whereby you are forced to make friends, when it's cheaper to get a pair of train tickets instead of a single, for example. So you pair up with another solo traveler you have never met before. It takes a certain amount of trust and courage of course.
I've had my fair share of bad experience, but there are so many more good people out there, and making friends with strangers had helped restore my faith in humanity.
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| A German girl and a local bar owner in Hanoi |
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| An Italian traveler in Hanoi |
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| A Japanese and a French guy in Brunei |
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| Local party-goers in Medan |
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| A Batak performer in Medan |
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| Chinese tourists in Taipei |
Apart from travels, I also join local events, either as a participant, or a volunteer. Admittedly, it is terrifying to go to a party where you don't know anyone. But as is my attitude towards anything in life, just do it!
