Would you like to head out on an adventure but don't have a partner at hand who would like to travel with you? Don't give up hope and find yourself a new travel companion. The flood of virtual interactions from social media persistently convinces us otherwise, but experts agree that today's era is actually rather lonely. In addition to the singles phenomenon, we are also much more focused on our careers and individualism, and when it comes to real friends who would go somewhere with us, they are either too busy or want to spend their remaining free moments with their partners and families. However, all is not lost! You can use the power of the internet and social media to your advantage. Try, for example, the following tips:
Travel Dating Sites
Dating sites are not just for finding the love of your life. Through them, you can also find friends or travel companions. Browse sections designed specifically for travelers or focus directly on travel dating sites.
Check out, for example, Tripinder – a travel platform that makes planning and organizing trips or expeditions easier for travelers. You simply post your travel plan on the website, and interested people who find it appealing will join you themselves.
The portal Spolucesty.cz works in a similar way.
You can also try your luck on travel websites. Although they focus primarily on practical information and travel tips, you will find discussion forums on most of them. Then you just need to search for a thread titled "Travel Dating", "Looking for a travel companion" or "Looking for travel partners" and start searching for an offer that catches your eye, or post your own call.
Where to look for travel partners?
Travel Groups on Facebook
Social media is an ideal shortcut for finding a travel companion. You can find a travel partner on Facebook in just a few clicks. However, be cautious – do not share sensitive or personal data publicly and do not be fooled by fake profiles. It is ideal to have at least a short personal meeting or a video call with your new travel partner before the trip.
Best FB groups for finding travel companions:
And what is the guaranteed recipe for success?
If you are the one posting a request for a travel partner, it is better to detail all your requirements – both for the companion and for the trip itself. Specify the gender, age, or lifestyle of potential candidates and outline the form, price, and date of your joint trip. This will help you avoid a flood of irrelevant offers.
Ask about the same things when responding to someone else's offer. Find out all the details that are essential for you – for example, whether the person smokes, speaks a foreign language, or can drive a car. If it is a person of the opposite sex, set clear boundaries so that your relationship remains on a friendly level (of course, if that is what you want yourself).
Travel Clubs
Where else to find a travel partner than among travel enthusiasts? Become a member of one of the travel clubs. They often organize various travel lectures or events specifically designed for making new friendships.
Tip: Check out, for example, the Czech Travelers Club.
Other ways to find company for your travels
- carpooling – popular carpooling services will provide you with company for at least part of your solo trip (look on Blablacar)
- couchsurfing – stay for free in someone's living room and get not only a roof over your head but also company and a local guide in one
- be a "filler" – follow offers from some travel agencies that are looking for individuals to fill tour capacities and rooms that are not yet fully occupied
- stay offline – ask people you might not have thought to approach – will a nice colleague from work or that great guy next door you meet while walking the dog join you?
- just go alone – let's be honest, sometimes it's the best possible solution ;-)
And where do you look for travel partners? Let us know in the comments! Image source: unsplash.com
