Going backpacking? HERE’S how you can make friends at the hostel you are staying

Backpacking is the most happening way to travel these days, especially for young tourists. Since almost all backpackers prefer staying at hostels instead of hotels, here are a few ways to make friends at the hostel you are staying when you go backpacking.

By Sayari Debnath

Updated on Oct 16, 2019 | 06:19 PM IST | 2.8M

Backpacking can be the best way to travel for those of us who are interested in travelling cheap, visiting lesser-known tourist spots, mingling with the locals and avoiding the tourist crowd. The best thing about backpacking is that along with seeing beautiful places, you also get to come across other backpackers who share similar interests as you do. Lodging and interacting with other backpackers can be a terrific way to share travel tips, discover tourist places off the grid and make new friends!

Be respectful

Even though most backpackers you will meet at the hostel will be of similar age as you, you still ought to treat them with respect. Be respectful of others personal space, belongings, likes and dislikes, eating habits and such. Do not talk loudly or create a ruckus

Be conversational

While it’s perfectly okay to not be interested in talking to everyone you come across, yet make sure that you indulge in a polite conversation with anyone who seems willing to talk to you. Do not be curt and dismissive of fellow boarders. Also, you never know when some polite chit-chat can turn into hours long conversation!

Have your meals at the hostel

Try to have at least one meal of the day at the hostel you are staying at. Eating and drinking with fellow backpackers not only instills a sense of community but also encourages conversations and friendships.

Some hostels offer community activities along with lodging and food. Sign up for a few of them. Bonding with fellow boarders over fun activities such as excursions, art classes, and trust building exercises can be a source of immense joy. Be sure to enjoy the company of those you are with!

Join a project

Some hostels are also intimately associated with the welfare of the locals. Backpackers are always encouraged to join these projects not only as a part of seeing the destination through the eyes of the locals but as a community building experience shared between other boarders and the locals!