Whilst solo travel can be a liberating and fulfilling experience, sometimes it’s nice to have someone with whom to share that experience. But how do you go about finding that elusive travel buddy?
The good news is, that even if you don’t personally know someone who is keen on heading off for a holiday with you, there are a range of websites and social network services that can connect you with other people looking for a travel companion. But before you go hunting online for a travel buddy, it may pay to take note of these safety tips:
- be careful not to provide personal contact details or any other personal information until you have communicateda few times via the website that you are using
- phone the person before you arrange a meeting
- it is best to meet in a public place and, if you are going alone,you should also let someone else know where you are going and when you expect to be back. It may even pay to bring a friend along
- if you do not feel comfortable about meeting in person, then follow your instincts and call off your meeting. If you feel awkward or unnecessary pressure to meet up with someone, then, chances are, they may not be the right person for you
Travelfriend.com.au is a free service for anyonewho is looking for a travel partner to travel within Australia or overseas. Simply register and enter some personal details and you will have access to a database of singles, couples or solo travellers looking for a travel buddy to share a journey anywhere in the world.
TourBar is a site that carefully verifies its members to ensure confidence when you connect with international travel partners. Wherever you’re heading for your holiday, you can be assured of meeting locals who can show you the best restaurant, pubs, beaches and sites, all safe in the knowledge that the person you are meeting is who they say they are.
Thelma & Louise is a website that connects women with friendship and travel. The website provides all the tools necessary for like-minded women worldwide to safely chat, plan and meet up for an enriching travel experience.
Australian Explorer Lonely Explorer
If you’d like to connect with other Australians for your next jaunt around the countryside, then Australian Explorer’s Lonely Explorer forum is the perfect place to begin. Simply post a message to find a travel buddy, then chat and plan your journey together. Lonely Explorer also connects international visitors with Australian locals, so if you’d like to play host to a solo traveller, then this is the place to let them know you’re interested.
Travel Buddies is a handy app that is used in over 170 countries. This free social network is the perfect place to find an international travel companion or even to meet locals for a trip closer to home. Travel Buddies connects all travellers – from overnight stays and short trips to backpackers looking to hang around for a bit longer. It’s also a great way to meet people from overseas or Australia.
Have you used any of these services? Do you have any suggestions for people looking for a travel companion? Why not share them with our members?
