If you plan to travel alone in Chilean Patagonia and want to meet other solo travelers, there are many ways to do so. From meeting places to simple apps, here is a list of options.
Traveling alone is not the same as not having company, even at the end of the world. The truth is that solo travelers usually make friends everywhere. It is because they are more open to meeting people, interested in sharing experiences and come across situations in which it is easy to share with more people.
Here are some tips for you to meet other like-minded adventurers.
Lodging
You may prefer to stay in hotels for comfort. However, hostels are the best place to make new friends. It is much easier to create opportunities to meet people when sharing spaces. What’s more, they are usually cheaper, allowing you to tighten your budget.
But if you don’t like the idea of sharing a bedroom or bathroom with strangers – and can spend a little more – some hostels have private rooms. This option will also give you access to common areas where you will meet new people. Better still, make use of the kitchen or have a drink in its bar to interact with other travelers.
Also, hostels usually organize activities for their guests such as parties or tours. Make the most of this and instead of hiring an external service, use these opportunities to spend time with other people staying in the same place. Tours are an excellent way of talking to people that have similar interests to yours and speak your language. Wondering how to start a conversation? Easy! Try asking: “Would you like me to take a photo of you?”
But if you want to spend time with local people rather than other tourists, we recommend looking for somewhere to stay on sites such as Airbnb. To find out whether you have anything in common with the host, you can read their profile and other people’s comments about them.
You can also take advantage of other places such as restaurants or bars with a friendly atmosphere. For example, if you are going to Puerto Natales, try Mesita Grande, a restaurant where diners share tables.
Social network groups
Facebook, Instagram or Twitter not only serve to keep you in touch with the lives of people you know. They also connect people with similar tastes or interests. These platforms form communities where people share information, recommendations, photos, and experiences. The world of travel is no exception.
Use these networks if you have any questions or want to know other travelers’ opinions. As well as getting more tips for your itinerary, you can make new friends.
Apps
Apps are a great way of meeting people while traveling. Some even help lower costs.
For example, Couchsurfing is a platform subscribed to by people from all over the world offering a place to sleep. It all began with the idea that users lend their couch to tourists visiting the city. In return, they will also find a place to stay when traveling. The idea has now expanded, and the app also serves to meet and spend time with locals merely. It already has more than 10 million users and works in around 200,000 cities.
Meanwhile, Backpackr is ideal to find a travel buddy. This app puts you in touch with people who are traveling through the same city at the same time and have relatively similar plans. By using the app, you can have company and share travel experiences.
But if you want something that implies greater organization, there is also Tripr. This tool is similar to the previous app but involves more planning. It means you can organize the trip in advance with other people.
There is also an exclusive app for women, Tourlina. On this platform, travelers find companions with similar tastes in the destinations they plan to visit. But an essential feature is taking care of your safety. For this, the app makes sure to verify each new user. Only those who are checked can chat.
Conclusion
Solo travel does not mean being alone all the time. In Chilean Patagonia, you can find adventurers of all nationalities with similar interests to yours. Make the most of technology and places so that your trip is an unforgettable experience.
