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Best place for a solo traveler to find a travel partner

Best place for a solo traveler to find a travel partner

Old Mar 24th, 2017, 03:12 AM
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Best place for a solo traveler to find a travel partner

Hey guys-I will be traveling solo to Asia (probably Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bali) in August or September. I would prefer to travel with someone, so I am surfing the Internet to find a site where I can find someone else possibly interested in the same travel plans. I have really only checked out travelbuddies.com, but I don't find it very easy to navigate/use. Have you guys used any "find a travel buddy" websites? Any advice/suggestions?
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Old Mar 24th, 2017, 05:06 AM
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Same answer I gave on the Travel Tips board:

I would not travel with someone I "met" on the internet.

I would not go on a long trip with someone unless I had at least done a test trip with them.

I travel solo and enjoy it. I do an occasional tour. However, if you are going to SEA and want to meet fellow travelers, get Lonely Planet guidebooks and stay in the cheap places.
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Old Mar 24th, 2017, 06:35 AM
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You might try Lonely Planet's Thorntree forum. But like thursdays, I'd never travel with someone I don't know.

If you are worried about being lonely on the road, know that you will meet other travelers everywhere. You might choose to travel with someone for a few days, or might just meet up with others traveling in the same direction you are.
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Old Mar 24th, 2017, 07:27 AM
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If you're a woman, have a look on https://www.thelmandlouise.com/en-gb/.

Another possibility would be to arrange to stay in people's homes along the way which can be even more interesting than a companion (and if it isn't working you can leave without difficulty, unlike some companions). I've had some wonderful hosts in Asia from hospitalityclub.org. Sign up immediately as it can take a while sometimes to be cleared to use the site.
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Old Mar 24th, 2017, 09:10 AM
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I'm a 39 year-old guy who has done a lot of international travel, just never alone. I'm pretty outgoing and pretty good at meeting people. I've enjoyed staying at hostels and found that a good way to meet like-minded people. I'm not worried about taking this trip alone, but just think it may be a little more fun and safer with someone.
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Old Mar 24th, 2017, 10:06 AM
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No reason to worry about safety where you're going. Just take reasonable precautions.
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Old Mar 24th, 2017, 10:45 AM
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A recent survey indicated that SE Asia is the safest area of the world.
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Old Mar 24th, 2017, 02:27 PM
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Traveling with a friend(s) can often strain a relationship let alone traveling with a stranger. I would not do it but that's up to,you.

That website is not up and as it's for the LGBT community have you tried to look into,local LGBT associations for any possible help?

Best of luck!

Larry. .
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Old Mar 24th, 2017, 06:03 PM
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As Kathie mentioned, the Thorntree forum is a good place to start. My son used the forum to find a traveler to go on a day trip once, in order to share an expensive taxi, and it worked out well. However, I can't imagine traveling extensively sight unseen with a stranger.

I have come across many young people like yourself that stay in hostels in Asia, and then form a group. They then start traveling together. For example, I met a couple of young American women in Luang Prabang who started traveling spontaneously with a group of French people. If you grow tired of the group, you just part ways.

Many of the regulars here, who are much older than you, travel extensively by themselves. It does indeed take more work, as you always have to be "on", especially when it comes to logistics. However, I have found that in Asia, people will tend to strike up more conversations with me when I am alone, and that in itself is a great cultural experience.
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Old Mar 27th, 2017, 10:40 AM
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You can still have a nice time just traveling by yourself. You do meet people on shared tours. You may even meet people on the plane flying over. You might meet other tourists staying at your hotel.

When you do offer yourself on some of the travel forums give some personal details such as male or female and a rough outline. (I thought you was a woman until the 4th or 5th post.) Include the month you plan to travel and any other helpful details you feel safe divulging.

* If you were a female I would tell you to NOT give out any hotel or room number details. Instead meet any potential travel mates in a neutral location like a restaurant or easy to find location. Then decide.

----

"I have really only checked out travelbuddies.com, but I don't find it very easy to navigate/use."

If you are using a phone for your research or buddy requests switch to a laptop and see if you can "navigate/use" other travel forums easier.


Have a nice trip.
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