Your favorite tips on how to meet people?
 

I'll be heading to the Emerald Isle in September, traveling alone. (Female, in my mid 30s.) I am bound and determined to meet lots of people! This is my first big solo trip, though, so I'm sort of just guessing on how to do it. I'm sure some will come naturally, but I also expect there are some "dos" and "don'ts" to use as guides. Anyone? THANKS!

In Ireland? This will not be a problem. If you stay at B&Bs ask the owners about the area and what they recommend visiting. Take a bus between sites and sit next/near someone who looks interesting.

Don't try to force a conversation, as some individuals -you will find- will prefer not to. And pesonally, I always do what I can to avoid discussion of any political topic.

in a pub, cafe, always sit at a counter, thats where all similar folks are, if you take a table in the back of the room-thats where you will be. remember - you are traveling solo- Not Alone, (hopefully) you are not lonely. on tours.etc. a little courage goes a long way-introduce yourself, say where you are from, why you are there, people from other countries love to meet people from other countries...just open the door and it all happens......i love to travel solo..

p.s. i am almost 50 , woman, and have traveled solo alot. and love the freedom!! common sense plays big of course-i never drink too much. the only close call i had was a near rape in Yugoslavia in the middle of the day!!. a student from Egypt asked me to explain an English "prob" to him & i went to his room. dumb. i didn't know this guy. but it was noon-what could be up with that?? it was awful but i was ok. have fun, but don't ever forget this world is full of freaks-so be careful

Mitty - Yikes! That's a good reminder to always be alert. Thanks for the tips, and thanks to you, too, Jerry!

Hi Suspire,
I'm the host of the solo travel forum and the author of Fodor's new book, Solo Traveler.
When it comes to meeting people--anywhere--just smile, ask questions, offer to take photos, carry "props" like guidebooks, umbrellas or maps. Also, go where people are--museums, fine hotel lobbies, bookstores. But you'll meet people wherever you go. Most solo travelers find that's one of the best aspects of being on your own.
Have a wonderful time!

Eat at a table d'hote (shared table)
if you can, take wine tastings, cooking
classes, walking tours and smile alot-
you'll make friends that way!
If you are relaxed and interested in people-
then they will be interested in you. I bring
postcards from home and leave them with
a note, to folks who have been kind to
me along the way.
Bon chance!

Dear Mac1,
Good ideas, all! I also have brought along a Polaroid camera and left photos, especially in less-developed places where an immediate photo of a family or person would mean so much, and remains a rarity. Acts of kindness make the world go round, and make soloing a special pleasure in-alas- a sometimes mean world....
Lea

Funny thing, although I love to travel solo, meeting people on my trips is not a focus for me. If anything, I have some good tips about how NOT to get stuck with people talking to you when you'd rather not (i.e., trapped on a long plane or train ride)!

I would think going the hostel, pensione, or B&B route instead of a traditional hotel would be a good place to start. Also sitting at the bar instead of a table in a cafe works. You could take 1/2 day organized tours for something that interests you (i.e., architecture, art, wine).

In my experience it is easier to join with a couple or a group of people, rather than another single.

Yes, getting "adopted" by a group is a common thing. I remember once when I was in the Caribbean, a group of underwater photographers included me as a kind of gofer, and I had a great time. I also like "threesomes"--no, we're not getting into relationships. I like to travel with a couple--I go off when I want, and they stay busy in any case.
Lea

in ireland the people were wonderful, some times roads and driveways looks the same (you concentrate on stayin on the left side!) but everywhere people were helpful friendly and well just lovely. I was trying to find a particular park in dublin, must have looked a little confused, and a person walked right up and offered to help, clearly it was someone on their way to work, but they took the time out to help. No problem either walking into pubs, although some are very local, (like someone's living room really) people were always pleasant. Kinsale is a beautiful town not to be missed.

Go to Argentina and allow yourself to be heard saying, "I think it would be brilliant for England to recognize Argentina's sovereignty over the Mulvenas". You'll have more freinds than you'll know what to do with!