How to find a travel buddy?

[DelusionalDiva]

Think it's a good idea? Anyone's travelled with a complete stranger before? Are the chances of running into a sketchy wierdo high?

[Psubs]

Think it's a good idea? Anyone's travelled with a complete stranger before? Are the chances of running into a sketchy wierdo high?

Do a Contiki tour. :razz: Tell them you don't mind rooming with others. If you clash with your roomamate, then tell the Tour Person and they'll try and switch you up.

Where were you planning on going? I need a vacation badly.

[mjl_toronto]

You just proved the Dragon's on Dragon's Den were wrong. There was a pitch for finding Travel Acquaintances but looks like the company no longer exists. Travel Acquantance (http://www.travelacquaintance.com/index.htm?aspxerrorpath=/index.aspx):D

I think looking for a random person to travel with can be sketchy but I'm probably too paranoid. Have you tried craigslist?

[DLFB]

:) Can we go? I like that idea...and I'm serious too.

[JayTee1]

If you're headed to Vegas, count me in!

[Psubs]

I think looking for a random person to travel with can be sketchy but I'm probably too paranoid. Have you tried craigslist?

Why try Craigslist when you can find someone from the RFD community!

You can use a person's BST Feedback to see some trading traits. Heck maybe contact them as references that have actually met a person. Also easier to meet up with someone (with a decent reputation) locally before spending a week or more together.

Ha, maybe you can also search that person's posts in "Off Topic" to see if they have any "issues". :lol:

[DelusionalDiva]

Oh I am definitely not sharing a room with anyone. Just looking for some travel companion(s). I just don't want to look like a sad loner of a tourist!!! >:( LOL

Was hoping someone could provide an insight, if they'd done it before. A brief search on the net gives the impression as if people are looking for a fling! Or maybe it's just me.

By the way, anyone from here travelling to Geneva from 16-19 Nov? (Shady people need not respond...like thats gonna keep them away)

[DelusionalDiva]

Why try Craigslist when you can find someone from the RFD community!

You can use a person's BST Feedback to see some trading traits. Heck maybe contact them as references that have actually met a person. Also easier to meet up with someone (with a decent reputation) locally before spending a week or more together.

Ha, maybe you can also search that person's posts in "Off Topic" to see if they have any "issues". :lol:


LOL that sounds an awful lot of work, and me being the laziest of the lazy bums, would *ahem* rather go solo!

Any potential travel mate should keep in mind, there'd be a lot of museums and gallery visitings! hehehe

[habsfan93]

Check out http://www.travbuddy.com/

[comicbookguy]

Oh I am definitely not sharing a room with anyone. Just looking for some travel companion(s). I just don't want to look like a sad loner of a tourist!!! >:( LOL

Was hoping someone could provide an insight, if they'd done it before. A brief search on the net gives the impression as if people are looking for a fling! Or maybe it's just me.

By the way, anyone from here travelling to Geneva from 16-19 Nov? (Shady people need not respond...like thats gonna keep them away)

i've travelled alone before and with friends. if you stay at a hostel you will encounter a lot of similar people looking for travel buddies. the people who do this are usually very friendly and outgoing. sure there are strange people that do it too, but there are strange people wherever you go. i don't think it would be wise to advertise for a travel buddy. maybe if you post on forums asking if anyone will be staying at the same place as you, it would be a lot easier.

[rf134a]

:arrowu: +1. Show up a day or two early and take advantage of the socials offered by virtually every bigger hostel. The common area is also a good chance to scope people out. ;) Most hostels also offer tours. You can easily spot someone you have something in common with at one of these tours.

[IceBlueShoes12]

Check out couchsurfing.
It's mainly for finding a place to stay but you can probably easily find people to travel with. I went to a meeting in Hannover with locals and then walked around with some other travellers.
I'd rather do my own thing though. Hate being on someone else's schedule.

[CSR]

Nothing wrong with traveling solo!

[UrbanPoet]

I want a travel buddy!

[originalnutta]

I want a travel buddy!

hi, i can be your travel buddy.

with perks.

a/s/l?

[silentpayne]

I would not recommend getting a travel buddy for your whole trip (multiple places/cities). I backpacked in Europe last summer, alone in some countries and together with people found on internet (travelbuddy, etc.). it doesn't matter how nice the people are, you are always gonna want to do different things/go to different places. It will be worse if you rent a car together and try to go somewhere.

You can try to find different ppl at different cities, let them know where u want to visit ahead of time, flexibility is the best.

[Drew_W]

Oh I am definitely not sharing a room with anyone. Just looking for some travel companion(s). I just don't want to look like a sad loner of a tourist!!! >:( LOL

Was hoping someone could provide an insight, if they'd done it before. A brief search on the net gives the impression as if people are looking for a fling! Or maybe it's just me.

By the way, anyone from here travelling to Geneva from 16-19 Nov? (Shady people need not respond...like thats gonna keep them away)

It's a bit of a shot in the dark to find someone traveling to Geneva on those dates on such short notice...I'm done my mileage running for the year, so maybe next year :)

[emmpeethree]

its SO easy to meet people and travel once you are on travelling. dont waste time trying to make connections back home. once you are travelling, you'll meet so many people at hostels, busses, attractions that you'll be able to pick and choose who you want to travel with.

however, i think the best way to travel is solo. its obviously a bit more expensive, but you can do what you want whenever you want.

[lillilland]

Have you considered going solo but going on a group tour? I've done the GAP adventure tours and lots of solo travelers go and just make friends with their group :)

[redflagdave]

Hello :)

I have met people while travelling all over the place. Here are a few suggestions:

Definitly Couchsurfing.org (http://www.couchsurfing.org) - that is a GREAT place to start. I have done it LOTS. Meet wonderful people. Check out the group section - there is a travel companion discussion. Also check out the City group for where ever you plan on travelling. Introduce yourself there.

Lonely Planet has a discussion forum called Thorn Tree - including a Travel Companion section. Google That.

Be brave. Start up conversations with people in Hostels. Usually they are in the same situation.

Craigslist RideShare is a great place. You have the chance to chat with people in the car - then decide if you want to move on or not ;)


Dave

[Talamasca]

Agreed. Just came back from three weeks in Egypt and Italy on a solo trip and met well over 30 people in the various places I stayed. They were temporary best friends!

[DelusionalDiva]

Alright, so the verdict seems to be that going solo is better!

The reason I contemplated hooking up with a travel buddy "online" first, is that I am quite reserved in person! :|

Thank you guys for your input.