How to Cultivate Community as a Solo Traveler
Cultivating Community as a Traveler
Finding Community is a combination of courage, curiosity, and trust in Fate. For me, being a Free Spirit, an Artist and a Curator I am always looking for an experience that will last me a lifetime while also being mindful of my choices per safety as a Female Traveler.
What I’ve discovered is that community can be found both — online and in-person. By joining local groups, attending events, using social media, attending public classes, and being kind and approachable one can build a network of friends and make the most of your time abroad. Whether having moved for work, study, or simply to explore a new culture, connecting with locals and fellow expats can help you feel at home and enrich your experience.
Meeting new people in a new country can be challenging, but it can also be a rewarding and enriching experience –
- Align your personal interest and values with local groups or clubs.
Search online. Observe the interactions. Find out what the requirements, standards or rules are, and pay a membership fee if applicable. This could be via an online platform or a physical site where you report to.
- Attend events, open houses, fairs, and festivals.
These could be cultural celebrations, music festivals, or community events. Use a search engine or hashtag via social media to find upcoming events taking place in your immediate area. Strike up a conversation with someone, you never know who you’ll meet.
3. Follow Your Intuition. You know by now in what Spaces you feel that you belong.
If you are learning a new language, meeting new people, or going to a new part of town — do your research — yes, but always trust your gut. Listen to your body, senses and thoughts. How do you feel? What is the fullness of the experience? Are there other people like you? Is everyone different, if so how? Look for commonalities that share common interests and themes as your life as a Traveler or Expat — this will best help you to plan or pursue.
4. Attract what it is that You are.
Have you ever thought something and then…it happened? Visualize. Manifest. Create. Curate. It will become. This is a Spiritual practice that involves deep trust and faith. Remember what brought you to that destination in the first place — you are a reflection of that place. There is certainly something there for you. Don’t be Afraid!
5. K.I.T. (Keep in Touch)
You’ll meet Amazing people along the journey! Connect via phone or social media — and actually follow up:) You never know this could be a lifelong friend that you make in just minutes. They can also provide insight into where to go and what do if they are local.
You GOT THIS!
