How hard is it to meet people backpacking?

I'm going for a month or so to Europe this summer by myself... how hard is it to meet people backpacking through europe, staying in hostels? I'm an average outgoing guy and usually doesn't have too much trouble meeting people - I would just like to be able to go to bars and clubs and such and don't really want to do that by myself. Any suggestions on where to meet people? Thanks





I'm traveling to London, Paris, Barcelona, and Rome.

How hard is it to meet people backpacking?
Hi...In those Cities.. It will be as easy as pie!





One of the reasons people stay in hostels is to meet people!!


You won't be the only one wanting to make friends. Don't worry :-)





Some quick advice... would be to say 'Hello' whenever you pass somebody in the Hostel you are staying at..and try to make conversation with whoever is sharing a room with you. Just say something obvious such as "Do you like Barcelona, London? etc" You will be surprised at how easy a conversation flows from that....And also try to talk to people who are not in groups..they will be more receptive...and it is no fun tagging along with a ready made group....


Private hostels are a better place to meet people than YHA' . Most private hostels have a kitchen or some kind of common room where you can hangout. There is a good place to gather people for a night out! You will hear about the best places to stay on the hostel grapevine once you get started...








If you go off the beeten track it is a little more difficult..but still very easy. Certainly I have been on a many a train and once people see I'm foriegn they just come over to talk to me...and I have been invited to many houses. It is like that in many small villages..


I would recommend you try to do that as well. Because I'm sure you are not going traveling just to party with back- packers but to learn about the local culture as well!








A few ice breakers for when you are on a long journey ..I would suggest are: cards, chess set, a phrase book unless you are at conversational in the languages of the countries you are travelling to, photos of your family or home town.. and a bottle opener! (the bottle opener is good for the hostel too)








I would suggest if you have time to travel a little further afield too. He are some cities I suggest, Amsterdam, Prague, and Belgrade... (Belgrade as an especially good night life.. and the locals a very friendly...it's much better if you go partying with them because they know the cool spots much better than any tourist)











BTW It is very safe traveling in Europe alone...I'm a female and I have done it before ..no problems:-)..








HAVE A NICE TRIP ;-)
Reply:Not hard. Just remember to bathe often, as most people who cross Europe while backpacking do not bathe as often as they should. You should not go to Europe alone. You will be a target of thieves. If you have money for bars and staying in Hotels, why don't you rent a car? What is the point of backpacking if you are enjoying creature comforts?
Reply:You sound like a nice guy and I'm sure you won't have any problems. Me and my friend backpacked for 3-months and we met soooo many nice people and ended up traveling with many of them. When you are backpacking you are in a sort of club -and everyone is interested in getting to know different people from all over the world. And, you will! Research the hostels in the cities that you will be travelling to before you go and pick out a couple that sound more social.





For hostel information check out http://www.hihostels.com/


http://www.hostels.com/en/index.html





For backpacking info check out http://www.backpackeurope.com/





Have a great trip! I know you will!
Reply:Get work in the hospitality industry or seasonal work in orchids and vineyards.

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