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Get in the mindset - When traveling alone, you will be forced to talk to many strangers. If you're shy or find reaching out to people difficult, remember that the worst thing that can happen if a conversation doesn't go as planned is that you will never have to speak with or see that person again. Not so bad, right?

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Give everyone a chance -

Throw all of your preconceived notions about other people out of the window before you board the plane. Keep yourself open to meeting people who you would never have interacted with at home.

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Share a passion - If you're someone who has a particular craft or passion, try bringing it with you and sharing it on your travels. For example, if you have a knack for painting, try offering some street portraits one day and you'll be surprised by how many people you'll strike up conversations with.

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Local events - Do a quick internet search for local events going on during the time you'll be in a specific city or region. Festivals and concerts are great places to meet both locals and other travelers.

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Ask your bartender -

Head to a local bar (not the one where all the tourists go to) and strike up a conversation with the bartender. Often times, they can provide you with insider tips about the city and suggest ways you can connect with other people in the area.

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Airbnb - Airbnb can be a surprising way to meet locals. Instead of just accepting the keys from your host and exchanging pleasantries, try asking them questions about themselves and inquiring about local happenings. Some hosts will even invite you on outings with their own friends.

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Tour guide - While it may seem counterintuitive to seek out a tour group as a way to meet locals, chances are your tour guide can double as a guide to the more off-the-beaten-path areas of the city and give you an opportunity to ask questions about local life.

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Couchsurfing - Couchsurfing is hands-down a great way to meet locals. Not only will it save you money, your host will most likely be willing to take you around to discover new places and introduce you to other locals.

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EatWith - The website and app EatWith is a great way for foodies to make ties with locals who also enjoy food and cooking. The app connects local chefs with travelers through group dinner parties.

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Volunteer projects - Another fantastic way to meet locals while traveling is through volunteer travel projects, such as Workaway. The international homestay program hooks up travelers in need of room and board with hosts looking for a bit of help with various projects.

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Hotels near universities - Staying in accommodations located near universities is a great idea for younger travelers seeking out local parties and fun. Universities often offer free events as well.

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Start a travel blog - Writing a travel blog can connect you with people all over the world. You can create a network of contacts before even traveling to your destination, making it much easier to meet up with people once you arrive.

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Meetup groups - Websites such as Meetup are another way you can meet locals. Meetup groups span from cooking to hiking and discussing literature. Find one that interests you and attend an event!

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Play a game in public - A more unconventional trick you can try is playing a multiple-player game in public. People may be attracted by the activity and it can be an easy way to start a conversation and invite others to play with you.

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Language exchange - One of the beautiful bonuses to traveling is being exposed to different languages. If your destination has a local language different from your own, try finding a language exchange partner. You can learn a new language and make a new friend!

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Rideshare - Similar to couchsurfing, with ridesharing, you can find free or low-cost rides with local drivers. The people who choose to host with ridesharing are often open to meeting new people and making new friendships, which puts you both in the same boat... or car.

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Pick-up sports - If you enjoy staying active and playing group sports, it can be easy to find pick-up games going on around the city with a simple internet search.

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Social media - Online dating apps can also be used for finding friends while abroad, in addition to reaching out to people on Facebook and Instagram.

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Facebook travel group - Facebook is one of the best social media platforms to find people while traveling. You can search for all sorts of groups in any given place around the world and connect with others looking to meet up.

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Hitchhiking - Hitchhiking is an easy way to get a free ride and have a conversation with a local. And who knows, you might get some great stories out of it as well.

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Art scene - Let your creative juices flow by checking out the local art scene. You're likely to find free events, such as poetry readings.

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Get lost - Put away your GPS and just explore the area on foot. It will provide you with a great excuse to talk to people and they will be more likely to let their guard down if you seem lost and non-threatening.

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House sitting - There are several sites where you can post and find house sitting gigs around the world. This can be a great way to spend extended time in a foreign city and also gives you the opportunity to become more integrated in the community as you will be most likely living around locals.

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Spend like locals -

Forego the expensive meals and activities and try to spend your money how and where the locals do. If you're constantly insulating yourself by going on expensive tours and eating at fancy restaurants, you won't meet them.

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Hostels - At hostels, you will meet a variety of people. While most of them are fellow travelers, try getting to know the people who work there and see if they have any ideas for ways you can connect with locals.

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Language learning apps - There are many apps you can download to learn a few key words and phrases before traveling to a foreign country. Making the extra effort to try to communicate in the country's native language will make you stand out and invite questions and curiosity from locals.

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Enjoy! -

Don't be afraid to strike up conversations with anyone you meet—whether it be the person you sit next to on public transportation or your waiter at a café. You never know who you might end up connecting with!

See also: The best advice for anyone who lives alone

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