How To: Make Friends in a Hostel

Hostel is the backpacker’s word for “home.” You arrive at all hours of the day, alone or in groups, drop your stuff off and climb into the rock-hard bed that will be yours for the next few days. It doesn’t take much to please this backpacker, just a cooler downstairs of beer and a common room I can try and meet some new friends. Traveling alone or in a group, hostel friends are always the best.

Drinking games in the common area are a fast way to make friends for life. Try Kings, it will take years to finish but it is hilarious. 

There is no awkward way to start a conversation in a hostel. Just say “Hi” out of the blue and the chances of someone starting a conversation with you are good. Just recently I had someone peek his head around the corner, said “hi” as loudly as he could until someone—who turned out to be me—turned an greeted him, we are meeting him and his travel buddies in the coming weeks somewhere on the islands.

If you aren’t the outgoing type, grab your phone or laptop and sit downstairs in the common room until you get the courage to say something. Interjecting and joining in on conversations from across the room is a regular thing and entirely accepted, new friends are always wanted. Chances are, you are about to talk to someone traveling alone or in a pair and plans are always flexible, who knows you could meet your travel buddy for the next week just by saying “hi.”

Not all hostels are prime spots for meeting new people but it is always worth a shot. All travelers have a similar spirit and passion for new friends, culture, and history; they thrive on meeting new faces and learning whatever they can about something. The only thing you have to do is say “hi” and you are bound to make a friend and make your travel experience so much better.