When I was 9 years old, my parents took me to Florida (we live in the UK) and we stayed in a holiday community where there are houses and apartments and a big pool. While I was playing on my own since I'm an only child, a man walked up to my mum and asked if I was her daughter. She replied yes (scared that I had done something wrong!) and he asked if I would like to play with his daughter who is also an only child. We met in 2006 and to this day, we are super close friends and both of our families get along famously. I'm actually meeting up with her again this year in New York City :)
+kppancake I have been to some places (Canada, Argentina, USA and around Brazil (I am brazilian)) and have met very nice people from all over the world! I have great friends from USA, Korea, Japan, Austrália and etc! I often talk to them trough facebook!
This is a fantastic idea for a video and something I get asked about by friends all the time - now I can just direct them here! Solo traveling helped me develop from someone who was painfully shy and awkward in almost every social situation, to someone who can happily strike up a conversation with almost anyone, anywhere (last time I tried it, I got talking with a stall holder at a spice market in Turkey and before I knew it I was in his cousin's kitchen cooking with the whole family! So much fun!) Other related video ideas that I think could be useful for first timers would be 'How to stay safe when making new friends in different places' and 'How to build the courage to start conversations in/try to learn a little of the local language'..... and I'm sure we'd love to see you incorporate this into your travel videos and show us how you put these tips into practice!
In France I spoke to random people, a guy at a busstop who asked "sorry do I know you?" haha, and after telling him (in French) "Haha no I'm here on holiday for a while, just thought I'd say hi" and we had a 30 mins conversation entirely in French!! The worst that can happen is you look like a fool then you come back to your old life and you never see that person again
Paul Spaulding Haha glad! Don't worry, even when I go to other cities I do things I wouldn't in my hometown, even as simple as "running through a busy street" just purely based on the thought "I'll never see these people in my life again and they'll forget anything I will do after a few hours anyway"
Oh, I have so many comments to make, I have traveled on my own internationally a lot, and have had the best conversations, and made many friends! One trip was 6 weeks in Asia and it was magnificent. I was meeting a friend there for a week but the rest on my own. You must learn the customs before you go or you will feel out of place. Most recently last fall when I was rushing to go from CDG to the RER the escalator was out and a 20 something yr old gorgeous Frenchman ran up the steps and brought my bag down for me. Further along the route in to the city I was trying to purchase a ticket for the Metro but it wasn't working and a lovely gentleman helped get my fare. All in French we conversed as we were riding in the same direction. We were getting off at the same stop and he warned me about construction and that the exit I wanted was closed, he escorted me to the next stop and then gave me directions to back track, and it was a quicker route. The joys of traveling alone, the vast majority of people are always friendly and helpful.
This is a great! It totally works. I meet a guy from germany 9 yrs back in chiacgo at starbucks with casual conversation. And you can't believe we are so close friends now and he connected me whole lot new friends. I just can't imagine, one sample chat opened the doors for so many great friends in my life. Its totally whole new world. Bottom line, "Be an open hearted " There are so many amazing people around us!
A few years ago, I traveled alone for the first time and I usually stayed in hostels where everyone wants to meet new people, talk , and explore! It really doesn't take much to engage in conversation if you're in the right environment.
I too have traveled alone to Europe so you have no choice but to speak to people. I've made no life long friends but I had great conversations. Sonia you're a gem. Keep up the good work. Love from a local south Floridian.
For me the best place to meet people is in hostels. It's soooo easy!! I just chill around the hostel's kitchen and start talking to everyone. I love it! And I'm the biggest introvert on the planet! XD Anyway, cool video Sonia. Keep up the good work. :)
When I was in NYC for my internship I was all alone and did not have many friends, I think that if you're in a position where you just have to talk to strangers it will be super easy, I met a girl in the subway and we became bet friends! I started the conversation about something super silly, I saw her play a game and started to talk about that game. Meeting new people is easier than you think it is peeps!
It's a nice video. I'm an au pair. And tomorrow is my day off. I'll do walking and explore my place. Your tips and info will help me. I will keep it. Thanks :)
Soniaa! U are such an inspiration! Ive been preparing for my europe trip this spring and your videos have been my travel bible! You have no idea how helpful you have been! Ive never travelled alone nor have i travelled out of asia before! (Im from Singapore) , so this is my virgin solo trip to Europe & im psyched! I feel like this trip is going to be epic just coz Im going to make use of all your tips and advices ;) #19daysleft till My big adventurreeee
Thank you Sonia, I do travel a lot. I have found when I am super happy, it sounds off certain E.T. vibe. It can be nervous and excited wrapped up in a burrito. I will implement these new "ProTools" Sending Love!
That's such a nice video. Thanks for that. With my wife we traveled like 3 times a year and we were wondering how to do that. That look simple the way that you present it ! We will definitely try that during our next trip ! But yeah, it seems a bit scary !
Amen! :) it's the best way to find out the cool, and most often than not, non touristy places to explore and partake in. Or even if it's not about what to see or do, it's great company while eating lunch or a bus ride. I've traveled and lived all over the US, including Hawaii and currently NYC. While on the island of Kauai I struck up a conversation with a group from Germany, while on the bus heading into Hanalei, the north shore. by the time we got to our stop, they offered to buy me a drink.
BE CAREFUL!!!! Yes, you can meet some nice people, I have friends in England and Germany who I met casually while on vacation. BUT, having been to 28 countries, I can also tell you that there are a LOT of con artists, cheats, and outright thieves out there, worse in some places than others. If you initiate contact, you are less likely to encounter a problem than if they initiate contact. But, as a friend of mine said "I felt safer in Viet Nam during the Tet Offensive than I did in Tijuana!"
I know that feeling, i used to be so shy...but then i traveled alone and i forced myself to talk with people in different cities, and now im a pro 😋😁 i swear you're right, is amazing to get friends around the world!
that's awesome, actually in southeast asia like Indonesia, people here are respectful with strangers, there is no rule which not to talk with stranger. what we know is that stranger would be a new friend.
nuuuu, don't ignore the person alone with the book and the headphones! We're not in the communal spaces because we haven't met people/you yet! - But want to be met. Of course I can't speak for everyone. But my heart sinks when a long person sees me vs. a bunch of people at a cafe and approach the bunch of people instead.
I just want to tell you that you are AMAZING !!!!! Please make more videos about Milan because i am going there this summer, and i really need an inspiration!!!! Love ya❤️❤️😘
As a norwegian, we tend to be very introvert, and keep to ourself, and when traveling to foreign countries, I can´t really let go of it. Just recently I visited Copenhagen, Paris and Berlin alone, and talked to very few people, other then the people I had to talk to. So if you come to Norway, and we don´t spark up a huge conversation, thats why.
Mathias Eliassen Haha! My answer is the opposite of yours. How to talk to strangers....be Canadian! We're very friendly. Especially us small town/rural people. I always talk to people when we travel (as a couple or as a family) or even when I'm in line at stores in my local city. Even if just for a minute.
Ive met so many people travelling solo at malls, restaurants, on the street etc. Going to poland in a few weeks.I will try out couchsurfing to meet with the locals this time. PS: Please do a video on SIm-Cards. PPS: Thankyou for your videos.They're brilliantly charming.
I heard that T-Mobile phones can be used in many countries without extra fees. This would save the hassle of SIM card issues. Do you know of any draw backs?
Oh no, I think I've totally let people down before. Crap. It's just that where I'm from, if someone randomly talks to you, it's usually because they want to sell you something, or they're being a creep who's gonna ask you some weird sexual thing.
Umm... What if I don't speak their native languague? Like I m going to France this May and want to the same thing. How do I do it? Does the same method apply?
I'm going to France, Barcelona, and Spain in awhile and I'm worried no one is going to want to talk with me because I'm hard of hearing and I sound weird
Whoever wants to comment and tell me their opinion is very welcome. Last year I met some travelers here in my country, in my opinion we had an instant click we had a really good time, I showed them around and even spent new years together. I would like to know from the perspective from the traveller, who is moving from place to place meeting lots of people, what are the chances that they will be willing to have a friendship or was it just more of a random "let's blend with a local" moment?
soniastravels I was wondering because I am a bit introverted, and I will be traveling alone. I guess I will just have to work harder at meeting people. Thanks. Looking forward to your next video. :)
Hi... I'll be going to Europe next month. The countries I'll be visiting are Austria, Hungary, Switzerland, Prague, Vienna and Germany. Can you please please please help me. I'm going alone so a little stressed and I'm just 17. It's a 12 day tour. I'll be visiting amusement parks, mines, and will be going for trekking too. Pls help me with packing, travel essentials, tips etc.. Please ! 😥
Today, at noon, two girls in my hostel asked me to tie their shoes. Their shoes were untied. I was confused and said I didn't want to and I quickly walked away. They giggled behind my back. What does that mean? How does one not know how to tie shoes? What they really wanted?
Awesome travel vlog tips! I have a travel vlog as well and it would be the world to me if you checked it out. Just subbed you so I will definitely look at your vlogs for tips as well =]
When I was 9 years old, my parents took me to Florida (we live in the UK) and we stayed in a holiday community where there are houses and apartments and a big pool. While I was playing on my own since I'm an only child, a man walked up to my mum and asked if I was her daughter. She replied yes (scared that I had done something wrong!) and he asked if I would like to play with his daughter who is also an only child. We met in 2006 and to this day, we are super close friends and both of our families get along famously. I'm actually meeting up with her again this year in New York City :)
kppancake OMG what a cool story!!
Thanks, will have to tweet a recent picture! Keep up the awesome videos Sonia!
+kppancake I have been to some places (Canada, Argentina, USA and around Brazil (I am brazilian)) and have met very nice people from all over the world! I have great friends from USA, Korea, Japan, Austrália and etc! I often talk to them trough facebook!
Ooooh, plenty of suggestions! Thanks peeps, I'm reading your comments and keeping track on what you want :)
Have you visited Rome yet?
Please may you do a "school trip" that will be in a foreign country? Thx xx
This is a fantastic idea for a video and something I get asked about by friends all the time - now I can just direct them here!
Solo traveling helped me develop from someone who was painfully shy and awkward in almost every social situation, to someone who can happily strike up a conversation with almost anyone, anywhere (last time I tried it, I got talking with a stall holder at a spice market in Turkey and before I knew it I was in his cousin's kitchen cooking with the whole family! So much fun!)
Other related video ideas that I think could be useful for first timers would be 'How to stay safe when making new friends in different places' and 'How to build the courage to start conversations in/try to learn a little of the local language'..... and I'm sure we'd love to see you incorporate this into your travel videos and show us how you put these tips into practice!
One of the best conversations I had was in Rome. The gentlemen was from Turkey and we were conversing in Spanish.
In France I spoke to random people, a guy at a busstop who asked "sorry do I know you?" haha, and after telling him (in French) "Haha no I'm here on holiday for a while, just thought I'd say hi" and we had a 30 mins conversation entirely in French!! The worst that can happen is you look like a fool then you come back to your old life and you never see that person again
Omg I come here all the time to prepare myself for my 2 weeks in Paris and your comment brought me hope and willingness haha. Thanks
Paul Spaulding Haha glad! Don't worry, even when I go to other cities I do things I wouldn't in my hometown, even as simple as "running through a busy street" just purely based on the thought "I'll never see these people in my life again and they'll forget anything I will do after a few hours anyway"
Oh, I have so many comments to make, I have traveled on my own internationally a lot, and have had the best conversations, and made many friends! One trip was 6 weeks in Asia and it was magnificent. I was meeting a friend there for a week but the rest on my own. You must learn the customs before you go or you will feel out of place.
Most recently last fall when I was rushing to go from CDG to the RER the escalator was out and a 20 something yr old gorgeous Frenchman ran up the steps and brought my bag down for me. Further along the route in to the city I was trying to purchase a ticket for the Metro but it wasn't working and a lovely gentleman helped get my fare. All in French we conversed as we were riding in the same direction. We were getting off at the same stop and he warned me about construction and that the exit I wanted was closed, he escorted me to the next stop and then gave me directions to back track, and it was a quicker route. The joys of traveling alone, the vast majority of people are always friendly and helpful.
This is a great! It totally works. I meet a guy from germany 9 yrs back in chiacgo at starbucks with casual conversation. And you can't believe we are so close friends now and he connected me whole lot new friends. I just can't imagine, one sample chat opened the doors for so many great friends in my life. Its totally whole new world. Bottom line, "Be an open hearted " There are so many amazing people around us!
A few years ago, I traveled alone for the first time and I usually stayed in hostels where everyone wants to meet new people, talk , and explore! It really doesn't take much to engage in conversation if you're in the right environment.
I too have traveled alone to Europe so you have no choice but to speak to people. I've made no life long friends but I had great conversations. Sonia you're a gem. Keep up the good work. Love from a local south Floridian.
M Bonilla co
M Bonilla I meant xo :)
50 years ago I spent 6 months traveling alone around Europe and the Middle East, and its still my favorite way to travel. Hostels are still fun too.
Connection Flights Do's and Dont's/Tips and Tricks
This is a good tip when you're abroad and trying to learn the language. You've gotta be prepared to talk to the locals!
For me the best place to meet people is in hostels. It's soooo easy!! I just chill around the hostel's kitchen and start talking to everyone. I love it! And I'm the biggest introvert on the planet! XD Anyway, cool video Sonia. Keep up the good work. :)
I'm going to London and Paris alone in two weeks!!! Thanks for the video Sonia Gil!
coltconnn High five
coltconnn My family and I just got back on 2 days ago! The weather was perfect, and I hope it will be for you too!! Enjoy!!
Dorothy Bell Thanks!!! I'm really excited & I'm glad the weathers looking good!!
coltconnn wear dark shoes and pants in Paris, we found it more dusty/dirty than London. Have a wonderful time!! (We love London, everyone is so nice!)
Dorothy Bell You must have managed to skip the London Underground at rush hour!
talk to them but don't take candy from them lol
Faith Elizabeth True that!
It depends on where you're and with whom you hang out. Agree to a certain extent !
When I was in NYC for my internship I was all alone and did not have many friends, I think that if you're in a position where you just have to talk to strangers it will be super easy, I met a girl in the subway and we became bet friends! I started the conversation about something super silly, I saw her play a game and started to talk about that game. Meeting new people is easier than you think it is peeps!
you are so good in telling stories!
I'm a coffee junkie, so coffeehouses are a perfect place for me to meet new people.
I always travel solo and I am so excited to use your tips next time
It's a nice video. I'm an au pair. And tomorrow is my day off. I'll do walking and explore my place. Your tips and info will help me. I will keep it. Thanks :)
Soniaa! U are such an inspiration! Ive been preparing for my europe trip this spring and your videos have been my travel bible! You have no idea how helpful you have been! Ive never travelled alone nor have i travelled out of asia before! (Im from Singapore) , so this is my virgin solo trip to Europe & im psyched! I feel like this trip is going to be epic just coz Im going to make use of all your tips and advices ;) #19daysleft till
My big adventurreeee
id love to hitchhike!! but ive only been couchsurfing around eroupe. this oct also to spain
Thank you Sonia, I do travel a lot. I have found when I am super happy, it sounds off certain E.T. vibe.
It can be nervous and excited wrapped up in a burrito.
I will implement these new "ProTools" Sending Love!
That's such a nice video. Thanks for that. With my wife we traveled like 3 times a year and we were wondering how to do that. That look simple the way that you present it ! We will definitely try that during our next trip ! But yeah, it seems a bit scary !
Amen! :) it's the best way to find out the cool, and most often than not, non touristy places to explore and partake in. Or even if it's not about what to see or do, it's great company while eating lunch or a bus ride.
I've traveled and lived all over the US, including Hawaii and currently NYC. While on the island of Kauai I struck up a conversation with a group from Germany, while on the bus heading into Hanalei, the north shore. by the time we got to our stop, they offered to buy me a drink.
BE CAREFUL!!!! Yes, you can meet some nice people, I have friends in England and Germany who I met casually while on vacation. BUT, having been to 28 countries, I can also tell you that there are a LOT of con artists, cheats, and outright thieves out there, worse in some places than others. If you initiate contact, you are less likely to encounter a problem than if they initiate contact. But, as a friend of mine said "I felt safer in Viet Nam during the Tet Offensive than I did in Tijuana!"
Hi there from Vietnam
Thank you so much for this video! I'll be travelling solo for the first time this coming May, and i'm so excited :D
More solo trip tips soon please!
Where are you traveling?? :-)
I'll be travelling to Japan! :)
Im traveling too this may! But to europe! First time? Id love to meet the locals! Anyoneee? :p
I know that feeling, i used to be so shy...but then i traveled alone and i forced myself to talk with people in different cities, and now im a pro 😋😁 i swear you're right, is amazing to get friends around the world!
Karen HxS ahh that's awesome! I hope I can say the same thing one day
Super good advice. I feel you with the 6,7,8 sense thing. Thanks for this :)
I appreciate this video as I’ll be traveling in nine days and flying on an airplane how would I talk to a stranger on an airplane
Hi Sonia, I know it's been a while since this video, but do you any suggestions for being a student ambassador?
Traveling solo is the best way to travel
that's awesome, actually in southeast asia like Indonesia, people here are respectful with strangers, there is no rule which not to talk with stranger. what we know is that stranger would be a new friend.
Great suggestions, thanks. It helps talking to strangers, though, when you are as cute and good looking as you.
you give THE BEST advice. thank you so much!
We even forget how to communicate in a good manner to strangers some times. Thanks for the video! Beautiful teeth, anyway :)
A lovely video. Thanks for sharing.
nuuuu, don't ignore the person alone with the book and the headphones! We're not in the communal spaces because we haven't met people/you yet! - But want to be met.
Of course I can't speak for everyone. But my heart sinks when a long person sees me vs. a bunch of people at a cafe and approach the bunch of people instead.
I wonder if she realizes as attractive woman, all she has to say it 'yo wassup?' and her subject will be very, very talkative?
hmm. I've just arrived Toronto, and your tips might help me for meeting new people. but I'm kinda scared due to my lack English speaking skill.
I just want to tell you that you are AMAZING !!!!! Please make more videos about Milan because i am going there this summer, and i really need an inspiration!!!! Love ya❤️❤️😘
I'll be in Italy too! But I know almost zero Italian.
OMG! I understand the struggle!!
Sonia!, Do you have any tips on jet lag!? You're awesome!!!
As a norwegian, we tend to be very introvert, and keep to ourself, and when traveling to foreign countries, I can´t really let go of it. Just recently I visited Copenhagen, Paris and Berlin alone, and talked to very few people, other then the people I had to talk to. So if you come to Norway, and we don´t spark up a huge conversation, thats why.
Mathias Eliassen Haha! My answer is the opposite of yours. How to talk to strangers....be Canadian! We're very friendly. Especially us small town/rural people. I always talk to people when we travel (as a couple or as a family) or even when I'm in line at stores in my local city. Even if just for a minute.
Tracy Bzz be canadian!!
Ive met so many people travelling solo at malls, restaurants, on the street etc. Going to poland in a few weeks.I will try out couchsurfing to meet with the locals this time.
PS: Please do a video on SIm-Cards.
PPS: Thankyou for your videos.They're brilliantly charming.
Indranil Got it sim-cards coming up
i feel like it's easier to talk to strangers when traveling vs home because i am more relaxed than worrying about whatever at home.
I heard that T-Mobile phones can be used in many countries without extra fees. This would save the hassle of SIM card issues. Do you know of any draw backs?
MrMurdocka It's actually true!!! But the signal is not so great that's pretty much the drawback
Oh no, I think I've totally let people down before. Crap. It's just that where I'm from, if someone randomly talks to you, it's usually because they want to sell you something, or they're being a creep who's gonna ask you some weird sexual thing.
Favorite video so far!
Brandan Koh WOw yey!!
can u plz list some places where we can travel alone
I love this video!
Does anyone have tips for those with anxiety (especially social anxiety)?
Umm... What if I don't speak their native languague? Like I m going to France this May and want to the same thing. How do I do it? Does the same method apply?
I have done my fair share of international travel and one thing I attempt to do is blend in with the locals, go off the beaten path.
I'm going to France, Barcelona, and Spain in awhile and I'm worried no one is going to want to talk with me because I'm hard of hearing and I sound weird
amazing is it 21fab 2016 ? 2.22 AM ☺
Whoever wants to comment and tell me their opinion is very welcome.
Last year I met some travelers here in my country, in my opinion we had an instant click we had a really good time, I showed them around and even spent new years together.
I would like to know from the perspective from the traveller, who is moving from place to place meeting lots of people, what are the chances that they will be willing to have a friendship or was it just more of a random "let's blend with a local" moment?
what about talking to strangers in social web site ?
Sonia, would you consider yourself an extrovert or an introvert?
MrMurdocka Mid range.. But let's just say I would definitely NOT consider myself and extrovert
soniastravels I was wondering because I am a bit introverted, and I will be traveling alone. I guess I will just have to work harder at meeting people. Thanks. Looking forward to your next video. :)
Yay new video👍😋
Hi... I'll be going to Europe next month. The countries I'll be visiting are Austria, Hungary, Switzerland, Prague, Vienna and Germany. Can you please please please help me. I'm going alone so a little stressed and I'm just 17. It's a 12 day tour. I'll be visiting amusement parks, mines, and will be going for trekking too. Pls help me with packing, travel essentials, tips etc.. Please ! 😥
Today, at noon, two girls in my hostel asked me to tie their shoes. Their shoes were untied. I was confused and said I didn't want to and I quickly walked away. They giggled behind my back. What does that mean? How does one not know how to tie shoes? What they really wanted?
A don't is talking about politics. That can be a great turn off, as the other person may have a totally different viewpoint.
Whatever! Your beautiful, who wouldn’t want to talk to you. Me, They call the police saying, help crazy man here.
updated carry-on?? please
Afrin Styles coming soon
yaayy
I'm naturally creepy by nature. So this might be more difficult for me...
It's way easier if you're young, attractive, and female.
NO TE ENTIENDO NADA, TE MIRO POR QUE SOS LINDA JEJEJE, SALUDOS DESDE URUGUAY
You look like a movie star you know that
But mommy told me not to talk to strangers...
Awesome travel vlog tips! I have a travel vlog as well and it would be the world to me if you checked it out. Just subbed you so I will definitely look at your vlogs for tips as well =]
Viva Joanne Thumbs up
Wonder women??? 👁
Damn. Is the world so screwed up these days there has to be a video on how to talk to strangers. Jesus!
Put on 50 lbs and tell me how your conversations go????
What difference would that make? I'm obese and people don't treat me badly.
Uhm... you are beautiful... I dont know how to describe... uhm, your mouth is beautiful too... I am completely attracted by it 🥰
Sonia, you dont seem to be kin on Asian countries
edwinodus On the list! I am though, I lived in China for some time, absolutely fascinated by their culture