The question of ‘Will I meet other backpackers travelling Europe?’ is a fairly easy question to answer.  As a person that has traveled Europe solo a few times, I can safely say that I have very rarely been without a new friend or group of friends.  There are over 50,000 people from all over the world that travel to Europe every year.  Some of them go on group trips, others with friends or family, and still more that take advantage of the true culture shock and travel alone or solo to Europe.

The easiest place to meet your new travel friends in Europe is to just get out there and smile.  Other travelers are spread throughout Europe, and are relatively easy to spot.  You will find them in the lobby of your hotel, sharing your room at the hostel, or eating breakfast at your hostel next to you.  They will be standing in line waiting for the same attractions that you are.  Turn to the person next to you and strike up a conversation.

Common phrases that will help you meet travelers in Europe.
Hi.  My name is _____.  I’m from _____; where are you from?
Have you ever been here before?
What has been the best thing you have seen in this city?
How long have you been travelling?

Each of these phrases are simple, yet effective.  Other travelers are doing the same thing as you, looking at the sights, taking in the sounds and smells, and enjoying their interactions with other people.  Some of the most interesting bits of information that I have found about a place that I was traveling to in Europe were from other travelers that I met in queue for some attraction or museum.  Some of these split-second friendships have turned into life-long travel companions.

Don’t be shy, or reserved when finding other travelers to talk to.  They are equally as intimidated about being ‘alone’ in the world as you are.  There is safety in numbers, plus you always have a better story to share when it involves a new friend you met while in transit.  You could even meet your life-long companion, or spouse.  Take the risks, and find friends while traveling Europe.  A stranger is only a new friend you have not met.

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Meeting other backpackers in Europe is one of the easiest things to do.  Other backpackers are also out to make friends, and enjoy the city that they are in with the other random people that have arrived around the same time.  Other backpackers are always looking for someone to share their experience with.  Have you ever been in a hostel common room and seen a group of friends having a good time, just to realize that they have all just met each other that day?   This is a very common occurrence in Europe.

The best place to meet other backpackers in Europe is going to be the hostel common room.  This is where most travelers will plan their daily itinerary, and plot out a course on a map.  Solo travelers tend to hang out and meet new friends.  The other best place to find backpackers in Europe is in queue for the local attractions  and museums.  People tend to be more welcome to small talk while waiting in line tog et into a building.  Strike up the conversation, and ask what they are interested in seeing, or have seen in the city.  Ask about about country’s city.  You will get an unadulterated view on another destination to put into your list of places to see.

You can also find other backpackers in Europe by going to the train station, or cheap food restaurants.  The train station is not the best place, as most backpackers are a little hesitant to talk to you while they are in the hustle and uncertainty of a station.  This is where most crime against a backpacker will happen, so be nice to each other, and do not doing anything odd, or scary while looking for friends in stations.  Simple food establishments are also great meeting spots for new friends.  Start a conversation about some of the other places that you have found to eat in the city you are in.  Compare the current eatery to one that you have visited elsewhere.  As a backpacking traveler, people are always collecting their ‘next destination’ and generally do not mind hearing about your recommendations for places that you have been or things that you have done.  You may even see your entire trip re-planned at the drop of a dime due to some offer or place someone else is taking advantage of while backpacking Europe.

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