Meeting other people while traveling

It's always easier to meet other travellers whilst travelling. Locals going out in their home environment usually go with their friends and aren't really interested or 'open' to be joined by a stranger since it requires extra effort. That said the best places are pubs or bars with share tables.

I am German and don't think it's too hard to meet Germans in a Beer Garden. They are friendly especially after a couple of beers. Try and approach some ppl that look approachable and friendly and ask some basic questions.. like what's the best beer here! I know it sounds silly but since Germany has literally thousands of breweries you are very likely to start a lively debate at the table..LOL.

Whilst travelling I usually sit close to others on adjoining tables and I keep alert. For example, yesterday in Thamel the guy next to me had problems with his internet connection the restaurant provided him. The waiter gave me a different connection which worked so I shared this info with him.. 20 minutes conversation later he invited me to join them for dinner.

Be alert, and make yourself available by sitting close to people you think approachable and don't be afraid to ask for help or information..even if you don't need it, it's a sure way to get going.

Hope that helps :)

If you have the right mindset and are up for it, nothing beats hitchhiking for meeting the locals when in a foreign country.

It's definitely not for everybody and it's not without potential risks, probably moreso for females and younger people.

But it's hard to beat for meeting people you would never meet otherwise, from all backgrounds. You never know when you'll get invited for dinner, invited to stay over, or become lifetime friends.

But you'll certainly get a unique view of the culture from the inside.

As long term low budget traveller Anton Krotov remarked in one of his books, interactions with people are simply different if you don't pay them for the interaction (as you would do when going to a hotel or taking a taxi). If you mainly use hitchhiking for transport and hospitality exchange for lodging you're almost constantly meeting new people.