ease of meeting travel partners?

reneeautumn

Hi, all. I've read some of the threads in this forum so I have some familiarity with posting for a travel partner. I'm wondering how easy it might be to meet people in person once I'm in India. If I seek out the backpacker's hostels and hotels, am I likely to find other single or double travelers who want to travel together for one or two days, share the cost of a day trip in a car with guide, etc? Can I put up a note on a bulletin board/talk to the front desk worker to see if there's any interest? What's your experience? Have you also met tourists, for example, on long train or bus rides or at big tourist sites? Are solo tourists usually male, or about half and half male and female? Are there all ages traveling solo?

Thanks!

Darmabum

I'm 53 and have been traveling in India (five separate six month trips) since I was 27. I'm a USD 10 - 13/day traveler, staying in hostels that charge from $2 - 3/night; and have never had trouble meeting other travelers. I usually meet them where I'm staying. All the options you mentioned for meeting people should work; as far as "if" they will work, you can only show up and try. Depends some too, I think, on the season you're there. I usually travel in the Ganges valley, the Varanasi area, and the season there is late September through April; you will probably find a majority of travelers at that time. During the monsoon times travel slows down and people are relatively scarce - though you may find them in the mountains (Ladakh, etc) at that time. Have a Great Trip.

__________________
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wonderwomanusa

I've never had a problem finding someone to travel with when I wanted that -- and sometimes have just met someone compatible and spent a few days with them.

if you stay at places like Ringo's in Delhi or Modern Lodge in Kolkata, you will meet people going in every direction, who may be happy to have company on the road or rails.

And yes, you can often meet someone at a train station or on the train with whom you are compatible and decide to stay together for a bit.

When you meet people this way, I recommend you do not share a room with them, but share other parts of the travel experience. Remember that although you like them, they are STRANGERS and you may not want to give them access to your luggage and valuables.

ananda2193

Though I agree with that. They say that other travelers Do steal from other travelers to extend their adventure and I usually adhere to that rule. But I have also shared rooms with others I have just met and had no problem also. I think good judgement and feeling about the person you would share with is essential. Just keep valuables such as money, passport, on your body if your paranoid. Or better, like WW said, sleep alone.

But as far as finding someone to travel with. Agree with the above posts. I always could find someone if I choose to in popular areas. The only thing is you might have to be flexible as to where you want to go as the other people might not want to go or have already been where you want to go. Good luck!

reneeautumn

Great, thanks, y'all!

tintin8801

welcome to india......enjoy ur stay.

Indiagirl79

Hi I will be in India about the same time you will ( June 11-July 16 ) -My areas of interest are mostly north ( Agra, khajaraho, varanasi, darjeeling..maybe goa ) Its not a totally set intinerary but as Ill be traveling mostly alone as well it would be great to travel together for short trips if our plans match.

ananda2193

It's the worst time to be in those areas. And you'll also most likely not run into other travelers at that time.

Indiagirl79

Thank you for your positive comment !