this will be my first time out of the country let alone backpacking. i will be by myself while traveling, but i hope to meet a lot of people while there. any tips on meeting people? also what is european life like, is it tough to get adjusted too.

http://www.harrythecat.com/graphics/w/welcom18.gif To the Boards dttravler!!! And congrats making your first trip soon!!!


How to meet people???

Good people skills are a must, you need to be able to get along with people dispite language barriers and cultural differences. :wine:

Good conversationalist (<- spelling?), be able to talk about where you are from and where you are going, and where you have been...people you meet will want to know, just like you will want to know the same from them.

An the most importent thing is BE YOURSELF, don't try to be what people want you to be. -_-

Trust with Wit...You must know when someone is really trying to make friends with you or is trying to take you for a ride :ph34r: , The relationship with the people you meet will progress over the course of several hours, days or weeks, and they will be from all walks of life, locals and other packers...BUT...When someone comes up to you and treats you like they are tryng to be your best friend, I would be cautious, watch out for the pharses:

"Hey Buddy!"
"My Friend, Where have you been?"
"I have a great deal for you my friend"
"Do you remeber me?"
"I can help you?" ( When you have not asked for help)
"I can watch your bags"

These are potential scam artists trying to take advantage of you being from another country.

Places to meet people...ANYWHERE!!!

Pubs
Museums
Hostels
On The Street
Sights
Tourist Info Offices
Church
Schools (Uni/College)


Treat people they way you would like to be treated basically.

Once you get used to the customs of where you are, the adjustment is easy, you will be too stoked to even notice, It will just happen... :afro:

thanks for the tips Canadian Dude, i think they will come in handy. one more thing, which country would you recommend seeing above all others. of course i plan to go to as many as possible, but maybe you have one on your list that i dont.

For me, Ireland and Scotland above all others for me, I have a family history there so it has some meaning for me.


I would say as a trav'la, you should not miss Italy...The sights, the history, the different regions, and by far the food!!! You will have a great time there!!!

-_-

Offering someone trailmix can be a good icebreaker :blink:

My favorite thing about meeting people from different countries is learning ridiculous phrases in their native language.

I'd put Scotland near the top of my list as well! Nice people, gorgeous scenery. The train ride from Glasgow to Oban alone is just breathtaking! I saw a rainbow over Loch Lomond! The highlands are great, but if you end up in Culrain and stay at Carbisdale castle...BRING YOUR OWN FOOD! and beware, it's haunted. :torch: