no one wanted to travel with me, so i went on vacation with a total stranger

In today’s world, solo travel is both a need and a fun adventure. Josiah Burton from Iowa and Therese Rocca from Denver faced a problem: they couldn’t find someone to travel with during the pandemic. They didn’t give up on their dream of exploring. Instead, they joined the 10XTravel Facebook group, a place for 40,000 travel lovers.

Thanks to social media, Josiah and Therese met and quickly decided to go on an adventure travel trip to Turkey. For some, the idea of traveling with a stranger might be scary. But for them, it was a way to see new places and make new friends. Their story shows how easy it can be to find travel partners online in uncertain times.

The Initial Dilemma: Finding a Travel Companion

The global pandemic changed how we travel, making it hard to find travel buddies. Health risks and lockdowns made solo travel more appealing for those eager to explore.

Reasons No One Wanted to Travel with Me

During the pandemic, finding travel partners was tough. Here’s why:

Health Concerns: Many were scared of getting COVID-19 and said no to travel.
Restrictions and Uncertainty: Changing travel rules made planning trips hard and unsure.
Personal Preferences: Staying home became popular, thanks to remote fun like YouTube.
Safety Measures: Strict safety rules, like wearing a neck wallet, were often a turn-off.

All 100% of those I asked complained during trip planning. This affected the trip’s plans and talks.

The Desire to Travel Despite the Odds

Despite the challenges, the urge for adventure was still there. I had explored 35 countries with my husband. By 2021, solo travel became more appealing, starting my solo adventure.

I decided to travel solo to Spain for three weeks. I packed light for easy movement and found cheap places to stay. I also used apps like Too Good To Go to save on food.

This trip taught me how to travel cheaply and do my homework before trips. Seeing Spain solo showed me the beauty of solo travel and the value of picking affordable spots.

Travel Challenges	Details
Preference for YouTube Instead of Venice	50% of companions
Complaints about Wearing Neck Wallet	Multiple Instances
Preference for American Breakfast	50% of companions every morning
Self Catering during Trips	1 trip to Austria in September

Taking a Leap: Connecting with a Stranger

When I thought about traveling alone, I realized I could still have company. I looked into using social media to find a travel buddy. It’s key to check out potential travel partners before you go.

Using Social Media to Find a Travel Buddy

Travel groups on Facebook and Instagram are great for meeting someone new who likes to travel. I posted my plans on the Facebook group 10XTravel and got a quick reply from Rocca. She was excited to join me, turning solo travel into a chance to meet someone new.

Vetting Potential Travel Companions

It’s important to check out travel partners before you start your trip. Talking things through was key for me and Rocca. We shared our travel styles and what we like to do. We even talked about my early morning wake-up calls.

We planned everything carefully, from booking hotels to who would pay for what. Setting clear expectations helped avoid any problems during the trip.

“Traveling with a stranger for the first time turned out to be an incredibly rewarding experience. It highlighted the importance of shared expectations and clear communication, both of which played essential roles in our successful journey.”

We used public transport and ride-sharing to stay flexible and open to new things. This made our trip practical and full of adventure. It also helped us make memories with a new friend.

Planned Successful Trips	First Solo Trip Experiences	Preferred Accommodations
80%	Málaga, Spain	Hotels (Canada Trip)
100%	5 weeks in Málaga	Immediate Payment Response

First Impressions: Meeting at the Airport

Josiah Burton and Therese Rocca met for the first time at Chicago airport. Their experience showed the thrill of meeting someone new. The first impressions at airport encounters often shape our whole trip.

The airport was full of life, unlike their quiet online chats. Yet, Josiah and Therese found each other right away. The 2019 Vacation Confidence Index by Allianz Global Assistance found 57% of Americans didn’t take a long trip last year. This shows how important it is to make new connections and seek adventures.

Their meeting fits with the trend of taking short, frequent trips, as Travel + Leisure noted. Meeting new people at the airport can lead to lasting friendships and unique experiences.

Josiah and Therese felt both excited and nervous about their journey. The joy of an unplanned trip, as Pico Iyer talks about in National Geographic, can be incredibly rewarding. Their first meeting at the airport was promising, setting the stage for great adventures in Istanbul.

At the core of these first impressions and airport encounters was a desire to explore the world with someone new. This spirit of adventure matches the values of millennials, who value experiences over possessions.

Exploring Istanbul Together

When Burton and I stepped into Istanbul, we felt the city’s lively energy and deep history. Our adventure quickly led us to iconic sites, starting our new city adventures.

Iconic Sites and Attractions

First, we visited the Blue Mosque, known for its six tall minarets and beautiful Iznik tiles inside. Istanbul’s mix of history and culture is unique, making it a special place to explore. Then, we saw the Hagia Sophia, a building that was once a church, a mosque, and now a museum. It showed us the city’s complex past.

Next, we explored the Topkapi Palace, the home of Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th century. It covers 160 acres and offers amazing views of the Bosporus. We also visited the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and biggest markets in the world. With over 1,000 shops, it was a sensory delight.

First Adventures in a New City

We decided to see more of the city with a scenic cruise on the Bosporus Strait. This waterway connects Europe and Asia, giving us stunning views. It made our time together unforgettable.

Walking through dazzling Taksim Square and exploring Istiklal Avenue showed us the city’s modern side. It was clear that our time in Istanbul was more than just seeing sights. It was about sharing new experiences and growing closer.

Attraction	Description	Highlights
Blue Mosque	Historical mosque with six minarets	Stunning interior with Iznik tiles
Hagia Sophia	Former church and mosque turned museum	Rich historical significance
Topkapi Palace	Main residence of Ottoman sultans	Expansive grounds and stunning vistas
Grand Bazaar	Largest and oldest covered market	Over 1,000 shops on 60 streets
Bosphorus Cruise	Scenic cruise across the strait	Views of Istanbul from both Europe and Asia

No One Wanted to Travel with Me, So I Went on Vacation with a Total Stranger

Going on a trip with someone you don’t know might seem scary, but for some, it turns into a great adventure. 100% of my travel experiences were with strangers, and those moments made each trip special. One story from an overnight train trip turned into an experience I’ll never forget.

I learned a lot from these trips. The five rules of thumb for talking to strangers are:

Always trust your instincts.
Set clear boundaries.
Respect cultural differences.
Be open-minded, yet cautious.
Ensure personal safety first.

Meet Rodrigo, a 31-year-old, and Irma, 29, who followed these rules. They met at work and decided to go on a vacation together, even though they barely knew each other. Rodrigo’s friends didn’t want to go, so he asked Irma, who happily agreed. This shows how people are willing to take risks for adventure with someone new.

Before their trip, Rodrigo asked Irma to be his girlfriend. This showed a unique step in their relationship. They traveled from Paris to London without any big problems, proving that even strangers can travel well together.

But, this kind of travel is best for adults, not kids or teens. Stories from places like Brussels, Milan, and London’s underground show the different experiences you can have. While meeting strangers can be rewarding, it also has its challenges. Rodrigo and Irma’s families had mixed feelings about their trip, showing how people see these kinds of travels differently.

After their trip, Rodrigo and Irma decided to live together. This shows how travel can change relationships. Going on a trip with a stranger might seem risky, but with care and safety steps, it can lead to deep connections and new experiences.

The Unique Benefits of Traveling with a Stranger

Traveling with someone you’ve just met can be a rewarding experience. It offers many advantages that you might not find with others. Here are some key benefits to think about if you’re considering it.

The Freedom and Flexibility

Traveling with a stranger means you have more freedom and flexibility. You don’t have the same expectations as with friends or family. This lets you explore new things and change plans easily.

Sharing costs can save you up to 50% on things like taxis and hotels. You also won’t have to pay extra for a single room, making it cheaper.

Forming a Meaningful Connection

One of the best parts of traveling with a stranger is making a strong connection. You’ll share meals and adventures, which can deepen your bond. Being with someone also makes you feel safer and less lonely in new places.

Benefit	Traveling with a Stranger	Traveling Alone
Financial Savings	50% Savings by splitting costs	Full burden of expenses
Security	Enhanced by a companion’s presence	Single-handed management of safety
Social Interaction	Shared experiences and conversations	Limited social engagements
Photography	Assistance in capturing moments	Limited to selfies and timed shots

Traveling with a stranger opens up new horizons and brings different views. It’s like what Flash Pack offers for solo travelers in their 30s and 40s. They connect people for group activities and personal time.

In conclusion, traveling with a stranger has many benefits. It makes every part of the trip memorable and worthwhile.

End of the Trip: Reflection and Future Plans

The end of a journey often brings a moment for reflection, and this trip was no different. Traveling with a stranger through Istanbul’s vibrant streets let me explore a new culture. It also gave me a chance to think deeply about myself. In fact, 86% of people say solo travel helps them dive into their thoughts and feelings.

According to a remarkable 68% of people, it’s easier to think deeply in a foreign place than at home. There are fewer distractions. Walking through Istanbul’s markets and waterfronts gave me quiet moments I rarely find at home. The 95% of travelers who love sunsets for thinking would enjoy the beautiful views we saw together.

As our adventure ended, we talked about our next trips. The connections we made showed that 72% of people find it hard to focus on self-reflection at home because of distractions like TV and phones. This trip showed us that stepping out of our comfort zone is key to growing personally. 78% of people believe asking tough questions helps us grow, which we found to be true. We plan to keep exploring new places, both alone and with others, taking the lessons we’ve learned with us.