10 Ways To Find A Travel Buddy For Your Next Trip

people feeding giraffes

Many people want to travel to Africa but are usually scared of making the travel—and it is totally understandable. With lots of negative images of Africa in the media, anyone has the right to be afraid. However, one way to beat traveling fears is to find a travel buddy.

Africa is one continent that has a lot to offer. From the rich culture to beautiful mountains, various species of animals, and birds, there is a lifetime of memories waiting to be explored on the continent. Also, fun is not a solo sport. It always gets better as the company grows.

Perhaps, that is another reason to have a companion to savor the wonderful experiences of this beautiful continent. But, it is always important to have a travel buddy that shares something in common with you. Here we will guide you on some of the tips to find a travel buddy.

ALSO READ: Jessica Nabongo Is The First African Woman To Travel Around The World. Can You Guess Her Favorite Countries?

Is there an app to find travel buddies?

Finding a travel buddy on your own is a seemingly impossible task. We would imagine walking on the street and asking anyone you see “will you be my travel buddy?” It may spend months and still not find one.

Luckily there are many mobile apps you can use to find your perfect travel partner. Some of these apps are Backpackr, SoloTraveller, Chirpey, and Meetup. You can also take your search to social media groups dedicated to travels to the country of your choice.

How much does a travel companion make?

A travel companion or travel buddy can make anything from $24 to $300 per trip. A travel companion often offers help to people who need assistance, for instance, an old or sickly person.

There are different types of travel companions namely child travel companion, travel nurse companion, elderly travel companion, and travel companion for people with flying anxiety. If you love traveling, consider taking up a career as a travel buddy. 

Challenges you can face when traveling

While traveling can unlock many benefits, it also has its ups and downs. There are several challenges you can encounter when traveling. It is important to note these challenges if you are thinking of taking up a career as a travel buddy.

Getting ill: Sickness comes in different forms when you are on the move. It can be a microbial infection or an irritation from insect stings. Also, you can suddenly become sick when traveling to a new country due to the change in weather.

That is why you should carry a first aid kit. The kit should have painkillers, anti-diarrhea tablets, antihistamines, and bacterial hand washes to protect and treat yourself. However, make sure you visit a healthcare facility if the condition persists or worsens.

Missed flights: Another common challenge you might encounter is delayed or missed flights. You might miss your flight and get stranded at the airstrip for hours.

To avoid such a scenario, talk to your airline before your scheduled flight or check online for the status of your flight and see if there are any changes.

ALSO READ: 10 Must-Visit Luxurious Resorts In Africa

Getting lost: Some people can navigate easily in a new environment whereas others can’t. You may have gotten lost at one point or another, maybe in the mall or when visiting a new city. Now, getting lost in a new country is something you wouldn’t want to experience.

Thanks to modern technology, you can always find your way around. If you have a smartphone ensure you download Google maps. Use offline maps of the country you intend to visit. The good thing about downloading the offline map is that you won’t need an internet connection when using it.

Language barrier: This is a common problem that many usually face when traveling to new countries. Some countries don’t have English as their first language and this might affect effective communication. Lack of proper communication with the people around you can trigger feelings of loneliness, frustration, and suspicion.

Use other forms of communication such as body language, sign language, smiles, and gestures to get around language barriers. Also, there are language translator devices that can come in handy. 

How to find a travel buddy when going to Africa?

Finding a travel buddy when visiting Africa is not as difficult as it may seem. We found 10 easy ways you can use to find a travel buddy to any African destination. The enthusiasm of some of the travel buddies we found using some of these methods were contagious.

Sieve through the different methods and find the one that works for you. Feel free to share with us which of the methods worked for you at the end of the article. Also, bear in mind that you may need to try more than one method to find the right companion.

#1. Ask your friends and family

Smiling women friends using laptop at restaurant table - stock photo
Photo Credit: Justin Pumfrey, Caiaimage

One easy way of finding a travel buddy is by asking your friends and family. Maybe they know a person or two who loves traveling. You can pair up and travel to Africa. The advantage of this is that they will link you up with a person they know and trust. Hence you won’t have to worry about traveling with a total stranger.

Also, you might know the person too which makes bonding easier. As the popular bon mot says, ‘Charity begins from home’. It is always good to start your search for a travel buddy from close circle before moving outward.

#2. Facebook groups

Facebook can also turn out to be an ideal place to find a travel buddy. There are various Facebook groups with like-minded travelers, and you might be lucky to find someone who also needs a travel partner. You can search for people who have planned an itinerary to Africa.

If you don’t find anything helpful, leave a message on the Facebook group and enquire if anyone is willing to join you. Some of the Facebook groups you can try are Travel Blogger Tales. Adventure and Travel mates, NOMADS, Ultimate Travel Group, and Girls Love Travel.

ALSO READ: Want To Travel To Africa? Here Are 10 Travel Agencies To Try

#3. Let nature take its course

Finding a travel buddy is challenging. However, don’t panic or cancel your trip if you don’t find a travel partner before the said date. Just like you, many people want a traveling companion but can’t find one at the right time.

Nature has a way of connecting you with the right people, and you might find a travel partner on your way. You can meet your traveling partner on the plane, at the hotel where you will stay, or even during one of your adventures.

#4. Organized tour

If you don’t fancy leaving decisions to chance, you can join an organized group trip. By joining a travel group, you are sure to meet lots of people who are also traveling. You can meet solo travelers and couples from all nationalities, and you get to travel together.

With tour groups, you don’t have to worry about getting lost. You can even meet people and create bonds that will last a life time. Tour groups often have organized itinerary which ensures you don’t spend all your trip nibbling on your phone indoors.

#5. Travel for charity work

find a travel buddy while volunteering with children in South Africa for teenagers
Photo Credit: ProjectsAbroad.org

Participating in charity work is one way of giving back to the community. There would be no better way to find a travel buddy and feel fulfilled on your journey than traveling for charity work.

Many nonprofit organizations organize travels to Africa for charity work. You can join the cause and get to meet like-minded people while on the trip and forge lasting relationships. After you’re through with the charity work, you can explore the country together.

#6. Use apps

There are various apps like Travello, which are aimed at people who are looking for travel buddies. Usually, you need to post a short bio about yourself on these apps to tell people more about yourself.

You can post your age, nationality, and an outline of the countries you want to visit. If you get people with the same interests, you can schedule a meet-up and travel with them.

#7. Use websites

If you have tried all means of finding a travel buddy but can’t find one, try using travel websites. Various websites such as GAFFL connect travelers who have the same travel plans to share costs and travel experiences.

Using such websites, you can find travel partners to explore various cities and countries across the world. You can start your own trip or join trips that other travelers have started.

#8. Local day tours

There are many activities you can participate in while in Africa. Find a local day tour and join in with other people. You will meet other travelers with whom you can share your experiences. If you get a person with who you will get along, you can arrange a meet-up again once the trip is over and go on other adventures together.

#9. Engage in themed activities 

silhouette of people playing basketball during sunset
Photo Credit: @jannesglas

You can look for themed activities that interest you and engage in them. For instance, if you’re into sports, look for places that offer sports activities. Here you will find people who have the same interest as you, and they might be open to traveling with you.

#10. Stay in hostels

Travelers rely heavily on hotels for accommodation. They are filled with all kinds of people. Randon conversations often morph into lifelong relationships. Hopefully, you will find a travel buddy for your next trip there.

Again it depends on the type of hotel you pick. If you are going for a budget-friendly hotel, you might find those who are willing to travel but may lack the funds to travel as often as you may wish. 

ALSO READ: 10 Exciting Places To Visit In Africa After The Pandemic

Conclusion

Traveling alone and especially to a new country is not always easy. The thought of isolation may make you want to find a travel buddy instantly. It is always calming when you have someone to share your adventure with.

So, next time you want a travel partner use one or more tips from here and you will surely get a travel buddy for your next trip. Have you had a travel buddy in the past? What was the experience like? Share your thoughts in the comment box below. 

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