As a single working mum, my daughter is now an adult and I am embarking on my first solo trip. I'm visiting Stavanger, Tromso and Svalbard.
I have booked a few activities to keep me busy but I am quite nervous about the time I will be one my own.
Any tips about how to engage with other travellers whilst in hostels etc....?
As a 40 year old I know it will be a little different from striking up conversation as I did when I was a student.
Any experiences / tips , gratefully received :)
It really is as simple as speaking to people ;-)
Of course these days you will find a lot of people buried in their phone.But there are always some people around in hostels who are not like that.
If you are staying in dorms,then its maybe easier to some extent.As long as you choose popular places.
Even if you are staying i n private rooms,you can use the common rooms/kitchen etc and take the chance to speak to fellow guests.
The other best way is to go on some of the trips or social activities organised by the hostel.
Thanks , that's really reassuring :). I think I have done all the right things as you suggested so hopefully I'll be ok. The
Have you set off time for a hike to a staffed lodge? There will be, a bit dependent on weather, a lot of talkative, cheerful hikers in the dining room and around the fireplace, eager to blow the breeze on anything, get a card game going or exchange fisherman's lies. Check out the www.ut.no site, find a walk near where you'll be that's inside your comfort zone and leading to one. You'll not be disappointed.
Thanks for the advice :) . I set off in the morning.ing on my adventure and now feeling excited and not so worried. I will just strike up conversation and keep a deck of cards on hand !
As far as I know, there is only one hostel in Tromso (Tromso Activities Hostel). I stayed there recently and it was a friendly crowd (and at least one 40something woman there, so you're not the only one out there. The hostel had a friendly crowd and a lot of people seemed to congregate in the common room just off the kitchen in the main building (the one with reception).
In Svalbard, I stayed at the Radisson, but I struck up conversation with people on my tours and ended up getting beer/dinner with some of them afterward. I don't know if you are a solo drinker or not, but the Barentz Pub in the Radisson or Karlsberger Pub (nearish the post office, across the street) had low-key atmospheres with friendly bartenders and friendly people to talk to at the bar.
Can't speak to Stavanger, but everyone else's tips of hanging out in the kitchen and common areas are good.
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