Beth Whitman By Beth Whitman Excerpted from Wanderlust and Lipstick: The Essential Guide for Women Traveling Solo One of the most interesting and exciting parts of travel is encountering new people from around the world. Whether you meet other travelers also visiting your destination or you befriend locals once you arrive, these new friends are sure to make your travels memorable. While it doesn’t take a lot of energy to meet others, sometimes it does take a conscious effort. Everyone you come into contact with on the road is a potential new friend. As you travel solo, hotel staff will see that you are on your own and be friendlier, the barista or wait staff from the coffee shop will welcome the chance to chat with a newcomer, and a compliment to the chef may get you invited into the kitchen. If you’re staying in one spot for a few days and you’re seen making nice with the locals, this could very well save you from being hassled by any neighborhood thugs. Betty Ann, who traveled to 70 countries in her nine years as a tour guide, learned quickly how to connect with people

Original Source How To Meet the Locals