It\u2019s totally normal to worry about making a good impression, and we all worry about making friends<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n And while it might sound easier said than done to just go with the flow, there are a few simple tricks that can help you feel less awkward about getting to know the other people in your group.<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re worried about breaking the ice with people you\u2019ve never met, remind yourself that 99.9% of our fears are actually \u2018F.E.A.R\u2019 \u2014 False Evidence Appearing Real,\u2019 says Cat Williams, author of Stay Calm and Content.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n \u2018Even if we\u2019ve had a previous experience that didn\u2019t go well, it doesn\u2019t mean that will happen again. Feel the fear and do it anyway and you\u2019ll prove to yourself that it was just that, \u2018F.E.A.R\u2019. Practice using your imagination \u2014 who do you know who\u2019d find this situation easy and put yourself in their shoes. How would they feel, what would they say? Once you\u2019ve done it for 5 minutes you realise you\u2019re doing it on your own and it turns into positive excitement\u2019. <\/span><\/p>\n By visualising the conversation, you can reflect on how you interact when meeting new people for the first time.<\/span><\/p>\n \u2018If you\u2019re genuinely enjoying yourself, it comes across,\u2019 says Rasheed Ogunlaru, life coach, motivational speaker and author of Soul Trader<\/a>. And this is the basis of forming authentic relationships<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n ‘Instead of feeling self-conscious, take an interest in the other people in the group\u2019. <\/span><\/p>\n Solo travel gives you an excellent opportunity to probe deeper when meeting new people, in a way that is totally natural and genuine.<\/span><\/p>\n Flash Pack\u2019s off-the-beaten-track holidays to destinations including Mynamar<\/a> and Belize<\/a> tend to attract likeminded people, so chances are you\u2019ll find you\u2019ve got plenty in common with the other people in your group. <\/span><\/p>\n But if you\u2019re still stuck for an opener, small talk is a great way to get the conversation started.<\/span><\/p>\n \u2018Talk to people about their journey, the food at dinner, ask about their background, what\u2019s brought them on the holiday or what activities they\u2019re looking forward to. The more you listen and ask people about themselves, the more you\u2019ll make them feel at ease. This takes the pressure off the situation and in turn will make you feel more relaxed,\u2019 says Rasheed.<\/span><\/p>\n If meeting new people makes you feel nervous, another great tip is to arrive before everyone else.<\/span><\/p>\n This gives you time to chat to your guide and find out more about the day\u2019s activities. It’s far less overwhelming than turning up and there being loads of strangers.<\/span><\/p>\n In doing so, not only do you acclimatise to your surroundings, but you also have the ability to initiate conversations naturally as and when people start to arrive.<\/p>\n Taking time to adjust to the vibes and easing your way in gently takes the edge off meeting new people quite substantially.<\/p>\n Once we\u2019re in our 30s and 40s, it\u2019s easy to pick up bad habits when we\u2019re meeting new people without even realising it. <\/span><\/p>\n \u2018You might be unaware, for instance, you\u2019re too much of a joker in a group. Or you might have a tendency to dominate conversations,\u2019 says Rasheed. <\/span><\/p>\n \u2018Ask friends and family for constructive feedback, they might say you need to ask more questions or listen more, so you can modulate how you come across. And try and get a sense of the group early on as you don\u2019t want people to feel over or underwhelmed\u2019. <\/span><\/p>\n And while it\u2019s great to have a helpful checklist of ways to break the ice, both Rasheed and Cat also advise there are certain things you should definitely try to avoid when meeting people for the first time. <\/span><\/p>\n \u2018A good guide is to think of what would put you off from talking to someone,\u2019 says Cat. \u2018Whether it\u2019s standing too close to someone, asking too many personal questions, talking too much about yourself, being rude or gossiping or appearing too needy or aloof. Then try not to do the same.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n Reflecting on what you’re looking for in other people, in turn, makes you a better conversationalist. It means you can prepare mentally for meeting new people and put your anxieties at ease.<\/p>\n As tempting as it might be to have a drinks for Dutch courage, it\u2019s not the best idea to get drunk at the welcome reception.<\/span><\/p>\n \u2018If a glass of wine makes you a bit more relaxed and chatty then great, but if it means you\u2019ll be telling everyone your life story then you should probably avoid alcohol,\u2019 says Rasheed.<\/span><\/p>\n Don’t overstep your own limits when meeting new people – there’s nothing like a drunk to put a downer on things.<\/p>\n Put down your mobile or camera so you don\u2019t miss out on shared experiences. <\/span><\/p>\n Absorb as much as you can with your senses, and if you\u2019re chatting to someone, make sure your focus is entirely on them. <\/span><\/p>\n \u2018There\u2019s nothing worse than someone looking over your shoulder when you\u2019re talking to them and trying to build a rapport,\u2019 says Cat. <\/span><\/p>\n \u2018People notice these things. Don\u2019t feel you have to be talking to everyone. But if you are speaking to more than one person make sure you pay attention to each of them equally\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n When meeting new people, don\u2019t just jump into a conversation if you\u2019ve joined a group for the first time. <\/span><\/p>\n \u2018It pays to be measured, advises Rasheed. \u2018Listen, nod, smile then after a few minutes introduce yourself and gently contribute. A good way to do this is to validate or agree with a comment someone\u2019s just made.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n Be a considerate conversationalist, and make people feel like they are listened to, and the interaction will flow smoothly.<\/p>\n When it comes to breaking the ice with people, don\u2019t feel you need to wear bright clothes or be the loudest in the group to stand out or try and fit in. <\/span><\/p>\n Dress for yourself and the activity. The more comfortable and relaxed you feel, the easier the chat will flow.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The wonderful thing about solo travel is that it allows you to let your guard down and share experiences when meeting new people, turning strangers to friends in a heartbeat.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Discover Vietnam & Cambodia<\/strong><\/p>\n Journey into limestone grottoes and caves by kayak, behold the splendour of Angkor Wat at sunrise and tuck into delicious local cuisine.<\/p>\n I want this<\/a><\/p>\n Lose yourself in the magic of Myanmar<\/strong><\/p>\n Explore a land of floating villages by long-tail boat, bathe elephants and discover the ancient temples of Bagan by bike.<\/p>\n![\"Solo](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/feature1-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/p>\nChallenge your anxieties\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"Flash](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Flash-Pack-group-in-Jordan-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/p>\nTake an\u00a0<\/b><\/span>interest when meeting new people<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"take](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/small-group-tour-burma-changing-of-the-robes2-1024x734.jpg\")
<\/p>\nBe an early bird<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Italy_group_tour_8-1-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/p>\nOlder but not necessarily wiser<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"purpose\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/group-happy.jpg\")
<\/p>\nKnow your limits<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"know](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/feature2-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/p>\nLive in the moment<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"Solo](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/mindfulness6.jpg\")
<\/p>\nBe considerate<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"meeting-new-people\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/hero-2-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/p>\nJust be yourself\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Check out these 3 epic adventures to meet likeminded people:<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Vietnam-Express_kayak_Halong_Bay-1024x658.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Silhouette](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Temples-Bagan-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
![\"Reindeer\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/ItSweden2-1-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/p>\n