Traveling solo has its ups and downs and sometimes loneliness can take over, especially in really exotic places where you might not speak the language. When you are hankering for a good conversation or just some company to eat dinner with, your best bet is to turn to your roommates at the hostel. Most often, people in hostels are really open to meeting others and, once you make the effort to introduce yourself, they can be very friendly. You’ll probably even find that there are a few other solo travelers, just like yourself, who are itching for some companionship and you might even make friends that last a lifetime.

Scout people wisely. When you are looking for prospective new friends, you need to have an idea of the types of people that are going to be receptive to your advances. Look for people that seem to be hanging around solo or chatting with the hostel staff. Don’t pick out people in big groups, but look for one or two travelers that might be having an interesting conversation.

Hang out in the common room. This is key. Just sit in the common room. Usually, someone will have a DVD or soccer game on. Maybe a few people will be playing a game or playing some music. Don’t infringe upon their fun right away, but just grab a magazine or your guidebook and chill for awhile.

Introduce yourself. If you see someone that looks promising, introduce yourself. Start by just smiling or saying hello. If there are game-players, wait until they’ve finished their round and ask if you can join in.

Ask questions. This is one good way to start conversations with people. Ask where they are from. What are they doing here? How long have they been here? What do they think of it? Where have they been sightseeing so far and would they recommend anything? These are all great, safe starters for making friends.

Don’t rush it. This is key. You don’t want to get one question in and corner them into a dinner commitment. Be relaxed and let the conversation flow naturally. Generally, it’s best to do this in the early evenings, just before dinnertime when you might find one or two stragglers who are doing the same thing you are. Get to know your new mates a little before making an invite, and when you do, simply ask if they have dinner plans or, better yet, ask if they know of somewhere good to eat nearby, rather than launching into a huge invitation to dinner.

Smile. There is nothing worse than a scowling hosteler. Smiling makes you seem friendly an approachable and can be the first great segway into a conversation with a really cool person.

Eavesdrop. Okay, I admit it. I eavesdrop. It is one of the best ways to scope people out and decide who is approachable and who isn’t. Now, you don’t just want to stare at people – be sly. Listen in gently to conversations while reading a magazine or guidebook. If the conversation seems personal, choose someone else to listen in on.

Have a suggestion in mind. Earmark a place that you saw on the road to the hostel or a bar you read about in your guidebook as a suggestion for where to go, in case the person you befriend doesn’t have a clue.

Don’t be creepy. This is just a good general rule of thumb in life, but don’t be creepy. How do you avoid being creepy in a hostel? Don’t be too forward. Don’t rush a conversation. Don’t force a friendship that doesn’t seem to be clicking. Don’t insult another person’s culture or make rude comments. Don’t scowl. And most of all, don’t be arrogant or brag about how well-traveled you are and all of the amazing places you’ve been. Be open to what other people have to say. Listen. Learn from them and befriend them, even if it’s just for one evening and you never see them again.