A third of gappers are ‘scared they won’t make friends’

A third of gappers are scared they won’t make friends

Meeting people is the biggest worry for anyone going on a gap year  

In our recent survey of almost 400 gappers 31% of those about to go on a gap year said they were most worried about actually meeting people while they’re away.

This topped the most popular worries list which also included:

• Getting ill – 24%
• Being a victim of crime – 17%
• Getting lost – 7%
• The flight – 2%

Victoria Philpott, Content and Social Media Manager around these parts, says “meeting people is rarely a problem when you're on your gap year. In fact, the less you worry about it the more you'll relax and just make friends naturally."

It’s a proven fact by almost every gapper that there ever was that making friends on your gap year is easier than at any other point in your life. There will be many other people travelling alone too, and they’re all in the same position as you. You'll have loads in common already and can easily strike up a conversation with those magical words 'how long have you been here?' In fact, you'll be sick of them by the time you return.

You just need to look open and friendly, put yourself out there and more than once in a while, make the first move.

You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you. Dale Carnegie

Further gap year reading for anyone worried about making friends on the road…

• Top 5 Tips for Making Friends Backpacking
• How to Meet People
• How to Make Friends in Hostels

And of course, make sure to check out the Travel Mates section too.