Hey there, I’m a 25-year-old female on my first solo adventure in Europe, opting for a low-key hostel to step out of my comfort zone and mingle with fellow travelers. The hostel vibe is said to be super social, and as an introvert, I figured this could be a fun challenge.
So, yesterday during a tour of the hostel, I ran into two guys in the hallway and greeted them. Unfortunately, they gave me the once-over and then just walked off. No biggie, right? But things took a turn when I entered the dorm room where I’d be crashing. There were four people chilling on their bunks near the door, and my friendly “hello” was met with complete silence. Even when I tried engaging the guy below me, nothing. The awkwardness lingered as they carried on with their own chat.
Later on, I ventured into the common area hoping for some interaction. I made eye contact, said hi, but got no response—just them continuing their convo. Feeling a bit defeated, I grabbed a drink and attempted to strike up a chat with a girl nearby by asking about her country. She replied briefly and then turned away to chat with someone else. Talk about a blow to the confidence! It felt like I wasn’t even worth acknowledging, and I can’t deny it stung a bit.
I began to wonder if I was doing something wrong or maybe being overly sensitive. The whole experience left me feeling disheartened. It almost felt dehumanizing, you know? Like I wasn’t even worth a simple conversation.
However, after receiving a ton of supportive comments and advice from fellow solo travelers, I realized that maybe this particular hostel just wasn’t the right fit for me. So, I took the plunge and booked a charming hotel for the remainder of my stay in Prague. Today, I had a lovely time exploring Mala Strana and soaking in the city’s beauty. I’m making the most of my journey and looking forward to a fresh start at my next hostel in Copenhagen in a few weeks.
Cheers to all my fellow solo adventurers out there! Remember, it’s all about finding the right vibe and embracing the journey, no matter the bumps along the way.