Testimonial: “My solo trip to Paris and how I made 10 friends at the hostel”
“I expected to visit Paris.
I didn’t expect to leave with a filled contact book, 10 new friends, and lifelong memories.”
– Leo, 24, Belgian backpacker
✈️ Arriving alone… but not for long
I arrived in Paris on a Tuesday afternoon, backpack on my back, a bit stressed. It was my first real solo trip.
I hadn’t planned anything, except one thing: I had booked 4 nights at the International Youth Hostel in the 11th arrondissement.
I wanted a cheap place, well-located, and above all, social.
Result? I got all that. And more.
🛏️ First night, first encounter
As soon as I settled into the dorm, I bumped into Sam (Canada), who asked if I knew a good place to eat. I suggested falafel. He said “let’s go.”
Downstairs, at the reception, a poster for a language exchange that evening in Bastille caught our eye. Off we went.
There, we met Valeria (Italy), Lucas (Germany), and Chloe (Australia).
We spoke 3 languages at once, toasting and laughing. Let the adventure begin.
🌍 The hostel = a crossroads of cultures
The next morning at breakfast, Gabriela (Brazil) shared her homemade cookies.
In the evening, Aki (Japan) pulled out his guitar.
In 48 hours, I had met people from all over the world, and yet we all spoke the same language: the language of travel.
Some stayed for 2 days, others for a week.
But everyone was there to live, not just sleep.
🍷 Impromptu happy hours and shared nights
One evening, we gathered in the shared kitchen with bread, cheese, wine, and chips.
Everyone brought something, and the night lasted until 2 AM.
No schedule, no plans, just the magic of spontaneous encounters.
🗺️ Discovering Paris together
We formed a little group:
- Street art day in Belleville
- Picnic at Buttes-Chaumont
- Evening at Supersonic
- Couchsurfing event on Sunday
And between outings, we exchanged good tips, apps, recipes, and travel stories.
💬 What I realized
Traveling alone, is daring to embrace the unknown.
But in a place like the IYH, you’re never really alone.
You can make friends in 10 minutes, chat with people you would never have crossed paths with otherwise, and realize that the world is smaller than it seems.
🎒 To those who hesitate to travel solo…
I say: go for it.
And choose a hostel like the IYH, where human connection comes first.
Because we come to sleep cheaply…
But we leave with much more than that. 💙
