Stephen, I really appreciate how you hit on the paradox of loneliness while surrounded by people, it's such a relatable experience for many travelers.

The idea of being intentional about connecting with others, without feeling awkward, is so important.

Your approach of leveraging platforms like Meetup and Eventbrite to find community is practical and empowering for solo travelers who might struggle with this.

Thanks for sharing these insights, definitely going to try some of your suggestions on my next trip!