>>948173Went hiking abroad 3 times so far, 2, 1, 2 month trips. Many solo hiking trips in country.
If you're going to even somewhat used trail, you're going to meet people, some of them solo as well or in small groups. If you're socially adapt you'll be accepted and could hike alone with them for a while.
Most important factor in joining groups/couples:
Do not be a burden, you must be in the top 50% of the hikers in terms of speed and endurance (compared to the rest of the group), better yet be the best or second best.
Give them space, sometimes hiking alone 0.5-1 km ahead or behind the rest to give them privacy. Sometimes even going half a day to a day ahead by starting early is good).
Be able to go solo if needed, or you want to do so. I'm always prepared to go solo, but usually I find others or join a group within days of starting out.
If you are looking to join others, it's a good thing to have something extra to bring to the group, for example, I'm more experienced than most at setting pace, navigating, choosing a shelter location.
Have experience in mountaineering, snow conditions in the mountains etc, so people naturally feel safer to have me along.
But you can provide through item you're carrying as well, some good whiskey, stores of chocolate, professional camera or a go-pro could be the thing.
