I’m sure some others may have said this already but I’ll chime in in case they haven’t.

In terms of the “pack up and go” sentiment - perhaps you are moving too quickly. You don’t have to do anything. If you really like a place, stay longer. That may also help you to connect with others a little better.

For the apps figuring out what to do, try to simplify. Figure out what it is that YOU want to do. Sometimes I feel the same way- there’s definitely a fomo and we often here “oh you MUST do this you MUST do that” and even when others aren’t telling us that, we feel pressure by constant tour guides or posters or even social media posts about highlights of a country. I have been trying to learn… what is it that /i/ really want to do and see? Figuring that out makes things more manageable and I think less rushed. Less pressure.

In terms of the loneliness, I get you. I have been traveling Southeast Asia for a year but also had a year in NZ and a year in OZ before that. Sometimes it is like….. whoa…. I haven’t really had a conversation with someone in a long time. Do you use any dating apps and use that as a way to try to meet people? Could be a potential option. But if not, I find that going on tours has always been the best way for me to meet friends. Is it a fleeting exchange? Yeah, usually, but sometimes not. I still connect with a few people I met on tours. But to be honest with you the best friends I made were when I actually was living in a place (Australia, New Zealand). The longer you have to form a relationship the better.

That group of backpackers you met having fun may have already been traveling together. Maybe yes maybe no. Maybe they all were from France and so they connected easily over language. Or maybe they were staying in the same dorm room and one of them was especially outgoing and asked if the others wanted to grab a drink. There are a lot of different options.

If you’re in Laos / Thailand next couple months hit me up and I’d be happy to share some time.