Traveling solo can be an exhilarating and transformative experience, offering freedom, self-discovery, and a chance to explore the world on your own terms. However, it can sometimes feel lonely, especially if you’re craving human connection. The good news? Making friends while traveling solo is easier than you might think!
Whether you’re introverted or extroverted, there are countless ways to meet like-minded travelers and locals. From hostels to social media groups, this guide will walk you through practical strategies to form meaningful connections and enhance your travel experiences.
Why Make Friends While Traveling?
Meeting new people while traveling has many benefits, including:
✔ Shared Experiences: Exploring new places with others can create unforgettable memories.
✔ Cultural Exchange: Meeting locals and fellow travelers exposes you to different perspectives and traditions.
✔ Safety & Support: Having travel companions can be comforting, especially in unfamiliar destinations.
✔ Lifelong Friendships: Many travelers form deep, lasting connections that continue beyond their journeys.
Now, let’s dive into the best ways to make friends while traveling solo.
1. Embrace Social Hubs: Where to Meet People While Traveling
If you want to meet new people, go where social interactions naturally happen!
Stay in Hostels
Hostels are designed for socializing and are one of the best places to meet fellow travelers.
🛏 Choose social hostels: Some hostels are known for their community-driven atmosphere, with game nights, group dinners, and bar crawls. Check reviews on platforms like Hostelworld to find the most social hostels.
🏠 Stay in dorm rooms: Sharing a room naturally leads to conversations with roommates.
📍 Hang out in common areas: Many hostels have lounges, rooftops, or bars where travelers gather to chat and unwind.
Join Group Tours & Activities
One of the easiest ways to meet like-minded people is by joining tours or organized activities.
🚶♂️ Walking Tours: Many cities offer free walking tours where you can explore local sights with other travelers. Check out GuruWalk or FreeTour.
🍳 Cooking Classes: Learn to make local dishes while bonding with fellow travelers over food.
🛶 Adventure Activities: Scuba diving, hiking tours, and surf camps attract adventure-seekers who love meeting new people.
Frequent Common Spaces
Even if you’re not staying in a hostel, social spaces like cafés, co-working spaces, and parks are great places to meet people.
☕ Cafés & Coffee Shops: If you see another solo traveler, don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation!
💻 Co-Working Spaces: Digital nomads and remote workers often meet and collaborate in co-working spaces like WeWork or Outsite.
🎭 Cultural Centers: Libraries, art galleries, and music venues can be excellent spots to meet locals and expats.
2. Be Open and Approachable: How to Start Conversations
The key to making friends while traveling solo is to put yourself out there.
Simple Ways to Signal Openness
✔ Smile & Make Eye Contact: This makes you seem more approachable and inviting.
✔ Wear Something Interesting: A unique backpack, travel patch, or book can be a conversation starter.
✔ Use Open Body Language: Avoid crossing your arms or looking at your phone too much.
How to Start Conversations with Fellow Travelers
- Ask about their travels: “Where have you been so far?”
- Offer a recommendation: “I just tried an amazing local dish—have you had it yet?”
- Share an experience: “That was such an awesome hike! What did you think?”
Be Spontaneous & Say Yes
If someone invites you to a group dinner, a day trip, or a night out, say yes! Even if it’s slightly out of your comfort zone, it could lead to incredible friendships.
3. Utilize Online Resources: Find Travel Buddies Before You Go
The internet makes it easier than ever to connect with fellow travelers and locals.
Join Travel Groups on Facebook
Facebook groups are fantastic for finding other travelers with similar plans. Some popular ones include:
- Backpacking Europe/Asia/South America groups
- Digital Nomad Communities (e.g., Digital Nomads Around the World)
- Solo Female Travelers (for women looking for safe travel connections)
Use Meetup Apps & Websites
📱 Meetup: Find local events based on your interests.
🌎 Nomad List: Connect with digital nomads in different cities.
🚀 Travello: Social network for travelers looking to meet up.
Try Couchsurfing (For More Than Just Accommodation)
Couchsurfing isn’t just for free stays—it also has hangout features where you can meet locals for coffee or sightseeing.
4. Engage with Locals: Make Meaningful Cultural Connections
Meeting locals can enrich your travel experience by giving you deeper insights into the culture.
Learn Basic Phrases
Even if you’re not fluent, knowing simple greetings in the local language can make a big difference:
- Hello, how are you?
- Thank you!
- Where is a good place to eat?
Visit Local Markets & Events
Shopping at farmers’ markets, flea markets, and street fairs allows you to interact with vendors and locals.
🎭 Attend Festivals & Cultural Events: Music festivals, parades, and religious celebrations are great ways to meet people in a lively atmosphere.
Ask for Recommendations
Locals love sharing their favorite spots! Ask a bartender, shop owner, or taxi driver where to eat or what to see.
5. Other Helpful Ways to Make Friends While Traveling
Volunteer Abroad
Giving back to local communities can help you form deep friendships with like-minded travelers. Check out:
🌍 Workaway: Volunteer in exchange for accommodation.
🐘 WWOOF: Work on organic farms worldwide.
Take a Class
Learning something new in a social setting is a natural way to make friends. Consider:
📖 Language Classes: Pick up some Spanish in Mexico or French in Paris.
🍣 Cooking Classes: Learn to make sushi in Japan or pasta in Italy.
🧘♀️ Yoga & Surf Retreats: Great for bonding over shared experiences.
6. The Right Mindset: Overcoming Shyness & Social Anxiety
Be Confident: Many travelers are also looking to make friends—you’re not alone!
Be Patient: Not every interaction will lead to a lasting friendship, and that’s okay.
Be Yourself: Authenticity attracts genuine connections.
Final Thoughts: Transforming Solo Travel into a Social Adventure
Making friends while traveling solo doesn’t have to be difficult. By staying open, putting yourself in social environments, and leveraging online resources, you can build incredible connections around the world.
Whether you’re bonding with fellow travelers in a hostel, meeting locals at a festival, or finding a travel buddy through an app, each friendship you make adds another layer of richness to your journey.
🌍 So go out, explore, and don’t be afraid to say hello—you never know where a simple conversation might lead!
