How to Meet People While Traveling: 9 Effective Ways for Solo Travelers That Actually Work
Come here — I have a secret for you…solo travel is only as solo as you’d like it to be.
While the term solo trip might imply being alone, it actually opens up more opportunities to connect with others than you might experience when traveling with friends or family.
This is because being on your own allows you to step out of your comfort zone and make new connections rather than rely on your existing travel buddies.
Gone are the days of “don’t talk to strangers.”
With technology being a big part of our daily lives — from finding jobs online to working remotely and even meeting your life partner online — we frequently interact with strangers.
As an ambivert, I’ve experienced both types of trips — ones where I made friends along the way, and others where I enjoyed my own company.
If you’re looking to make friends while traveling solo, there are plenty of ways to meet new people and build connections.
Below are some of the best ways on how to meet people while traveling, from my own personal experience as a solo female traveler.
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How to meet people while traveling
1. Stay in hostels
Hostels are hotspots for meeting other travelers.
Whether you opt for a shared dorm or a private room, you’ll still have access to common areas where people gather to socialize.
Many hostels also organize group activities such as walking tours or bar crawls, making it easy to meet people with shared interests.
In Montreal, for instance, I attended a stand-up comedy night at the hostel bar and met both locals and travelers.
Hostel Recommendation
If you find yourself in Lisbon, consider staying at Home Lisbon Hostel, where the “Mamma” of the hostel prepares family-style dinners for around 30 people daily, fostering a social atmosphere.
The hostel also offers small group tours to places like Sintra, passing other popular spots like Cascais on the way.
Learn more
If you book your hostel via Hostelworld, you get added to a groupchat with other guests of the hostel you will stay in, a few days before your trip.
Here, you can ask people to hang out or grab dinner together. It’s one of the many reasons I always use Hostelworld.
2. Visit Hotel Bars or Restaurants
If hostels aren’t your style, hotel bars and restaurants can be just as social.
These venues attract both locals and travelers, giving you a good mix of people to interact with.
Even if you’re staying in a hotel rather than a hostel, spending time in the shared spaces like lounges or dining areas can open doors to spontaneous conversations.
Attending any hotel events or activities can be great to meet people as well.
3. Join Free Local Tours
While strolling through a new city, you may come across free local tours, often organized by passionate locals or travel enthusiasts, or even at the hostel you’re staying at.
These tours usually attract a variety of solo travelers, making them an excellent place to meet new people.
For example, in Lisbon, I joined a free walking tour organized by Yes Hostel.
Not only did I get to see more of the city — I also made some Italian friends that I grabbed a bite with at an Italian restaurant right after!
4. Group Tours
Booking group tours through platforms like Viator or GetYourGuide is another great way to make connections.
Group tours are great for solo travelers because you’re already in a situation where people may be more open to interacting.
You’ll have plenty of opportunities to strike up conversations no matter what type of tour you opt for.
5. Use Facebook Groups
Facebook is home to countless travel-related groups, where you can post and ask if anyone is in the area for a meetup, such as Girl Gone International and Host a Sister, where female travelers can connect with other women around the world.
You could also join my new Facebook group to connect with like minded people!
6. Explore Travel Apps
Apps like Bumble BFF (for platonic friendships) or even dating apps (with your preferences clearly stated) can be useful tools for finding travel companions.
Additionally, there are niche apps specifically for making friends or finding travel buddies, such as Tourlina — designed specifically for solo travelers looking for travel companions, buddies or locals.
7. Leverage Existing Connections
Before leaving for your trip, ask friends and family if they know anyone living in your destination, or brainstorm an old acquaintance that might be in your destination.
Prior to going on trips, I often put my travel plans on my private Instagram story, so folks can reach out and let me know if they are in town so we can link up.
Meeting an old friend
Making new friends!
8. Participate in Volunteer Experiences
Volunteering while traveling can be deeply fulfilling and a great way to meet others.
Platforms like Worldpackers or Workaway offer opportunities for travelers to volunteer in exchange for food and accommodation.
Not only will you meet like-minded individuals, but you might also contribute to meaningful causes like eco villages, non-profit schools, disease prevention, and more.
Just be mindful of ethical volunteering, because in some cases, voluntourism can be exploitative!
9. Consider Coworking Spaces
If you’re working remotely while traveling, consider spending time at coworking spaces.
Many coworking spaces host social events or workshops where you can connect with other remote workers.
This is an excellent way to make friends while maintaining your life-work balance (yes, I said life first).
Tips for making friends while traveling
1. Be Approachable:
Don’t wait for people to talk to you—take the initiative.
Smile and use simple conversation starters like “Where are you traveling from?” or “How long have you been on the road?”
Invite people you chat with to grab a bite with you.
2. Put Down Your Phone:
Constantly looking at your phone may make you seem closed off.
Keep your phone away when you’re in social settings like hostel lounges or cafes so that others feel more comfortable approaching you.
3. Stay Open to Spontaneity:
One of the joys of solo travel is the freedom to go wherever the wind takes you.
Don’t over-plan your trip, as you might make friends along the way who invite you to explore new places together.
4. Be Conscious of Safety:
While making friends can enhance your travel experience, always prioritize your safety.
Trust your instincts and do your research on the best places to stay and socialize, as well as safety tips.
Solo traveling opens up opportunities to connect with more people from around the world, and making friends while solo traveling doesn’t have to be intimidating.
By following the strategies and tips laid out in this blog post, you should have a more clear understanding of how to make friends while solo traveling.
That being said, make sure you keep safety tips in mind, especially if you are a solo female traveler.
Whether through staying at hostels, joining group tours, or simply striking up a conversation, the world is full of friendly people waiting to meet you, so keep your mind open and enjoy the connections and memories you make along the way.
