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How Do I Meet People or Make Friends While Traveling Alone?
Hint: It’s easier than you think.
Traveling alone doesn’t mean you have to stay alone the whole time. In fact, solo travel can open up even more chances to meet people than when you’re traveling with a friend or partner, because you’re more approachable, more open, and more likely to say “why not?”
Whether you’re introverted, extroverted, or somewhere in between, there are plenty of low-pressure, authentic ways to connect with others on the road.
Here are 8 simple ways to meet people or make friends while traveling solo:
1. Join a Tour (Even Just for a Few Hours)
Day tours, food walks, bike rides, boat cruises, cooking classes, these are all goldmines for meeting fellow travelers. Everyone’s already in “friendly and curious” mode, and small groups make it easy to spark conversations naturally.
Pro tip: Look for small-group or locally led tours (like those on Tours by Locals, GetYourGuide, or Airbnb Experiences).
2. Stay in Social-Friendly Accommodations
You don’t have to book a hostel to be social (unless you want to!). Look for boutique hotels, co-living spaces, or VRBOs that host meetups or offer shared spaces like rooftop lounges or kitchens.
Search tip: Look for listings that mention “community events,” “group dinners,” or “great for solo travelers.”
3. Use Travel or Meetup Apps
Apps like:
- Backpackr
- Travello
- Meetup
- Facebook Groups like “Girls Love Travel” or “Solo Female Travelers”
…can connect you with others nearby who are also looking for connection or recommendations.
4. Take a Class or Workshop
Sign up for something hands-on, a cooking class, surf lesson, pottery studio, or dance class. It gives you a shared goal and something to talk about.
5. Hang at Local Cafés or Bars with Communal Seating
Not everywhere has long tables or friendly bartenders, but when they do, it’s a vibe. Sitting at the bar, chatting with the staff, or striking up a convo with someone next to you is often easier than you think.
6. Volunteer for a Day
Whether it’s helping out at a beach cleanup or animal shelter, volunteering while traveling is a meaningful way to meet people who care about the same things you do.
7. Go on a Group Adventure
Multi-day tours or group retreats (yoga, hiking, food tours) are great for forming temporary travel “families.” You don’t have to be best friends forever, but for a few days, you’ll have someone to laugh with, explore with, and maybe even stay in touch with long after.
8. Be the First to Say Hello
Sometimes the simplest tip is the hardest, but it works. Whether it’s another traveler looking at a map or someone ordering what looks like a delicious dish, a simple “Hey, are you traveling solo too?” can unlock an entire conversation.
In Summary…
You don’t need to be extroverted or lucky to meet great people while traveling solo, you just need to be open. Start small, follow your interests, and put yourself in places where connection is already in the air.
Sometimes the best part of solo travel isn’t where you go, but it can be who you meet along the way.
