Making Friends on the Go: Solo Travel Tips for Meeting People

11 November 2025

Traveling solo can be one of the most liberating experiences you ever treat yourself to. No compromises, no scheduling conflicts, and no one to veto your decision to have gelato for breakfast. But let’s be honest—sometimes you just crave a little human connection. Whether it's laughing over local street food or diving into deep conversations on a mountaintop, making friends while solo traveling adds flavor and richness to your journey.

So, how do you meet people when you're flying solo? Good news: You don’t need to be an extrovert, and you definitely don't need to be a social butterfly. You just need a dash of openness, a sprinkle of curiosity, and a few tried-and-true strategies that help you spark connections wherever you go.

Let’s dive in.

Why Meeting People During Solo Travel is So Rewarding

Solo travel is all about freedom, but human connection? That’s the secret sauce. Making friends on the road helps you:

- Share experiences and stories
- Learn the culture from a local or different perspective
- Feel safer in unfamiliar places
- Create lasting global friendships

And here’s the truth—some of the most meaningful friendships start with a simple “Where are you from?” at a hostel breakfast table.

1. Stay in Social Accommodations

Hostels, Guesthouses, and Couchsurfing — these are your best bets if you want to meet fellow travelers. Hostels in particular are built for socializing. From common kitchens to group tours and pub crawls, they create the perfect environment for connection.

Worried about your privacy? Many hostels now offer private rooms with access to shared spaces. So it’s like having your cake and eating it too.

> Pro Tip: Look for hostels with communal dinners or events—this makes it easier to break the ice without forcing awkward small talk.

2. Say Yes More Often

When you're solo, every “yes” is a key to a potential adventure. Did someone at your hostel invite you to hike at sunrise? Go. Is there a cooking class starting in 10 minutes? Sign up. That awkward first step is often where the magic happens.

Remember, people who travel solo are also looking to connect. You’re not the odd one out—you’re part of a global tribe of wanderers.

> Not sure how to start? Try questions like:
> - “Where are you headed next?”
> - “Have you been on this tour before?”
> - “Mind if I join this game?”

3. Use Technology to Your Advantage

Let’s hear it for the introverts and the planners—tech is your silent wingman. There are tons of apps and platforms designed for travelers to meet and mingle:

- Backpackr – Connects you with people traveling to the same places.
- Tinder or Bumble BFF – Not just for dating, you can use them to make genuine friendships.
- Meetup.com – Find local events, language exchanges, or hiking groups.
- Facebook Groups – Search for groups like “Solo Female Travelers” or “Travel Buddies.”

> These tools aren’t just for finding people—they’re for finding your people.

4. Join Local Tours or Workshops

Group activities naturally create bonding moments. Whether it's a bike tour through Berlin, a sushi-making class in Tokyo, or a yoga retreat in Bali, shared experiences bring strangers together faster than small talk ever could.

You don’t have to sign up for a week-long retreat (unless you want to). Even a few hours spent getting lost in a city together can lead to friendships.

> Bonus: These activities also help you avoid the “tourist bubble” and connect with locals who are proud to share their culture.

5. Volunteer While Traveling

Want to make friends and make a difference? Volunteering turns your trip into something deeper than sightseeing.

Platforms like Workaway, WWOOF, and Helpx let you exchange your time for accommodation, meals, and a chance to bond with both locals and travelers.

Imagine working with others on an organic farm in Portugal or teaching English in a small village—nothing builds friendships faster than shared sweat and shared laughs.

6. Learn a Few Local Phrases

You don’t need to be fluent—but just throwing out a “hello” or “thank you” in the local language can go a long way. It shows respect, and more often than not, people will smile, laugh, correct you, and boom—you’ve broken the ice.

> Tip: Carry a small phrasebook or use Google Translate to help you on the fly.

7. Be Open, But Stay Safe

Yes, solo travel is about saying “yes,” but it’s also about trusting your gut.

Not every friendly face has your best interests in mind. If someone’s vibe feels off, don’t be afraid to walk away. Let someone know where you’re going, keep your valuables secure, and don’t overshare personal details too quickly.

It’s all about finding the sweet spot between courageous and cautious.

8. Hang Out in Social Spaces

You don’t always need a plan. Sometimes just showing up is enough.

- Cafés with communal tables
- Co-working spaces
- Parks and city squares
- Rooftop bars or beach clubs

Linger. Smile. Make eye contact. Strike up a conversation if it feels right. Often the most authentic moments happen when you’re not even trying that hard.

9. Attend Festivals and Events

Music festivals, local holidays, film screenings—you name it. These kinds of events naturally bring people together who share similar interests. Whether you're dancing at La Tomatina in Spain or enjoying a quiet poetry reading in Melbourne, you’re already part of a crowd with something in common.

Look up what's happening during your visit. You might just stumble upon the memory of a lifetime—and some friends to remember it with.

10. Travel Slow

If you're constantly hopping from place to place, it's harder to form deeper connections. Stay a little longer, get to know the barista’s name, become a regular at a local market. People remember faces that stick around.

Traveling slow doesn’t just help you make friends—it helps you feel like you live in the moment instead of just passing through.

11. Be Yourself (Cheesy, But True)

You don’t have to impress anyone with your travel resume. You also don’t have to be “on” all the time. Be curious, be kind, and be real.

Sometimes a simple conversation about snacks in a supermarket leads to dinner invites, road trips, or even lifelong friendships. People are drawn to authenticity.

No need to try too hard. You’re enough, just as you are.

12. Don’t Be Afraid to Make the First Move

Some of us fear rejection more than sleeping in an airport. But here’s the thing: most people are thrilled when someone else breaks the ice. They're probably wishing they had your courage.

Be the one who says, “Hey, mind if I join you?” Nine times out of ten, the answer will be a warm, welcoming “Of course!”

The worst that could happen? An awkward moment.
The best? A story-worthy connection.

Real Stories from Real Travelers

Take Sarah, who met her best friend on a group hike in Patagonia. Or Jamal, who found his business partner at a co-working space in Chiang Mai. Or Leah, who was invited to a stranger’s wedding in Greece after bonding over sunscreen.

These aren’t just happy accidents. They’re the result of saying “yes,” showing up, and staying open.

Final Thought: Friendship is a Two-Way Journey

You’re not just collecting friendships like stamps in a passport. You’re leaving pieces of yourself behind, too. Every smile, every story, every moment of shared laughter adds color to someone else’s travel story as well.

So go ahead. Travel solo. Be bold. But remember, you’re never really alone out there—not if you know how to connect.

Now pack your bags… and your smile. The world’s waiting.