How to Meet People While Traveling Solo

Solo travel doesn’t have to mean being alone. In fact, social solo travel is one of the best ways to connect with new people from around the world. Whether you want to meet travellers abroad. Engage with locals, and there are plenty of ways to make friends. All this can be done while maintaining the independence of solo travel. Here’s how to build connections on the road through solo travel networking.

Quick Guide: How to Meet People While Traveling Solo

Stay in Social Accommodations:

Choose hostels, co-living spaces, or guesthouses for more interaction.
Use Couchsurfing for free stays and local connections.
Look for accommodations with social ratings on Hostelworld.

Join Group Tours and Activities:

Free walking tours attract solo travelers.
Food tours and adventure excursions foster natural bonding.
Opt for small-group tours for more personal connections.

Use Social Travel Apps:

Backpackr: Connects solo travelers.
Meetup: Find local events.
Bumble BFF: For making platonic friendships.
Couchsurfing Hangouts: Meet nearby travelers instantly.

Take a Class or Workshop:

Cooking, language, or dance classes offer built-in social experiences.
Yoga retreats are great for meeting like-minded travelers.

Hang Out in Social Spots:

Cafés with communal seating encourage conversations.
Rooftop bars, beach clubs, and coworking spaces are great for socializing.
Public markets and food halls are buzzing with locals and travelers.

Volunteer or Join a Work Exchange:

Use Workaway or WWOOF for long-term stays and connections.
Hostel work exchanges offer free accommodation and a social environment.
Teaching English abroad helps you bond with locals and fellow teachers.

Be Open & Start Conversations:

Ask for recommendations—it’s a great icebreaker.
Join group meals in hostels.
Be curious and approachable.
Carry a deck of cards or a small game—it’s a perfect icebreaker.

Travel by Train or Shared Transport:

Long-distance trains and scenic rail routes provide social opportunities.
Use rideshare apps like BlaBlaCar.
Group transport on tours encourages bonding.

Say Yes to Invitations (Safely):

Accept group outing invitations if they feel safe.
Meet in public spaces.
Trust your instincts and have an exit plan.

Stay Connected After Your Trip:
Exchange social media or WhatsApp details.
Plan future trips with travel friends.
Join global travel networks like Nomad List.

Pro Tip:

If you’re feeling shy, start by joining group activities—it’s an easy, low-pressure way to meet new people.

Important Tip:

Safety first—while being social is rewarding, always meet new people in public places and keep your belongings secure.

1. Stay in Social Accommodations

One of the easiest ways to meet travellers abroad is by choosing accommodation. The accommodation encourages social interaction.

Best Accommodation Options for Social Solo Travel:

Hostels – Many have communal lounges, bars, and organised events.
Co-Living Spaces – Perfect for digital nomads looking to connect.
Guesthouses & Homestays – Staying with a local family can create meaningful interactions.
Couchsurfing – Not only free, but also a great way to meet friendly locals.

Pro Tip:

Choose hostels with high ratings for social atmosphere on platforms like Hostelworld.

2. Join Group Tours and Activities

Participating in group experiences is a natural way to meet like-minded travellers.

Best Group Activities for Meeting People:

Free Walking Tours – Many cities offer these, attracting solo travellers.
Food Tours – A shared love of food can spark great conversations.
Adventure Excursions – Activities like scuba diving, hiking, or safaris create bonding experiences.
Day Trips – Organized tours to nearby attractions make it easy to connect with fellow travellers.

Pro Tip:

Look for small-group tours, which encourage more interaction than extensive bus tours.

3. Use Social Travel Apps and Online Communities

Technology makes it easier than ever to meet travellers abroad before or during your trip.

Best Apps & Websites for Solo Travel Networking:

Backpackr – Connects solo travellers heading to the same destination.
Meetup – Find local events and groups based on your interests.
Bumble BFF – Great for making platonic friendships on the go.
Facebook Travel Groups – Many cities and regions have dedicated travel communities.
Couchsurfing Hangouts – Connects travellers nearby for instant meetups.

Pro Tip:

Before your trip, join travel forums and Facebook groups to ask questions and arrange meetups in advance.

4. Take a Class or Workshop

Learning something new is a great way to meet locals and travellers with similar interests.

Best Classes for Social Solo Travel:

Cooking Classes – A fun way to bond over food and culture.
Language Classes – Great for long-term travellers wanting to integrate.
Dance or Music Lessons – From tango in Argentina to drumming in Ghana, these experiences create lasting friendships.
Yoga & Meditation Retreats – Perfect for connecting with like-minded people in a relaxed setting.

Pro Tip:

Many hostels and cultural centres offer short-term classes specifically for travellers.

5. Hang Out in Social Spots

Sometimes, being in the right place can lead to meeting new people.

Best Places to Meet People While Traveling Solo:

Cafés with Communal Seating – Great for striking up conversations.
Rooftop Bars & Beach Clubs – Ideal for socialising in a relaxed setting.
Coworking Spaces – Perfect for digital nomads looking to connect.
Public Markets & Food Halls – Often full of locals and fellow travellers.

Pro Tip:

Choose a lively neighbourhood or accommodation close to social hubs for better chances of meeting people.

6. Volunteer or Join a Work Exchange

Giving back to the community can introduce you to locals and travellers with shared values.

Best Volunteer & Work Exchange Programs:

Workaway & WWOOF – Exchange work for accommodation and meet travellers staying long-term.
Hostel Work Exchanges – Help out at a hostel in exchange for free accommodation and a built-in social group.
Teaching English Abroad – A great way to connect with locals and fellow teachers.
Conservation Projects – Whether it’s wildlife rescue or community building, these attract passionate and friendly travellers.

Pro Tip:

Longer-term volunteer projects often lead to deeper friendships, so consider staying in one place for a while.

7. Be Open & Start Conversations

Sometimes, the best way to meet travellers abroad is to simply put yourself out there.

Tips for Striking Up Conversations:

Ask for Recommendations – Whether it’s a local or another traveller, asking for tips on visiting places is an easy conversation starter.
Join Group Meals – If a hostel has communal dinners, take advantage of them.
Be Approachable – A smile and open body language go a long way.
Be Curious – Show genuine interest in other people’s stories and cultures.

Pro Tip:

Carry a deck of cards or a small game—these are fantastic icebreakers in hostels or on long bus rides.

8. Travel by Train or Shared Transport

Public transport isn’t just about getting from A to B—it’s also a great way to make friends.

Best Transport Options for Social Travel:

Long-Distance Trains – Night trains and scenic rail routes provide plenty of time to chat with fellow passengers.
Shared Taxis & Rideshares – Apps like BlaBlaCar connect travellers sharing rides.
Group Transport on Tours—If you’re travelling to places like Africa or South America, shared vans and buses are great social spaces.

Pro Tip:

Choose a seat near other travellers, and don’t be afraid to start a conversation!

9. Say Yes to Invitations (Within Reason!)

Being spontaneous and open to opportunities is key to social solo travel. Consider joining in if you get invited to an event or group outing!

Safe Ways to Accept Invitations:

If invited to a group activity, check reviews or ask hostel staff for advice.
Meet in public spaces for added security.
Trust your instincts—if something feels off, decline politely.

Pro Tip:

Always have a way to exit a situation if needed—keeping your transport or choosing accommodations with flexible stays.

10. Stay Connected After Your Trip

The friendships you make while travelling can last a lifetime, so keep in touch!

How to Stay in Contact:

Exchange social media or WhatsApp details.
Plan future trips together if your paths align.
Send postcards or small updates to maintain connections.

Pro Tip:

Join global travel networks like Nomad List or The Solo Female Traveler Network. They can help you reconnect with people you’ve met while travelling.

FAQs: How to Meet People While Traveling Solo

What are the best accommodations for meeting people while travelling solo?
Hostels, co-living spaces, and guesthouses are ideal for socialising. Couchsurfing also offers free stays with locals, making it easier to connect.
How can I use travel apps to meet new people?
Use apps like Backpackr to find solo travellers, Meetup for local events, and Bumble BFF for platonic friendships. Couchsurfing Hangouts also helps you connect with nearby travellers.
Are group tours good for solo travellers?
Yes, group tours are great for solo travellers. Free walking tours, food excursions, and adventure activities foster easy interactions and bonding experiences.
Is it safe to meet people while travelling alone?
Yes, but always prioritise safety. Meet in public spaces, trust your instincts, and avoid sharing too much personal information.
How can I stay connected with people I meet while travelling?
Exchange social media or WhatsApp details, plan future trips together, and join global travel networks like Nomad List to stay in touch.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Social Side of Solo Travel

Solo travel is a journey of freedom, not solitude. It’s about hand-picking your travel companions as you wander through new horizons. Choose vibrant social stays, dive into exciting activities, and tap into solo travel networking tools. These connections can lead to enduring friendships, turning strangers into companions and adventures into unforgettable memories.

Have you made unforgettable connections on the road? Share your experiences in the comments below!