How to Meet People while Solo Traveling (6 Best Tips)
There’s a common misconception that solo traveling means being alone. Every time I’ve traveled solo, I’ve managed to meet great people. Here are my top tips for how you can make friends while solo traveling!
1. Stay in a Hostel
The tried and true way to meet other solo travelers and it works. Pretty much everyone you meet in a hostel is looking for someone to do an activity with, so it’s a great way to make friends while you’re traveling. I’ve found that it is easiest if you’re staying in a dorm room, but you can also meet people if you stay in a private room. Just chat up some people at breakfast or in the common room! If you don’t want to stay in a hostel, you can see if any nearby hostels offer activities like a walking tour or bar crawl and join in.
2. Join a walking tour or other group activity
Before I started staying in hostels, this was how I met the most people while solo traveling. I would book a walking tour or photoshoot and usually there was another solo traveler who I could befriend. I’ve had the most luck meeting other young, female solo travelers through tours marketed towards that demographic such as “Instagram” photo walks or photo shoots. My favorite website for booking tours is Airbnb Experiences, but there are other sites like Get Your Guide or you can even join a free walking tour if you want to save some money.
3. Join a solo traveler facebook group
I’ve had great luck with this option and there’s so many different ways you can use it. I’ve used it to meet people in my own city and to find travel friends. I got along so well with one person I met off of one of these groups that I’ve been on three trips with her in the past year. Just make sure to be safe if you decide to take a trip with someone and facetime before you meet or meet in a public place.
4. Use an app
There are so many apps out there directed towards travelers that it can be a great way to meet people. Couchsurfing is one option. It’s an app designed to connect travelers with hosts, but it also offers a public meetup function. I’ve never tried it personally, but know people who have had great experiences with it. Meetup is another app where people post public meetups that you can join. Additionally, Bumble BFF can be a great option. The popular dating app Bumble has a section where you can match with friends instead of dates. I’ve used this locally and it’s a great way to meet people, and I’ve heard of people using it for travel too!
5. Offer to take a picture
At popular tourist attractions, you’ll often find other solo travelers looking for pictures. Ask for your picture to be taken, offer to take someone else’s picture, or just strike up a conversation! I’ve had great conversations come from this and have gotten some great pictures out of it too!
6. Strike up conversation
And finally, don’t be afraid to just talk to people! Wherever you are, chances are there are other solo travelers looking for friendship. Several times while eating alone at a restaurant or getting tea at a cafe, I’ve found myself sitting next to another solo traveler. By asking about the dog they had with them or asking what food they ordered and if it was good, I’ve found myself immersed in conversation. If you enjoy the conversation, ask if they’re free to go visit a tourist attraction or get dinner later. The worst that can happen is that they say no and the best is that you’ve made a new friend or travel companion.
