Traveling alone is freeing you set your own schedule, follow your own whims, and dive deep into new experiences. But one question often nags solo travelers: “How do I meet people while traveling alone?”
The short answer: be proactive, open-minded, and creative. You don’t have to rely on luck to make connections. By choosing the right accommodations, joining activities, and putting yourself in social environments, meeting fellow travelers and locals becomes natural and rewarding.
In this guide, we’ll explore ways to meet people on your solo adventures, including the best accommodations, social activities, digital tools, safety tips, and insider advice for meaningful connections.
Choose the Right Accommodations
Where you stay has a massive impact on your social life as a solo traveler. Some lodging options make it easier to meet people than others.
Hostels: The classic choice for social solo travelers. Modern hostels often have communal kitchens, lounges, and bars where travelers gather to chat. Many hostels also organize events, pub crawls, and group tours.
Tip: Choose hostels with high social ratings. Reading reviews can reveal whether the hostel culture encourages mingling.
Boutique Hotels with Communal Spaces: Smaller hotels or guesthouses that offer shared lounges or breakfast tables create natural opportunities for conversation.
Airbnb / Shared Rentals: Some hosts welcome guests in shared apartments or communal houses. This can give a balance of privacy and social interaction.
Couchsurfing: Offers a more immersive experience, connecting you directly with local hosts. Many also organize group meetups, dinners, or activities.
Pro Tip: Even in a private hotel, choose a property with a bar, café, or lounge. You’ll increase your chances of meeting other travelers casually.
Join Group Activities and Tours
Participating in activities with others is one of the easiest ways to break the ice.
Walking Tours and City Tours: Free walking tours, guided city tours, or themed walks (food tours, historical tours) bring together travelers of all kinds. Joining a tour increases your chances of meeting like-minded people.
Classes and Workshops: Cooking classes, art workshops, or language lessons give you a natural conversation starter. Working together on a task helps connections form quickly.
Adventure Activities: Surf lessons, hiking groups, kayaking tours, or biking excursions often have group dynamics. Shared challenges create camaraderie.
Volunteer Programs: Short-term volunteer opportunities, like beach cleanups or community projects, attract socially minded travelers and locals.
Pro Tip: Ask the tour guide if travelers can join a small discussion or social activity afterward many guides know local cafés or hangouts where participants gather.
Leverage Technology and Social Platforms
Digital tools can make meeting new people less intimidating and more targeted.
Travel Apps: Platforms like Meetup, Backpackr, or Travello help you find travelers nearby with similar interests. You can filter by activity type, age group, or location.
Couchsurfing Events: Even if you’re not staying with a host, many cities have Couchsurfing social meetups or dinner gatherings.
Facebook Groups: Search for city-based expat, travel, or hobby groups. These often post casual meetups, events, or walking tours.
Pro Tip: Always verify meetups and events beforehand, especially if you’re in a new city. Trust your instincts and check reviews.
Engage Locally: Cafés, Bars, and Social Spots
Meeting people doesn’t always require apps or tours. Local spaces naturally encourage social interaction.
Cafés and Coffee Shops: Sit at communal tables or counters. Start small conversations with travelers or locals around you.
Markets and Community Events: Local markets, festivals, and street events are great for casual chats while you explore together.
Co-Working Spaces: If you’re a digital nomad, co-working hubs bring together locals and international travelers. Networking organically often leads to friendships.
Conclusion
Meeting people as a solo traveler isn’t about luck... It’s about creating opportunities. Choosing social accommodations, joining group activities, leveraging digital tools, and engaging in local social spots all increase your chances of forming meaningful connections.
Be open, approachable, and proactive, and remember that quality connections matter more than quantity. Even a few shared meals, tours, or conversations can make your trip unforgettable.
Solo travel is your adventure so making friends along the way adds depth, laughter, and memories that last long after you return home. Whether it’s fellow travelers from around the world or locals who show you hidden gems, connections transform a trip into a story worth sharing.