Solo Travel Tips: Meeting People and Making Friends Abroad
Traveling solo is one of the most liberating things I’ve ever done, but I’d be lying if I said it never gets lonely.
I’m an introvert by nature, always thriving in my own company over others’. But even then, there are times on the road when I crave connection—sometimes just someone to share dinner with, or to laugh about a missed bus.
The good news is, making friends while traveling solo is easier than it seems. Yes, even for an introvert.
I’ve come to see travel as more than just seeing new places. It’s become a way to slowly step out of my shell and challenge my social anxiety in small, manageable ways.
In this guide, I’ll share practical tips, strategies, and personal insights to help you meet fellow travelers and locals, so your solo trip can feel a little less lonely.
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Why making friends on solo trips matters
Part of what makes travel so unforgettable for me isn’t just the places I see; it’s also the people I meet along the way.
For starters, it’s nice to have someone to share the little moments with, be it a stunning sunset, a dubious-looking local snack, or just laughing at a confusing metro map together.
Friends on the road also help you see a place differently. Locals can show you hidden gems that guidebooks miss, while fellow travelers can introduce you to experiences you might not have tried alone.
And once in a while, the fleeting encounters blossom into friendships that last long after the trip ends.
1. Stay in social accommodations
The type of accommodation you choose can shape your entire social experience.
- Hostels
For solo travelers looking to meet people, hostels are still the gold standard.
They naturally encourage interaction, especially if you stay in dorms with common areas where guests can gather, cook, or relax together.
Many hostels also host social events, from movie nights to group dinners, which make it easier to strike up conversations.
Some even organize tours or group activities, giving you built-in opportunities to meet fellow travelers while exploring the local area.
- Guesthouses & boutique hotels
Boutique hotels and guesthouses are usually more private, but some can still be quite social.
This is especially true in countries popular with backpackers and independent travelers, like Thailand or Vietnam, where guests often gather in common areas or participate in optional group activities.
- Homestay experiences
Staying with local families or Airbnb hosts who organize cultural activities allows you to meet not just locals but other travelers who join the same experience.
- Co-living spaces
If you’re staying in one place for a while, consider a co-living space instead of renting a private apartment.
As the digital nomad lifestyle becomes more common, these spaces are popping up all over the world.
You’ll still have your own room and routine, but with shared areas that make it easier to meet people naturally.
2. Join group activities & tours
Sometimes, the easiest ways to meet people is simply to do things you already want to do on your trip.
But instead of doing them alone, consider doing them in group settings. :
- City walking tours
- Small-group day trips
- Cooking classes
- Adventure tours – hikes, cycling tours, river rafting
It’s easier to start a conversation with someone when you’re both chopping vegetables in a cooking class, or catching your breath halfway up a trail.
You’re no longer just two strangers trying to talk. You’re two people doing the same thing, at the same time.
And if the conversation doesn’t go anywhere? That’s okay too. At least you still got to enjoy the activity.
3. Use social apps and online platforms
Technology can make breaking the ice on the road a lot easier, even if you’re naturally introverted. I’ve found apps and online platforms to be super effective for connecting with people.
Some reliable options include:
- Couchsurfing – for meetups, hangouts, and free stays with locals.
- Meetup – for events centered around your interests, like hiking, photography, or language exchanges.
- Eatwith – join locals for home-cooked meals or food experiences.
- Online forums and Facebook groups – to connect with locals and other travelers, ask questions, host meetups, etc. My personal favorites are:
- Travel buddy apps – to find others in the same city who are exploring independently.
💡 Tip: Focus on events and experiences that genuinely interest you, not just tourist-oriented ones. Locals and like-minded travelers you meet this way usually offer the most authentic insight and memorable companionship.
4. Connect through shared interests
Making friends while traveling doesn’t mean it has to be about travel all the time. Beyond tours and sightseeing, you can also look for activities you’re genuinely interested in outside of travel, such as:
- Music: join a local concert, music festival, or busking session
- Sports & fitness: attend a yoga class or watch a football match
- Arts & crafts: join local workshops or exhibitions
- Languages: Attend language classes or language exchange meetups
- Volunteering: join short-term volunteering projects, e.g. beach cleanups
When your friendship starts with a shared interest, it often feels more meaningful and less forced.
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5. Be approachable and open
This is something I had to learn slowly.
I used to think making friends meant being talkative, funny, and confident all the time.
But that’s not really true. You don’t have to start conversations or crack jokes with everyone.
Most of the time, it’s just about being present and maybe slightly more open than you usually are. This can be as simple as a smile, a quick comment about the place you’re both in, or just asking for a recommendation.
It’s easier to make friends when you show curiosity and openness—connection often starts with a genuine question.
6. Keep in touch & build long-term connections
Meeting people on the road is only part of the experience. The real magic is in what happens after.
When I connect with someone, I usually exchange social media or contact details, even if we don’t end up talking all the time.
A lot of those connections stay quietly in the background — just liking each other’s stories and occasionally asking for tips on places they’ve visited.
But every now and then, I’ve met travelers again in completely different countries, visited them in their cities, or hosted them in mine.
It’s comforting to know that even brief encounters can turn into long, meaningful connections that stretch across places and time.
Staying safe while making friends on the road
As much as I believe in being open to people while traveling, I’ve also learned to trust my instincts.
Most travelers you meet are kind and genuine—but it’s still important to stay aware and protect yourself. A few things to keep in mind:
- Trust your gut. If something feels off, it’s okay to say no, to leave early, or to change your mind. You don’t owe anyone your time or attention.
- Meet in public places first. Cafés, common areas, and group settings are always safer than going somewhere private right away.
- Don’t share too much too quickly. You don’t need to tell people where you’re staying or your full travel plans immediately.
- Watch your drinks and belongings. Especially in social settings where it’s easy to get distracted.
- Let someone know your plan. Even a quick message to a trusted friend or family member helps.
Being cautious doesn’t mean closing yourself off. It just means you’re looking out for yourself while still allowing space for the right people to come into your journey.
Final thoughts
Having traveled both solo and with friends, I’ve noticed that it’s actually easier to make friends when I’m on my own.
When I’m in a group, I tend to stay within that circle. There’s less reason to reach out and less space for new people to come in. But when I’m solo, I’m more open by default. And so are the people around me.
The beauty of solo travel is that you get to choose.
You can spend the day completely on your own, doing exactly what you want. And when you feel like it, you can open yourself up to connection, whether that’s a quick conversation, a shared meal, or a spontaneous plan with someone you just met.
Solo travel is about keeping a balance between solitude and social interaction, and the best part is, you get to decide how that balance looks.
If you enjoyed this, you can explore the rest of my blog for more travel tips, real experiences, and stories from the road.
