Travelling alone can be one of the most liberating experiences a person can have. It gives you the chance to fully immerse yourself in a new environment, push your boundaries, and grow independently. However, traveling alone doesn’t have to mean loneliness. One of the best aspects of travel is the opportunity to meet new people, make friends, and build relationships that can last a lifetime.

In this article, we’ll explore various strategies to help you meet people and form meaningful connections when travelling alone. From staying in social housing to attending local events, these tips will ensure you never lack company, even when you’re alone.

Tips and Tricks on How to Make Friends and Connections When Travelling Solo

Let’s Quickly take a look at the best tips for How to Make Friends and Connections When Traveling Solo.

1. Stay in social accommodations

The type of accommodation you choose has a significant impact on your social experience while travelling. If you want to meet people, it’s important to stay in accommodations that foster conversation. Here are some options:

• Hostels: Hostels are renowned for being social hubs. Most hostels have common areas, shared kitchens, and dormitory-style rooms, all of which provide opportunities to meet fellow travellers. Many hostels also organize group activities such as walking tours, pub crawls, and game nights that encourage conversation. Even if you prefer your own space, choosing a hostel with private rooms gives you access to the social aspect without sacrificing privacy.

• Guesthouses and homestays: Staying with local families or in smaller guesthouses often leads to more intimate interactions with hosts and other guests. Many hosts are eager to share stories, and local traditions, and even introduce you to their friends or family.

• Couchsurfing: Couchsurfing isn’t just about free accommodations; it’s about meeting locals who are willing to open up their homes and share their lives with travellers. Hosts are often excited to show you around and introduce you to the hidden gems of their city.

Couchsurfing: Couchsurfing isn’t just about free accommodations; it’s about meeting locals who are willing to open up their homes and share their lives with travellers. Hosts are often excited to show you around and introduce you to the hidden gems of their city.

2. Participate in group excursions and activities

Participating in organized group activities is a great way to meet other travellers. These trips are often designed to bring people together, creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that makes conversation easier. Consider joining these group activities:

• Guided City Walks: Numerous cities host complimentary walking tours led by knowledgeable local guides, offering an engaging way to explore urban landmarks and learn about the area’s history. These tours attract travellers from all over the world, and by the end of the trip, you may find yourself chatting with fellow participants over coffee or a meal.

• Adventure activities: Whether it’s scuba diving, hiking, zip-lining, or taking a cooking class, group adventure activities are great icebreakers. The shared experience of exploring a destination or learning something new helps people connect naturally.

• Volunteering: Volunteering abroad is not only a rewarding experience but also an incredible way to meet people who share your values. Working together toward a common goal, whether it’s wildlife conservation, teaching or community development, provides the perfect opportunity to form deep connections with others.

3. Be open and friendly

When traveling alone, it’s important to remember that friendliness is universal. Your attitude and body language play a key role in whether people will approach you. Here’s how you can remain open and friendly:

• Smile and make eye contact: A simple smile can go a long way in breaking the ice. People are naturally drawn to warm, positive energy, so offering a friendly smile or greeting can invite conversation.

• Be open to small talk: Conversations often start with small talk, whether it’s commenting on the weather, asking for recommendations or complimenting someone’s outfit. Don’t shy away from these interactions; they can lead to meaningful relationships. • Sit in a common area: When you’re staying in social accommodations or going to a cafe, choose seats in a common area rather than secluded corners. Sitting in shared spaces like hostel lounges, co-working spaces or park benches can open up opportunities for informal conversation with fellow travellers or locals.

4. Use social apps for travellers

In the digital age, meeting new people while travelling has become even easier, thanks to several apps made specifically for travellers. Here are some popular ones:

• Couchsurfing Hangouts: Couchsurfing has a feature called “Hangouts,” where you can see if other travellers in your area are free to meet up. It’s a great way to find people who want to explore the city, grab a drink or attend events together.

• Meetup: Meetup is a global platform where people create and join groups focused on shared interests, from hiking to language exchange. Joining a local Meetup group in the city you’re visiting is a great way to meet locals and fellow travellers.

• Bumble BFF: Bumble isn’t just for dating – it also has a “BFF” mode, where you can connect with people looking to make friends. This app is ideal for meeting locals or travellers who want to explore.

• Facebook Groups: Many cities have Facebook groups specifically for travellers and ex-pats. Joining these groups can help you stay informed about local events, festivals, and meetups where you can connect with others.

5. Attend local events and festivals

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in a new culture and meet people is to attend local events, festivals, and festivals. These celebrations provide a unique opportunity to connect with locals who are proud to share their traditions and customs. Whether it’s a music festival, a food fair, or a religious ceremony, being a part of these events can lead to unforgettable experiences and friendships.

• Cultural festivals: Many cities around the world host cultural festivals that celebrate music, dance, food, and history. Attending these festivals is not only fun but a great way to meet both locals and travellers.

• Language exchanges: Many cities host language exchange programs, where people come together to practice speaking different languages. These meetups are perfect for travellers who want to improve their language skills while meeting new friends.

• Sports and fitness classes: If you like to stay active, attending local fitness classes, yoga sessions, or sports games can help you meet people who have similar interests as you. Many cities have free or low-cost classes in parks, community centres, or gyms.

6. Join group travel experiences

If you want to meet people while maintaining the independence of travelling alone, group travel experiences can offer the best of both worlds. Many tour companies cater to solo travellers who want to travel with a group but still want to maintain some flexibility.

• Group adventure tours: Companies like G Adventures or Intrepid Travel offer small group tours designed for solo travellers. These tours allow you to meet like-minded people while exploring exciting destinations together.

• Work exchange and co-living spaces: Some organizations offer solo travellers opportunities to work in exchange for meals and lodging. Programs like Workaway, WWOOF or co-living spaces for digital nomads create a community atmosphere, making it easier to build relationships.

7. Connect with locals

While it’s easy to meet other travellers, don’t miss the opportunity to connect with locals. Locals can give you a deeper understanding of the culture, history and traditions of the places you’re visiting. Here’s how you can connect with them:

• Learn the language: Learning the local language, even if it’s just a few phrases, shows respect for the culture and opens the door to new friendships. Many locals appreciate travellers who make an effort to speak their language.

• Ask for recommendations: Don’t hesitate to ask locals for advice on where to eat, what to see, or where to go out. Many locals are proud of their city and are happy to share insider tips with travellers.

• Visit local markets and cafes: Local markets and cafes are ideal places to meet people. Start a conversation with a vendor or ask someone sitting nearby for suggestions. These conversations often lead to unexpected friendships.

8. Be open to spontaneity

Some of the best travel experiences come from saying “yes” to spontaneous opportunities. Whether it’s joining a group of travellers you just met for dinner or accepting an invitation to a local’s family function, being open to spontaneous adventures can create lifelong connections.

• Be flexible with your plans: Although it’s great to create an itinerary, leaving room for flexibility allows you to take advantage of opportunities that come up unexpectedly. For example, you might meet a group of travellers visiting a nearby city, and joining them can lead to new friendships and experiences.

• Say yes to invitations: If someone you just met invites you to tour the city or attend a local event, don’t be afraid to say yes. Of course, use your discretion and trust your instincts, but often these spontaneous moments become unforgettable memories.

9. Attend retreats or workshops

Retreats and workshops focused on shared interests, like yoga, photography, or writing, are great ways to meet people while learning something new. These experiences attract individuals with similar passions, making it easier to form bonds.

• Yoga and wellness retreats: Wellness retreats offer a calm environment where you can meet like-minded people who are looking for balance and personal growth.

• Creative workshops: If you enjoy creative pursuits, attending a workshop on painting, photography, or writing in a new city can help you meet like-minded people

10. Keep in touch

Finally, once you’ve made connections on the road, don’t forget to keep in touch. Whether it’s exchanging social media profiles, phone numbers or emails, maintaining friendships with people you meet while travelling can lead to future adventures together.

• Social media: Follow each other on Instagram, Facebook or other social platforms to keep up with each other’s travels and lives.

• Plan future meet-ups: If you meet someone, plan future trips together. Many travellers meet up again in new cities or countries.

Conclusion

Making friends and connections while travelling solo can transform your journey from a solitary adventure to a rich, communal experience. Whether you’re staying in social accommodations, joining group activities, or attending local events, there are countless ways to meet new people and build meaningful relationships on the road. Being open, approachable, and embracing spontaneity will enhance your chances of forming connections with both fellow travellers and locals. Ultimately, the friendships and memories you create will not only enrich your travels but may also leave lasting impacts on your life long after the journey ends. Solo travel offers the freedom to explore new places on your terms while creating bonds that make the world feel a little smaller and a lot more connected.