Are you dreaming of traveling the world but have no one to go with? Making friends as a solo traveler can be daunting if you’ve never done it before. Luckily, it’s one of the easiest parts of traveling you don’t need to worry about it!
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For most people, the thought of traveling solo implies that they’ll be alone most of the time. This could not be further from the truth! Finding friends is one of the most effortless aspects of solo travel.
Especially if you are traveling to popular backpacking destinations where other solo travelers are also going to be. You’ll be surprised at how travelers attract each other and are keen to be friends.
If you’re a nervous first-time traveler, keep reading so you can rest assured about how simple it is to make friends as a solo traveler!
People Are Different When They Are Traveling
First things first! I have noticed time and time again that people are in a completely different mindset and mood when they are traveling.
Whether it’s because they are carefree and happy to be on a short “vacation/holiday” or because they feel more content and aligned as a long-term traveler, they are overall in a more sociable and relaxed spirit.
Both of these are the perfect combinations and often present the right situations to make friends naturally and easily. Especially because you already have this massive interest in common – exploring the world!
It truly is so easy that you end up making friends even when you’re not trying to. There are times when I’ve had to plan and go out of my way to have alone time because I was constantly around like-minded friends.
5 Ways to Look For & Make Friends as a Solo Traveler
1. Be Aware, Approachable, & Actively Look!
If your goal is to make friends while traveling then you need to be aware of the people around you and actively look! It also helps to look approachable. This can be as simple as making eye contact and smiling.
It’s helpful to be aware and observe the people around you. For example, if you see someone with a large backpack or suitcase then it’s safe to assume they are also backpackers.
Perhaps you notice a foreigner alone in a group of locals looking a bit lost. Approach them and strike up a conversation. Stepping out of your comfort zone is key to meeting new people while traveling.
This is especially important if you have a hobby or interest that you can relate to with someone. Maybe you’re an artist and see them painting, or a musician and see them playing an instrument, etc.
Real Life Example:
I am a solo traveler & climber which is not always ideal because I always need a belay partner. So one time in Greece, I noticed a group of people with climbing shoes and a rope on their backpacks so I instinctively beelined to them and asked if they were heading to the same climbing area I was heading to. Of course, it turned out they were so I spent all week climbing with them & became great friends!
2. Go on Group Tours/Trips
If you’re feeling lonely or have been traveling alone for a while joining a group tour is a great way to meet people. It can be anything from taking a cooking class to a walking tour or an adventure tour. The options are endless!
It’s an even better way to meet like-minded people. If you crave adventure perhaps you meet a similar friend doing a rafting tour or if you’re passionate about food and cooking, a cooking class is perfect for you.
Another option worth mentioning is group trips. These are becoming increasingly popular through social media. Travel creators that you follow and love are starting to host group trips where you can not only meet and travel with them but meet a bunch of strangers who are just like you!
While I haven’t traveled on a group trip yet, I have heard only amazing things about these experiences. It’s a wonderful option for people who have no one else to travel with but are not ready to go at it completely alone yet.
Real Life Example:
While traveling in Rio de Janeiro, I booked a helicopter tour and was pleasantly surprised to find two other Americans riding the helicopter with me. We shared a wonderful life experience and even rode an Uber back to the city together. Another time I also met two more Americans on a hot air balloon tour in Cappadocia, Türkiye. Group tours are a sure-fire way to make friends as a solo traveler!
3. Join Online Travel Groups/Apps
The internet has drastically changed and integrated the way people communicate and connect. It’s a wonderful resource to find like-minded people in any field, interest, or hobby. This is especially true for travelers all over the world.
It’s easier than ever to connect globally. Here are some online travel groups/options:
Facebook Groups
Facebook groups are a true GEM in the online world! There are reportedly over 10 million active Facebook groups. Chances are you’ll be able to find any specific niche you could want. Girls LOVE Travel is an awesome FB page with over 1 million women. Host A Sister is another FB group for women to connect and host other women from anywhere in the world.
MeetUp
MeetUp is also a great option to find people with similar interests and hobbies. This could be a good tool to find local travelers where you live at home. Who knows, maybe you can someday travel together.
Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing is an app and online platform where travelers can find people from all over the world who are willing to host them for free. Generally, it’s meant to be a cultural exchange between the two people. Just be careful who you choose to stay with because I’ve had and have heard of some bad experiences, especially with male hosts. BUT on the other hand, I’ve also had amazing experiences and met so many travelers. It’s best to approach with caution but don’t be deterred.
Dating Apps
Dating apps like Tinder or Bumble are not just for dating anymore. I think this is especially true for travelers. Whenever I use Tinder in different countries most of the foreigners are travelers looking to make friends.
These are just some options and ideas but truly the options are endless. There are so many apps and groups out there for travelers. After a quick Google search here are two more apps that pop up Tourlina and Backpackr.
Real Life Example:
I have joined several climber-specific Facebook groups around the world to meet and connect with climbers when I’m in a popular climbing destination like Tonsai in Thailand and Kalymnos in Greece. I have also made some friends that I met through Couchsurfing whom I continued traveling with for a few weeks.
4. Meet Friends of Your Friends
I always like to tell my friends and family about the places I’m traveling to. Partially to get tips and advice if they’ve visited but also to find out if they have any contacts in that country.
Perhaps they have visited before you and have local friends that they’ve made and can share with you. This way you know you can trust them because they come highly recommended. So don’t forget to ask your friends if they have any friends to share with you!
Real Life Example:
I recently visited Türkiye and posted about it on my Instagram story. A friend of mine happened to visit the exact small town I was already in so she connected me with a local friend she made. Specifically, because she thought we had so much in common (which we did!) but we ended up spending a great day together exploring the town. It’s always a different more special experience when a local can show you around!
5. Ask Strangers to Take Pictures of You
As a solo traveler, I usually use a tripod to get all of my photos but sometimes I’m in the mood to ask strangers to take my picture instead. This can be a good way to make a friend if the person you are asking is also alone!
It’s simple enough to keep an eye out for another traveler who is alone. Then you can team up and take pictures of each other. This is especially easy if you’re in a tourist attraction together.
Real Life Example:
One day I went to visit the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. This is a huge tourist attraction. As soon as I walked in, this solo female traveler asked me if I would take her picture. After just a few moments, we realized we were both solo traveling so decided to explore the mosque together and take each other’s pictures. This was a win-win situation for both of us and ended up in us becoming friends. It can be as easy as that!
5 Ways to Naturally Make Friends as a Solo Traveler (Without Really Looking For It)
1. HOSTELS! HOSTELS! And MORE HOSTELS!
Hostels are going to be the number one place to make friends as a solo traveler! If you’ve never stayed in one you might not realize how easy it is.
Hostels are coliving spaces, usually dorms. This is where travelers generally stay as it’s budget-friendly and a great way to meet other travelers.
Of course, every hostel differs from the next, but for the most part, they have organized events nightly in a common area for travelers to meet and mingle. Plus let’s be honest, if you’re sharing a room, you’ll become friends fast.
Real Life Example:
There are too many real-life examples to count! It would be easier to name the times I didn’t make friends at a hostel. However, recently while I was traveling in Sri Lanka, I made friends with two guys from Bahrain and a Filipino girl. We rented scooters and explored the surrounding area for days! I also met my ex-boyfriend while traveling in Thailand at a hostel. We went on to travel SE Asia together for months.
2. Meet People During Transit (Public Transportation)
It’s usually pretty easy to spot travelers because they look like foreigners compared to locals. This is especially true if you are frequently using public transportation.
There’s a chance you’re going to the same location. From my experience, if there is limited seating travelers are likely to gravitate toward each other because chances are they speak English and are also sightseeing.
It’s also possible and likely to meet people at the airport, train stations, or in transit in general. Most people are excited and more outgoing while at airports or on airplanes because they’re excited about getting to their destination.
This can be a great time to strike up a conversation about where they’re traveling to, where they’re coming from, or in general their travel plans.
Real Life Example:
I have met several people while traveling via buses and airplanes! Once I was on a delayed flight and had to rush to make my connecting flight. Of course, there were others in my same situation so we bonded over the fact that we were in a hurry and ran through the airport together. It made the situation more fun and less chaotic. I have also met people on buses on multiple occasions – both locals and travelers.
(Sri Lanka)
3. Volunteer! (Work Exchange Programs)
Volunteering through a work exchange program is a wonderful way to travel on a budget and for long periods while also getting a cultural experience. Not only are you likely to make friends with the local hosts but also with other volunteers who are working with you!
You will also automatically have something in common with the other volunteers which makes it easier to bond. Worldpackers is my preferred work exchange platform. You can find some wonderful volunteer opportunities all over the world.
It can be anything from working on permaculture projects to teaching kids in non-profit schools. You can help out on farms or eco-villages as well as work at a hostel. The options are endless and you’re likely to find something that matches your skillset perfectly.
You can get $10 off your Worldpackers membership right here or by using my promo code: VIANCA. Happy volunteering!
Real Life Example:
I have volunteered on multiple occasions and it’s always a fun and rewarding experience. I helped teach kids in India and bonded with the other volunteers. We would go sightseeing together and even take a longer trip to the Taj Mahal. I also volunteered in Sri Lanka at a hostel where I made so many friends and would do yoga every morning with a volunteer who was certified and taught the classes.
4. Popular Tourist Attractions
An easy way to make friends naturally is by just being at popular tourist attractions. You already know most everyone there is a traveler or vacationer. It’s much simpler to bond and talk with them based on the similar attraction you’re visiting.
Especially if you are both alone, it can be nice and mutually beneficial to team up and explore together. You can even offer to take pictures of each other which could be a good talking point.
Real Life Example:
When I was visiting the famous Lapa Stairs in Rio de Janeiro, I quickly made a friend because we both saw each other with our tripods trying to get pictures on our own of the beautiful steps! He was Ecuadorian and I also speak Spanish so we instantly bonded over having a similar culture.
5. Being Open, Kind, & Talkative
The ultimate key to making friends as a solo traveler is to put yourself out there and find any opportunity to start a conversation. You’ll start to see that the smallest similarity or interest can be just the catalyst to making a friend while traveling.
So don’t be too shy and try not to overthink the perfect topic to start talking to a stranger. I find that travelers are more keen to talking to people because they want to learn and experience as much as possible but also because perhaps, just like you, they are also traveling alone.
Be as open and warm as possible. Look at every situation and interaction as an opportunity to make friends. Whether you’re both standing in line for something, traveling on a train or bus together, or eating at a restaurant alone.
Real Life Situations & Tips:
I have made friends from all over the world by all sorts of happenstance. It teaches you that any stranger is just a friend you haven’t made yet. Here are some ways I’ve met other travelers.
- Ask to join someone you see eating alone at the same restaurant as you
- If you’re both waiting in line for something, ask them where they’re from & what they’re doing there
- Talk to the person next to you on the bus, especially if you’re going to the same destination
- If you see something you have in common with them, just go up to them and talk! It seems scary at first I know, but that’s how I met other climbers by seeing their equipment and sparking up a convo.
- If you’re enjoying the sunset somewhere, look around and make friends with the people around you!
- Make friends with the locals! They’ve got the inside scoop of a place. I’ve met a ton of people at local coffee shops.
- I love to visit climbing gyms and I met a group of people who then invited me on an outdoor climbing/camping trip that weekend. It was so much fun!
It might feel weird at first if you’re not used to it. I would hardly ever do these things to make friends when I’m in my hometown in Virginia. However, for some reason, when I’m out traveling the world, I’m a different person.
I’m looking to experience as much as possible and learn from everyone I come across. I believe this mentality makes it easier to find like-minded traveler friends.
I hope this blog post has reassured you of how easy it can be to make friends as a solo traveler. More importantly, I hope it made you worry less and gave you the boost of confidence you need to get out there and explore the world. I promise amazing things will happen once you do and the people you meet will change your life forever!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do solo Travellers make friends?
Some of the best ways to make friends as a solo traveler is by staying at hostels, volunteering with like-minded people, going on group tours, joining FB travel groups, and so much more!
The most important thing to remember is to have a positive mentality and be prepared to step out of your comfort zone. It truly is so easy to strike up a conversation with the person next to you no matter where you are. You just can’t let fear stop you!
How do I find other solo travelers?
Group trips, online travel groups, and travel apps are all great ways to find solo travelers. Apps like Couchsurfing or Worldpackers are great platforms to connect with other travelers and even coordinate trips together.
How do solo female travelers meet people?
FB groups like Girls Love Travel or Host A Sister are great tools for female solo travelers. Connecting with people on social media can be an efficient way to meet other female travelers.
Dating apps like Tinder or Bumble can also be useful for women to meet people. It’s not just for finding relationships anymore. Many travelers are looking to make friends through Tinder.
For more helpful posts on Solo Travel, you may also like:
- How to Overcome the Fear of Traveling Alone (Finally!)
- Travel vs Vacation: How to Know Which One is More You
- 15 Best International Travel Apps Every Solo Traveler Should Download
