7 Ways to Make Friends as a Solo Traveler
When I decided to go on my first solo trip back in 2018, I was terrified that I was going to feel sad and lonely the whole time. Even though I love my independence and doing things alone, the idea of traveling by myself to a foreign place was still really daunting.
But as counter-intuitive as this may sound, I’ve rarely been truly alone while traveling solo and have had my most fulfilling travel experiences while traveling solo. If you're willing to put yourself in situations with like-minded travelers and say yes to new opportunities, solo travel can lead to life-changing connections.
And while exercising your independence and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone is a crucial piece of solo travel, finding community and connection is just as important in my opinion, especially when traveling long-term.
So without further ado, here are my top 7 tried and tested tips for solo travelers to meet people and make friends anywhere in the world!
1. Stay in Shared Accommodations
This is hands down the #1 way I've made friends while traveling solo. Shared spaces like hostels, coliving spaces, and local home-stays facilitate bonding with like-minded travelers.
My favorite example was staying at Co.404 Coliving for 3 weeks in Oaxaca City, Mexico earlier this year. We celebrated birthdays together, went on day trips around the city, and had family dinners every Wednesday. It felt like home!
Most travelers are eager to meet new people and share experiences, so be open-minded and say yes to any events, activities, group dinners, etc. that come your way. Many shared lodgings organize community events and group tours to make socializing easy. Sign up for these! It’s also a great way to get insider tips from fellow travelers.
I find shared accommodations on sites like:
Coworksurf
Hostelworld
Outsite
Flatio
Google Maps
Travel blogs like Nomadic Matt and the Broke Backpacker
Make sure to read lodging reviews thoroughly, considering location, vibe, social scene, and amenities. Prioritize spots with communal areas. For more safety tips, check out my video linked here!
2. Leverage Social Media
Instagram and TikTok's algorithms can connect you with potential travel buddies AND give you crucial insight into the best solo travel destinations. Follow travelers who inspire you and save their posts in a folder for reference. You can even DM them with specific questions about destinations! Who knows – maybe you'll meet up IRL someday.
The algorithm may also introduce you to other travelers with a similar route that you could potentially meet up with. I’ve traveled with many individuals I initially connected with on social media, and it's always so much fun!
Another pro tip is to join Facebook groups for travelers and digital nomads in your next destination. You can post and/or comment in this groups asking for local recommendations, events, and meet-ups. Make sure to engage back by sharing your own experiences and tips!
Once you're settled in a new destination, ask fellow travelers if there are any WhatsApp and/or Slack groups to join. These are very common in digital nomad and backpacker hubs, and once you join, you will get all the inside scoop on what parties, classes, meet-ups, and activities are happening all over town!
3. Go on a Group Trip
If diving into solo travel feels intimidating, join an organized group trip to ease your way in slowly. You’ll have instant companions to share experiences with and bond over adventures.
Group travel options include:
Adventure tours with companies like Intrepid Travel
Cultural experiences through EF Ultimate Break
Digital nomad programs like Remote Year
Group trips hosted by travel creators like me! I’m actually leading a week-long adventure through Patagonia from February 28 to March 6, 2023 (you can book your spot here!)
I recently hosted a group trip to Bali and it was an awesome way for our group to make long-lasting friendships with other travel lovers. Leaning on others for companionship can ease your transition into solo travel, and group trips are a great way to find your people right away!
There are still spots available for my next group trip to Patagonia, Argentina! Sign up here.
4. Pursue Your Interests
Picture moving to a brand new city solo. How would you go about meeting people? Seek out activities related to your hobbies and passions, and you'll instantly be surrounded by people who enjoy some of the same things you do.
Some ideas are to take a weekly gym class, join a sports league, go to a salsa class, or sign up for a group Airbnb experience like a cooking class or scuba diving certification. These are great ways to organically get to know like-minded locals and travelers.
Don’t be afraid to exchange contact info and introduce yourself to fellow participants. As a solo traveler, most will be excited to welcome a new friend – I know I am!
5. Work from Coworking Spaces
Coworking spaces allow you to mix productivity with social interaction. If you're a digital nomad, you may already be seeking out coworking spaces as a way to hold yourself accountable and get all your work done, but many of these spaces organize events like happy hours, salsa dance nights, workshops, and more.
I highly recommend attending these gatherings to meet fellow remote workers and digital nomads in the area! Click here for my favorite coworking spaces around the world.
6. Slow down
I know it can be tempting to rush from destination to destination to see all of the things, but slowing down and immersing yourself in one area at a time can lead to deeper connections. One of the toughest parts about the backpacking culture is having to say goodbye after just a few days of knowing each other, but staying in coliving spaces and slowing down your itinerary will allow you to meet people, go on adventures together, and develop long-lasting friendships.
Another tip is to give yourself time and space to be spontaneous and say yes when travel serendipity strikes! You want to strike a balance between planning/ booking ahead and having room to make plans with new travel friends.
7. Embrace New Opportunities
As a formerly rigid planner, I learned to embrace unexpected travel invitations and experiences after a few months of this lifestyle. Going with the flow and saying yes to spontaneous adventures often leads to the most fulfilling moments! You can watch one of my favorite spontaneous adventures here.
Put yourself in social situations vs isolating alone – attend that cooking class, go to a cafe instead of working in your room, have lunch at a communal table. Be approachable and friendly to fellow travelers, and you'll be surprised at the opportunities that arise!
Being open-minded, optimistic and willing to say yes will enrich any solo traveler's adventure. Follow these tips to ensure you forge great connections on your next solo trip!
