Ultimate Guide: How to Meet People While Traveling (Solo Travelers)

Traveling alone is, without a doubt, one of the most enriching and transformative experiences anyone can have. It forces you to step out of your comfort zone, make decisions for yourself, and get to know facets of yourself you never knew existed. However, a persistent myth remains: that traveling solo means being alone. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, most solo travelers agree that they meet many more people when traveling without company than when traveling in a group.

If you are wondering how to meet people while traveling (solo travelers) without feeling awkward or forced, you have come to the right place. In this guide, we will explore proven tactics, from using technology to the mindset shift necessary to connect with other travelers and locals in any corner of the planet.

The mindset shift: Be accessible

Before diving into specific tactics, we must talk about attitude. If you walk around with headphones on and your eyes fixed on your phone, you are sending a clear signal to the world: “Do not disturb me.”

To learn how to meet people while traveling as a solo traveler, the first step is to project openness. The “light smile” technique and maintaining an open body posture invite others to approach. Remember that, just like you, there are hundreds of people in the same situation, looking for human connection in an unfamiliar environment.

Expert Tip: Don’t wait for others to take the first step. A simple question about the menu, the weather, or a local recommendation is the perfect icebreaker. Most travelers are eager to start a conversation.

Accommodation as a social epicenter

Where you sleep is the most important determining factor in your social life during the trip. Not all accommodations are equal when it comes to socializing.

Choose hostels (even if you prefer a private room)

Hostels are, par excellence, the best place to meet people. If you are no longer in the stage of sharing a room with 10 people, don’t worry. Many modern hostels or “boutique hostels” offer high-quality private rooms while maintaining the common areas (kitchen, bar, lounges) that facilitate meeting others.

Tip: When choosing a hostel, look for keywords in reviews like “social,” “atmosphere,” “activities,” or “bar.” Avoid those that travelers describe as “quiet” or “ideal for couples” if your goal is to socialize.

Make use of common areas

The shared kitchen is the “LinkedIn” of travelers. Making a coffee or cooking something simple is the ideal excuse to ask someone where they are from or how long they have been in the city. Hostel bars are also hotspots, especially during “happy hour.”

Technology on your side: Apps for connecting

In 2025, technology has made knowing how to meet people while traveling (solo travelers) easier than ever. There are apps specifically designed for this:

1. Bumble BFF: It’s not just for dating. Its “BFF” mode is excellent for finding people in your area who are looking for friends.
2. Couchsurfing (Hangouts): Although the hosting aspect has changed, its “Hangouts” feature allows you to see who is nearby and wants to go for a coffee, visit a museum, or simply walk around.
3. Meetup: Ideal for finding groups with specific interests (photography, hiking, language exchange) in the city where you are.
4. Facebook Groups: Search for “Solo Travelers in [City Name]” or “Digital Nomads in…”. These groups are gold mines for impromptu events and group dinners.

Expert Tip: Join local WhatsApp groups that are often shared in hostel forums or Facebook groups. They are the fastest way to find out about last-minute plans.

Activities and tours: The ideal context

Sometimes, simply sitting in a place isn’t enough. Participating in a shared activity removes the pressure of the initial conversation because you already have something in common to talk about.

Free Walking Tours

They are the gateway to any city. Not only do you learn history, but you walk for two or three hours alongside other people who, just like you, have just arrived.

Tip: At the end of the tour, when the guide asks for tips, that is the key moment. Approach someone who seems to be traveling alone and say: “That tour made me hungry, do you know any place nearby for lunch or do you want to find one together?”

Cooking classes or cultural workshops

Learning to make pasta in Italy, sushi in Japan, or dancing salsa in Colombia puts you in a dynamic environment. Interaction is necessary for the activity, which breaks the ice naturally.

The rise of Coliving and Coworking spaces

If you are a digital nomad or work while traveling, coworking spaces are your best allies. Unlike cafes, where people are usually focused and isolated, coworkings foster community.

Colivings take this to the next level. They are accommodations designed for longer stays where you share a home with other professionals. They often organize dinners, weekend excursions, and networking sessions. It is probably the most organic way to make deep friends while traveling.

How to start conversations (Practical scripts)

Many solo travelers are held back by “not knowing what to say.” Here are some phrases that work 99% of the time without feeling forced:

• At the hostel: “Hi, do you know if the tap water is drinkable here?” (Logistical question).
• In a cafe: “Hi, I love your backpack/camera, how is it working out for you on this trip?” (Compliment + question).
• At a tourist site: “Do you mind taking a photo of me? I can take one for you afterward.” (The classic exchange).
• To a local: “I’ve tried the typical dishes, but what is your favorite place to eat that isn’t in the guides?”

Expert Tip: Listen more than you talk. People love to share their travel stories. If you show genuine interest, the connection will strengthen quickly.

Safety: Socializing intelligently

Learning how to meet people while traveling (solo travelers) also involves knowing how to set boundaries. Your safety comes first.

1. Trust your intuition: If someone gives you “bad vibes,” you have no obligation to keep talking to that person.
2. Do not share your exact location immediately: It’s okay to say which neighborhood you are staying in, but not the name of the hotel or room number until you fully trust someone.
3. Be careful with alcohol: In social settings, it’s easy to lower your guard. Always stay in control of your drink.
4. Inform someone outside: It’s always good for a friend or family member to know you’ve met up with new people.

Tip: If you meet someone from an app, always do it in a public and crowded place. Never agree to be picked up at your accommodation for the first meeting.

The importance of “third places”

In sociology, a “third place” is a social space distinct from the home (first place) and work (second place). In travel, these are plazas, local parks, laundromats, or even queues to enter an attraction.

Do not underestimate the power of these places. Sometimes, the most interesting conversation of your trip can arise while waiting for your clothes to dry in a neighborhood laundry.

Conclusion: The world is kinder than it seems

The biggest obstacle to meeting people while traveling is the fear of rejection. But the reality is that the travel community is one of the most welcoming in the world. Everyone is far from home, everyone is discovering something new, and most are looking for the same thing you are: a good story and a friendly smile.

Traveling solo is not an act of isolation; it is an act of courage that opens the doors to a global network of friendships. So, the next time you find yourself in an unfamiliar city, put away your phone, look up, and get ready to say “hello.” You never know if the person sitting next to you on the bus will end up being your adventure partner at your next destination.

Useful additional resources

• Couchsurfing: Platform to connect with locals and attend events worldwide.
• Hostelworld: The best site to read reviews about the social atmosphere of hostels before booking.
• Meetup: To find events and specific interest groups in any major city.
• TourRadar: If you prefer to join an organized group of solo travelers for part of your trip.