Traveling solo can be incredibly liberating and exciting, but it often comes with the challenge of meeting new people along the way. Whether you’re exploring new cities, little towns, or off-the-beaten-path destinations, connecting with fellow travelers and locals can make your trip more memorable, and a lot more fun. If you’re wondering how to meet people when traveling solo, here’s a detailed guide with practical strategies to help you make connections anywhere in the world. Sometimes as we get older, it gets harder to put yourself out there, I get it trust me, but if I can do it so can you!

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1. Stay in Social Accommodations

Where you stay plays a huge role in your ability to meet new people. Hostels, guesthouses, and shared Airbnb apartments are naturally more social environments which makes it easier to start conversations with other travelers. Many hostels have communal kitchens, lounges, or common areas where people get together to eat, relax, or plan activities together. This creates organic opportunities to strike up a conversation without feeling weird.

One of my favorite places I stayed was at a hostel in Tenerife, Spain which had family dinners every night and it was only $10. Each meal was a different type of food, Brazilian, Asian, Spanish, Italian and more. It was a lovely experience and an easy way to start talking to people. 

Traveling and need someplace to stay? Check out some options below.

Smaller guesthouses or co-living spaces also tend to attract travelers who want  to meet others. Choosing a private room in these settings might give you comfort, but spending time in shared spaces will increase your chances of connecting with new people. By staying in social accommodations, you’re setting yourself up for encounters that could turn into lasting friendships.

When I stay in hostels, I normally get a private room, or a room with fewer people, but I try to hang out in the lounge areas whenever possible. I try to stop back at the hostel after exploring a little before dinner time, it seems there are more people wandering in the hostel at that time and then who knows, you might make dinner plans with people.

I’ve heard people say, “I’m too old to stay in hostels” and I would completely disagree! I stay in hostels frequently, I have never felt out of place. I run into travelers from all over the world and all ages. There is usually someone my age in the hostel, but I also think the younger people I meet traveling don’t seem to care. I think I’m the one who cares too much what other people think.

2. Join Group Tours or Activities

Even if you love the freedom of traveling independently, group tours and organized activities are excellent ways to meet like-minded travelers. Walking tours, city tours, or food tours allow you to explore a destination while naturally interacting with others. When you share a common experience, conversation flows more easily.

Normally when I go on tours or day trips I use GetYourGuide. I highly recommend them. I’ve always had great guides and met amazing people. Very affordable as well.

Adventure based activities like hiking trips, snorkeling excursions, or cycling tours also attract people who are open to conversation and connection. These shared experiences can break the ice, making it easier to bond over challenges, laughs, and memorable moments. Joining a group activity is an effortless way for solo travelers to meet people while still enjoying the benefits of independent travel. GetYourGuide activities can also include transportation and tend to be smaller groups of 10-15 so it’s easier to meet people. It can be overwhelming for me in really large groups to be outgoing.

3. Use Social Apps for Travelers

These days, meeting people while traveling has never been easier with apps. Platforms like Meetup allow you to find events, workshops, or social gatherings in the city you’re visiting, giving you the chance to meet locals and fellow travelers in a structured, safe environment. Couchsurfing also organizes casual “hangouts” or group dinners in many cities, even if you aren’t staying with a host.

Other travel specific apps, such as Travello or Backpackr, help you locate nearby travelers with similar interests. These apps are particularly useful for solo travelers who want to connect with people spontaneously, attend events, or find travel buddies for short-term activities. Always remember to meet in public spaces and trust your instincts, but don’t be afraid to use technology to your advantage, it can open up amazing social opportunities.

4. Attend Local Events or Classes

Interacting with locals is one of the most rewarding ways to travel and it can naturally lead to meeting people. Participating in language exchanges is a great start. Even just practicing a few phrases with locals can spark conversation, and you might find others who are also learning or interested in connecting.

Local community events, festivals, or concerts offer a lively setting where socializing comes naturally. Art workshops, cooking classes, and dance lessons not only teach you something new but also create a shared experience that brings people together. These activities give you an organic way to interact with others without the pressure of forced small talk. Engaging in the local culture makes it easier to meet people while deepening your travel experience. I took a cooking class in Thailand and it was a great experience, amazing food,  and I met some really lovely people.

5. Eat at Social Spots

Food is a universal connector, and choosing the right dining spots can make it easier to meet others. Restaurants or cafes with communal tables provide a natural setting to strike up conversations with people sitting nearby. Sharing a table or commenting on a dish can be an icebreaker. On my first trip to Germany, I stopped for dinner while in Munich. The restaurant was full of communal tables making it an easy way to connect with people. They actually started up the conversation, making it less uncomfortable for me to engage and interact. 

Food tours are another great option because they combine sightseeing with social interaction. Who doesn’t like to talk about food on a tour! They are also a great way to explore the cultural side of a country. Normally guides are locals and have a lot of recommendations for places to go and things to see. Bars, rooftop lounges, and other social drinking spots are also ideal places to meet fellow travelers. There are always plenty of pub crawls and wine tastings you can join. Even sitting at a busy cafe and asking someone for a recommendation can lead to new connections. Food often becomes the perfect starting point for meaningful interactions.

6. Be Approachable and Open

Meeting people often depends as much on your mindset as on your location. A friendly attitude goes a long way when traveling solo. Smile, make eye contact, and be open to starting conversations, even something as simple as “Where are you from?” can turn into a long discussion.

Joining group conversations or striking up casual interactions in social settings can be intimidating at first, but many travelers are wanting to connect as well. Being approachable is not just about being social, it’s about creating opportunities for meaningful interactions wherever you go. I know it’s hard and not something many of us are comfortable with, but it has its rewards too.

7. Travel with Purpose

Sometimes, the best connections happen when you share a common interest or goal. Traveling with purpose, whether it’s volunteering abroad, attending a retreat, or joining a niche tour (photography, hiking, yoga), naturally attracts people with similar passions.

When you participate in activities you genuinely enjoy, you’re more likely to meet others who share your interests, making conversations flow easily. These types of experiences often result in deeper connections, as friendships are built around shared passions rather than just chance encounters. Traveling with intention not only enhances your experience but also increases your chances of forming meaningful relationships.

Final Thoughts

Solo travel doesn’t have to be lonely. By choosing social accommodations, participating in group activities, leveraging travel apps, attending local events, and keeping an open mindset, you can meet incredible people around the world. Every connection whether with a local, another traveler, or someone you share an experience with, adds depth to your journey.

Meeting people when traveling solo isn’t just about making friends, it’s about creating shared experiences, learning from others, and enriching your adventure in ways that will stay with you long after your trip ends.

Bonus Tips: Social Hacks for Solo Travelers

Connecting with people while traveling solo doesn’t have to be hard. Here are some social hacks to help you meet others naturally:

• Stay consistent in social spots: Returning to the same cafe, bar, or park for a few days makes you familiar to locals and other travelers, increasing opportunities for connections.
• Participate in recurring events: Weekly language exchanges, group tours, or hobby classes allow you to see the same people multiple times, making it easier to build friendships. 
• Use communal spaces strategically: Spend time in hostel lounges, shared kitchens, or coworking spaces. Hanging out in these areas increases the chances of spontaneous interactions.
• Join group activities early: Arrive early to tours, classes, or events so you can meet others before the activity starts. People are often more open to chatting at the beginning.
• Travel with purpose: Join retreats, workshops, volunteer programs, or niche tours. When everyone shares a common interest, friendships form naturally.
• Leverage travel apps wisely: Use platforms like Meetup, Travello, or Couchsurfing hangouts to find social opportunities, events, or group activities in the area.
• Be a regular in one spot for longer trips: Spending a few days in the same hostel, café, or park lets you slowly build familiarity with others rather than rushing to meet people at every new destination.

Pro Tip: Meeting people often comes from being present and consistent rather than forcing interactions. By using these social hacks, you increase your chances of making meaningful connections while traveling solo.

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