How to make friends when travelling solo
Traveling solo is an exciting, freeing experience, but let’s be honest—it can also feel lonely. Meeting new people while traveling isn’t always easy, but the good news? Most solo travelers are in the same boat.
I used to worry about making friends on the road, but over time, I learned some foolproof ways to connect with others while traveling. Here are my top 5 solo travelling tips!
Be Prepared for Some Solo Time
Let’s start with the reality—you won’t always make friends instantly. And that’s okay!
• Bring a book, journal, or camera – These are great ways to pass time and help spark conversations.
• Embrace alone time – Some days, you’ll be your own best company, and that’s part of the journey.
• Have a game plan – Knowing that some solo moments are unavoidable makes them easier to handle.
Pro Tip: Enjoying your own company first makes social moments even better when they come!
Start Conversations (Yes, Even If You're Shy!)
The simplest way to make friends? Talk to people.
Hostels & bars are great friend-making hotspots.
Give a compliment! It’s an easy way to break the ice.
Ask questions – “Where are you from?” and “What’s been your favourite bar, museum, attraction, etc. so far?” are great openers.
Worried about rejection? The worst-case scenario? They’re not interested—and that’s fine! You’ll likely never see them again. Keep chatting with new people!
Choose the Right Social Spots
Where you stay and hang out plays a huge role in how easy it is to meet new people.
📍 Best places to meet fellow travellers:
• Hostels – Social atmosphere & common areas for easy conversations.
• Bars & social cafes – Laid-back, open environments perfect for chatting.
• Tours & activities – Group excursions can create instant connections.
• Museums & galleries – If you’re passionate about art, history, or culture, these are great places to meet like-minded people.
For me the Art History major, I’ve sparked a ton of conversations visiting museums, galleries, and other similar spaces. Find your ‘gallery’ – Whatever your passion is (hiking, photography, surfing), go where those people gather!
Represent Your Hometown
One of the easiest ways to spark a conversation? Show off where you’re from!
Wear a hometown t-shirt or hat – Someone might recognize it and start a chat.
Talk about your city – People love discussing places they’ve been or want to visit.
It’s a small world! I’ve met people from my hometown abroad just by overhearing conversations or spotting a familiar logo on a shirt.
Try an app
Similarly to the dating world, it can be hard to meet people. Whether you’re looking for a connection romantically or platonically while on the move, they do have apps for meeting new people.
Bumble is one where I’ve had success. They have the option to connect in their classic setting where you can look for a romantic relationship or their Bumble friends setting. This one can be a bit of a lengthier process but if you’re in an area for even a few days you can try it out to plan in-person activities.
Other apps like Meetup or even certain Facebook groups can be a great resource for planning get-togethers and making new friends.
Final thoughts
Travelling alone in your twenties can at first seem like a daunting task. I think most would understand that. But, it’s important to remember you’re not alone in that feeling and to be prepared for it. Not every day is going to be a party and that’s okay.
As long as you try your best to put yourself out there and be aware of where you’ll have the most successes, you’ll likely make at least a friend or two along the way. You can never go wrong with trying your best and being approachable.
If looking to take a different route and in-person encounters aren’t working out, there are lots of apps and groups you can join to meet people and make plans virtually.
Just know there may be some days when you may not be on top of the world surrounded by a crew and that’s okay. But, the lifelong friends you could make and the amazing memories will make up for that.