6 Easy Ways to Make Friends While Traveling Solo

One of the greatest joys of solo travel is the chance to find yourself surrounded by new people, many of whom quickly become close friends. So, even if you start your journey alone, you’ll most likely end up with more friends than you had before you left. It’s one of the most amazing parts of solo travel! 

As amazing as this sounds, making friends while traveling does take some intention and a few tricks. I’ve come up with a list of ways I plan and travel to create the best opportunities for meeting people. Sometimes, of course, you’ll find yourself in places where meeting others feels a bit harder, and you might spend more time alone. That’s completely okay and part of the solo travel journey. It’s all about finding the balance between enjoying time alone and being open to meeting new people. Here are my top tips for making friends while solo traveling!

1. Stay in Hostels

Staying in hostels is, hands down, the best way and easiest way to make friends while solo traveling. If you’re looking for a social backpacking experience, not booking a hostel would be a missed opportunity. And if you’re not big on sharing a room or bathroom with strangers, there’s still an option for you: many hostels offer private rooms, so you can enjoy privacy but still be in a social environment.

Personally, I always go for a dorm room since it’s the easiest way to meet people. From the moment you walk into the dorm, you’re greeted by new faces who are usually eager to know where you’re from, your name, and where you’re traveling. Within minutes, you might already have someone to grab food with or plans for the next day! If you’re in a private room, you can still make friends; it just takes a different approach.

One of the best things about hostels is the common areas where travelers are often hanging out. Anytime you’re in the mood to meet people, just head to the common room, sit down, and start a conversation. Asking someone what they’re up to or where they’re from is enough to get things going. Often, I’ve found that I start chatting with people so quickly that we forget to even ask each other’s names!

Good hostels also arrange group activities like walking tours, pub crawls, family dinners, and excursions. Signing up for these is an easy way to join in on a group experience, where you’ll meet other solo travelers looking to make new friends. Whether it’s in the dorm room, the common area, on a pub crawl, or just hanging out, you’ll find plenty of like-minded people open to new conversations and connections.

2. Join Group Activities

Whether you’re staying at a hostel or hotel, joining group activities is a fantastic way to meet people. Look at booking sites like Viator, GetYourGuide, and Airbnb Experiences for group excursions or classes in the area. From a boat tour to a cooking class, a pottery-making session, or a walking tour, these experiences immediately connect you with other travelers.

Often, you’ll find that these group activities create friendships that extend beyond the event itself. After a cooking class, you might end up grabbing food with a few people or making plans to explore together the next day. Group activities are not only a fun way to see the area but also create memorable social interactions with people who, like you, are open to new friendships.

3. Find Cafes and Bars That Attract Travelers

Every major city has a few spots where travelers and expats gather, like an Irish pub, a cozy digital nomad cafe, or a trendy bar. These places have an atmosphere that attracts people from around the world and is prime for meeting others who are likely open to conversation.

Try to ask around or do a little research to find these social hotspots. When you’re feeling up for meeting people, head over, order a coffee or a beer, and start chatting with a group or a solo traveler. Just as in a hostel, it’s as simple as introducing yourself, asking about your travels, or sharing a fun story from your trip. It’s a natural way to meet people and have an enjoyable social interaction in a laid-back environment.

4. Talk to Locals

Don’t underestimate the connections you can make with locals. Whether it’s the receptionist at your accommodation, a waiter, or a shop owner, local people are often open to conversation and can offer unique insights into their area. Some of my most memorable travel moments have come from friendships with locals who introduced me to spots and experiences I wouldn’t have known about otherwise.

A casual chat with the bartender, asking about their favorite spots in town or recommendations for things to do, is super simple and might lead to a deeper conversation. If you meet the right person, they might offer you an insider’s view of the area—or even an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime. Locals know their city best, so don’t be shy about asking for their perspective!