How to Make Friends While Traveling Solo

Alright, let’s be real: traveling solo is exhilarating, empowering, and… sometimes a little lonely. Don’t get me wrong—I absolutely love solo travel. There’s a freedom to it that you just don’t get when you’re with others. You can eat street food at 2 a.m., change your itinerary on a whim, and have the ultimate me time while basking in the magic of a new destination. But after a few days of epic selfies and quiet dinners for one, you might start craving some conversation that isn’t just between you and your travel journal.

That’s where the art of making friends while traveling solo comes in. And trust me, it’s an art—but an art anyone can master with a little finesse, some humor, and a healthy dose of curiosity. So, how do you go from solo adventurer to social butterfly without falling into the classic tourist traps? Well, that’s where I come in.

Whether you’re an introvert who’s used to scrolling Instagram in cafes or an extrovert looking for the next big group adventure, I’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll dive into some tried-and-true methods for connecting with fellow travelers and locals alike, all while keeping things fun, easygoing, and dare I say, hilarious?

Step One: Own Your Solo Status (No One’s Judging You!)

The first thing to remember when you’re on the road alone is this: no one is judging you for being solo. In fact, most solo travelers get it because they’re doing the same thing! If you look approachable (like, not glued to your phone in a dark corner), chances are someone else will strike up a conversation. Traveling alone doesn’t scream “loner”—it says “adventurer.”

People admire solo travelers. It’s like you’re wearing an invisible badge that says, “I’m brave enough to eat street food alone in a country where I don’t speak the language. What have you done today?” Own it.

Step Two: Join the Community—And I Mean, Literally

One of the best ways to make friends as a solo traveler is to dive right into the local or traveler community. And by that, I don’t mean wandering aimlessly hoping someone will come up to you. You’ll want to look into places like:

• Hostels: These are basically friend-making machines. Most hostels have common areas designed for socializing. I mean, they didn’t put that pool table there for decoration. Jump into a game or join a communal dinner. You’ll find most people are in the same boat—solo travelers looking to connect. Bonus tip: check out their organized events, like walking tours or pub crawls. You’ll make a bunch of friends by the second stop. Looking for budget-friendly stays and a chance to meet awesome fellow travelers? Book your hostel on Hostelworld.com and dive into your next adventure!
• Walking Tours: Local walking tours are a goldmine for meeting fellow travelers and locals alike. And hey, you’re all there because you love exploring, so you’ve already got a shared interest. Ready to explore like a local? Book your walking tour with GetYourGuide and uncover the hidden gems on foot!
• Meetups & Apps: Use apps like Meetup, Couchsurfing, or even Bumble BFF to find events or meet other solo travelers. It’s like Tinder but for friendships, and no awkward post-date texts. Couchsurfing meetups are particularly great because you get to hang out with locals and expats alike. Plus, you’ll have an instant crew for that off-the-beaten-path spot you’ve been dying to check out.

Step Three: Food—The Universal Language

Whether you’re a foodie or just someone who enjoys a good meal (who doesn’t?), food is one of the best conversation starters. You know what’s great about this? You don’t need to speak the language to connect over a meal.

• Join a Food Tour: Booking a food tour with a group means instant friends. You’ll bond over amazing local dishes while everyone tries to pronounce the names. Plus, your shared appreciation for discovering new flavors will be enough to keep the conversation going. By the end of the tour, you’ll likely have new buddies for dinner.
• Visit Local Markets: When in doubt, hit up a local food market. It’s an easy way to strike up conversations with vendors and other tourists. If you can get a local to tell you their favorite food stall, you’ve just made a friend and gotten insider knowledge.

Pro Tip: Check out Eatwith, a platform that lets you book dinners with locals around the world. It’s like Airbnb for food and is perfect for making friends.

Step Four: Be Curious (It’s Not Creepy)

Remember when you were a kid and asking questions was second nature? Channel that inner curious kid again. Ask people about their travels, where they’re from, and what brought them to this destination. Travelers love to talk about their trips, and everyone’s got a story to tell. Don’t be afraid to ask, “What’s been your favorite part of the trip so far?” Boom—conversation started, friends made.

Step Five: Be Comfortable With Rejection (It Happens)

Okay, not to be a Debbie Downer, but sometimes people just won’t click with you, and that’s totally fine. Don’t take it personally. You don’t have to be best friends with everyone you meet. It’s all about finding those few connections that will turn into travel buddies, lifelong friends, or maybe just someone to split that massive plate of tapas with. If you put yourself out there and get a cold response, move on. There’s a world full of travelers, and someone’s bound to click with your vibe.

Bonus: Sustainable Friendships = Sustainable Travel

Here at A Tiny Traveler, sustainability is a big deal for me. But that doesn’t just apply to eco-friendly flights or avoiding plastic straws. It also applies to your travel friendships! Here’s how:

• Support Local, Eco-Friendly Activities: When you and your new friends are planning your adventures, try to steer towards sustainable activities. Join a tour with an eco-conscious guide, visit locally-owned businesses, or rent bikes instead of cars. You’ll be bonding while also protecting the environment.
• Keep Your Footprint Light: If you’re exploring a new destination, make a pact with your travel buddies to reduce waste. Carry a reusable water bottle, avoid single-use plastics, and encourage each other to leave a minimal footprint.
• Eco-Friendly Flights and Transit: Now that you’re making friends, why not fly or take a train sustainably together? When you’re booking those flights or public transit rides, make sure to use CheapOair to snag the best eco-friendly travel deals out there.

The Golden Rule: Be Yourself

This sounds so cliché, but really, don’t try to be someone you’re not when you’re out there making friends on the road. Solo travel is an opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life, and the best way to do that is by being genuinely you. When you’re comfortable in your own skin, people will naturally be drawn to you.

Besides, the solo travel experience is transformative. The people you meet will likely come from different backgrounds, speak different languages, and have different life experiences. Embrace that diversity! It’s what makes travel friendships so rich and meaningful.

Say Yes More!

When you’re traveling solo, say yes more often. Say yes to dinner invites, random chats, or spontaneous day trips. You never know where those connections will take you. And don’t forget—while you’re saying yes to new experiences, you can also say yes to supporting local businesses, staying eco-friendly, and using A Tiny Traveler’s nifty affiliate links to book your next sustainable adventure!

Happy solo traveling, and remember: the best travel stories often start with a friendly conversation.