One of the primary reasons I hear why people, particularly women, are hesitant to travel on their own is the fear of being lonely. We must remember that there is a difference between being lonely and being alone. In this post, we’ll explore various ways on how meet people when travelling solo so that you don’t feel so alone.
Loneliness: sadness because one has no friends or company
Alone: having no one else present
I prefer to think that I am alone when I travel and not lonely. You might be surprised to learn that it is my preference to travel alone, as I find it much easier to meet people from around the world.
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Even if you are not an extrovert (like me), meeting people when travelling solo is much easier than you might think. If you are one of those people who are afraid of being lonely, you might be wondering…..
How to meet people when travelling solo
Table of contents
Choose Your Accommodation Wisely
If your goal is to meet other people when you are travelling solo, choosing the type of accommodation that is right for you is extremely important, so choose wisely.
Bunk at a Hostel
Staying at a hostel is the number one way to meet people whenever you are travelling alone. Many of the travelers will have the same interests as you do so this will provide you with people to hang out with, as well as to tour your destination with.
Book an Airbnb or B&B
If being too crowded and having not enough alone time is an issue, then consider booking an Airbnb. Many Airbnb’s have the host living right on site which provides you with instant companionship. This will not only provide you with a person to talk to, but it will also provide the opportunity to learn all of the off-the-beaten-path places to explore. If you are lucky and have an extremely friendly host, you may even meet some of his or her friends.
Stay at a Small Resort or Hotel
If a hostel or an Airbnb are for you, then stay at a small, intimate resort or hotel. The size and intimacy of the hotel will automatically bring you into closer contact with your fellow travelers, whether it be in the restaurant, at the bar, or at the pool.
Many resorts, even small ones, host get-togethers, offer different classes or sporting events. By getting involved in these activities, you will have found the perfect way to meet like-minded people.
I have found that unless I want to get lost in the masses of people, I stay away from the larger resorts. Besides, the service is always better at a smaller more intimate resort, hotel or inn and it is much easier to meet people when you’re travelling by yourself.
Book a Day Tour
If you feel uncomfortable venturing out on your own when travelling alone, or you simply want to be with other people, then booking a tour is the perfect way to see the sites as well as to meet other people which will provide you with company for the day. You will all be having the same experience so striking up a conversation will be easy. Just don’t be shy.
Climb Aboard Public Transportation
If you have ever been on a bus, you know that the majority of the time you will be in extremely close contact with other passengers. Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation. Ask about the places to see and the things to do. Locals are always excited to talk about their town to tourists. Just be cautious when travelling alone not to disclose any personal information.
Use Your Apps To Meet People
If you don’t feel comfortable personally chatting with somebody, use whatever app might be available to see who is out there to meet up with. I personally don’t use this method, as I am quite comfortable talking to strangers.
Meet the Bartender
While I don’t recommend over-indulging when travelling solo, having a drink at the bar is a great way to meet people. Most people travelling alone will sit at the bar so that they will at least have the bartender to talk to. This is also another great way to learn about all of the off the beaten path places to see and things to do.
Be Chatty Cathy
This is how I meet so many people whenever I travel solo (which is always). Don’t be afraid to talk to people. Most people are quite open and receptive and who knows, he or she may also be looking for a friend to hang out with.
“You never really travel alone. The world is full of friends waiting to get to know you”
Are you in need of the expertise of an experienced travel agent?
Kelly is a licensed travel agent and avid solo travelled located in Canada. She is passionate about ensuring her client’s have the best vacation possible.
When travelling solo, you will be surprised to learn that meeting people is much easier than when you are travelling with a companion. This is one time when talking to strangers is allowed and even encouraged. One of the greatest beauties of travelling solo is that you can meet as many or as few people as you want.
HAPPY TRAVELING 🙂
Travel Solo Like a Pro!
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PIN TO MAKE FRIENDS LATER!
Very helpful post. I do use hostels, Airbnb’s and my accommodation to meet other people while travelling. Although I have never tried using meetup apps. I have also made friends while going on a group tour. I love talking to the locals and getting insider tips about what to visit that many tourists would skip. Despite travelling solo for years I have never felt lonely.
I love travelling alone and I’ve never felt lonely ether
These are great ways to meet people. I know many people book a room in the hostel because it allows them to meet people in the lounge areas. In many B&B especially Air B&B, the host often doesn’t live on the same premises which is a bit let down. But there are other ways to get around this. I often start the conversation with shop owners enquiring about their city. It does lead to talking more than just the information you need. You just have to try.
You are right. I also strike up conversations with bartenders/wait staff. This is how you get the inside tips!
Absolutely 🙂
Great ideas for meeting people while traveling solo. I’m a bit of an introvert, but I’m fine with my own company. However, sometimes having a companion is more comfortable. I think I’d try the tour and a small hotel. Then at least you know you at least have similar interests going in.
I find that by staying at a small hotel, at least the staff get to know who you are (which also makes for better service)
Yes I do agree on your points. The stay plays quite a role while solo traveling. I have been to AirBnb and the hosts become a part of your traveling. They help you out a lot. Also Volunteer stays are also a mention, as you get to know the locals more.
oh i love the idea of volunteering abroad. I have never done that
These are some great suggestions, Kelly. Like you, I take pleasure in meeting other people whenever I travel–I think that’s half the fun! I’m not sure I’ve ever booked a tour solo, I think that is an excellent way to meet people. I will put that and your other ideas to good use next time I’m solo. Thanks!
I have found solo tours the best way to meet new people, and hopefully they are staying in the same area to meet up for drinks later!
Meeting people from around the world and different cultures is a great opportunity that travel gives. It is one of the benefits of travel whether you are solo or not. these are some really practical tips for ensuring you befriend people during your travels. We meet so many ordinary people with extraordinary stories during our travels.
It is what i love most about travel
I find it so much easier to meet people and strike up conversations when you’re traveling solo, than when you’re traveling in a couple. When you’re on your own you somehow seem more open to be approached, but in a couple, you can often get overlooked as people don’t want to interrupt.
exactly. And usually when travelling with others you are more focused on them
Being alone and lonely are absolutely two different things. I have been travelling solo for the last couple of years or so. It is different but I am excited about my life and have made many friends since. I’ve never stayed in a hostel though 🙂
I havent done the hostel thing either. Too old for that. I wish everybody realized being alone and being lonely aren’t the same thing. I’m always saying that
Great tips! I couldn’t agree more, it is so much easier to meet people while traveling solo because you don’t have your travel companion to talk to the whole time. I tend to meet people while waiting in line places.
Me too. Like in the security line at the airport. It never fails
Awesome ideas Kelly! I enjoy staying at an AirBnB with the host, they usually give me great tips. A few times I’ve been invited to have dinner or drinks with the host, it’s been nice to feel connected to someone when I’m alone. The hardest one for me is being chatty but I am working on it!
I have no problem with the chatty Cathy part lol. Staying at an airbnb is my fav. You save money on food and make friends and get the inside scoop
I love chatting with strangers, and more so, if they are on a same tour with me! Gives me confidence, and I feel safe because I know the person is not some random stranger, but someone just like me! It is a nice feeling though, to travel solo and make new friends.
I agree. I find it easiest meeting people on tours. For that period of time you ate sharing a common interest so there is tonnes to talk about
This is a really sweet article and I admire your courage and enthusiasm for traveling solo! You obviously don’t have any problems making friends, but this is fantastic advice for those of us who may hesitate to talk to a stranger. Travel can be so enriching, and one of the reasons is because of the fabulous people you meet!!
I agree, and i am known as chatty Cathy its so bad that when I travel with friends, her husband threatens to put duct tape on my mouth lol. I get talking to people at the airport and they’re with us for the balance of the trip.
This is super true and all great advice! Whether its someone you’re sitting next to on a train/plane or others on a tour you never know who you’ll meet. One of the best things about travelling solo 🙂
I agree. It is so easy meeting people when you are travelling alone. It’s what I like best.
I like these tips on meeting people when solo travelling. I’m such an inter overt so I prefer people approaching me before I engage with them. I will actually will some of this to help me.
That is one thing that I’ve learned during all of my years of solo travel, I never wait, I just approach whoever is around lol
The waterfall is stunning!
It was quite a hike to get to it, but well worth it!
Great advice you’ve given! I find the best way to meet people is to book a tour. I’ve met many friends this way.
I agree! When on tour, everybody has the same thing in common and people are very approachable
These are some great tips, especially for introverts. I’ve stayed in hostels and enjoyed the camaraderie. But I most like to stay at small local places because I want to interact with the people who live in a place. I just did a homestay in Mexico that was fabulous for that.
That must have been amazing! Did you get to eat authentic Mexican food and experience the culture?
Yes the host cooked authentic Yucatán food and taught me how to make some dishes. So fun.
Love the tips! When I traveled Bali solo I was definitely being a chatty Catty!
Haha. I am as well
Those are some great tips. Honestly earlier I used to be afraid of talking to people while travelling but anymore. Indeed, now feel when you talk you learn so much, you discover new things. And yes being chatty for that is the best thing.
Chatting with the locals is definitely the best way to find all of the off-the-beaten-track places to go, and it’s a great way to make new friends. It’s something everybody should learn how to do.
I love these tips, as an introvert I’ve never been very forthright at striking up conversations with strangers. Next time I find myself solo travelling I might pluck up the courage to sit at the bar alone – I don’t think I’ve ever done that before! I agree that day tours are always great as you have that shared experience in common with your fellow travellers which makes conversation easy.
I would have never thought of you being and introvert lol. I am not haha
Great tips for traveling solo, which is not something I do much. Actually, even on a solo road trip, I’m meeting someone on the other end. I think it would be fun to take a solo trip sometime though. I did it as a young person, but haven’t in years. I don’t love eating in restaurants alone though. How do you handle that? Generally I take a book or take my food to go. I love the idea of staying in a small hotel. It almost seems indulgent and upscale.
I’ve been travelling solo for over 10 years. Small hotels or Inns are my absolute favorite accommodations. As far as eating alone, I’ve come to really enjoy it. These are the things I do https://justonepassport.com/2019/09/10/10-tips-to-make-eating-alone-easier/
You made some great points here. I probably wouldn’t stay in a hostel but hadn’t thought about AirBnB so that’s a really good idea. Getting local knowledge is also a bonus of staying with locals.
I love getting to know the locals. Thats how you find the best restaurants and things to do.
These are great tips. I think a hostel and B&B allows you a lot more opportunities than all other options. I know many travelers who book a room in hostels instead of hotels because it allows the opportunity to connect people. What do you prefer among a hostel or B&B?
Between the 2, I prefer a BNB. I find they are a bit more private
This is one of the reasons I stay at AirBnBs when a host is there; I get to meet locals and have that connection. I’ve also joined a group on Facebook, Host A Sister, where women can meet up with other women on their travels, and even host one another! It’s been a great way to meet some amazing women.
I’m going to check that group out. I love meeting new people. If you ever come to Canada, you have a friend here!
Love these tips! I’m such a people person and love to have friends with me when I travel, but this gives me more confidence to make friends along the way!
I travel strictly solo but I am an extrovert so I never have a problem meeting people
I agree with your ideas. Most of the people I have met have been on day tours when I’m traveling solo. I’ve also met a lot of my travel friends at travel conferences.
Travel conferences would be the perfect place to meet like minded people
Those are great tips, it can be hard to talk to people if you’re solo travelling and shy but staying at hostel helps a lot!
I admit I’m a talker so I find it quite easy to meet people
I completely agree, we had good chats with people at B&Bs during breakfast. Especially with backpackers.
My preferred way is to ask people for their favorite restaurant that serves local cuisine and what their favorite dishes are.
Thats exactly what i do too. The rstaurants where the locals eat has the most authentic food as well
This is great way to get to know others!
Sure is! Its so easy
Great ideas and different ones than I have heard before!
I love these tips! Travelling solo can be very daunting and making friends is a very important part of the trip
Meeting people is the absolute best thing about travelling solo. I find that you are more apt to talk to people when travelling solo over travelling with others.
These are great tips, and it is important for travelers to remind each other to be friendly and introduce themselves! Sometimes when I am traveling alone I get too self conscious to join a conversation or make an introduction. A good skill to keep working on. Thanks for the encouragement!
I certainly don’t have that problem lol. I talk to anyone whether they want me to or not lol
I always chat with strangers at bars or the best place is at the restaurant bar! Where you can order food + drinks without feeling the weirdness of a whole table and get to sit next to potential friends!
I also find that a lot of the regulars sit at the bar and they are always so friendly.
I have saved a lot of money by staying in hostel bunks and met other travelers. As a solo traveler, i like meeting new friends so we can share the cost of the tour lol
I’m older and when I started travelling hostels weren’t a thing. I have honestly never had an opportunity since to stay at one.
You’re right to distinguish between alone and lonely – there’s a big difference. But even when you’re traveling as a couple and not alone, it’s difficult to meet people. Others just assume that you don’t want to be bothered because you’re a couple – like there’s some sort of cultural taboo to interrupting us. But the whole reason we like to travel is to meet other people from other cultures. Some of our most fantastic travel experiences have been an interaction with locals. So we still have to work hard and make an effort to meet people – I think it’s all down to body language and making sure that people can see you’re open to being interrupted.
You are right Jay. I have met tonnes of couple, but I’m a very social person lol. I always see how they react when I talk to them and go from there.
I love how solo travel makes it so much easier to meet people! Bartenders (and their regulars) always have the best tips on places to go and where to avoid. I always talk to people on the bus too! People are usually friendlier and more open to chat when they see you’re traveling on your own.
I agree 100% that’s one of the best things about solo travel
I love how solo travel makes it so much easier to meet people. Bartenders (and their regulars) always have the best tips on places to go and where to avoid. I always talk to people on the bus too! People are usually friendlier and more open to chat when they see you’re traveling on your own.
Love these tips! I’ve met some of the most amazing people in my life on solo trips, and the memories are absolutely endless!
Same. I always meet way more people when I’m solo (which is always lol)
I’m definitely team bartender! I love to make friends with the locals: waiters, taxi drivers, the hostel owners… I also attend a lot of cooking classes and food tours 🙂
Lol bartenders become best friends lol. I havent done a cooking class yet when travelling but I would love to do one.
For me it’s the best way to experience a culture: its food!
I completely agree!
Such great ideas! For sure the bar is useful!!
Always gotta love the bar lol.
Great tips! I always try to do a day trip early in the place I’m visiting instead of at the end. 1- meet new people to explore with later, 2- get tips from the tour guide at the minimum! I like the idea of going to the bar as well.
I also do the same, usually on the 1st full day there. A bar is always good lol
Great ideas! I’ve never travelled by myself for a long period but would definitely like to in the future!
Thank you. I’ve been traveling solo now for over 10 years and I now wouldn’t have it any other way.
Great post, I think going to a bar and having a drink and striking up conversation with strangers is the way I like to do it. I also find staying in hostels helps you to meet like minded travellers!!
I have never stayed in a hostel (I am a babyboomer lol and think I’m too old), but I know it’s great for the younger generation.
Great advice! Thanks for sharing. Greetings from London.
Thank you! Greetings from Canada 🙂