Are you planning a solo trip but worried about feeling lonely? Don’t worry, I’ve been there! As someone who loves to travel solo, I know that meeting new people can be intimidating, but it’s also one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.

So, in this blog post, I’m excited to share with you my top tips for meeting people on your next solo trip. 

Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, these tips will help you connect with locals and fellow travelers, make new friends, and create unforgettable memories.

So, grab your backpack, and let’s dive in!

How To Meet People on a Solo Trip

Tip 1: Stay in a Hostel

Staying in a hostel is one of the best ways to meet people while traveling solo. Not only are hostels usually less expensive than hotels, but they also offer a social atmosphere that’s perfect for making new friends. 

I’ve had many positive experiences of connecting with fellow solo travelers at a hostel and then making plans to sightsee, grab a meal, or go to the beach together. 

Most hostels have communal areas like kitchens, lounges, and outdoor spaces where travelers can hang out and chat with each other. Many hostels also organize activities like pub crawls, movie nights, and city tours, which are great opportunities to meet other people on your trip. 

Plus, if you’re staying in a dorm room, you’ll be sharing a space with other people, making it easy to strike up a conversation and make new friends. 

Read more: 10 Important Safety Tips For Solo Female Travelers

Tip 2: Take a Group Tour

If you’re looking for a stress-free way to meet people while traveling solo, taking a group tour might be just what you need. 

Not only will you have a knowledgeable guide to show you around, but you’ll also be with a group of people who share your passion for travel. This makes it easy to start a conversation and make new friends. 

There are hundreds of group tours to choose from, and you can choose one that fits your interests, such as hiking, snorkeling, or sightseeing. 

There are a few ways you can go about a group tour. You can sign up for a group tour vacation (a full week of pre-planned group travel activities, for example) or book a one-day trip at your destination. There’s no right or wrong here. It just depends on what works best for you!

If you’re feeling anxious about accommodations or transportation, most trips booked through a tour operator have these details taken care of for you, allowing you to focus on having fun and making new connections. 

If you feel comfortable with the logistics yourself and just want a change of pace during your trip, a shorter day trip might be the perfect option to meet some new people.  

Tip 3: Attend a Local Event

Attending a local event is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local culture and meet new people while traveling solo. 

When I was traveling in Thailand, I stumbled upon a night market in Chiang Mai and decided to check it out. The market was packed with locals as well as tourists, and there were food stalls, crafts, and performances everywhere.

As I was browsing some artwork, a local artist struck up a conversation with me, asking me where I was from and what brought me to Thailand. We chatted for a while, and he even gave me some insider tips on where to find the best street food. It was such a pleasant surprise and made the evening so much more fun!

Attending events like this is a great way to connect with people who share your interests. Whether it’s a music festival, cultural celebration, or food market, attending events can be a fun and memorable way to make connections while traveling solo.

Tip 4: Use Meet-Up Apps like Travel Ladies 

It’s amazing how many doors have opened up with the advance of technology! Using social media and meet-up apps is an excellent way to connect with other travelers and meet new people while traveling solo. 

One app that I recently discovered and have really been enjoying is Travel Ladies. The app provides a safe space for women to travel alone and connect with other female travelers from around the world. 

One of my favorite features of the app is the ability to connect with local women as part of a cultural exchange – a great way to experience a new destination while also making new friends. Some people even offer couchsurfing opportunities if you really want to take a deep dive into local culture. 

All you have to do is post in the app and others can comment and the conversations will start from there. 

Through the app, you can also meet travelers near you, find travel buddies, share travel memories, and discuss travel plans with like-minded women. I definitely love the community-building aspect of the app. 

Read more: Being In A Relationship Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Travel Solo

Tip 5: Volunteer

Volunteering while traveling is a fulfilling and meaningful way to meet new people and make a positive impact in the local community you are visiting. 

I once volunteered in Peru on a community project, and it was an incredible experience. The project involved building a playground for a local school, and we worked alongside the community members to set everything up.

Not only did I learn new skills and immerse myself in the local culture, but I also made some lifelong friends in the process. 

Whether it’s teaching English, working on a conservation project, or helping out in a local community, volunteering provides a unique opportunity to meet new people while giving back to the world. 

So, if you’re looking to make a positive impact and make some new friends while traveling solo, definitely consider volunteering on your next trip!

Read more: Traveling Solo: 7 Important Things I’ve Learned

Tip 6: Join a Meetup Group

Joining a meetup group is an excellent way to make new connections while traveling solo. These groups usually bring people together who share similar interests, from hiking and photography to language exchange and book clubs. 

The benefits of joining a meetup group are numerous: you can make new friends, learn new skills, explore new places, and have a fun and social experience. 

Apps like Travel Ladies are great for this purpose, but you can also check out Facebook or Meetup.com, which has thousands of groups like this. 

On Facebook, you can search for meetup groups by simply typing in keywords related to your interests in the Facebook search bar and filtering the results to “groups.” 

You can also browse the “events” tab on Facebook and see if there are any upcoming events or gatherings that align with your interests. 

Another option is to join Facebook groups dedicated to travel or specific destinations. These groups can provide valuable insights into local events and meetups and connect you with other travelers or locals who share your passion for exploring new places. 

Once you’ve found a group that interests you, introduce yourself and attend one of their events. 

Remember, everyone in the group is there to meet new people, so don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation and make some new friends. Joining a meetup group can be a fantastic way to enrich your solo travel experience and make connections that can last a lifetime.

Tip 7: Be Open and Friendly

Finally, simply having an open and friendly attitude can go a long way when it comes to meeting new people on the road. 

When I first started traveling alone, I was nervous about meeting new people and striking up conversations. But as I traveled more, I realized that being approachable and kind can make all the difference. I’ve met some amazing people on the road, simply by saying hello!

To start a conversation, I usually try to find common ground with the people I meet. I ask them about their travels, their hometown, or their favorite hobbies. The most important thing is to be genuinely interested in their answers and show that you value their perspective. 

Remember to be respectful of cultural differences and social norms, and always be mindful of personal boundaries. 

Traveling solo can be both exciting and intimidating, but with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to meeting new people and having an unforgettable trip. 

With a positive attitude and a willingness to connect with others, I have no doubt that you can create meaningful relationships and enrich your solo travel experience.

So, take a deep breath, pack your bags, and get ready for an adventure you’ll never forget. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to making the most of your solo journey!

Read more: How To Take Amazing Travel Photos As A Solo Traveler

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