How to Make Friends While Traveling Solo: 7 Proven Tips That Really Work

Imagine this! You’ve embarked on an adventure, backpack in hand or rolling suitcase, ready to conquer the world on your own. And yes, solo travel is one of those experiences that changes you from within, opens your eyes, and shows you a “you” you might not have known. The freedom to go at your own pace, to get lost in an alley with no plan other than to see where it takes you, is incomparable. But let’s be honest, right? That little voice that sometimes whispers about loneliness… the idea of dining alone at a table for two or watching a breathtaking sunset without anyone to look at and say, “Wow!” It’s a thought that can be daunting.

But let me tell you a secret: traveling solo doesn’t mean being alone. Not at all! In fact, it’s one of the most incredible ways to meet real people, those connections that leave a mark and sometimes last a lifetime. When you travel in a group, our small social bubble tends to be self-sufficient. But when you’re alone, oh, magic! You become a magnet for interactions. You’re more open, more receptive, and others feel it. The friendships born on the road, you know, are often the most authentic, intense, and fun, forged in the excitement of sharing the unknown.

So, making friends on your solo trip is not a matter of luck; it’s not a shot in the dark. It’s a mix of strategy and, above all, mindset. It requires a little effort on your part, that spark of courage to step out of your bubble, and the willingness to say “yes” to whatever comes your way. In this article, we’re going to break down seven tried-and-tested tricks, those tools that will turn you into a master of travel connections. Get ready to weave a network of friends around the world and discover that, on this huge planet, you truly, never, are really alone.

1. Embrace Social Accommodation: The Cradle of Traveler Connections

Your first big move when planning your solo trip, if your heart yearns to make friends, is where you’re going to lay your head at night. Look, a super intimate boutique hotel or a private Airbnb is a luxury, yes. But they’re not exactly breeding grounds for spontaneous chats. This is where your best friend comes in: social accommodation. Think hostels, guesthouses with vibrant common lounges, or even modern co-living spaces. They are designed, literally!, for people to interact.

Why this works?

Hostels, especially, are like bustling beehives. They’re full of people like you: adventurous, curious, and often also traveling solo and looking for that spark of companionship. They have shared kitchens where people cook pasta and tell stories, lounges where next day’s adventures are planned, bars where beers flow and laughter erupts. Even dorms, which might seem a bit intimidating at first, force you into mini-interactions. Asking your bunkmate where they’re from or what their plans are for the day is the simplest and perfect way to break the ice.

How to make the most of this strategy?

• Research “sociable” hostels: Not all hostels are created equal. Some are for partying, others for absolute rest. Search on Hostelworld or read reviews that mention “good social atmosphere,” “organized activities,” or “staff who help connect.” That’s the key!
• Sign up for everything they do! Many hostels are brilliant at organizing things: free walking tours, pub crawls, local cooking classes, movie nights under the stars, or communal dinners. These aren’t just activities; they are golden opportunities to meet people in a relaxed and fun environment. Don’t stay in your room with your phone; get out and join in.
• Spend time in common areas: Instead of retreating to your corner, sit in the kitchen, lounge, or bar. Read a book, work a bit on your laptop, or simply watch people pass by. Being there, visible and present, increases your chances of someone talking to you or finding that perfect moment to say “hello.”
• Show an open and friendly attitude: Don’t cross your arms, smile at people, make eye contact. If you see someone alone, sit nearby and, if the occasion allows, throw out the first “Hi, where are you from?” or “Great coffee, isn’t it? How’s your day?” Those small gestures can be the start of something big.
• If hostels aren’t your thing, explore other options: Look for Airbnbs with private rooms in shared homes, where the host (and other guests) live there. Co-living spaces are also gaining ground and offer an instant community.

By choosing a place to stay that already has the “social chip” built-in, you place yourself right in the middle of a constant flow of like-minded people. It’s like taking off the pressure of having to look for friends; they’re already there!

2. Join Group Tours and Activities: Shared Adventures Unite People

Shared experiences, you know? They’re like the most powerful glue for building a friendship. When you meet a group of people who are experiencing the same thing as you, feeling the same emotions, overcoming the same small challenges, barriers fall very quickly. Signing up for group tours and activities is your VIP pass to creating those shared moments and, therefore, making friends!

Why this works so well?

These tours and activities connect you with people who already have something in common with you: that particular activity or the destination itself. Goodbye to that awkward moment of not knowing what to say! The topic of conversation is already on the table. Moreover, the excitement of adventure, laughter, wonder, or even the small adrenaline rush of a new activity, create an instant bond, almost as if by magic.

Consider these tour and activity options:

• The famous Free Walking Tours: They’re in almost every major city! They’re great for getting oriented, learning about history and culture, and meeting other travelers eager to explore. Those two or three hours walking and discovering are a perfect breeding ground for chatting.
• Day or multi-day excursions: From a mountain getaway, a wine tour, a visit to historical ruins, or a kayaking adventure. The longer the tour, the more time you have to connect. Multi-day trips, where you share meals, transport, and accommodation – those truly forge deep bonds!
• Classes and workshops: Why not a local cooking class? A pottery workshop? Sunrise yoga or a quick language lesson? You not only learn something new, but you do it surrounded by other enthusiasts.
• Themed tours: If you like food, photography, street art, or nightlife, look for specific tours. This way, you’re sure to find people with your same tastes.
• Adventure activities: If adrenaline is your thing, join hiking, diving, surfing, climbing, or rafting tours. The excitement and, sometimes, the need to support each other, are the best friendship catalysts there are.

How to get the most out of this strategy?

• Participate fully! Ask questions, comment on what you see, share your impressions. Don’t be afraid to be the first to speak.
• Offer a hand or a small favor: Does someone need a photo? Offer to take it! Does someone seem a bit lost? Share what you know. These small gestures open huge doors.
• Initiate conversations during “downtime”: During coffee breaks, lunch, or while waiting. Take advantage to talk to those around you. “What an amazing view, right?” or “Where are you from?” are always good icebreakers.
• Suggest plans for later! If there’s a spark with someone, don’t let everything end with the tour. Ask them what they’re doing tonight and suggest grabbing a drink or dinner together. Taking the next step is key!

By actively seeking out these group opportunities, you move from “waiting for something to happen” to “making things happen.” And that, my friend, ensures your travel days will be filled with new faces and a lot of future friends.

3. Leverage Technology and Apps: The Digital World Opens Real Doors

We live in the digital age, right? And your phone isn’t just for maps or uploading pretty photos to Instagram. It’s your ace in the hole for socializing while traveling! From apps specifically created for travelers to more general social networks, you have an incredible digital arsenal to connect with like-minded people in any corner of the world.

Why is it such a powerful ally?

Technology eliminates that initial awkwardness of meeting someone. It allows you to find people with your same interests, who are right where you are or who, like you, are looking to make new friends. It breaks down those geographical and social barriers, making it much easier to start a conversation and, best of all, organize real-life meetings!

Your key digital tools:

• Meetup.com: This platform is fantastic! Find local groups that organize events about anything you’re interested in: hiking, photography, board games, language exchange, dance classes… It’s a brutal way to meet both locals and other travelers who share your passions.
• Facebook Groups: Look for specific groups for travelers in your destination (e.g., “Expats in [City],” “Solo Female Travelers [Country],” “Digital Nomads [City]”). People often post looking for someone to grab coffee, explore, or have dinner with. There are also global groups like “Girls Love Travel” or “Solo Travelers” where you can ask if anyone will be in your destination at the same time.
• Couchsurfing (its “Hangouts” feature): Although famous for accommodation, its “Hangouts” option is ideal for meeting people. You can post what you’re doing (“Having coffee in the main square”) and other travelers or locals nearby can join. Or you can see what others are doing!
• Travello / Backpackr: These apps are specifically designed to connect travelers. You can see who else is in your location or heading there, and chat with them to coordinate plans or share tips.
• Bumble (BFF Mode): Although many know it for dating, Bumble has a “BFF Mode” (Best Friends Forever) that allows you to search for friendships only. It’s super useful, especially for women who want to connect with other female travelers.
• Language Exchange Apps (e.g., Tandem, HelloTalk): If you feel like practicing a language, these apps connect you with native speakers who also want to practice yours. And often, these connections can lead to in-person meetings to chat and practice for real.

How to use technology smartly?

• Your profile, your best calling card: Be clear about your interests, your destination, and what you’re looking for (friendship, travel companions, tips). A good photo and an attractive bio are essential.
• Be proactive! Don’t wait for them to contact you. Look for events, groups, and people that seem interesting and send them a message.
• Propose a concrete plan: Instead of a vague “Do you want to meet?”, be specific: “Hi, I saw you love hiking. I was thinking of going to X tomorrow, would you like to join?”
• Safety, always first: Always meet for the first time in a public, crowded place. Tell someone about your plans and, above all, trust your intuition. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.

By integrating these digital tools into your travel strategy, you greatly expand your possibilities of making real connections in the real world. Your phone, from being a distraction, becomes your best friendship facilitator.

4. Be Approachable and Confident: The Power of Body Language and Mindset

Beyond all the tactics and apps, there’s something fundamental: you. The way you present yourself and how you feel inside play a huge role in whether people approach you or not. Being approachable and projecting confidence not only makes you more attractive to potential friends but also gives you that boost of courage to initiate conversations yourself.

Why is this so important?

We are social beings, and we read signals constantly. Open body language and a positive attitude tell others: “Hello! I’m friendly, I feel good about myself, and I’m open to meeting you.” Confidence isn’t arrogance; it’s feeling comfortable in your own skin, and that naturally invites others to approach.

Learn to master your body language to be more approachable:

• Smile genuinely! A warm, sincere smile is the universal invitation. You don’t have to be smiling 24/7, but when you make eye contact, give a small smile.
• Maintain an open posture: Avoid crossing your arms or looking down. Relax your shoulders and orient your body towards the environment, not inward.
• Make eye contact: Briefly and kindly looking into people’s eyes tells them you are present and aware of your surroundings. It’s a sign of recognition and openness.
• Put away your phone! Although tempting, keeping your phone put away when you’re in a social setting (cafes, bars, common areas) sends a clear message: you’re open to interacting, not immersed in your screen.
• Learn to read others’ signals: If someone returns your smile or eye contact, bingo! It’s a good sign they might be willing to chat.

Cultivate a confident and open mindset:

• Overcome initial shyness: Remember that most solo travelers are also looking to connect. That little initial discomfort is something we all share. Practice with small interactions; every “hello” is a muscle that strengthens.
• Reinterpret “rejection”: Not every interaction will turn into a deep friendship, and that’s perfectly fine. If someone doesn’t respond with the same enthusiasm, don’t take it personally. It simply means it wasn’t the right time or connection. Move on!
• Show genuine curiosity: Ask open-ended questions about people’s travels, where they’re from, what interests them. Truly listen to what they say. People love to talk about themselves, and your curiosity is a powerful bridge.
• Share a bit about yourself: Don’t be afraid to be a little vulnerable (appropriately, of course). Tell a funny anecdote, a small challenge from your trip, or your opinion on something. That humanizes the conversation and encourages the other person to open up.
• Practice, practice, practice: Confidence and the ability to socialize are like anything else: they improve with practice. The more conversations you initiate, the easier and more natural it will become. Start with small gestures and, little by little, you’ll see yourself engaging in deeper interactions.

By projecting that image of accessibility and moving through the world with an open and curious mind, you become a magnet for positive interactions. You’ll see how making friends becomes much more natural and, truly, much more rewarding!

5. Learn Some Local Phrases: A Cultural and Social Bridge

Although English is a lifesaver in many tourist places, making the effort to learn and use a few basic phrases in the local language is an incredibly powerful trick for making friends, both with locals and other travelers!

Why does this small detail work so well?

The simple act of trying to speak their language shows respect, interest, and a precious humility. Locals love it when visitors make an effort, and this often makes them more likely to help you, strike up a conversation with you, or even share that local secret you won’t find in any guide. And for other travelers, it’s an instant connection point! Many will be in the same situation as you, trying to communicate, or will admire your initiative.

Your essential phrases to start:

• Greetings and goodbyes: “Hello,” “Good morning/afternoon/evening,” “Goodbye,” “See you later.”
• Courtesy: “Please,” “Thank you,” “You’re welcome,” “Excuse me/Sorry.”
• Basic questions: “How are you?”, “Do you speak English?”, “How much does it cost?”, “Where is the bathroom?”.
• For ordering food and drink: “I want…”, “A beer, please,” “The bill, please.”
• Survival phrases (you never know): “I need help,” “I don’t understand,” “Yes,” “No.”

Beyond the basics, if you’re brave enough:

If you’re feeling brave, learn something about the local culture or a common expression. It can be a fantastic icebreaker! For example, in some places, asking about family before talking business is a sign of respect.

Unexpected benefits of speaking a little of the language:

• Breaks the ice with other travelers: If you’re in a group where no one speaks the local language and you venture to order something, others will surely join the conversation to help you or to share their own linguistic mishaps!
• Access to more authentic experiences: Locals, grateful for your effort, may open doors to places or experiences you would never see in tourist guides.
• Generates smiles and goodwill: Often, your attempts (even imperfect ones!) will be met with a big smile and appreciation, creating a positive environment for any interaction.
• Boosts your confidence: Every time you manage to communicate in a foreign language, your confidence in your social and travel skills soars, encouraging you to more and more interactions!

Don’t underestimate the power of a simple “Hello, how are you?” in the local language. It’s a small key, yes, but it can open many doors to new friendships and a much deeper understanding of the place you’re visiting.

6. Embrace Serendipity and Spontaneity: Go with the Flow

In this hyper-planned world where every minute seems to have a box in our itinerary, we often forget the magic of spontaneity and serendipity. But listen to this! Many of the best travel friendships and experiences arise precisely from those unplanned moments, from that willingness to say “yes” to the unexpected.

Why is this so powerful?

When you leave blank spaces in your schedule and open yourself to whatever may arise, you put yourself in the path of fortuitous encounters. Serendipity gives us surprising connections, and spontaneity allows us to take advantage of them. If you’re not rigidly tied to a schedule, you can allow yourself to follow an impromptu invitation or extend a fascinating conversation that you would otherwise have to cut short.

How to cultivate serendipity and spontaneity on your trip?

• Don’t plan down to the last minute: Leave empty time blocks in your itinerary. These are the “blank spaces” where magic can happen! They can be a few hours in the afternoon, a whole day, or even not booking your accommodation for the next day.
• Be a “yes-person” (with common sense!): If someone invites you to join a group for dinner, explore a hidden corner of the city, or go to a local bar, say yes! Of course, your safety comes first, so always trust your intuition. But don’t let fear stop you from living new experiences.
• Sit at the bar or communal tables: Instead of looking for that secluded table in the corner, sit at the bar of a restaurant or pub, or look for places with shared tables. This places you right in the center of the action, making it much easier for staff to talk to you or for you to strike up a conversation with the person next to you.
• Observe your surroundings: Look up from your phone! Pay attention to the people around you in cafes, parks, museums, or on public transport. A glance, a smile, a comment about something you are both experiencing can be the start of a great story.
• Allow yourself to get a little lost (a little bit): Sometimes, the best discoveries and encounters happen when you stray from the beaten path. Walking without a fixed destination, exploring side streets, can lead you to unexpected places and people.
• Chat with locals: Strike up conversations with the barista, the waiter, the shop owner, or the taxi driver! They are often an incredible source of local information and can be your first contacts to feel more connected to the place.

Serendipity is the spark, and spontaneity is the fuel. By being more flexible and receptive to what your trip brings you, you not only increase your chances of making friends but also make your adventure more exciting, unpredictable, and undoubtedly, full of stories to tell! The most unexpected friendships often become the most lasting.

7. Offer Help and Be Helpful: The Power of Reciprocity and Goodwill

One of the surest ways to connect with someone and build a relationship, even in a short time, is through mutual help. Being helpful and showing goodwill not only makes you a more pleasant person but also creates a connection of reciprocity and camaraderie.

Why does this magic formula work?

Humans are programmed for reciprocity. When you do something kind or helpful for someone, that person feels, consciously or unconsciously, inclined to return the favor. Moreover, acts of kindness break down barriers, build trust, and show that you are a considerate person, someone worth connecting with. And on a trip, where we are often all a little out of our comfort zone, a helpful gesture can be a treasure!

How do you become a connection magnet with your kindness?

• Offer to take photos: If you see someone struggling with a selfie or a couple trying to frame a photo, kindly approach and offer to take their picture. It’s a small but highly valued gesture that almost always leads to a conversation.
• Share what you know or have: If you have a map, a useful app, an incredible restaurant recommendation, or have just come from a place someone is heading to, share that information! “I just left the museum, and I recommend going in the morning to avoid queues.”
• Help with directions or translations: If you see someone lost or struggling to communicate in a different language, and you can lend a hand, do so. Even if you can only point the way or translate a key word, it’s a great favor.
• Offer to share: If you have an extra snack, a bottle of water, or a free seat at a crowded table, offer it! Small acts of sharing can create an instant bond.
• Be an “active observer”: Pay attention to those small signs that someone might need help. Does someone seem frustrated with a train ticket? Does a solo traveler seem hesitant about an activity? Sometimes, simply noticing and asking “Do you need help?” is enough.
• Pick up something that has fallen: A gesture as simple as picking up a hat or a backpack that someone has dropped can open the door to an interaction.
• Be a good temporary travel companion: If you find yourself sharing a tour, a bus ride, or a table with someone, be considerate. Share your space, be respectful, and show genuine interest in the experience.

An important small reminder:

Always be aware of cultural norms and personal boundaries. What is helpful in one culture might not be in another. Always be respectful and don’t insist if your offer is declined.

By adopting a service mindset and being willing to lend a hand, you become a memorable and attractive person. These small acts of kindness are powerful foundations for friendships, demonstrating that you are an empathetic person and fantastic company on the road.

Conclusion: Your Solo Adventure, Brimming with Human Connections

Look, solo travel is, at its core, one of the greatest adventures you can experience. It pushes you out of your shell, shows you the world from other perspectives, and makes you grow in ways you would never imagine. But the true magic of a solo trip multiplies a thousandfold when you open yourself to the possibility of human connection. The richness of your memories will not come solely from those impressive landscapes or the monuments you visit, but from the people you share them with, even if only for a little while!

We’ve explored together seven strategies that, I assure you, will guide you to forge friendships that are worth their weight in gold on your travels:

1. Choose Social Accommodation to be at the epicenter of the action.
2. Join Group Tours and Activities to build bonds through shared excitement.
3. Use Technology and Apps to expand your network before and during your adventure.
4. Be Approachable and Confident to invite others into your world and find the courage to start chatting.
5. Learn Some Local Phrases to show respect and break down cultural barriers.
6. Embrace Serendipity and Spontaneity to let unexpected connections surprise you.
7. Offer Help and Be Helpful to build bridges of goodwill and reciprocity.

Always remember this: every interaction, no matter how tiny it may seem, is an opportunity. Not every conversation will lead to a lifelong friendship, and that’s okay. The goal is not to collect friends, but to enrich your journey with that warmth, those new perspectives, and that camaraderie that only human connections can give you. Be brave, be open, trust your instincts, and above all, enjoy every step of the way!

Your solo journey is a blank canvas waiting to be painted with the vibrant colors of new friendships and shared memories. Go out into the world with an open heart, and you will see how, on this vast and beautiful blue sphere, connections are waiting to be made around every corner.