10 Tips and Resources to Meet People While Travelling Solo

Ironic as it may sound, to travel solo rarely means to travel alone. We’ve all been there, but we also understand those nerves and ‘what if’s’ you are feeling. So let us help you get that first step in the door with our favourite tips and resources on how to connect with friends as a solo traveller! You can thank us later (or blame us after you end up spending your soul-searching ‘me-time’ trip hanging out with other travellers)... 

1. Workaway

Now, we don’t like to blow our own trumpet, but we’ve met some pretty awesome people through Workaway. Reach out to hosts in 170+ countries for an immersive friendship and learning experience, find a travel buddy with similar travel plans and interests using our filters, and join (or host!) a local event to enjoy and share your passions with like-minded community members. Feeling spontaneous? Meet up with a Workawayer nearby to go on a weekend excursion or quick coffee! There’s a whole tribe of travel lovers looking to connect, so you’ll always be in good company if you reach out.

Related blog post: How to use Workaway to find your travel BFF

2. Look for cool events in your area

Meetup is the world’s largest network of local groups. Basically, it is local events organised by friendly local people. For example if you are visiting Italy, log on to meetup and you will be presented with hundreds, sometimes thousands, of events and groups that want you to come along and attend. Anything from hiking trips to parties! They are mostly all free to attend and if you are feeling extra nosy you can even see who else is going along too.

Related blog post: Introducing Workaway Events: Discover & Join Local Events Nearby

3.Go on a local tour or trip

Most cities offer walking tours and day trips where you can go along and explore your new travel destination with locals or other travellers. Check out sites like freeguides.com and freetour.com for free tours around your destination and get to meet travellers with similar interests in the area; try an Airbnb experience to immerse into a unique local activity offered by a host, or spend some one-on-one time with a friendly independent guide on withlocals.com and discover your destination’s hidden gems with them.

4. Reach out to friends online

Looking to connect with someone on the road? Take advantage of social media and different networking communities online! Join one of the many travel or expat groups on Facebook, post that you are going to ‘X’ country and ask if any members have recommendations. Share your adventures on Instagram — chances are you’ll have an acquaintance or friend of a friend who’s in the same country and keen to meet up! Say hi to fellow travellers on Backpackr, or even sign up to Bumble BFF to directly match with new friends in the area. There are plenty of people out there who’d love to meet new friends and share their experiences, so a proactive approach is very likely to get you some positive responses.

Related blog post: How to find the perfect travel buddy for your next trip

5. Couchsurfing

It is not just all about that free couch. I can almost guarantee you the people you meet through Couchsurfing will be instant friends. If you’re looking for a short ‘layover’ between your Workaway trips, or someone to hang out with when you are out and about in town, Couchsurfing is a sure-fire way to meet people while you are on the move. It’s also a great way to introduce yourself to a new place before deciding how long you want to stay there!

6. Join an interest class

Group yoga, painting class, surfing lessons — you’ll definitely get to do something you love even when you are away from home! Going to an interest class is an incredibly easy way to meet locals and travellers alike, because you already have an interest in common and will get to share that passion with each other. And the best part? Even if you end up not making a any friends this time, you’ll still be enjoying yourself whilst learning something new.

7. Prepare more food than you need

8. Smile :)

9. Don't play it cool

10. Be patient