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Meeting people while traveling can be a daunting idea. This is something that many of us give some deep thought to before setting off on a solo backpacking journey. After all, I think it’s a universal fear that we’ll wind up alone in a foreign country, passing the days in solitude and missing out on all the best experiences.
So, if you’re worried about not being able to meet people while backpacking the world or moving to another country, you’re certainly not alone.
But rest assured, that even if you’re shy, awkward, or just not a very socially savvy person, as long as you play your cards right, push yourself out of your comfort zone, and go to the right places, it’s very difficult not to meet people while traveling solo.
Traveling for a total of 7 years, mostly by myself, I’m going to share all the best tips and tricks for meeting people while traveling solo in this article. As long as you apply yourself correctly, then you’ll have no issue meeting people and enjoying the fruits of a rewarding social life abroad.
How Important Is It to Meet Other People When Traveling?
If you’re traveling solo, meeting new people is crucial to have a fulfilling and deeply nourishing journey. Sure, you can still have a good time by yourself, but if you’re spending months or even years abroad, you need to have social contact.
Traveling solo is one of the most socially fulfilling experiences you can have, as long as you make the effort. Before I began traveling, I was shy, awkward, and lacked social skills. Sure, I had my close friends in Australia, but otherwise, my life was bland.
It wasn’t until I took my first year-long trip abroad by myself, despite the fears and doubts, that my social life did a complete 180. Suddenly, my social life was popping. My dating life was booming, and I was living a life I could once only dream about.
But how this influenced my life, I couldn’t foresee. My confidence skyrocketed, as did my self-esteem. I began valuing myself and my time so much more than I previously did. I no longer saw myself as the outcast, but as a generally magnetic person who could make friends wherever I went.
Here’s the thing.
It’s often much easier to meet people while traveling solo than it is when living at home. It’s like a paradox. We all fear traveling solo because there is more pressure to meet people, with arguably more dire consequences if we don’t.
Why It’s Easy to Make Friends Abroad
Traveling solo can feel daunting, but you’ll soon realize that it’s generally much easier to meet people while traveling than in your home country.
The traveler community is generally outgoing, friendly, and sociable. Travelers often stay in hostels, which often make it very easy to mingle with other travelers, follow the same backpacking routes (or the beaten track), and go out to the same nightlife venues.
Not saying that you should just stick in a traveler’s bubble, but once you connect with another traveler or group of travelers, it’s generally easier to dive into the local life.
I always say that what makes traveling so great is the people you meet. The places you visit might be beautiful, but they don’t necessarily stand out in your memory. The people you meet and the experience you have with those people are what you remember.
I’ve been to incredible places, but have had subpar experiences because I didn’t meet quality people there. Likewise, some of the best experiences I’ve had traveling have been in very average places because I met incredible people with whom I shared a lot of great experiences.
People make the entire experience of travel.
Part of the beauty of solo travel is that you’re constantly meeting a stream of new faces, to share unique experiences and form incredible memories. This is why it’s important to learn how to form connections when traveling solo, because it’s these experiences that you will make your trip.
Ways to Meet People While Traveling Alone
Okay, so you’re probably wondering where to begin.
You’ve just left your home country, and you’re not completely on your own. So, how can you meet people? There are many effective ways to do so, and in the technological age, it’s actually pretty easy.
Let’s look at some of the best ways to meet people while traveling solo:
Stay in Hostels (Especially Those With a Bar)
As a solo traveler, staying in hostels, in my opinion, is the best way to meet fellow travelers. I’ve stayed in many hostels by this point, and usually I form close connections with other travelers in them, especially if I stay around for a while.
Hostels are hotspots for meeting other travelers, and they’re generally social environments that bring people together. Many hostels have good common areas, a bar, and a terrace, as well as a unique character that draws in a particular type of crowd. They tend to attract solo travelers, and people staying in hostels are usually also wanting to meet new people, meaning friendships can be established quickly.
Before picking a hostel, there are a few things to look out for to make sure you’re choosing a lively place where you can meet lots of people:
- Make sure it’s central: You want to be in a central, easily accessible area rather than a remote spot that might not have many guests staying there. Most cities have their tourist zones where most of the hostels are usually located.
- Check the ratings/reviews: It’s best to pick a well-established hostel with good ratings and many reviews. A hostel with hundreds of good reviews will likely be bustling, while a newer hostel may be fairly empty.
- Pick a hostel with a good common area: Look at the pictures to find a hostel that has a nice common area, and ideally a bar. A common area is very important when meeting other travelers because this is where people congregate. If the hostel doesn’t have much of a common area, it will be difficult to meet other travelers.
- Check out the events: See if there are any events at the hostel when you arrive. Common events include parties, dancing, trivia, beer pong, language exchanges, family dinners, etc.
- Pick the vibe: A party hostel is going to be a very different experience from a relaxed, rustic hostel. Decide what sort of atmosphere you’re looking for, and pick something that suits your interests and likely attracts the sort of people you want to meet.
- Pick a hostel that has volunteers: The volunteers are always around, and usually form a sort of community, or otherwise, the backbone of a hostel. If you go to a hostel that has a group of volunteers, you’ll blend in seamlessly, especially if you stay for a while.
I generally book my accommodation through HostelWorld, which is the best app for booking hostels in my opinion. Almost every medium to large city around the world has a hostel or many, so you will never be caught out unless you’re venturing off the beaten track.
HostelWorld also has features such as hostel chats and city chats, so it’s a great way to connect with people before arriving in the city. With that said, you don’t need to stay at a hostel to go there to meet people. Most social hostels are open to having outsiders come in for a drink and mingle.
When I first moved to Hanoi without knowing a soul, hostels were my social outlet. I stayed at a few different hostels, got to know the staff and volunteers, and then returned regularly to meet people, participate in events, and have a drink. Since the workers knew me, they were always happy to see my face… and I was happy to see theirs!
Join a Free Walking Tour
Most large cities offer free walking tours, often advertised in local hostels. Besides being free, walking tours bring people together, especially people who have recently arrived in the city and want to get a feel for it.
I enjoy participating in walking tours when I arrive in a new city because it gives me a chance to get to know the city quickly and establish some social connections. Walking tours bring people together as they’re often quite popular, and the people who join them often get to know each other and develop plans afterward.
Therefore, when you arrive in a new city, ask your hostel about walking tours and sign up if you have the opportunity to do so. You can also check online to see if there are any free walking tours in the city you’re in, if your hostel or hotel doesn’t know.
Participate in Different Classes and Workshops
Many cities around the world have lots of different events, such as workshops, networking events, language exchanges, and game nights that are designed to reel in people and facilitate connections.
Language exchanges are great opportunities to meet locals while traveling, and often open doors into the local community. Cities often have language exchange events where you can meet locals who may offer to show you the city, or join a cultural event that may not be as popular in the traveler bubbles.
I suggest keeping an eye on local Facebook groups to find out about the different events that are taking place. Hostel receptionists and volunteers often know what’s happening in the city, so it’s worth asking them too. Likewise, look out for flyers in hostels, for visitor information centers, or advertisement boards posted around the touristy areas of the city.
Ask on Facebook groups
Facebook groups are a great way to connect with other travelers, and they’re something I’ve had a lot of success with in the past. When I was living in Austin, TX, I organized a meet-up in an entrepreneurial group on Facebook in the area to connect with people who had similar interests.
Only a few people came to my event, however, I was then invited to a regular networking event by one of the people there, which opened some doorways for me. Unfortunately, I left the US a month later, so I didn’t see where these connections could have led me, but it was a pleasure meeting many successful entrepreneurs at these private cocktail parties.
Of course, you don’t need to organize events yourself. Simply write a post on a local Facebook group asking about opportunities to meet people in the city, and I’m sure you’ll get some good suggestions. Some people who are in the same boat as you may reach out, which makes it easy to meet up.
Search for groups in the city you’re in. Most medium to large cities have groups for foreigners, expats, and backpackers. These groups generally aren’t difficult to find. Usually, you can type in the following, and some relevant groups will pop up:
- Expats {your city}
- Travelers {your city}
- Backpackers {your city}
You can also try your hand at general travel groups to see if anyone is in the city you’re going to, and willing to meet up. There are many large travel groups on Facebook with hundreds of thousands of members, if not millions. Posting in these groups often garners a lot of engagement and is an easy way to form connections.
Volunteer!
I’ve volunteered 6 or 7 times since I started traveling, and have now spent almost a year in total doing so. I have volunteered in several hostels across Latin America, I have volunteered to teach English, and I have volunteered in a couple of shamanic medicine communities.
Besides doing some good in the world and gaining valuable life experience (while saving money along the way), I love volunteering because I meet so many great people when I do it. Volunteering is also a great way to connect with the local community. During this time, you can gain a lot of valuable information and advice about the country you’re in, and learn about all the best places to visit.
Often, when going to a new place, I’ll volunteer for a month or two to get established. This time is critical to grow roots, develop community, and meet some incredible people. During many of these volunteering stints, I have made lifelong friends with whom I still stay in contact years later.
In my opinion, Workaway is the best app to use for volunteering. There are thousands of opportunities out there, in every country you can think of. There is certainly something for you and some amazing memories to be made.
Use dating apps
I’m not going to lie, I love using dating apps such as Tinder and Bumble while traveling. Some of my best friends have come through dating apps. Likewise, I’ve had many great relationships through dating apps, and I met my current girlfriend who I have been traveling with for over a year now on a dating app.
I highly recommend dating overseas because it’s an enriching experience. Don’t just stick to the traveler pool, either, but date locals because there are so many incredible experiences that come from dating locals, while it’s nice to form a connection with someone from a different culture that you can learn from.
As a plus, locals often connect you with their community and friends, which enriches the experience of traveling. I’ve dated quite a lot while traveling, and I don’t regret it because I’ve shared experiences with so many incredible people, from so many diverse cultures.
If dating overseas isn’t your thing, no worries. Just make sure to be clear that you’re using it just to make friends if that’s your intention, otherwise, people might get the wrong idea.
Check Meetup
Meetup is another notable app that you can use to meet people while traveling. That’s the sole intent of it. Meetup organizes groups and events, and there is usually plenty happening in larger cities. Simply create an account on the app and see what is happening in your city. If something looks interesting to you, click attending and go there. Likely, it’s a great opportunity to meet other people.
Try Out Couchsurfing
I’ve used Couchsurfing just once, but boy was it a lifesaver. I had nowhere to stay when I first arrived in Austin, TX. I was looking for a job and permanent accommodation, and simply couldn’t afford to stay in hostels while waiting (they’re expensive in the US).
Luckily, a Turkish man let me stay with him for a couple of weeks while I found my footing in this new country. He regularly took me out and showed me around the city. He introduced me to some of his friends, which was a great way to network, get to know some locals, and dive deeper into the culture.
I suggest using Couchsurfing, especially if you’re traveling in developed countries, as apart from meeting people, you can save some money through it. Set your location in a city before you arrive, and regularly see if anyone has reached out to you. You can also reach out to individuals if they’re connected to Couchsurfing and live in the city you’re going to, so don’t be shy.
Use Backpackr
Even though I haven’t used Backpackr before, I have met people who have, and they have all said good things about it. Backpackr is an app that connects travelers. Essentially, it’s a travel buddy app, similar to some of the travel Facebook groups. If you’re looking to travel with someone or see whether there are people you can meet in the city you’re planning on heading to, give this app a try.
Tips to Meet People While Traveling Solo
Now that we’ve looked at some different ways that you can meet people while traveling, let’s get into some of the nuances of it. Here are some practical tips to excel in your social game and facilitate new connections.
- Make sure your energy is high: People intuitively react to other people’s energy, more than their words. If you have an uplifting, excited attitude, you’ll find that people will generally receive you well.
- A warm smile goes a long way: Making eye contact with people and smiling is usually enough to break the ice. Make a habit of making eye contact and smiling at people you cross paths with, whether they’re in your hostel or you’re at the market.
- Sit yourself strategically: Most hostels, cafes, and event spaces have common areas. Sit in a well-connected place that facilitates conversation. For example, it’s best to sit on the central communal couches rather than a small table in the corner of the room.
- Using body language and non-verbal cues to connect: Make sure your body language is warm and inviting, which will put others at ease who may be a little shy. Your body language makes a difference, so utilize it.
- Give yourself rest: Realize it’s okay to spend time alone, too. You don’t always need to be on your best social game. Allowing yourself days to recharge provides the energy and stamina you need to have a rich, active social life while traveling.
Connect With the Locals
Your experience traveling becomes much more genuine when you immerse yourself in the culture and spend time around locals.
Instead of existing in the traveler bubble, which we sometimes get stuck in, living like a local in the culture you’re in provides a different, yet more authentic experience. Locals often know different spots and open you up to different opportunities, rather than if you spend your time hanging around other travelers.
Locals are generally more than happy to meet foreigners. If you go to a local bar or space that doesn’t see a whole lot of foreigners, you’ll probably find that people will approach you because they are curious about your culture and way of life.
In this case, all you need to do is be friendly. Try your best to speak their language, connect over commonalities, and see what unfolds. Often, locals will invite you out with them if you show them kindness and respect.
It’s also a good idea to participate in cultural events such as festivals and ceremonies. Even if you go alone, you’ll find that locals are often more than happy that you’re showing an interest in their culture, and it’s a great way to form connections.
Use common sense
I also want to mention that not everyone has your best interests in mind. It’s important to be discerning while you’re traveling because you’re likely to stand out like a sore thumb.
Some people are out to scam you, and not everyone is friendly. This is why discernment is especially important because you need to learn to spot the bad eggs too. With that said, trust your instincts. If something feels a bit off about a situation or person, then it’s best to politely decline and move on.
Build Up Your Social Networks
When you hit it off with someone, it’s good to connect with them over social media. Most people nowadays are connected to social media, and connecting with them allows you to stay in the loop.
Over time, you will create an international network of travelers and locals, and this can be a very handy resource. Building up your social network with travelers creates a web of information and contacts that people are generally more than happy to pass on.
Nowadays, I often know someone in the country I’m visiting. Sometimes this translates into a place to stay, other times it leads to a coffee and catch-up. Furthermore, people often give me contacts for other people they know in the place I’m going. Fellow travelers I met on the road regularly comment on my posts and suggest places to go, so social networks have become a valuable resource for me.
Meeting people while traveling may feel daunting at first, but rest assured that it’s much easier to do than you’re likely anticipating. As long as you apply the suggestions in this article, utilize every pathway, and put yourself out there, you won’t have any issues meeting incredible people during your travels.
Take care and have fun. There’s a whole world of interesting people to be met.
