Although traveling alone can be intimidating, it is a rewarding experience and a fantastic way to
learn about a new culture. When you travel alone, you have more time to think about what you
want to do and why you want to do it. It can be a fulfilling and freeing experience.
That said, you don’t need to isolate yourself just because you’re traveling alone. In fact, the solo
travel community is a great place to make lifelong friends. If you’re wondering what the best way
to make friends while traveling alone is, this list is for you. From using apps designed to help
you make friends to taking guided tours and experiences, here are 10 ways to make friends while
solo traveling.
1. Join A Facebook Group
There are online communities for everything. You can find people to bond with over TV shows,
music, hobbies, and more so it tracks that you’d be able to find an online community to make
friends while you’re traveling. You can join groups that are based in the places you’re heading to,
or you can choose to join general solo travel groups which can help you find additional resources
and make new friends who are on a similar journey as you are.
2. Check Out the Local Bar
Although going out to a bar by yourself might seem intimidating, it can be a great way to meet
new people! If you’re unsure about what to do, find a smaller neighborhood bar or pub that has
more of a community feel. Establishments like this generally have a more casual vibe which will
make it easier to start a conversation or join a group that’s already hanging out.
3. Attend a Local Event
You can also make friends by attending some kind of local event like a bar crawl. If you’re
traveling to a major city, you’ll likely be able to find an option like this. While a full-on bar crawl
might not be happening while you’re in town, you may be able to find a theme night at a specific
bar, a music festival, or a show of some kind. If you head to an event you’re excited about, you’ll
know that anyone you meet there has at least one thing in common with you!
4. Participate in Your Favorite Hobby
Finding a club for your hobby, taking a class or workshop is a great way to meet like-minded people as well as a great experience on their own. You can find free or low-cost options online, or you can browse Airbnb Experiences to book a variety of activities. For example, some of the experiences currently available in France include learning to bake an authentic croissant with a professional chef or a
tour of hidden speakeasies in the city. You’ll get to make friends and have an incredible experience!
5. Take A Tour
This is hands down one of my favorite ways to make friends while traveling. You’ve already got
at least one thing in common with all the people there – interest in whatever the tour is about.
That’s a great conversation starter and I’ll bet you that you won’t be the only solo traveler in the
tour group. Guided tours like this are a great option for the first few days of your trip. That way,
if you meet a friend or make a connection during it you’ll have time to spend with the person
throughout the rest of your trip.
6. Volunteer Somewhere
You can also make friends while giving back. No matter what your interests are and what skills
you bring to the table, you’ll be able to find a volunteer opportunity that suits you. Do you like
being outside? Maybe cleaning up a National Park or planting trees would be a great fit for you.
If you love animals, cuddling and caring for animals at a shelter may be more your speed. Check
out local zoos, museums, and the national or local park system to find opportunities. The local
library in the city or town you’re exploring may also have some fun options, although those are
less likely to give you opportunities to meet new people.
7. SoloTraveller and Backpackr
SoloTraveller and Backpackr are two apps that allow you to connect with others who are
traveling alone. It can be a great way to make friends and meet travel companions. They are
both similar apps - the main difference is Backpackr is designed for people who are
backpacking. Both apps are available on iPhone or Android.
8. Dating Apps, But Not For Dating
If you’re looking for a way to make friends in your area while you’re on your phone, check out
Bumble BFF. Bumble is a well-known dating app, and they came out with a version that allows
you to connect with people who are also looking for friends. You can browse profiles and swipe
on the people you’re interested in getting to know. You can also use apps like Tinder to and just add in your bio that you're looking for friends in the city.
This is a huge hack for finding local recommendations for places that you would have never seen on TripAdvisor or by doing a simple Google search. It’s a great way to make friends while you’re in a new place and who knows? You might meet a lifelong friend this way!
9. BonAppetour
If you're a foodie, BonAppetour is a fantastic travel app. Not only can you find amazing food
with this app, but you can also find amazing culinary experiences! Perhaps you'll have the
opportunity to share a meal with a family on the Amalfi Coast, or maybe you'll be able to take a
cooking class in the south of France. At the moment, BonAppetour is only available on the
iPhone but if you have the ability to use it, you’ll be able to find plenty of chances to make
friends.
10. MeetUp
MeetUp is a fantastic app for connecting with people who share common interests in specific
areas. Do you want to join a hiking group in France or a cycling group downtown? There's most likely a MeetUp group for it. Do you want to watch a soccer match with other fans in a bar when you’re in Barcelona? MeetUp can help you connect with people who want to do the same thing. MeetUp is a great way to meet people and make friends even if you aren't traveling. Both iPhone and Android users can use MeetUp.