7 Foolproof Ways to Make Friends When You’re Traveling Solo

One of the questions I’m constantly asked when I tell people I solo travel is “aren’t you lonely?” Honestly, I never am. I’m constantly meeting people and making friends during my travels. Friendships often form quickly and are intensified by the bonds of shared experiences. The desire to pack in as much experience as possible in a short amount of time leaves little room for shyness. I have learned to insert myself where I usually would standoff and I have learned 7 surefire ways to make friends while traveling solo

1. Prioritize Atmosphere | Make Friends While Traveling Solo

Chances are you are using a website such as Hostelworld to book your accommodations. Take advantage of the features on this website that can tell you exactly how social the atmosphere of the hostel is and how easy it is to meet people there. 

When I’m searching for a place to stay, I like to set my filters for my price range and to show properties that have at least an 8.0 average review. Then, I look at the location and atmosphere of any of promising properties. High scores in the atmosphere usually mean a comfortable, welcoming, and friendly environment. Once you have narrowed down your options, start scrolling through photos and guest reviews. See if the property has a large common space or bar that people will be congregating in. Other like-minded travelers will usually comment very honestly about their experiences so make sure you take those reviews into account as well.

If it seems like all of the most social accommodations are already booked or, you prefer a quieter environment but still want to meet people, many hostels have bars that are open to the public. You can go there to grab a drink in the evening and chat with some of the guests and then retire to your own accommodations later in the night.

2. Free Walking Tours | Make Friends While Traveling Solo

Free walking tours are one of the best recommendations I can give solo (or any) travelers. They are an affordable way to get your bearings in a city and to learn about the history of a city from local. All you need to do is leave a small tip at the end of the tour. There is usually a meeting point in the center of the city but oftentimes they pick you up right from your hostel. This makes your chances of meeting  others  pretty good. Buddy up to some fellow travelers by offering to help take their picture and you will be making friends in no time.

3. Organized Outings | Make Friends While Traveling Solo

Another benefit to staying at hostels is that they often arranged group activities that will be posted in the office daily. I have done everything from kayak trips, to cooking classes, to trapeze lessons. The benefit of arranging these activities through your hostile instead of on your own, is that you’ll be in a group of people with similar ages and interests. If your fellow adventurers have also booked through the hostel there’s a good chance they are also looking to meet some new friends.

4. Pub Crawls | Make Friends While Traveling Solo

Here is yet another activity that is popular to book through the hostel. You pay a small amount of money upfront and you are guided in a group to some of the most popular bars in the city. Crawls usually include some free drinks or shots along the way. Depending on the scene that you are into, you can often book traditional pub crawls or alternative bar crawls. The latter take you to some of the more unusual and divier bars. I’ve even been on some literary and historical themed pub crawls. 

These various options are great because it makes it more likely to find your type of people. Pub crawls also take the pressure and awkwardness out of meeting people because socialization is an expectation of going out to the bar. Just use caution and safety when drinking with your new friends. Remember they are still relative strangers and you are in an unfamiliar place.

5. Just Ask | Make Friends While Traveling Solo

if you see someone or a group of people who look like they would be fun to hang out with; just ask. Chances are if you’re at a hostel, the large group sitting around playing cards or drinking beers and laughing and talking loudly probably also just met each other. Ask if you can join in or grab a seat. Most people at hostels share your goal of meeting new friends even if there are already traveling with someone. Hostelmates tend to travel in groups and are used to people asking to join them on excursions or for dinner.

6. Food | Make Friends While Traveling Solo

If you’re staying in a hostel with a kitchen, cook a large portion for dinner and ask if anyone wants to share your extras. Hungry Travelers rarely say no to free food. Some hostiles also host family dinner nights where for about $3 you can join in on a family-style meal in the common space and get to know the fellow guests.

7. Be Inclusive | Make Friends While Traveling Solo

Once you’ve followed these steps and found your travel pod, don’t forget about newcomers. If you see someone who has newly arrived and looks lost, make sure you bring them into the fold. You’re traveling karma will get a big boost if you do.