6 Tips to Meet People When Traveling Solo

Traveling solo can be a lot of fun and very social. Meeting people and making new friends is easy when you’re on your own! Here are 6 tips to meet people while traveling solo.

1. Stay in Hostels

Staying in hostels is one of the best ways to meet people, especially if you’re traveling solo. With shared rooms, shared kitchens and common space, hostels are set up to encourage fellow travelers to mingle and get to know each other. It’s very likely you’ll even meet other solo travelers staying in hostels!

2. Sit at the Bar

When choosing a place to sit in a bar or restaurant, choose a common table or sit at the bar. People who sit in these places tend to be open to conversation and interaction. It’s hard to stay strangers long when you’re eating or drinking elbow to elbow.

3. Take an Organized Tour

Going on an organized tour is a great way to meet other travelers. Exploring new areas and sites with a group is fun and it’s easy to strike up a conversation when there is a shared interest. If organized tours aren’t really interesting to you, sign up for a pub crawl!

4. Be Open to New Experiences

Don’t just follow guidebooks. Ask people in the hostel, in cafes and bars and on the street what they recommend seeing/doing/visiting. Talk to fellow travelers and see if anyone wants to join you on an off the beaten path adventure. Excitement about new experiences and adventures cultivates openness and comradery.

5. Don’t Be Shy!

It’s actually easier to meet people when traveling solo than with someone else. When we don’t have a travel partner, we have to look for company and conversation with other people. Be open to speaking to strangers and initiating conversation with others and you will always make friends wherever you travel!

6. Be Safe

Staying safe is the most important thing to remember when traveling. Meeting people is fun but never put yourself in a situation that seems or feels unsafe just to make new friends.