You don’t have to be alone: How to meet people when travelling solo
I’ve experienced backpacking with my best friend and alone. And one thing I noticed is that it’s actually easier to meet people when you’re on your own. It’s like you’re more open, and people are more likely to come over and start a conversation when you’re by yourself.
One of the biggest fears most solo backpackers have is that they’re not going to meet anyone. I completely understand why, because solo travel is already scary enough without adding loneliness to the mix. But honestly, meeting new people when travelling solo is easier than you think.
When I first started travelling solo, I made a real effort to meet people, going out of my way to start conversations, join events or tag along with groups. But very quickly, I realised that it just happens. Sometimes I’d go through stages of meeting loads of people, and other times I wouldn’t. In the end, I learned to let fate take control, to meet people when it happened naturally, and to enjoy my own company when it didn’t.
Making friends while travelling solo is such a huge part of the experience, so don’t close yourself off to it. It’s one of the best ways to gain different perspectives on the world. I’ve met people I’m still friends with years later. It’s also an amazing way to get insider travel recommendations. I wouldn’t have known about the Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam, one of my absolute favourite travel experiences, if I hadn’t talked to other travellers about it.
Start with your own company
Before you can connect deeply with others, it really helps to feel comfortable being alone. Solo travel gives you a chance to get to know yourself, what you like, what you want to do and what kind of energy you bring into spaces.
When you feel at ease on your own, it shows. People pick up on confidence and calm energy; it draws them in. Desperation, on the other hand, tends to push people away. Instead of trying to find company, focus on enjoying yourself first. This feeling isn’t just good for travel; even when I am at home, I still enjoy my own company. I now go to concerts, restaurants and the cinema on my own. I never have to miss out because I don’t have company.
I like to carry my Kindle and earphones when I’m exploring alone. Not to hide behind, but to help me stay present and relaxed. And, funny enough, that’s often when someone strikes up a conversation, when I’m just being. When you stop searching for company, that’s when you meet the best people.
Choose social spaces that suit your vibe
Not everyone thrives in the same kind of environment, and that’s okay. You don’t have to go bar-hopping or attend every hostel pub crawl to make friends. Hostels, though, are still one of the best places to meet other travellers. I’ve always found it easier to connect with people when I’m staying in a dorm. You’re all sharing the same space, chatting about your plans, and swapping stories late at night; it just happens naturally.
Something I’ve discovered along the way is that some hostels are far more social than others. On apps like Hostelworld, you can read reviews about how social a place is. Pay attention to this. Also, some hostels put on nightly events, walking tours or family dinners, which make it super easy to meet people.
If you’re staying in a private room or a capsule bed, you might be restricting yourself a little, especially if you’re new to solo travel. Capsule-style hostels are great for privacy, but they can be harder to make connections because everyone’s tucked away behind a curtain or door. That being said, if dorms aren’t your thing, look for other social spaces that match your comfort level. Coffee shops, co-working cafés, language exchanges or group day trips are great alternatives.
For anyone looking for hostel tips for solo travellers, the key is to pick accommodation that matches your personality. Some hostels feel more like boutique hotels, while others are social hubs full of life and laughter; both have their place, depending on the kind of trip you’re after.
Say yes to small invitations
It’s amazing how one small “yes” can lead to a whole chain of adventures. Saying yes to a simple coffee, dinner plan or walking tour has led me to days’ worth of activities with new friends. Sometimes it’s not about the specific plan; it’s about giving the moment a chance to unfold.
You don’t have to say yes to everything, but being open to small invitations is often how bigger, more meaningful travel friendships start. And it’s not just about meeting other travellers, either.
Some of my most memorable connections have been with locals. I once made friends with my waitress in Japan, we ended up chatting, following each other on social media, and she later showed me some of her favourite restaurants and bars in Okinawa. We still keep in touch now. It was such an interesting and unexpected way to explore a place from a local’s perspective. Just, of course, always be mindful and safe when meeting new people.
Don’t just sit there and wait for people to talk to you
Simply starting a conversation can set off a chain of events. This might seem a bit awkward at first, but honestly, it gets so much easier the more you travel solo. Not everyone is responsive, but usually that’s on them and not you.
You can easily break the ice by asking where someone is from, pointing out that you like something they’re wearing, or asking if they’ve visited a particular spot yet. Sometimes, just asking if you can sit down is enough. The more you do it, the more natural it feels, and you’ll quickly realise that most travellers are just as keen to chat as you are.
For solo female travellers, especially, confidence grows with each interaction. You learn how to read people quickly and decide who you feel comfortable with and that’s an empowering part of the journey.
Recognise when it’s not a match
Not every person you meet will be your people and that’s perfectly fine. Travelling solo teaches you a lot about reading energy and protecting your boundaries. If you meet someone who doesn’t vibe with you, don’t feel pressured to keep hanging out just for the sake of company.
One of the beautiful things about solo travel is that friendships can be fleeting, a single shared day, a week or even just one good conversation. They don’t have to last forever to be meaningful.
Leave space for serendipity
Some of the best connections happen by accident. A delayed train, a shared hostel kitchen, or getting lost on a hike can all lead to the most unexpected friendships. When you’re constantly rushing or glued to your phone, you miss those moments. Try to slow down, be open and stay curious.
Travel has a funny way of putting the right people in your path at the exact moment you need them. You just have to leave room for it to happen.
Consider joining a group tour
If you’re really nervous about how to meet people when travelling solo, joining a group tour for solo travellers is one of the easiest ways to ease in. Group tours are so much fun and such a great way to meet new people, whether you’re travelling short-term or long-term.
If you’re just starting out on your first big solo adventure, joining a tour can help you loosen up and show you how easy making friends while travelling solo can be. You’ll often find that people on group tours are in the same mindset as you, open, curious and ready to connect.
It gives you confidence that you can carry into the rest of your travels. And who knows, you might meet people on that first tour who end up being your travel companions for future trips.
The quiet magic of connection
Solo travel is full of surprises, and meeting people is one of the best parts. But the trick is not to chase it. The best friendships, the most meaningful conversations, and the greatest memories happen when you’re simply open to them. Travelling alone teaches you balance between company and solitude, between seeking connection and letting it find you.
Some days you’ll be surrounded by people from all over the world, laughing in a hostel common room. Other days, you’ll be wandering a new city alone, sipping your morning coffee in silence, and both are beautiful in their own way.
Because the truth is, when you’re comfortable with yourself, you’ll never really be alone.
