Solo Travel - 3Ways to Make Friends

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of landing in a new city for the first time on my own. I walk around and a smile comes to my face as I navigate new streets, explore new corners, and imagine how this new place will affect me. Adventure is at my feet and I have absolutely no idea what to expect.

Solo travel has allowed me to meet amazing people from all over the world. There’s something about being completely on my own in a foreign place that allows me to drop my guard and just be my most authentic self. But at first, this was really intimidating for me. To be alone in a foreign country? Am I insane? What will I do? Won’t I be lonely?

I have found that loneliness is a choice.

When traveling, people want to connect. They want to know you and want to know your story. In the traveling culture, it’s what draws most of us in. The sights and places are incredible but it’s always the people that stick with me long after I’ve returned home.

So, how do you make friends when solo traveling? I have 3 tips that haven’t failed me yet.

1.       Stay in hostels. Hostels are full of solo travelers and most are set up to help you meet people. They generally offer a family dinner, a bar crawl, walking tours, etc. to facilitate people meeting. Also, there are usually common areas where people will sit and hang out. I use Hostelworld.com and generally only stay in a place if it’s rated 8 stars or above. Always read the reviews from other travelers – they’ll typically say if it’s a social hostel, party hostel, or good for solo travelers. Hostels used to intimidate me but now I realize almost everyone there is of a similar mindset and want to meet new people.

2.       Take the city’s free walking tour. GuruWalk.com is my go-to here. Sign up for a 1–2-hour walking tour and use it as an opportunity to get to know the history of the city and as a way to meet other travelers. So many of my tours have ended with me grabbing a drink or some food with a fellow traveler after the tour is done.

3.       This last tip is more about your mentality – be brave. Be brave enough to be the person that walks up and says hello. Most people want to talk and make new friends but going up and introducing yourself is intimidating. We all fear rejection but the reality is that most people want to talk to you! So be brave for both of you and be the first one to say something. It’s worth it. 😊