5 Ways to Meet People While Traveling Solo

Traveling solo but not sure how to make friends? No worries! I made a list of 5 ways I meet people while traveling.

1. Warning: If you’re my mom skip to step number 2 please. Ok now that's out of the way.. I might sound crazy but download Bumble or Tinder!

Yes these dating apps are mostly used for our lovely hook up culture but also they can be great tools! I like to use Bumble first as an example because they have an awesome feature called Bumble BFF which I used a lot when I lived in Bali. I met one of my now - good friends and through her she introduced me to her friends so we basically became this big friend group who spent every day together. It was amazing! I also like to have a tinder when I travel but I also have a guilty pleasure for cute guys. However your intentions dont have to be sexual at all! Just put in your bio that you're looking for friends/to meet people. Always be safe before you hang out with a stranger and always always let someone know who you'll be with/where you will be before meeting up. I share my location with family and friends to be extra safe. I’ve really made some awesome friends through tinder… one time in Thailand this guy went with me to get a tattoo at 2am after a night of partying! What a trooper. Pro tip- you can even put your instagram in your bio to gain a few followers.

2. This is actually my favorite way to meet people - Go to Bars Alone!

I was actually just telling my mom one of my favorite things to do in this world is to drink alone at an airport. She laughed and thought I was joking until I told her I was very serious. Although the people sitting next to you might be going to a different destination you can have some really awesome conversations. Whether it's about religion, culture, stories, or just simple chit chat. I’ve never met someone alone at an airport bar who didn't want to talk!

When you get to your destination try researching bars and reading reviews. Depending on where you're staying your hotel might even have a bar. I’ve found that pre-covid hostel bars were some of the best places to meet people because there were so many solo travelers. My advice would be - don't be intimidated by going alone. It's perfectly normal and who cares. Are you just going to sit in your room all night? Hell no!

Pro tip- If you’re on your phone too much it might look less inviting for someone to start a conversation with you so put the phone down for a bit!

3. You know that song by Pitbull where he says “Hotel, Motel, Holiday Inn” well actually the real party is at Hostels.

Hostels are such a great way to meet people because the majority are younger and traveling alone! People who travel solo are usually always down to make friends and do epic stuff with them. Hostels usually have a community center to hang out and boom… endless friends! I've also been to alot of hostels that host events or excursions like hikes or pub crawls. So if you don't see any signs around try asking the front desk. One hostel I stayed at in Hawaii let the guest host their own group activities and put up a paper where you could sign up. If they don't have something like that , maybe be the first to start! If you’re not sure which hostel to stay at, I highly recommend reading reviews, https://www.hostelworld.com is a great place to search!

4. Since more people have moved to remote work, coworking spaces have become very popular!

Especially in cities where younger people tend to travel such as Bali. When I lived in Bali there were so many options to choose from. Recently I had a friend in Ibiza post one saying how much he enjoyed it. They're everywhere you just have to look! I also liked to work at cafes/coffee shops so this is another great way to connect with people! Not sure how to spark a conversation? Ask them simple questions to start the conversation. I was reading a book one time and this guy just asked me what I was reading and we became great friends and talked for so long my food got cold when it arrived!

5. When writing this last one I thought of even more ways to meet people so maybe I will make a part two or three one day.

Another way I’ve met people was by adding them on social media and literally DMing them. A few of my friends sent me this guy’s tik tok who was in the same place as me so I just messaged him and he ended up inviting me out to a charity event, we then went on to be friends and I became friends with his friends! Funny how the world works, just shoot your shot.. You never know what can happen!