Planning a new adventure, and wondering how to make friends while traveling solo?
Solo travel is fun, rewarding and you’ll learn so much about yourself. You’ll meet new friends while traveling with great travel stories and get to hear about their adventures. Once you start your journey, you’ll see that making friends is one of the easiest parts about traveling alone, even if you’re an introvert.
How to make friends while traveling solo
When you’re traveling alone, there is always a new friend to meet, someone to share an experience with, or a local who can’t wait to tell you an exciting story about where they grew up.
Although you may be a bit nervous about taking your first solo trip, when you arrive in the place you have been dreaming about, you’ll start to wonder why you waited so long to go in the first place.
The first step to making your solo dreams a reality is buying the ticket!
Solo Travel Tip #1 – Talk to the locals
Make friends with the locals. They know the area the best and can share tips on the best locations. Whether it’s a quick chat asking for directions or something a little bit more in-depth, I always spend time reaching out to people who live in the area I’m visiting.
During my stay in Salvador, Brazil, I met so many friendly people. Even though I don’t speak Portuguese, I still managed to communicate with the locals. While I was in Ilha Itaparica, a street vendor gifted me with a beautiful shell necklace after a friendly conversation.
Of course, you should always keep your guard up, and if something doesn’t feel right, walk away.
Solo Travel Tip #2 – Connect with your network
I ‘ve stayed with a former roommate’ s cousin in San Salvador, and my uncle’s ex-girlfriend’s friend’s house in Brazil by letting my friends know where I was traveling to next.
You never know who might have a friend in the country you’re planning to visit who is willing to show you around or give you advice on the best places to eat.
Solo Travel Tip #3 – Use Couchsurfing
Many people open up their homes to other travelers for free on Couchsurfing. You can use Couchsurfing hangouts to connect with other travelers and locals.
If it’s your first time using Couchsurfing, use your judgment. Reviews go a long way, but if you don’t feel comfortable, you don’t have to stay there.
Solo Travel Tip #4 – Go scuba diving or sign up for an activity
Whether you want to go scuba diving, take a dance class, or go on a free walking tour, there are always people who are interested in doing the same things you want to do. Right off the bat, you’ll have something in common with the people in your group.
I met some incredibly friendly people on my sailing trip from Panama to Colombia, and we ended up traveling in Colombia together for a few weeks after that trip.
Solo Travel Tip #5 – Embrace hostel life
If you’re traveling on a budget, hostels are a great way to meet other travelers. Volunteer to work for a few hours or host an activity. Connect with other travelers who are going to the same places you’re going to.
If you don’t want to stay in a room with other people, book a private room.
Solo Travel Tip #6 – Join a travel Facebook group
Connect with other solo travelers on Facebook. It’s a great place to learn tips about a location before you get there. You can also find friends while traveling using apps like Bumble and Bumble BFF to connect with locals in the area.
Conclusion
Traveling alone doesn’t mean you will always be alone on your trip. Use these tips for ideas on how to make friends while traveling solo.
Have fun on your solo trip, and always trust your instincts!