Traveling solo doesn’t mean you have to stay alone. You can meet new people and make connections that turn a trip into something special. This guide shares practical ice-breaker strategies to help you break the silence and start conversations. These tips come from real experiences and are designed to work whether you’re shy or outgoing.
Here’s how to meet people while solo travel—step by step.
Table of Contents
Join Group Activities for Solo Travel
Group activities put you in the same space as others who are often open to chatting. They give you a built-in topic to discuss. Try these:
- Walking Tours: Sign up for a local tour. Ask a question about the guide’s story or chat about a landmark.
- Cooking Classes: Learn a dish together. Swap tips or laugh about a messy attempt.
- Group Hikes: Hit the trails with others. Offer to snap a photo or ask about their favorite hikes.
Last summer, I joined a hiking group in Colorado. I asked a fellow hiker about their boots, and we ended up grabbing coffee after. Shared activities make talking easy.
Tap Into Social Media and Apps
Your phone can open doors to new friends. Use these tools to connect:
- Meetup: Find events that match your interests, like book clubs or city tours.
- Travel Apps: Download Couchsurfing or Travello. Message someone local or join a group chat.
- Instagram: Search location tags for your destination. Comment on a post or send a quick note.
A simple “Hey, I’m visiting your city—any must-see spots?” can spark a meetup. I once met a local in Japan this way, and they showed me a hidden ramen joint.
Choose Social Stays
Where you sleep sets the tone for meeting people. Pick places that encourage interaction:
- Hostels: Spend time in the lounge or join a game night.
- Guesthouses: Chat over coffee in the common area.
- Shared Airbnb: Book a spot with a communal vibe.
In Thailand, I stayed at a guesthouse with a shared patio. One evening, I asked a guest about their day, and we ended up exploring a night market together.
Dive Into Local Events
Local happenings draw crowds—and opportunities to talk. Check out these:
- Festivals: Ask someone what they think of the music or food.
- Markets: Compliment a vendor’s goods or ask a shopper for a recommendation.
- Bars or Cafes: Sit at the counter. Turn to your neighbor and ask about their drink.
A 2022 study by Travel Weekly found 65% of solo travelers made friends at local events. What event could you try on your next trip?
Quick Ice-Breaker Moves
Need a fast way to start talking? Use these:
- Ask a Question: “Which way to the main square?” works even if you know the answer.
- Offer Something: Share a snack or ask if they’d like to try a local treat.
- Give a Nod: Say something specific like “Cool bag—where’d you get it?”
These small moves take seconds but can lead to hours of conversation.
Take the Next Step
Meeting people while traveling solo is simpler than it seems. Pick one idea from this list—like joining a tour or messaging someone online—and try it on your next trip. Most travelers want to connect just as much as you do.
Your next journey could bring new stories, new friends, or even a new perspective. Where will you start?
