Solo travel doesn’t mean you have to be alone. There are so many ways to meet people when traveling solo. In fact, it can open the door to conversations and connections you would have never made if you were traveling with someone else. Whether you’re navigating a big life transition, checking off bucket-list destinations, or just craving a little time to yourself, traveling solo gives you unparalleled freedom to do exactly what you want without any compromises.
I know this firsthand. Years ago, right after a breakup, I turned our planned couples’ trip to Peru into a solo trip. I expected quiet hikes, good food, and a bit of soul-searching. What I didn’t expect was to meet someone who would become a lifelong friend. Had I gone with that boyfriend, I probably would have never struck up a conversation with a stranger in a tour office that led to a five-hour dinner and years of friendship. These stories happen more often than you’d think.
So how can you meet people when traveling solo? Here are a few suggestions that I know work.
1. Meet people on organized day tours or group activities
One of the easiest ways to interact with other people is through organized day tours. You don’t need to commit to a full week-long group itinerary to make new friends. Booking a few single-day adventures during your trip provides the perfect compromise of social time without giving up the peaceful moments of solitude that make solo travel so special.
Guided hikes, bus tours, rafting trips, kayaking trips, or even a scenic photography workshop are great ways to connect with like-minded travelers. A shared sense of adventure and love of nature tends to lead to easy conversation.
At the end of a tour, it’s easy to connect with someone on social media and keep the conversation going on your trip or beyond.
2. Grab dinner at the bar
Dining alone can feel awkward at first and lonely if it’s just you, your food, and a book. But it can be a great opportunity to meet people when traveling solo. Instead of grabbing takeout or hiding behind your phone, take a seat at the bar.
You might end up chatting with the bartender, a local couple, or another solo traveler doing exactly what you’re doing. A simple “Is this seat available?” question, when I was having a drink alone at a bar in Santa Fe, started a casual conversation about art with the couple sitting next to me. It ultimately led to a deep chat about relationships and a valuable connection with a marketing agency for my business.
Had I gone with that boyfriend, I probably would have never struck up a conversation with a stranger in a tour office that led to a five-hour dinner and years of friendship.
If you’re not a bar person, look for communal dining spots, small cafes with shared tables, or food halls that encourage mingling. And if you’re staying somewhere with a shared kitchen or breakfast area, take advantage of that space. Asking a fellow traveler for a restaurant or activity recommendation is always a good way to start a chat.
3. Relax in the hotel hot tub
Some of the best travel conversations I’ve had have been in hot tubs. You’re sitting in a small space, usually in a circle, facing each other. It almost feels rude not to talk to the other people you are sharing this small, relaxing space with. And when you are surrounded by mountain views or under a starry sky, it’s so easy to ask, “What did you do in Yellowstone today?” or “Have you tried the hike to the waterfall yet?” There’s something about that relaxed atmosphere that encourages genuine, easy connections.
My experience has always been that fellow travelers are eager to share their experiences, recommendations, and stories. A casual exchange can turn into dinner plans, a shared adventure, or, at the very least, a memorable conversation that adds depth to your trip.
4. Stay at a Bed & Breakfast
Where you stay makes a huge difference in how easy it is to meet others. If you want to connect, look for places that naturally foster community, like locally owned bed-and-breakfasts.
Bed and breakfast owners typically started their business because they love talking to travelers and sharing what makes their part of the world so special. And travelers who go to B&Bs understand that community tables and social breakfasts are part of the experience.
5. Meet people online when traveling solo
Technology can be a huge help for solo travelers looking to meet people. Meetup, Facebook, and Reddit all have active travel communities where you can find local events, guided hikes, or casual meetups in your destination. You can use these tools to find things like a group hike or a live music night out with locals or fellow travelers. Who better to get tips on what to do and where to eat than a local?
Another option is Tourlina. It started as a women-only app, but is now open to everyone looking for travel companions before or during a trip. There are even options for online dating while you are traveling.
Embrace the time alone
Traveling solo is one of the most empowering experiences you can have. It helps you rediscover who you are, builds confidence, and opens you up to unexpected friendships along the way.
One of the best parts of solo travel is that you get to choose your own rhythm. Some days you might crave company; other days you’ll want nothing more than a quiet trail or a peaceful morning coffee alone. You get to choose what you want every day without compromising for other people. Doesn’t that sound refreshing?
Ready to plan your solo adventure?
No matter where you are going, solo travel doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. If you’re planning a solo trip, I can help you find that perfect balance of tours and activities that connect you with others when you want company, and peaceful hikes or scenic drives when you crave solitude.
Take the first step
Set up a free consultation or tell us about your trip to get a quote.
