Looking to meet people while traveling solo? Discover 9 smart and safe ways to make friends on the road and turn your adventures into shared memories.
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How to Make Friends While Traveling (Even If You’re Shy)
Traveling solo doesn’t mean you have to be alone. In fact, for many people, solo travel leads to deeper connections, more open-hearted conversations, and unexpected friendships. Whether you’re backpacking through Europe, exploring the colorful chaos of Southeast Asia, or road-tripping through the American West, one of the most rewarding parts of the journey is often the people you meet. From impromptu street food runs to bonding over sunsets on rooftops, friendships made on the road have a magical, serendipitous quality.
But for a lot of solo travelers—especially those who are new to it—there’s one question that looms large: How do you actually make friends while traveling? It can be daunting to land in a new city or country and not know a soul. The good news is that making genuine connections while traveling is far easier than most people think, especially with the right mindset, strategies, and tools.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the psychology of social travel, offer 9 field-tested strategies to meet people, and show you how platforms (Like TisBooked) make the entire process seamless and safe.
Why Friendships Make Travel Better
Yes, solo travel builds confidence and independence—but it can also get lonely. Sharing moments with others often adds depth and meaning to our adventures. Friends can offer emotional support when you’re lost or tired, give you fresh perspectives on the places you visit, and turn simple activities into joyful memories. Imagine experiencing a sunrise in Bali or a music festival in Barcelona—now imagine doing it with someone you clicked with instantly.
Even for introverts, the shared experience of travel creates natural moments of connection. When you’re both figuring out a metro system in a new country or trying to interpret a menu in a language you don’t speak, barriers come down quickly. You find common ground fast. And often, these friendships continue long after the trip ends.
In an increasingly digital world, real-world connections like these are rare—and that makes them even more valuable.
1. Stay in Social Accommodations
Where you sleep often determines who you meet. Social accommodations like hostels, co-living spaces, and even travel-minded Airbnbs are more than just places to crash—they’re hubs of human interaction. A well-designed hostel might have a communal kitchen, organized game nights, or even group tours. These built-in opportunities for interaction make it easy to meet people without feeling like you’re forcing conversation.
Co-living spaces, often aimed at digital nomads, blend work, life, and travel. They’re ideal if you’re staying in one place for a few weeks and want to develop a rhythm with others who value both productivity and connection.
If hostels aren’t your vibe, look for boutique guesthouses or BnBs that mention community elements in their reviews. Even a small courtyard or daily breakfast can foster connection.
Pro Tip: Look for listings that mention “events,” “community,” or “shared spaces.” These are green flags for social travelers.
2. Use Travel-Focused Platforms (Like TisBooked)
One of the best things about modern travel is that you don’t have to leave socializing up to chance. There are platforms specifically designed to help you connect with like-minded travelers before you even step off the plane.
TisBooked is one such platform that helps travelers find verified travel buddies, curated local events, and activity-based group experiences that match your travel style. Whether you’re a foodie, hiker, festival-hopper, or museum buff, you can find people whose interests overlap with yours—without awkward small talk.
Unlike more generic apps or social networks, travel-specific platforms understand that you’re looking for meaningful, safe, and temporary social interactions—not just random matches. You can explore upcoming events in your destination, join group chats, and plan meetups that fit your vibe.
Why it matters: You reduce friction, eliminate guesswork, and start your trip with a few familiar names already in your inbox.
3. Join Local Activities & Group Tours
You don’t need to rely entirely on digital platforms. In-person activities are still one of the most effective ways to meet people, especially those who share your interests. Whether it’s a cooking class in Chiang Mai, a street art tour in Berlin, or a group hike through the Andes, these experiences naturally bring travelers together.
Group tours, especially those with fewer than 15 people, often include time for participants to chat, share meals, and bond. Look for experiences that encourage interaction rather than just passive observation.
Volunteering is another powerful way to meet others, especially if you’re staying somewhere for a few weeks. Whether it’s helping on a permaculture farm, teaching language lessons, or joining a beach clean-up, you’re more likely to find people with shared values and a collaborative spirit.
Added Bonus: Shared goals and group dynamics tend to accelerate trust and conversation.
4. Attend Meetups and Social Events
Many cities—especially those with large traveler or digital nomad communities—offer regular meetups, workshops, and social mixers. These are ideal for solo travelers looking to break the ice in a low-pressure environment.
Local expat groups and digital nomad Facebook communities are also good for events ranging from rooftop happy hours to co-working brunches.
And don’t underestimate the power of recurring events. Weekly language exchanges or trivia nights tend to have a regular crowd, which means you’re more likely to form deeper connections if you attend more than once.
TisBooked Tip: Our city pages list verified local meetups and recurring community events, so you don’t have to dig through outdated posts or worry about no-shows.
5. Practice Open Body Language & Simple Conversation Starters
You don’t need to be a natural extrovert to be approachable. Sometimes, the smallest shift in posture or expression can signal that you’re open to connection.
Put your phone away. Smile. Sit in shared areas like hostel lounges, cafés, or public plazas. Keep your earbuds out. These are subtle cues that invite interaction.
And when the moment’s right, don’t overthink it. Try simple, travel-themed openers like: – “Where are you headed next?” – “Tried this place before?” – “What’s been the highlight of your trip so far?”
Most people are looking for a reason to talk to someone new—they’re just waiting for a signal.
Mindset Shift: Don’t approach people to “get something”—do it to share the moment.
6. Say “Yes” More Often (Safely)
One of the beautiful things about travel is spontaneity. That stranger you met over coffee might invite you to a beach bonfire or a scooter ride through the hills. That group in the hostel lobby might be heading to a waterfall tomorrow.
While it’s important to trust your instincts, saying “yes” to these small invitations can unlock unforgettable experiences—and deeper connections. Some of your best travel memories will come from the moments you almost said no to.
That said, always vet the context: – Is it in a public or well-known place? – Are there multiple people involved? – Do you feel pressured, or does it feel organic?
Golden Rule: Say “yes” to experiences, not just invitations.
7. Join Online Travel Communities Before You Go
Travel isn’t just about what happens during the trip. Community-building can (and should) start before you even book your flight.
Reddit, Discord, and Facebook are full of niche travel communities organized by destination, interest, or identity. Whether you’re looking for solo female travel groups, digital nomad work hubs, or foodie traveler chats, there’s a space for you.
Introduce yourself. Ask a question. Mention your travel dates. You’ll be surprised how many people are planning the same route or already on the ground.
Pro Tip: TisBooked lets you join city-based groups and topic threads curated for the types of experiences you’re looking for.
8. Carry Conversation Starters (Literally)
What you bring on your trip can actually help you connect.
Some examples: – A deck of cards or compact travel game – A reusable water bottle with country stickers – A journal you write in publicly – A camera that invites curiosity – Pins or patches that show where you’re from or where you’ve been
These items give others an easy “in” to start a conversation—and they help show off your personality without you saying a word.
9. Know Your Boundaries and Stay Safe
Making friends while traveling should feel energizing—not uncomfortable or risky. It’s important to stay open and discerning.
Here’s how to protect yourself: – Meet new people in public spaces first – Let someone (online or back home) know your plans – Trust platforms that verify their users – Don’t ignore red flags—if something feels off, step away
The best travel friendships are built on mutual respect. You deserve to feel safe and valued wherever you go.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone
The idea of making friends while traveling can feel intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re the type who walks into a room and lights it up or someone who thrives in one-on-one moments, the world is full of people who are just as curious, kind, and open as you.
By choosing the right accommodations, leveraging smart platforms (Like TisBooked), and staying open to connection, you don’t have to wait for serendipity—you can create it.
Because at the end of the day, travel isn’t just about places. It’s about people. And your next great friendship might be just one conversation away.
TisBooked makes it easier to find your people—wherever you’re headed.
