Many people dream of traveling the world but find it difficult to move the travel talk from the group chat to actually booking a trip. Life gets in the way: busy schedules, conflicting vacation time, and the realities of everyday life mean that those trip ideas don’t always make it to a booked-out itinerary.
I've been traveling for over a decade, and while I enjoy planning trips with friends, I’ve also planned many solo trips when I can’t manage to get a group together.
But traveling alone doesn't have to mean exploring without connection. If you've been hesitant to try it, here are some strategies I've used to stay social and meet fellow travelers while flying solo.
In this article
Lean Into Online Communities
Online communities are a great way to build connections before, during, and after your trip. Travel-focused social media groups and Reddit communities are full of people planning trips, looking for recommendations, and even hoping to connect with other travelers. I’ve met people through travel groups, local expat communities, and event-specific groups tied to gatherings I was already attending. Some groups may be private, so you may need to request access to join.
For example, while attending a conference in Orlando, I had an extra ticket to Universal Studios and posted in the conference's attendee group asking if anyone wanted to join me the next day. Someone took me up on it, and we spent the entire day adventuring around the park together. It turned into one of those unexpectedly great travel days that wouldn't have happened if I hadn't put myself out there. Online communities aren't just for planning. They're for connecting, even in real time.
Book Intentional Social Experiences
Some of the best connections happen when you deliberately seek them out.
One app worth trying is Timeleft, which pairs you with a group of five strangers for dinner at a local restaurant. You sign up a couple of days in advance, answer a quick quiz, show up at the designated time and place, and meet your dinner companions, typically fellow travelers, digital nomads, expats, and locals.
I used Timeleft while solo traveling in Edinburgh. There were six of us in total, all women in our 30s. I felt slightly nervous in the moments before walking into the restaurant, but I was at ease once we started talking. We all knew that connection was the goal, which made it easy to relax and enjoy the evening. For solo travelers who want to connect without approaching strangers, services like this are worth trying.
Stay Somewhere Social
Beyond visiting solo-travel friendly destinations, where you stay makes a difference. Hostels have been popular with backpackers and budget travelers for this reason for decades, but you don’t have to stay somewhere no-frills to enjoy similar benefits.
Many boutique hotels and social-minded properties accommodate travelers who want independence and connection. When booking, look for properties that mention shared common areas or organized activities. Sometimes meeting people while traveling is as easy as choosing a place where travelers naturally gather.
You should also look for hotels with shared spaces like lobby bars, coworking areas, or rooftop lounges that will make it easier to start conversations. Some examples include Ace Hotel and CitizenM.
Some hotels and hostels also offer free and low-cost activities or events for guests intended to foster connection, so you don’t have to worry about initiating plans yourself. Activities may include board game nights, trivia, yoga classes, and more. Chains like Generator Hostels and Moxy Hotels may offer this.
While in Copenhagen, I met another solo traveler my age while relaxing in the hotel lobby. The property offered complimentary beverages for guests, and we started a conversation that led us to join each other for a couple of activities over the next few days.
Join a Guided Activity or Tour
Whether staying at a hotel or vacation rental, guided tours and activities offer another way for solo travelers to meet other people.
The itinerary is already organized, so all you have to do is show up ready to adventure. A shared activity creates a welcoming environment for starting a conversation with other attendees. I've met like-minded travelers on free walking tours, food tours, and full-day excursions.
On a trip to Scotland, for example, I booked a full-day countryside tour and ended up spending the entire time with two other solo travelers who were also on the tour. We weren't trying to meet people; it just happened organically. Free walking tours are especially great for this, as they tend to attract curious, independent travelers. I’ve joined tours in cities like Prague, Montreal, and Edinburgh. If you're not sure where to start, booking a tour is one of the easiest ways to find like-minded people.
The Shortcut
The app Timeleft pairs you with five strangers for dinner at a local restaurant. You answer a quiz and show up ready to mingle.
Free walking tours consistently attract solo, curious travelers, making them one of the easiest places to meet like-minded people without any awkwardness.
When booking a hotel, look for properties with lobby bars, rooftop lounges, or coworking areas. Ace and Moxy are good starting points.
Travel-focused Reddit communities and social media groups are useful for more than planning. People use them to find travel companions in real time.
Online communities tied to events you're already attending are an underused resource. One post in a conference group can turn into an entire day with a new friend.
