5 Ways to Meet People On A Solo Trip
Updated: Jul 18
One myth about solo travel is that you are alone at all times. I've found that not to be the case at all, and have even met people from around the world that I am still friends with today! Here are 5 of the best ways to meet people on a solo trip.
For those of you that are new.. welcome to my blog! My name is Savanna Crowell and I'm a wanderer who likes to share travel tips and insights on my favorite destinations. If you are interested in knowing more about my background, travels, or anything, check out the 'About Me' section of my website.
And don't forget to follow me on Instagram @slc_travels to join me on my journeys!
Do you want to start solo traveling, but are too nervous to actually do it? Or maybe you're just looking for a little bit of guidance to finally take that leap and do it?
Then my Solo Traveler's Handbook is perfect for you!
The 5 Best Ways to Meet People on Solo Trips
1. Stay in Hostels
Hostels are by far the easiest way to meet other travelers, specifically other solo travelers. There are lots of common areas you can go to and meet others; you will meet people in your dorm room, and some hostels even do free events such as tours, food events, and more! Plus, it's the cheapest accommodation so even more perfect for solo travel!
My personal experiences with hostels have been life changing. I've meet so many amazing and different types of people (some who I still talk to!).
Always make sure you check the reviews to get a good understanding of the pros and cons of the hostel. Also, check the location to make sure it's in a good location near public transportation!
If you are still unsure how to start a conversation with a stranger, for hostels a great conversation starter is simply "Where are you from?"
2. Take a Group Tour
A group tour is another easy way to meet other like-minded travelers while going solo.
During a group tour I did in Guatemala, I met 3 other girls (1 traveling solo, 2 traveling together all from the USA) that were so nice and we all ended up grabbing dinner afterwards.
You can find lots of amazing tours on GetYourGuide or you can find free walking tours for destinations by simply typing into Google, "free walking tours in ___"
A good conversation starter on a group tour is "How long have you been traveling here?"
3. Volunteer
Volunteering is an excellent way to meet people with your similar interests.
I met 2 girls, one from the UK and one from Germany, people I would never meet in my normal life during my time volunteering at a hostel in Greece (they were both volunteers as well). And we still talk and are friends to this day!
My favorite way to volunteer is with Worldpackers. You volunteer in exchange for free accommodations, food, and more. I've volunteered with them at places both in Guatemala and Greece and have had the most amazing and life-changing experiences.
Sign Up and Get $10 Off Your Membership HERE!
4. Public Transportation
This is something you wouldn't necessarily think about, but it's so easy to see someone who looks like they are in a similar situation as you and strike up a conversation with them.
I have met someone on a bus in Heraklion, on the underground in Athens, and in a shared shuttle in Guatemala this way! 2 out of 3 of those times I ended up meeting up with them later to grab food!
5. Use an App
There are tons of travel apps / solo travel apps that allow you to meet other people in the area with similar interests as you! This is such a quick and easy way to meet up with someone if you are looking for some social interaction during your solo trip.
Here are a few of the apps that I have found to be super useful:
Backpackr.org (tinder but for solo travelers, this app shows you people with similar interests who are headed to the same destination as you)
Meetup.com (brings like-minded people together in thousands of cities around the world)
solotravellerapp.com (widely trusted app that lets you make friends by connecting you with other solo travelers in your city in real time)
For more solo travel apps check out my Solo Travel Handbook HERE
Final Thoughts...
If you've been contemplating that solo trip.. this is your sign to do it! It's not as scary as you're making it seem in your head, trust me! And I promise, if you put yourself out of your comfort zone and strike up those conversations it will NOT be lonely!
For all the information you need on starting to solo travel, check out my Solo Traveler's Handbook HERE
