How to Meet People While Traveling Alone (Without Being Awkward)

Traveling solo is a thrilling, liberating experience. It gives you the freedom to explore, reflect, and grow in ways group trips often don't. But let's face it—solo travel can sometimes feel, well, lonely. The idea of striking up a conversation with a stranger might feel awkward, but it doesn't have to be! With a few thoughtful strategies and the right mindset, meeting people on the road can become a natural and enriching part of your trip.

Here are some practical tips to help you connect with fellow travelers and locals alike—without feeling awkward.

1. How to Meet People While Traveling Alone: Choose Social-Friendly Accommodation

One of the easiest ways to meet people while traveling is to stay in places that encourage interaction. Hostels, guesthouses, and co-living spaces are all fantastic choices. Many hostels host group activities like walking tours, cooking classes, or game nights specifically designed for guests to mingle. The common area in hostels or guesthouses is a great place to meet fellow travelers, as it serves as a central hub for socializing and participating in group activities.

If you’re not sure where to start, look for accommodations with communal spaces. These places naturally foster connections. Pack the “Wash Me & Wear Me” Canvas Laundry Bag from Travel Fanatics, perfect for keeping your things organized while hanging out in common areas. A deck of cards or conversation-starter game inside your laundry bag can be a great way to break the ice with new friends.

Even if you opt for a private hotel room, you can still meet people by joining hostel events or spending time in shared spaces.

2. Say Yes to Group Activities

Joining group activities—whether it’s yoga on the beach, a pub crawl, or a cooking workshop—is a great way to meet like-minded people. Joining group tours, small group tours, or a tour group is the perfect way to meet new people and make friends while traveling. These activities create a relaxed environment where conversations flow more naturally.

Want to take it one step further? Sign up for a class to learn a local skill, like pottery, dance, or language lessons. Taking a language class is a great way to connect with locals and other solo travelers, and making an effort to learn the native language can lead to unforgettable memories. Not only will you bond over these shared experiences, but you’ll also learn something new about the culture.

For example, joining a scuba diving class or day trips in a new city are awesome opportunities to meet friends, connect with other solo travelers, and create stories you'll remember for life.

Pro tip: Carry along the Reusable Swim Bag for your gear or water bottle at group events—its practical design is a conversation starter and often draws compliments.

Tip for solo female travelers: Joining group activities is a safe and fun way to meet more people, find a travel buddy, and make friends while traveling solo.

Most people who join these activities are interested in making friends, and spending time in group settings can lead to being invited to more events the next day or even on your next trip. Sharing meals at restaurants with a tour group or with others in the same area is a fun way to connect and meet friends.

Travel Tips Box:

• Join group tours, classes, or day trips to meet new people and make friends while traveling solo.

• Choose activities that match your interests for the best experience.

• Make an effort to learn the native language and share your stories with others.

• Don’t be afraid to invite other solo travelers to join you for activities or meals.

• Share your own stories and travel tips in the comments to help other solo travelers!

3. Use Conversation-Starters That Feel Genuine

A simple smile or friendly comment about the situation (“This café has the best coffee smell, doesn’t it?”) often opens the door to a conversation. Stick to topics that are easy and relevant—ask for restaurant recommendations, talk about a local landmark, or share your travel plans. For example, sharing a funny story from your last destination can help break the ice with a new person and make the interaction more memorable.

Talking to strangers can feel intimidating, but most people have interesting stories to share. If you’re shy, consider preparing a few go-to questions ahead of time. Asking people about their favorite parts of their trip so far or their “must-see” spots is sure to spark an interesting discussion.

And here’s a subtle hack: Use a colorful Travel Laundry Bag to carry your everyday essentials—other travelers may ask about it, giving you an easy icebreaker.

Quick Tips: Conversation Starters for Meeting New People While Traveling

• “What’s the most interesting story you’ve heard on your trip so far?”

• “Do you have any tips for exploring this city?”

• “Is there a local food you think every person should try?”

• “How did you end up talking to other strangers while traveling?”

4. Leverage Social Media and Apps

Technology can also help you meet people while traveling. Platforms like Meetup, Couchsurfing, and Backpackr connect solo travelers and locals for activities, events, and even shared meals. Facebook groups for solo travelers in the region you’re visiting can also be a goldmine for connecting, helping you find more people in the same area and sometimes even discover a mutual friend to meet up with. Using these apps is a great way to meet friends before you even arrive at your destination.

Keep your electronics and cords organized with a Travel Fanatics Shoe Washing Bag—it’s versatile and fits your chargers, headphones, and small gadgets when running out to meetups or events.

5. Attend Local Events and Festivals

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local culture and meet people is by attending events and festivals. From food festivals to music gigs or even holiday markets, these gatherings attract both residents and tourists. Exploring a new town or city through such events is a fantastic way to experience the destination and connect with others in a lively, authentic setting.

If you’re looking to connect, try engaging with others at food stalls or during performances. It’s much easier to strike up a conversation when you’re both enjoying the same activity or intrigued by the same local tradition. While you wait for the main event to start, consider joining a free walking tour or pub crawls—these free activities are a fun way to meet people, discover the city or town, and make the most of your time at the destination.

Bring a Mini Microbead Pillow or Round Microbead Pillow to sit comfortably during concerts or community gatherings—comfort invites people to join you (and maybe ask about your surprisingly cozy seat).

6. Volunteer or Participate in Community Initiatives

Giving back while traveling is incredibly rewarding, and it’s also a meaningful way to meet others. Spending time volunteering is a great way to meet new people and make a real effort toward making friends. Look for opportunities to volunteer at local schools, animal shelters, beach clean-ups, or other community projects. You’ll instantly connect with others who share your values while making a positive impact.

Spending a day or more on a community project often leads to making friends with like-minded travelers. Volunteering often means being on your feet—carry the Collapsible Laundry Basket to tote your supplies or stash your snacks and water. It’s useful for all-day events and easy to pack up when you’re done.

7. Take Advantage of Coffee Shops and Cafes

Sometimes, all it takes to meet someone is to sit down with a cup of coffee. Many solo travelers frequent cafes to relax, work, or journal. When you spend time in these spaces, you often end up meeting interesting people and talking about your travels, which can make your experience even more memorable. Cafes are ideal places to strike up a casual conversation.

If you feel awkward initiating, start with a compliment (“That’s a cool journal you’ve got!”) or ask a polite question (“Do you know if the Wi-Fi here is reliable?”). These small conversational sparks can lead to engaging discussions.

Pop a Butterfly Shaped Microbead Pillow or Mini Bolster Microbead Pillow into your bag—having a unique pillow while you work or lounge can catch someone’s eye, leading to a friendly chat.

8. Be Open and Approach with Kindness

The key to meeting people on the road is openness. Traveling solo doesn’t necessarily mean being alone or feeling isolated; it can be as social as you want it to be. It’s natural to feel nervous sometimes, but approaching others with a genuine smile and friendly energy can go a long way. Remember that everyone else is human, too, and likely has the same fears about connecting as you do.

Don’t hesitate to start small—join the conversation around you, even if just to laugh at a joke someone made. These interactions often grow into meaningful connections.

Travel solo doesn’t mean traveling alone—Travel Fanatics’ thoughtfully designed travel accessories are there to make every step of your journey more comfortable, organized, and social.

Wrapping Up

Meeting people while traveling solo can be one of the most rewarding aspects of your trip. With thoughtful planning, an open attitude, and some helpful products from Travel Fanatics, you’ll find connections come naturally. Whether it’s in a hostel, during a group activity, or at a local café, the world is full of kindred spirits waiting to meet you.

Where will your adventure take you next? Wherever it is, we’re here to make the journey an amazing one.

Happy travels!