How To Meet People While Traveling Solo

Traveling solo can be an adventurous experience, and it is an entirely different experience compared to traveling with a friend. Solo travel is liberating, challenging, and sometimes outright scary. But that’s why I do it all the time. It’s the excitement of being in a place where no one knows who you are. You can do whatever you want, and no one will judge you. But if they do believe you, most likely you aren’t going to see them again, so you develop this “I don’t give ‘F’ “mentality. It is an inspiring experience that everyone should try at least once in their life.

Although solo travel can be full of unforgettable experiences, there are times when loneliness starts killing you (…and I….). See what I just did there? That was referencing the song “Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears. Which was a long time ago….but anyway.

I’m an introvert, and I have a hard time meeting people as an introvert. That is until the loneliness becomes too much for me to endure. After all, we human beings are social beings. Most of us need interaction with people. Despite being an introvert, I know traveling solo to a new place where no one knows me is the perfect opportunity to grow the balls that I need to make friends when I travel.

Couchsurfing

Sometimes when I mention Couchsurfing, people look at me like I am “crazy” with a hint of “stupid.”

Couchsurfing is an online community that allows travelers to meet locals, often offering their “couch” as part of a traveling experience. I don’t want to suggest it as free accommodation because it shouldn’t be. It’s more of a cultural exchange. Making new friends in new places.

Now, you can actually use this platform without having to surf someone’s couch. There is a “Hangout feature” that you can use to meet people in the area. You can even see how far away they are from you.

This is number one on my list because I use it….like a lot.

Hangout suggestions:

• Grab a beer
• Have coffee or tea
• Explore the area
• Grab lunch
• *make your own

I’ve met many people on the Couchsurfing app, and it has definitely helped me meet locals and other travelers.

Airbnb

The great thing about Airbnb is that it allows you to communicate with a host who is from there usually. You get to stay with a local (your host). Usually, they are willing to give you recommendations as to what to see and experience.

Now, Not all hosts are the same. Some hosts are friendly and make themselves readily available to hang out, chat and have a drink. Others are very polite and mindful of your time and don’t want to disrupt your travel plans. So it really is a hit or miss. But before you book, read their reviews and see if you can detect how engaged the host is and if it is the kind of host you’d like to meet.

Join a walking tour

Solo travel isn’t as rare as people make it out to be. Most likely, if you join a walking tour, there will be other solo travelers in your group.

Usually, when people see me or find out I am traveling by myself, people respond two different ways:

One is “Wow! You are traveling by yourself. You are soo brave!”.

Two is “Are you by yourself? Would you like to join us?”

When joining a walking tour, you pretty much kill two birds with one stone. You get a good overview of the area you are visiting and meet people on time.

Ask someone for directions (even if you aren’t lost, hehe)

It will initiate conversation. That leads them to ask you, “Where are you from?”, “What brings you here?” etc. It’s the perfect ice breaker.

It doesn’t always end up like this, but it sometimes does.

Be open

Did someone invite you to grab a drink?

Say “Yes.” But if it’s alcohol, just be mindful.

Did someone invite you for dinner?

Say “Yes” because you will not be eating alone tonight.

Did someone offer to show you all that Madrid has to offer?

Say “Hell Yeah!” because you just got someone to be your tour guide.

Overall, become a “Yes” person. Don’t exclude opportunities unless there is a good reason to or if the person inviting you is giving off bad vibes from the get-go.

Meeting people can be highly intimidating, especially for someone like me. But traveling solo is also an excellent opportunity to overcome this fear. In the end, the experience can be very empowering. These are my “Top5” ways to meet people while traveling solo.