Traveling alone doesn’t have to mean staying in your bubble the whole time. Whether you’re exploring a new city or relaxing on a beach, there are countless ways to spark genuine connections without forcing anything awkward. You just need to know where to look—and how to show up.
Some strategies work better than others, especially when they feel natural. Here’s a list of 17 easy ways to meet people while traveling solo that don’t feel like networking.
Stay at a Social Hostel
Not all hostels are loud party hubs. Plenty of places now cater to laid-back travelers who still want to connect over coffee or walking tours. Communal kitchens, game nights, and casual common areas make it easy to meet people without trying too hard. You’ll naturally fall into conversations with others who are also on their own. The best ones feel more like a shared home than budget lodging.
Sign Up for a Local Class
From cooking workshops to surfing lessons, group classes bring people together over a shared experience. You’re learning something, laughing through mistakes, and making casual conversation along the way. These aren’t forced meetups—they’re just fun ways to engage with locals and fellow travelers. Plus, they leave you with a skill or story to bring home. Bonus points if it’s something unique to the region.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Use Meetup Apps That Aren’t for Dating
Apps like Meetup, Couchsurfing, Hangouts, or even event-based groups on Facebook can point you toward casual gatherings and activities. These aren’t for flirting—they’re for book clubs, hike groups, language swaps, and pop-up events. You’ll meet real people with shared interests, not just tourists. Keep your expectations light and see where it leads.
Join a Free Walking Tour
These tours attract solo travelers and chatty guides who keep the vibe friendly. It’s easy to strike up a conversation when you’re all learning about the city together. Grab coffee with someone after or swap tips for what to see next. The best part? You get to explore while also being social, without signing up for anything too intense. It’s a soft entry into meeting people on the go.
Take a Group Day Trip
Whether it’s a wine-tasting tour or a trip to nearby ruins, day excursions often mix solo travelers and small groups. You spend the day together, share snacks, and usually ride the same van back—plenty of chances to talk. These tours tend to feel more relaxed than structured meetups. You’ll leave with new photos and maybe a new friend. Don’t overthink it—just show up and join in.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Eat at the Bar, Not a Table
Sitting at the bar makes you more approachable and opens space for casual conversation. Bartenders often chat with solo diners and might introduce you to others. You won’t be the only one doing this—especially in bigger cities. A few shared menu recommendations can lead to full conversations. It’s low-pressure and surprisingly effective.
Stay in a Guesthouse or B&B
Smaller accommodations with shared breakfasts naturally invite friendly chats. You’ll likely meet other guests at the table or while lounging in shared spaces. It feels less anonymous than a big hotel. Owners sometimes introduce guests to each other, too. These places attract travelers who value connection over anonymity.
Attend a Local Event or Festival
Even if you’re not a huge fan of crowds, being part of something communal—like a night market or cultural festival—creates instant shared context. It’s easy to strike up a conversation about food stalls or performers. Many locals are proud to share their traditions and will gladly explain what’s going on. Just being curious goes a long way. You don’t have to stay long—just long enough to soak in the vibe.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Take a Fitness or Yoga Class
Studios in tourist-friendly cities often welcome drop-ins. You get your workout in while potentially meeting locals or other travelers. Post-class chats or walking out together can spark casual conversations. It’s less awkward than you’d expect when everyone’s catching their breath. Plus, you’ll leave feeling better in more ways than one.
Try Volunteering for a Day
Look for short-term volunteer options like beach cleanups or food banks. You’re working alongside others for a good cause—and that creates quick camaraderie. There’s no pressure to be social, but it often happens naturally. These settings strip away small talk and focus on doing something meaningful. That shared purpose sticks.
Hit a Coffee Shop With Communal Tables
Some cafes are designed with long tables and open layouts that encourage low-key socializing. Bring a book or your laptop, but be open to conversation. Solo travelers often gravitate toward these spaces too. You don’t need to initiate anything—just being present in a welcoming environment helps. If someone does start talking, go with it.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Take a Language Exchange Meetup
These are everywhere—from Paris to Tokyo. You help someone with English while they help you with their local language. It’s a natural, reciprocal way to connect. These events usually take place in bars or cafes and have a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Even if you’re not fluent, your effort is what counts.
Book a Co-Working Day Pass
If you’re working remotely while traveling, co-working spaces are perfect for meeting like-minded people. Shared desks, coffee breaks, and casual chats happen naturally in these settings. Some spaces even host mixers or after-hours events. You can be productive and social in the same place. It feels more organic than trying to meet people at a hotel desk.
Ask for Local Recommendations
Asking someone for a food or sight suggestion is a great conversation starter. Locals usually love sharing hidden gems. Travelers nearby might chime in with their tips. It’s not about being needy—it’s about being open. Sometimes one simple question turns into a full-on chat.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Attend a Trivia or Game Night
Plenty of pubs host team-based games that are perfect for solo joiners. You’ll be placed with a group, and the competition makes it easy to bond. You don’t need to be a trivia master to enjoy it. Just contribute where you can and laugh at the rest. It’s socializing with a shared goal—no small talk required.
Ride-Shared Transportation
Think sleeper trains, van shuttles, or ferry rides where people naturally sit close together. These aren’t just ways to get from A to B—they’re small, mobile communities. Start with a smile, then maybe chat about the ride or your destination. You’d be surprised how many friendships begin between stops. It’s slow travel with a side of connection.
Say Yes to Invitations
If someone invites you to dinner, a local hangout, or a spontaneous plan, say yes (within reason). Some of the best travel memories come from moments you didn’t plan. You’re not committing to a lifelong friendship—just an experience. As long as it feels safe and comfortable, go with the flow. You’ll collect better stories—and maybe new contacts.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Real Connections Take Small Effort
You don’t need to be loud, extroverted, or overly confident to meet people while traveling solo. The key is to show up with openness and stay curious. Small efforts—like sitting in the right spot, joining a group activity, or saying yes—can lead to moments that make the trip more meaningful. Wherever you go, someone else is likely looking for the same thing. A little effort goes a long way when you’re not trying to force it.
More from Travel Pug
- 20 Best Beach Towns in the Carolinas
- 13 Destinations Where Tourists Regularly Regret Their Trip
- 20 Things You Actually Get in First Class
- 20 Small Airports With Aviation Museums
- 20 Places in the U.S. That Are Perfect for a Reset Trip
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.