No Travel Buddy? No Problem - How to Make Friends Anywhere in the World

🌍 How to Meet People While Traveling (Even If You're a Little Shy)

“You just have to say hi.” That’s the advice someone gave me before my first big solo trip... and honestly? It sounded way too simple at the time. Like, thanks for that little gem (internal eye roll). But the more I traveled, the more I realized: it actually is that simple. Whether you're heading off on your first solo adventure or you’re just tired of eating every meal in silence, here’s how to meet people while traveling - without feeling awkward or forcing it.

Embrace the "Hi"

Yes, it starts with one word.

Say hi in the hostel kitchen. At the free walking tour. On the bus when you end up next to another solo traveler who also looks unsure whether to start eating their snack loudly.

Most people are open to conversation, they’re just waiting for someone to break the ice first. Be that person.

Pro tip: Ask a small question.

1. “Where are you from?”
2. “Have you been here long?"
   
3. “Is that wine good or should I not waste my money?”

 

Boom. You're in. Embrace cultural differences, be curious about other people's backgrounds, and show genuine interest in learning about their traditions and customs. Respect is key to building meaningful and lasting friendships.

Be Yourself and Stay Authentic

Authenticity is key to building genuine friendships, so it's important to be yourself and stay true to your values and beliefs. Don't try to be someone you're not in order to fit in or impress others. True friends will appreciate you for who you are, so embrace your uniqueness and let your personality shine through in all your interactions.

Be Awkward. It’s Fine.

It might feel weird to talk to strangers the first couple times. Your opener might be clunky. You might say something and immediately overthink it.

That’s okay.

Everyone traveling solo has felt that awkward "am I being weird?" moment. But the truth is: people are so much nicer and more open than you probably think. You’ll forget the awkward hellos and remember the beach day you shared with someone you’d never met before.

Stay in Hostels 

Hostels are goldmines for meeting people. You don’t have to party (unless you want to), just hang in the common area, join a hostel dinner or game night, or offer to share your snacks.

Even one “Hey, I’m XXX” can lead to a spontaneous hiking trip or a new best friend from Sweden.

*This picture was taken from a hike I did in the Canary Islands. I met 3 people at a hostel social hour at 11pm who had an extra seat in their car for a hike they were doing the next morning at 7am. They invited me along and I accepted. This 10km hike that I did in my very inadequate footwear wound up being one of the highlights of my trip! 

 

 

Join Group Activities

Walking tours, cooking classes, surf lessons, pub crawls, dive courses — whatever you’re into, there’s probably a group version.

The magic? Everyone there wants to be social. So talk to the person next to you. Compliment their shoes. Ask where they’re headed next. You’re already doing the same activity — you’ve got common ground.

If there isn't a group activity to join - create your own! Do something that you want to do and invite people you meet to join you! 

Sit at Communal Tables or Bars

Dining solo doesn’t have to feel lonely.

Pick a spot at a communal table or eat at the bar — you’d be surprised how many people are open to chatting. Especially if you’re in a place where travelers gather. Bonus points if you ask the bartender or server for local tips. Locals are often the best connectors.

Utilize Social Media and Online Platforms

Social media and online platforms can be powerful tools for making friends across the globe. Facebook travel groups are one of my favourite ways to connect with people who share your interests and values. Virtual friendships can lead to real-life connections when you travel to new destinations.

The Bottom Line

Meeting people while traveling doesn’t require a secret script. No perfect pick-up line. No extroverted superpower.

Just a little courage, a dash of curiosity, and yep — sometimes, it really is as simple as saying “hi.”

You never know what kind of magic that one little word can lead to.

 

Xoxo Marg

 

Have a favorite way you’ve met someone while traveling? Drop your story in the comments — I live for those “we randomly ended up traveling together for a week” moments