Best Apps to Find Travel Friends
By TripBFF · · 3 min read
The best app depends on your plan. A traveler-focused app can help you find people on a similar route, while an event platform is useful when you want a specific activity. Start with one app and one concrete invitation rather than keeping several empty conversations going.
We make TripBFF. This is an editorial comparison based on public product information checked November 2, 2026, not a hands-on test or a ranking based on user data. Features and access can change.
Compare the options
| App | Useful for | Check before you commit |
|---|---|---|
| TripBFF | Finding travelers and planning together | Recent activity where you are going |
| Hostelworld | Traveler chats and events | Booking eligibility or Social Pass access |
| Meetup | Groups built around shared interests | Event date, location, and any fee |
| Couchsurfing | Local and traveler connections | Account access and recent references |
TripBFF: people to share your travel plans with
TripBFF centers on travel friends, with nearby travelers, groups, and trip planning. It is a useful starting point when you want company for a destination or an activity without choosing accommodation around a social app.
Write what you actually want to do: a relaxed museum visit, a day hike, or dinner. Different expectations about budget, pace, and nightlife can matter more than having the same destination.
Hostelworld: traveler chats and events
Hostelworld combines accommodation booking with social features. Its Social Pass provides chats and events without a booking, so staying in a hotel does not automatically rule it out.
Check the access offered with your booking or pass before choosing. If you already use Hostelworld for accommodation, it may be convenient to start there.
Meetup: start with a shared interest
Meetup organizes groups and events around interests. Look for something you already enjoy rather than only searching for travel meetups. A photography walk or board-game evening gives you a reason to talk.
Read the event description carefully: some groups are intended for regular members, while others welcome drop-ins. Confirm the venue, any charge, and whether the event is in person.
Couchsurfing: local and traveler connections
Couchsurfing includes hosts, traveler connections, and events. It is worth considering when meeting people is part of how you want to experience a place, rather than only finding someone to follow your itinerary.
Read recent references and clarify expectations. Meeting someone socially and staying in their home are different decisions; agreeing to one does not mean agreeing to the other.
Choose based on your next actual plan
Check your destination and dates before paying for any service. An app’s overall size cannot tell you who will be available nearby. Look for recent conversations, upcoming events, and plans you would genuinely join.
Once you find a match, move toward a clear public meetup. Keep your own transport and accommodation arrangements, and do not treat a profile or reference as a guarantee of safety.