How to Find Friends When Solo Traveling
By TripBFF · · 3 min read
The easiest place to start is a shared activity: a walking tour, a cooking class, or a casual meetup. You already have something to talk about, and you can decide afterward whether you want to spend more time together. Aim for one good conversation rather than a whole new friend group on day one.
Start with a plan someone can say yes to
“Anyone around?” leaves the other person to organize everything. A specific invitation makes it easier: say what you want to do, roughly when, and where you will meet. Keep the first plan short and in a public place.
Try: “I’m checking out the market tomorrow at 11. Want to grab a coffee nearby first?” That gives someone a clear activity and an easy way to join. If they are busy, offer one alternative and leave it there.
Choose places where conversation is part of the experience
| Setting | An easy opener |
|---|---|
| Walking tour | “Is this your first day here too?” |
| Cooking class | “Have you made anything like this before?” |
| Hostel common room | “Have you found anywhere good for dinner?” |
| Language exchange | “Want to practice together for a few minutes?” |
| Traveler meetup | “What are you hoping to do while you’re here?” |
Pick an activity you would enjoy even if you do not meet anyone. You still get a good afternoon, and conversation becomes a bonus rather than a test.
Use an app to turn overlapping plans into a meetup
TripBFF lets you find nearby travelers, join groups, and plan trips. Add useful details about your interests and look for people whose plans overlap with yours. A shared interest gives your first message a better starting point than a generic hello.
Check whether an activity or conversation is recent before making plans around it. A busy-looking group is not necessarily active on the day you arrive.
Suggest the next small thing
If a tour ends and you enjoyed someone’s company, suggest lunch nearby. If lunch goes well, exchange contact details and offer another plan. You do not need to commit to sharing the rest of your trip.
Follow up with something personal: “That food stall you recommended was great. Want to check out the museum tomorrow?” A specific memory makes the message feel like a continuation of your conversation.
Leave room for both friendship and independence
Meet in public, arrange your own way home, and keep accommodation details private until you feel comfortable. You can leave a plan that does not feel right without defending your decision.
Some conversations will stay brief. That is normal when people have different routes and departure dates. Keep making plans you enjoy, and give the connections that feel easy a little time to grow.