How to Meet People When You Travel Solo 

Traveling solo and meeting people shouldn’t be intimidating – it can be a lot of fun! Strangers turned friends could lead to unique memories and lifelong friendships. Whether it’s strategically picking your destination, to doing a group activity, here’s our tips on how to meet people when you travel solo.   

Pick a destination with outgoing people 

Before you trek solo, if your intention is to make new friendships, pick a destination with outgoing people. According to the study “Meetup: State of Friendships: The 2023 Meetup Measurement Report”, the top five most outgoing cities include: 

1. Atlanta, Georgia 
2. Palo Alto, California 
3. Mountain View, California 
4. Four Lauderdale, Florida 
5. Marietta, Georgia 
6. Santa Monica, California 
7. Orlando, Florida 
8. Boulder, Colorado 
9. Cambridge, Massachusetts 
10. Salt Lake City, Utah 

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Approach strangers, engage in conversation, have an action plan 

When you’re traveling solo, you’re bound to be drawn to certain people, and vice versa. Don’t be afraid to approach strangers (with caution, of course), and engage in conversation. You could compliment someone on their outfit at an outdoor market or be sitting next to someone reading an intriguing book; making a small comment and building up to a conversation is key to opening yourself up to this new person, and moreover, new friendship. After you make great conversation, bravely and platonically, ask him or her for their contact information so you can keep in touch and see each other again.  

Do a group activity, class, workshop, or tour  

Group activities truly bond people together, making strangers quick friends by the end of the sessions. When traveling solo, engage in your interests. Do you like wine, beer, and spirits? Try a wine tour at a vineyard or a beer tour in a brewery. Are you a foodie? Go on a local food tour and visit local spots in your destination city. Are you an outdoors enthusiast? Try horseback riding, kayaking, or white-water rafting in a group with a guide. Spending a few hours with a group will during a group activity will bound to bond you and give way to new friendships.  

Use an app to bring online to off-line 

Living in the Digital Age, has its perks. You have access to so many more people than ever before. Tap into your digital network by plugging into meet-up apps on your phone. There are specific apps that are made to meet people with certain interests; there’s even an app for you to find your next best friend! Of course, again, exercise caution when meeting with strangers, but also keep an open and optimistic mindset, too.