Where do solo travelers meet like-minded people?
TL;DR
Are you a solo traveler in search of like-minded people to meet and make friends with around the world? These tried-and-tested methods have helped people just like you:
- Group trips (such as Flash Pack) offer built-in community and shared experiences with other solo travelers, with a group dynamic that is designed for friendship and connection.
- Co-working spaces help solo travelers connect through work and daily routine.
- Day tours and classes add flexible, interest-based social moments without major commitment.
- Travel apps and online communities make spontaneous meetups easy on the move.
- Living with locals creates deep cultural connection and a sense of belonging.
- Spontaneous encounters deliver fun, organic moments of connection that define the essence of solo travel.
What option you choose depends on how confident you feel traveling solo, how much flexibility you want, your social energy and how much structure you require. You may also decide to combine some of the options above.
What kind of solo traveler are we talking about?
This guide is for solo travelers who want connection — not just cheap beds or chaotic pub crawls. Whether you’re used to flying solo in your 30s and 40s, or are trying it for the first time, these are the most reliable ways to meet people with a similar mindset to your own.
At a glance: best ways for solo travelers to meet like-minded people
| Option | Why it works | Best for | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group travel | Built-in community, shared experiences, local guides | First-time solos or experienced travelers wanting deeper, harder-to-do experiences | Flash Pack, Wild Frontiers, Gap 360 |
| Co-working spaces | Daily social contact with other professionals | Digital nomads or longer stays in one place | Impact Hub, Regus, Coworker |
| Day tours | Low-commitment group interaction w/ shared interests | Independent travelers who want light structure | Secret Food Tours, Context Travel, GetYourGuide |
| Travel apps | Real-time meetups and quick connections | Fast movers, or those nervous about IRL conversations | Nomadtable, Going Solo, Meetup |
| Living with local families | Sense of belonging and cultural immersion | Solo travelers seeking authenticity and comfort | Homestay, Worldpackers, Flash Pack experiences |
| Spontaneous encounters | Organic, memorable connections with zero planning | Confident, open-minded travelers | Cafés, transport, markets, hotels |
Group Travel Experiences (such as Flash Pack)
Meet other solo travelers in curated one- or two-week trips designed to bring together small groups of like-minded people.
Why it works for solo travelers
Joining a small group adventure is like a stepping stone into “pure” solo travel. Those flying solo can meet other like-minded travelers and build confidence in a particular destination (within the format of a supportive group, and with the expertise of a local guide) before embarking on further travel alone.
Who it’s best for
Either first-time solo travelers who want to build a network of like-minded solos; or those with plenty of experience. The latter can benefit from “can’t-do-by-yourself moments” that feature in many more adventurous group trips; for example, hiking a secret backdoor route to the iconic site of Petra in Jordan; or glamping on a private island in the Philippines. Group travel also works well in destinations that – for various reasons – may be more challenging to tackle alone.
Examples of group travel experiences
- Flash Pack curates small-group adventures for solo travelers aged 30-49 and 45-59. The focus is on unique and thrilling experiences that get under the skin of a place, plus beautiful hotels and standout foodie moments. Connect with friendly, like-minded people all over the world and tap into a global community that’ll boost your confidence and act as a sounding board for future trips (alone or in a group).
- Wild Frontiers caters to 70% solo travelers in small-group tours to remote and far-flung destinations (e.g. Turkmenistan, Mongolia and Algeria). Bond with fellow adventurists of all ages in one-of-a-kind trips that emphasize cultural immersion.
- Gap 360’s portfolio includes party tours for young solo travelers aged 18-20s. The vibe is budget backpacking, with multi-share hostel rooms, plus nightlife/ beach clubs in some of the world’s most iconic party destinations. A great way for young solos to connect.
Co-working Spaces
Create your own community in digital nomad hubs, as you connect with other solo travelers on a professional – and personal – basis.
Why it works for solo travelers
Many of the world’s best-known places for digital nomads (Portugal, Thailand, Colombia) are home to myriad co-working spaces where solo travelers thrive. Meet and mix with other freelancers from all walks of life and make friends with people who are making a living on the move – just like you.
Who it’s best for
Any solo travelers planning on working and exploring the world at the same time – particularly if you are staying in one place for a month or more. But even if you’re bouncing between countries, you can seek out support from different co-working spaces (and their communities) as you go.
Examples of global co-working spaces
- Impact Hub is home to over 120 co-working spaces dotted around the world. They provide hot desks and offices, but – more importantly – access to a friendly community of founders and entrepreneurs.
- Regus has co-working facilities all over the globe, from Cambodia to Cameroon, Costa Rica and beyond. Take advantage of hourly or daily hot desking, and the opportunity to tap into local freelance networks.
- Coworker is one of the biggest online directories for co-working spaces and meeting rooms, with more than 25,000 verified listings available to book worldwide. Its aim is to help people collaborate and inspire one another with on-demand access to global co-working.
Day Classes and Tours
Add some structure to your days and meet other solos with similar interests to you, wherever in the world you happen to be.
Why it works for solo travelers
Traveling alone can get lonely, so day tours or classes provide camaraderie and a change of scene – while retaining your independence. This is also a good option to help get your bearings in a new place, with the added advantage that you can choose an activity that you’re passionate about (whether that’s cooking, crafting, canyoning or beyond).
Who it’s best for
People who want to travel solo, but with some group activities woven in as a safety net – and a means to meet others. Day trips/classes are also flexible enough that you don’t have to spend lots to get an inside snapshot of any given place, with expert-led local tips.
Examples of day classes and tours
- Secret Food Tours provides a unique taste of local cuisine in cities worldwide, with a focus on history, food culture and how locals buy food. Each three- or four-hour tour includes a special “secret dish”, and some come with drink upgrades. Bond with fellow solo travelers/foodies over Texan BBQs, in Swedish bakeries or at hawker stalls in Kuala Lumpur and more.
- Context Travel offers walking tours, museum visits and day trips in over 60 global destinations. Solo travelers can join small-group experiences of 10 or fewer guests, led by local storytelling experts and designed for meaningful connection between guests.
- GetYourGuide features a huge inventory of global group experiences, from live flamenco dancing in Seville to Marrakech desert safaris and NYC helicopter rides. Choose your group size and find other solo travelers with similar interests to your own.
Travel Apps and Online Communities
Match with other solos in real-time and find events in your local area as you move from place to place.
Why it works for solo travelers
Travel apps and online communities are brilliant for spontaneous meetups. Many will let you meet and connect with other solos nearby or find people going to the same next place as you. You can also find options to join local activities and groups in different areas of the world, depending on your interests. Just make sure you always use verified platforms and meet others in public places, for safety reasons.
Who it’s best for
Travel apps might be especially useful for solo travelers who feel anxious about striking up conversations with others IRL. Online communities help to set the groundwork beforehand, so you can ease your way into a chat. It’s also a good choice for those moving quickly from A to B, with little time to plan ahead on meeting people.
Examples of travel apps and online communities
- Nomadtable connects solo travelers in real-time, so that you can see who’s nearby and join or create local activities (e.g. casual hangouts or sightseeing).
- Going Solo: Travel Friends lets you match with a solo travel buddy, find people going to the same next destination as you, or join groups in your local area. It’s skewed towards backpackers aged 18-30.
- Meetup is not specifically a travel resource, but it’s great for finding local events, activities and meetups in destinations across the globe. Find solo travelers who enjoy the same things you do, whether that’s hiking or a night out on the town.
Living with Local Families
Gain a deep understanding of place – including host tips on safety and things to do – by connecting with local families.
Why it works for solo travelers
Solo travelers will almost certainly be well looked-after in the hands of friendly local hosts who open up their homes for lunches, activities or overnight stays. There’s now a mass of verified platforms that’ll help you locate homestays or opportunities to connect with locals – often in exchange for a skills swap.
Who it’s best for
Anyone seeking out a true, authentic flavor of local life away from the tourist traps. Family stays are also excellent for lending a feel of community and home comforts on the road. Often, people will welcome you in as a member of the family, in a way that hands-down beats any jazzier experience.
Examples of living with local families
- Homestay connects host families with solos and students looking for affordable accommodation on their travels. Guests can choose from thousands of options in over 170 countries, with the chance to stay with locals, become part of the community and even benefit from local cultural experiences run by hosts.
- Worldpackers is a collaborative community that connects people (including solo travelers) to welcoming hosts all over the world. The idea is that you gain free accommodation in exchange for your time and skills. Volunteer exchanges might include anything from farming and gardening to NGO projects or teaching languages.
- Flash Pack group trips often come with stays in family-run local hotels; or invitations to family homes for lunch, vineyard tours or craft/storytelling experiences. This helps solo travelers forge a sense of understanding and belonging with local communities worldwide.
Spontaneous Encounters
Go the old-school route, and connect with other solo travelers here, there and everywhere on the road.
Why it works for solo travelers
There’s an element of fate in spontaneous encounters that speaks to the joy of solo travel. It’s often the reason why people enjoy it most. Like a box of chocolates, you never know quite what you will get – or who you’ll meet and where. But the most random, unexpected conversations can pave the way to lifelong friendships (or just friends for a week); as seasoned solos will tell you.
Who it’s best for
Anyone who’s comfortable in speaking to strangers; and keeps a curious, open-minded outlook on standby. Remember, nonverbal cues are useful here: you’re less likely to get chatting to other solo travelers if you have headphones on, or your nose buried in your phone the entire time.
Examples of spontaneous encounters
- Cafés and coffee shops are an obvious starting point. Keep your eyes peeled for other friendly solos – they’ll be easier than you imagine to spot.
- Train or bus journeys are the silver lining of six-hour coach trips, or airport delays that simply never end. Grab a few beers and open a pack of cards with your fellow passengers; you’ll be amazed at the stories you collect.
- Markets and festivals will enable you to meet both locals and fellow foodie/musos/surf-loving solos. Everyone’s in a more relaxed mood in this kind of setting, which sets things up nicely for a fun conversation or three.
- Hostels and hotels provide a ready-made stage for meeting other solos; many venues have common breakout areas or run weekly meet-and-greets over cocktails or a fire pit.
FAQs: meeting like-minded people as a solo traveler
What’s the easiest way to meet people when traveling solo?
In terms of effort, spontaneous encounters require zero budget or planning. But they’re also a less structured way of meeting people. So, if you’re feeling worried about it, start with a group trip (especially those that specifically cater to solo travelers), or plan one or two group activities throughout your stay. If you’re planning to work as you go, co-working spaces are a great way to find your tribe, while homestays will help you connect and seek comfort with local families.
Is it harder to meet people when traveling solo in your 30s or 40s?
Absolutely not; but you may be less in the habit versus someone fresh out of college. Rediscovering that skill is actually one of the great delights of solo travel in your 30s and 40s; you will meet people far more easily than you expect. And it’s so refreshing to broaden your life view and gain insights into fresh perspectives by doing so. Even better, you can use group trips like Flash Pack to connect with other solo travelers specifically in your age group – meaning the stage for friendship is already set.
What if you’re introverted?
Congratulations, you’ll join up to 50% of the world’s population who also get their energy from within. Contrary to common perception, there’s no personality type that is better suited to solo travel; you don’t have to be hugely gregarious, or ready to party at every turn. You can meet people just as easily if you’re introverted; you may just want to create a few more boundaries as you go (so you don’t end up burnt out and exhausted).
What if you can’t find anyone to talk to?
Trust us, you will. Just go in with an open heart and faith that lots of people feel nervous about chatting to strangers. Yes, it might feel a bit awkward to put yourself out there at first – that’s normal. And you may well have moments where you feel alone or even think, “what the hell am I doing here?” But equally, you’ll find people and chats to fill your cup long after you’ve returned home.
What are some good openers when you’re talking to strangers?
“I like to think of conversation as a treasure hunt for common ground,” says Catherine Blyth, author of The Art of Conversation. “Ask open-ended questions, which require more than a yes or no answer. If you haven’t got an obvious topic to go in with, look around you. You already have something in common: the place you’re in. Make an observation, tack on a question, and you have a ready-made conversation starter.”
Georgie Nightingall, London-based founder and coach at Trigger Conversations, recommends asking about someone’s individual experience of facts. Because facts alone can quickly make an exchange lifeless, and you don’t learn much. For example, in a travel context, rather than just saying “Where have you been?”, you might ask, “What place were you most surprised by?”. Or “Did you try out the zip-line?” becomes, “Were you scared to be hundreds of feet in the air?”
Find more conversation-starting tips right here.
How can you navigate personal safety while meeting new people abroad?
This is about common sense: follow all the usual rules you would do at home. Always meet new people in public places and tell a friend where you’re going. Listen to your gut, and don’t dismiss it if you feel that something is off.
Buy your own drinks. Seek local advice, as local residents will often know best about nuances such as no-go areas in a particular neighborhood, or whether or not to use public transport after dark. Lean on the knowledge of expert local leaders in verified group trips and day tours.
Images: Flash Pack
