How to Make Friends While Traveling Solo in 2025

2. Sign Up for Local Events and Tours

One of the easiest ways to meet people is by joining group tours or events. Food tours, day trips, or even street art walks are great for connecting with others. Plus, the guide often acts as a natural icebreaker.

If you’re looking for something less structured, check out local festivals, concerts, or workshops. Platforms like Eventbrite is your best friends for finding fun activities in your destination.

3. Use Apps to Connect with Locals and Travelers

In 2025, there’s an app for everything. UNBLND make meeting people easier than ever. Want to grab coffee with a local or join a beach volleyball game? Just swipe, message, and meet.

Facebook groups and Instagram hashtags are also underrated gems. Search for groups like “Solo Travelers in “Destination” or follow local travel tags to find others exploring the same area.

4. Take a Class or Workshop

Why not pick up a new skill while making friends? Whether it’s a pasta making class in Italy, a surfing lesson in Bali, or a pottery workshop in Japan, learning something new alongside others is a fantastic way to connect. It’s easier to bond when everyone’s having fun and laughing over their attempts to get it right!

5. Be Open and Approachable

Sometimes, the best way to make friends is to simply smile and start a conversation. Compliment someone’s outfit, ask about their favorite local spots, or share a funny story about your travels. People are often more open to chatting than you’d expect, especially other solo travelers who are just as eager to connect.

Non-verbal cues help too: a friendly smile, relaxed body language, and curiosity go a long way.

6. Hit Up Digital Nomad Hubs

If you’re working while traveling, coworking spaces are social goldmines. Digital nomad hubs like those in Chiang Mai, Medellín, or Lisbon are full of people who love traveling and meeting new folks. Many coworking spaces host networking events, coffee breaks, or social outings. Even a quick “What are you working on?” can lead to meaningful conversations and maybe even a new travel buddy

7. Join Group Meals or Pub Crawls

Food and fun have a way of bringing people together. Sign up for a communal dining experience, like a family-style dinner at a local restaurant or a street food tour. Apps like Time left that made it easy to find these kinds of experiences.

For night owls, pub crawls or nightlife tours are an easy way to meet others. Even if you’re not into drinking, the social energy and laughter can make for a great night out.

8. Volunteer for a Cause

Volunteering is a win-win: you give back to the community while meeting like-minded people. Whether it’s helping out at an animal sanctuary, teaching English, or joining a beach cleanup, these shared experiences create strong connections.

Look for platforms like Workaway, WWOOF, or local volunteer networks for opportunities at your destination.

9. Be Part of the Local Scene

Blend in by visiting local markets, coffee shops, or parks where the community gathers. Strike up conversations with vendors, join a group doing tai chi in the park, or simply say hello to the person sitting next to you.

You’ll be surprised how often small gestures turn into big connections

Making Solo Travel Social in 2025

Traveling solo doesn’t mean being lonely. From apps to hostels, group tours to local workshops, the opportunities to meet people are endless. The key is to stay open, curious, and willing to put yourself out there.

So, pack your bags, bring your best smile, and get ready to turn your solo trip into a series of shared adventures. Your new friends are out there waiting to meet you!