Travelling in Australia

Best way to make friends whilst travelling alone

December 21, 2022

Best way to make friends whilst travelling alone

Solo travel can be a thrilling and rewarding experience, but it can also be intimidating and lonely at times. One of the biggest fears of travelling alone is the idea of being isolated and unable to connect with others. However, making friends while travelling solo is not only possible; it can significantly enhance your trip and create lasting memories. This blog post will explore the best ways to make friends while travelling alone, from joining organised tours and activities to staying in social accommodations and connecting with locals. So, if you're nervous about embarking on a solo trip, don't worry – you don't have to go alone. Follow these tips, and you'll make new friends in no time.

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Join Organised tours and activities

Research and book tours and activities in advance

One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to meet other travellers while on a solo trip is to join organised tours and activities. By doing your research and booking in advance, you can ensure that you'll be spending time with like-minded individuals who are also interested in exploring your destination. This can be especially helpful if you're visiting a place where you don't speak the local language, as tour operators and activity providers will often provide translation services. Plus, many tours and activities offer group discounts, so you can save money while making new friends. Some popular options to consider include guided hikes, culinary tours, cultural workshops, and adventure sports. Whatever your interests, there's likely a tour or activity that will suit you. Just be sure to do your research and read reviews before booking to ensure you're choosing a reputable and enjoyable experience.


Meet other travellers with similar interests

Another great way to make friends while travelling solo is to seek out other travellers who share your interests. This is especially helpful if you're overwhelmed or unsure how to socialise in a new place. Finding others with similar hobbies or passions will give you an instant connection and something to talk about. There are a few ways you can do this:

  1. Join a group tour or travel meet-up specifically geared towards your interests. For example, if you're a nature lover, you could join a guided hike or a wildlife tour. You might sign up for a culinary workshop or food tour if you're a foodie.
  2. Use online resources like Meetup or Travello to find events and activities in your destination that align with your interests. These platforms allow you to connect with travellers and locals interested in similar things.
  3. Join a language exchange or meet-up group to practise your language skills and meet people who are also learning. This is a great way to connect with locals and other travellers while immersing yourself in the culture.

By meeting other travellers with similar interests, you'll not only make new friends, but you'll also have the opportunity to learn and grow together.


Stay in social accommodations

Hostels with common areas and organised events

Staying in a hostel can be a great way to meet other travellers and make friends while travelling solo. Many hostels have common areas like kitchens, living rooms, or rooftop decks where travellers can socialise and get to know each other. Some hostels even have organised events like movie nights, group dinners, or pub crawls, which can be a fun and easy way to meet people. Hostels are also more affordable than hotels, so you can save money while making new friends. When booking a hostel, look for one with good reviews and a high rating for the social atmosphere. Consider staying in a dorm room, as this will allow you to meet and interact with more people. Just be sure to respect other people's privacy and follow any rules or guidelines the hostel sets. By staying in a social hostel, you'll have plenty of opportunities to meet other travellers and make new friends.


Airbnb Experiences or home-stays with a local host

If you're looking for a more immersive and authentic travel experience, consider staying with a local host through Airbnb Experiences or a home-stay. Both options allow you to live with a local host and learn about their culture and way of life. In addition, by staying with a local host, you'll have the opportunity to make genuine connections and get to know someone on a deeper level. Plus, many hosts are happy to show their guests around and introduce them to their friends, which can be a great way to expand your social circle.


Use social media and online resources to connect with other travellers

Join Facebook groups or forums for solo travellers in your destination

Social media can be an excellent tool for connecting with other travellers and making friends while on a solo trip. One way to do this is by joining Facebook groups or forums specifically for solo travellers in your destination. 


We recommend you check out Find your travel buddy Australia & New Zealand or Australia Backpackers - Travel Community 2022


These groups can be an excellent resource for finding out about your area's events, activities, and meet-ups. They can also be a great place to ask for recommendations and advice or to meet and chat with other solo travellers.


You can also join groups related to your specific interests or hobbies, as this will help you connect with others who share your passions. Just read the group's rules and guidelines before posting, as some groups may have specific requirements for membership or behaviour.


By joining Facebook groups or forums for solo travellers, you'll have the opportunity to connect with others who are also exploring your destination alone. As a result, you can make some long-lasting friendships or find travel buddies for future trips. So don't be afraid to reach out and connect with others – you never know who you might meet or where your adventures might take you.


Be open to making connections with the locals

Join a language exchange or meet-up group

Joining a language exchange or meet-up group can be a great way to make friends and practise your language skills while travelling solo. These groups often consist of locals and travellers interested in learning and practising a new language. By joining a group, you'll have the opportunity to meet new people, learn about the local culture, and improve your language skills simultaneously.


You can search online or ask at local language schools or cultural centres to find a language exchange or meet-up group. Also, consider using apps or websites like Tandem, ConversationExchange, or Meetup to connect with others interested in language learning. Once you've found a group, be sure to attend the meetings or events and be open to making new friends and practising your language skills.

In addition to being a great way to make friends and improve your language skills, joining a language exchange or meet-up group can also be a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and learn more about the place you're visiting. So don't be afraid to reach out and join a group – you might make some lasting connections and have a lot of fun along the way.


Volunteer or work abroad to meet locals and immerse yourself in the culture

Volunteering or working abroad can be a fantastic way to make friends while travelling solo and fully immerse yourself in the local culture. In addition, by committing to a longer-term stay in a destination, you'll have the opportunity to build lasting relationships with locals and gain a deeper understanding of the place you're visiting. Many organisations offer volunteer work or work abroad programs, so you'll have plenty of options to choose from.


In conclusion, making friends while travelling solo is possible and can significantly enhance your trip and create lasting memories. Whether you join organised tours and activities, stay in social accommodations, use online resources to connect with other travellers, or make connections with locals, there are many ways to make friends while on a solo trip. So don't be afraid to reach out and connect with others – you never know who you might meet or where your adventures might take you. Remember to be open to new experiences and be yourself, and you'll be well on your way to making friends while travelling solo.

The information provided in this article is for your information only. While all care has been taken in the preparation of the article, Sven Global Pty Ltd makes no representation or warranty as to, or accepts any responsibility for, the accuracy, reliability, completeness or currency of the information, its usefulness in achieving any purpose or your reliance upon it.

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