How to Make Friends While Traveling Solo as a Woman

Traveling solo as a woman can be one of the most empowering and rewarding experiences of your life. It offers you the freedom to explore new destinations at your own pace, follow your own schedule, and immerse yourself in different cultures. However, one of the challenges that many solo female travelers face is how to make friends along the way. The idea of striking up conversations with strangers or bonding with fellow travelers can seem intimidating, but it’s actually one of the best aspects of solo travel.

Making friends while traveling solo opens up opportunities to share experiences, create lifelong memories, and even build connections that could last far beyond your trip. In this guide, we’ll explore how to make friends while traveling solo as a woman, offering practical tips that will help you meet new people and enrich your solo adventures.

1. Stay in Social Accommodations

The type of accommodation you choose can significantly impact your ability to meet new people. Social environments like hostels, guesthouses, and communal-style accommodations naturally lend themselves to interactions with fellow travelers.

Accommodation Tips for Solo Travelers:

  • Stay in Hostels: Hostels are renowned for being one of the easiest places to meet new people. Many hostels have shared dorms, communal areas, and social events like city tours or pub crawls that encourage travelers to mingle. Even if you prefer a private room, hostels often have common areas where you can hang out and chat with other guests.
  • Look for Social Hotels or Guesthouses: If hostels aren’t your style, you can still find hotels or guesthouses with a more social atmosphere. Look for accommodations that offer communal breakfasts, happy hours, or shared kitchens where you can interact with other travelers.
  • Join Airbnb Experiences: If you’re staying in an Airbnb, choose hosts who are open to socializing or who offer local experiences. Some Airbnb hosts love sharing meals or introducing their guests to local culture, which can lead to new friendships.

Tip: When choosing accommodation, look for places that have high ratings for solo travelers and mention social activities or common spaces in the reviews.

2. Join Group Tours or Activities

Group tours and activities are excellent ways to meet people while exploring a new destination. Whether it’s a walking tour, cooking class, or adventure excursion, you’ll find yourself surrounded by fellow travelers who are also looking to have fun and connect with others.

How to Find Group Activities:

  • Take Free Walking Tours: Many cities offer free walking tours led by local guides. These tours often attract solo travelers and small groups, creating the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded people while learning about the city’s history and culture.
  • Sign Up for Cooking Classes or Workshops: Cooking classes are a fantastic way to meet people while indulging in local cuisine. Many destinations offer cooking workshops where travelers come together to learn how to prepare traditional dishes, providing a hands-on, shared experience.
  • Book Adventure Tours: If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, join adventure tours such as hiking, kayaking, or snorkeling excursions. Adventure tours are often group activities, giving you a chance to bond with fellow adventurers as you tackle new challenges together.

Tip: Websites like Viator, GetYourGuide, and Airbnb Experiences offer a wide range of group activities and tours, so you can easily find something that interests you and gives you a chance to meet people.

3. Use Social Media and Travel Apps

In today’s digital age, making friends while traveling solo has never been easier, thanks to social media and travel apps designed to connect people on the go. These platforms allow you to find other solo travelers, meet locals, and join events in your destination.

Best Travel Apps for Making Friends:

  • Couchsurfing: Couchsurfing is not just for finding free accommodation—it also offers a “Hangouts” feature that lets you connect with other travelers and locals in your area. Many cities have Couchsurfing meetups where solo travelers can get together and explore the city.
  • Bumble BFF: If you’re looking to make female friends while traveling, Bumble BFF is a great app to connect with other women who are also looking for travel buddies or local companions. It’s a fun way to meet new friends with similar interests.
  • Meetup: Meetup is a platform that connects people based on shared interests. From language exchanges to hiking groups and social events, you can find local meetups happening in your destination that will help you meet people while doing something you enjoy.
  • Facebook Groups: Many cities have active Facebook groups for travelers and expats, where you can find out about local events, meetups, and activities. Search for groups like “Solo Female Travelers in [Destination]” or “Travel Meetups in [City]” to connect with other solo travelers.

Tip: Be cautious when meeting people online—always meet in public spaces and let someone know where you’re going if you’re meeting up with new friends.

4. Start Conversations in Public Places

One of the simplest and most effective ways to make friends while traveling solo is by starting conversations in public places. Whether you’re at a café, museum, or waiting in line for a ticket, these are great opportunities to strike up a conversation with fellow travelers or locals.

Conversation Starters for Solo Travelers:

  • Ask for Recommendations: Asking for local recommendations is a great icebreaker. Whether you’re looking for the best restaurant, a hidden gem, or local attractions, asking for advice can lead to a longer conversation and a potential new friend.
  • Join a Café or Coworking Space: Spending time in cafes, especially those with a communal or open seating arrangement, can naturally lead to conversations with fellow patrons. Many solo travelers work remotely or enjoy journaling in cafes, making it a perfect environment to meet others.
  • Comment on Shared Experiences: If you’re at a popular tourist site or participating in an event, commenting on the shared experience is a great way to start a conversation. Something as simple as, “This place is amazing, isn’t it?” can lead to a meaningful chat.

Tip: Be open to talking to people of all ages and backgrounds. Some of the best travel friendships come from unexpected connections.

5. Attend Local Events and Festivals

One of the best ways to make friends while immersing yourself in a new culture is by attending local events and festivals. Whether it’s a music festival, cultural celebration, or food fair, these gatherings are full of energy, excitement, and opportunities to meet people.

How to Find Local Events:

  • Check Local Listings: Look for event listings on tourism websites, social media pages, or local publications. Many cities host free or low-cost events that are perfect for solo travelers looking to meet others.
  • Attend Cultural Festivals: If you happen to be in a destination during a cultural festival or holiday, take part in the celebrations. Festivals are communal by nature, making it easy to meet people who are also enjoying the festivities.
  • Visit Local Markets: Markets are a great way to interact with locals and other travelers. Whether it’s a food market or a crafts market, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to strike up conversations with vendors or fellow shoppers.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask someone to join you for a drink, meal, or other activity during or after the event. People often appreciate the invitation, especially if they’re traveling solo as well.

6. Be Open and Approachable

One of the most important aspects of making friends while traveling solo is having the right attitude. Being open, approachable, and friendly makes it easier for others to strike up a conversation with you. A smile and positive body language can go a long way in creating new connections.

Tips for Being Approachable:

  • Smile and Make Eye Contact: Smiling and making eye contact with people around you signals that you’re open to conversation. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and be the first to say hello.
  • Be a Good Listener: When meeting new people, showing genuine interest in their stories and experiences will help build a connection. Listen actively and ask questions that encourage deeper conversation.
  • Be Confident: Confidence is key when traveling solo. Don’t be afraid to initiate conversations or join group activities. The more confident you are in your ability to meet people, the easier it will become.

Tip: If you’re feeling nervous about meeting new people, start small. Engage in casual conversations with waiters, shop owners, or fellow travelers, and gradually build up to more in-depth interactions.

7. Join Volunteering or Cultural Exchange Programs

Volunteering while traveling is an excellent way to meet new people, give back to the community, and experience a destination in a meaningful way. Cultural exchange programs also allow you to interact with locals and other travelers while learning about the region.

Volunteering Opportunities for Solo Travelers:

  • WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms): WWOOF connects volunteers with organic farms around the world, offering you the chance to work in exchange for food and accommodation. This is a fantastic way to meet fellow volunteers while learning new skills and contributing to sustainable practices.
  • Workaway: Workaway connects travelers with hosts who need help with various tasks, such as teaching English, gardening, or hostel management. In return, you get free accommodation and the chance to meet new people.
  • Teach English Abroad: Many solo female travelers find rewarding connections by teaching English abroad, whether through a formal teaching program or a short-term volunteer opportunity.

Tip: Volunteering allows you to meet people who share similar values and interests, making it easier to form lasting friendships.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it safe to make friends while traveling solo as a woman?
Yes, it’s safe as long as you take basic precautions. Always meet new people in public places, trust your instincts, and let someone know where you’re going when meeting up with someone for the first time.

2. How do I approach someone to start a conversation?
You can ask for local recommendations, join group tours or activities, or comment on a shared experience. People are often open to conversations while traveling, especially in social settings like hostels or tours.

3. What are the best apps to meet people while traveling solo?
Apps like Couchsurfing, Bumble BFF, and Meetup are great for connecting with other travelers or locals. These platforms make it easy to find people who are also interested in socializing or exploring the area.

4. Can I make lasting friendships while traveling solo?
Absolutely! Many solo travelers form deep, lasting friendships with people they meet on the road. These connections can lead to travel companions, future meetups, or even lifelong friendships.

5. How do I stay safe when meeting new people?
Always meet in public places, avoid sharing personal information too soon, and trust your instincts. Let someone know where you are going and who you are meeting, and be cautious about accepting invitations to unfamiliar places.

Conclusion

Traveling solo as a woman offers you the unique freedom to explore the world on your own terms, but it doesn’t mean you have to travel alone the entire time. By staying in social accommodations, joining group activities, using travel apps, and attending local events, you can easily make friends and build connections with fellow travelers and locals alike. The friendships you make on the road can lead to some of the most memorable and enriching experiences of your journey.

So, smile, be open, and embrace the chance to meet new people on your solo travels. After all, the world is full of amazing individuals just waiting to share their stories with you!