Ditch the awkward strangers—here’s how to find travel buddies you’ll actually like.
Making friends while traveling can feel like a gamble—you never know if you’ll click with someone amazing or end up stuck with a stage-five clinger. Meeting great people on the road doesn’t have to be awkward or stressful. In fact, it can be effortless when you know how to put yourself in the right situations. Whether you’re traveling solo or with a partner, having the freedom to connect with like-minded people can turn a good trip into an unforgettable one.
But no one wants to waste their time dealing with energy-draining weirdos, oversharers, or people who just don’t vibe with them. The key is knowing how to make genuine connections without the baggage—and it’s easier than you think.
1. Say goodbye to loneliness by staying in social-friendly accommodations.
If you’re booking a hotel room just for the privacy, you’re missing out on one of the easiest ways to meet people. Hostels, guesthouses, and co-living spaces are designed to bring travelers together, reminds Rebecca, a writer at Workaway. Even if you’re not into bunk beds, many hostels offer private rooms while still giving you access to common areas where people naturally gather. Boutique hotels with shared lounges and Airbnb stays with friendly hosts can also create opportunities for easy conversations.
The key is choosing places where interaction is encouraged—think communal kitchens, game nights, or group outings. If the thought of introducing yourself to strangers feels intimidating, start small. Sit in a shared space with a book, ask someone where they’re from, or join a group meal. Most people in these settings are also looking to connect, so breaking the ice won’t feel like pulling teeth.
2. Join group tours that attract the right kind of people.
Not all group tours are created equal. Some are packed with selfie-obsessed tourists who just want to check off a list, while others attract adventurous, like-minded travelers who genuinely want to connect. The trick is choosing experiences that fit your personality and interests, as Josh Bands outlines on Feel Free Travel. If you’re into hiking, opt for a small-group trek. Love food? A local cooking class will put you in the company of fellow foodies.
The shared experience makes starting a conversation effortless because you already have common ground. Plus, these tours often create a natural camaraderie—after all, nothing bonds people like getting lost in a foreign market or laughing over a failed attempt at making pasta from scratch. If you hit it off with someone, suggest grabbing a coffee afterward or exploring another spot together. Before you know it, you’ve got a new travel buddy without the pressure of forced small talk.
3. Master the art of small talk so you never feel awkward.
Some people have a natural gift for striking up conversations with strangers, but for the rest of us, it takes a little practice. Small talk doesn’t have to be painful or forced—it just needs to be natural, say Jennie Tung and Lisa Milbrand at Real Simple. Instead of the usual “Where are you from?” that gets old fast, try asking about their travel plans, favorite places they’ve visited, or a quirky observation about your surroundings.
People love sharing their stories, and if you show genuine interest, the conversation will flow. The trick is to listen more than you talk and find something to relate to. If you’re in a café and someone is reading a book you love, mention it. If you’re on a train and hear an accent you recognize, ask about it. The more you practice, the easier it becomes to strike up fun, effortless conversations.
4. Hang out in places where travelers naturally connect.
Some spots are social magnets, making it ridiculously easy to meet new people without even trying. Cafés with communal tables, rooftop bars, coworking spaces, and lively public squares all have one thing in common—they encourage conversation. The key is to put yourself in environments where interactions happen organically, suggests Brina Patel in an article for Medium. If you’re sitting alone, avoid burying your face in your phone. Instead, make eye contact, smile, or comment on something happening around you.
Coffee shops with big tables often lead to shared seating situations where a simple “Mind if I sit here?” can turn into a full conversation. Public events like street performances or food markets are also great for casual chats with fellow travelers. When you’re in a space where people are already in a social mindset, making connections becomes second nature.
5. Use travel-friendly apps to find like-minded people.
Gone are the days when solo travelers had to rely on luck to meet new friends. Now, apps like Meetup, Couchsurfing Hangouts, and even Bumble BFF make it easy to connect with people who share your interests. Whether you’re looking for a hiking buddy, a local to grab dinner with, or just someone to explore a new city, these apps take the guesswork out of finding good company. The best part?
You can filter out people who don’t fit your vibe before you even meet them. If you’re introverted or nervous about reaching out, start with a low-pressure event like a trivia night or a group hike. You’ll be surrounded by people who are also looking to connect, making the experience feel natural. Just trust your instincts—if someone gives off a weird vibe, you can always bail.
6. Say yes to spontaneous invites (within reason).
One of the best parts of travel is the unexpected invitations that come your way. A local you chatted with might invite you to a family dinner. A group from your hostel may be heading to a hidden beach. These unplanned moments often turn into the best travel memories. Of course, common sense is key—if something feels off, trust your gut. But if it’s a casual group outing or a low-risk activity, saying yes can open the door to incredible friendships.
People who are open to spontaneous experiences tend to attract like-minded, easygoing travelers. If you’re worried about getting stuck with someone you don’t click with, set a time limit. Join for a drink but keep the option to leave. More often than not, you’ll find yourself making connections that wouldn’t have happened if you’d stuck to your original plan.
7. Make the first move and break the ice.
It’s easy to sit back and hope someone else will start a conversation, but the truth is, most people are just as nervous as you are. If you want to make friends while traveling, you have to take the initiative. A simple compliment, a question about their trip, or even a joke about the unpredictable weather can open the door. The key is confidence—act like it’s no big deal, and people will respond naturally.
If the vibe is right, suggest grabbing a meal together or checking out a local attraction. The more you put yourself out there, the more comfortable it becomes. And if the conversation fizzles? No big deal—just move on to the next person.
8. Attend local events where meeting people is effortless.
Festivals, concerts, trivia nights, and even yoga classes are goldmines for meeting people in a laid-back setting. Unlike forced social situations, these events bring people together over a shared interest, making it ridiculously easy to start a conversation. If you’re at a music festival, you can bond over a favorite band. If you’re at a cultural event, ask someone about their experience. The beauty of these gatherings is that everyone is already in a social mindset, so conversations happen naturally.
Even if you’re not naturally outgoing, being part of an engaged crowd makes interactions feel more organic. If you’re nervous about going alone, remind yourself that plenty of other people are probably in the same boat. Plus, having a shared activity to focus on takes the pressure off. The key is to stay open and approachable—smile, make eye contact, and be ready to chat.
9. Take advantage of community dinners and cooking classes.
Nothing bonds people like food. Whether it’s a communal dinner at a hostel, a cooking class, or even a street food tour, eating together is an easy way to meet people. When everyone is sitting around a table, the conversation happens naturally. You don’t have to awkwardly introduce yourself—just comment on the meal, ask someone how their dish turned out, or share a funny cooking mishap. Food has a way of breaking down barriers, making it one of the most effortless ways to build connections. Plus, these experiences often attract friendly, open-minded travelers who are eager to share stories and recommendations.
If you’re worried about getting stuck in a boring conversation, just shift your focus to the food. Ask about the ingredients, cooking techniques, or cultural traditions behind the meal. Before you know it, you’re chatting like old friends over a plate of something delicious.
10. Get involved in volunteer work for meaningful connections.
Volunteering while traveling isn’t just rewarding—it’s also a fantastic way to meet people who share your values. Whether it’s working on a conservation project, helping at an animal shelter, or assisting at a community center, these experiences create deep, meaningful connections. Unlike casual travel friendships that might fizzle out, bonds formed through shared service tend to be more lasting. Plus, working toward a common goal gives you plenty to talk about, making it easier to break the ice.
If you’re not sure where to start, look for short-term volunteer opportunities through organizations like Workaway, WWOOF, or local nonprofits. Many places offer flexible commitments, so you can help out for a few hours without disrupting your travel plans. And the best part? You’ll walk away with not only new friends but also a sense of purpose and fulfillment that makes your trip even more memorable.
11. Take public transportation and strike up conversations.
Public transport might not sound like the most exciting place to meet people, but it’s often where the best travel friendships begin. Long train rides, overnight buses, or even shared taxis create the perfect setting for a casual chat. Most people are open to conversation, and a simple “Is this your first time here?” can spark an interesting exchange. Unlike bars or hostels, where socializing can sometimes feel forced, public transportation creates an environment where small talk happens naturally.
If someone is reading a book, ask about it. If you’re both staring out the window, comment on the scenery. The key is to gauge their response—if they seem engaged, keep the conversation going; if not, don’t force it. Many travelers have ended up with unexpected friendships (or at least a helpful local tip) just from striking up a conversation on a train or bus.
12. Travel with an open mind and a friendly attitude.
At the end of the day, making friends while traveling comes down to your mindset. If you seem closed off, people will hesitate to approach you. But if you have an open, friendly energy, you’ll attract the right kind of people. Smile, make eye contact, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. If you’re naturally introverted, start with small gestures—a nod, a friendly hello, or a comment about your surroundings.
People respond to warmth and approachability. It also helps to say “yes” more often. Whether it’s joining a local game of soccer, accepting an invite to a group dinner, or striking up a chat in line at a café, these small moments can lead to lifelong friendships. Travel isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about the people you meet along the way. Stay open, stay curious, and connections will happen effortlessly.