How to Meet People While Travelling Solo: Connect with Like-Minded Female Travellers

Travelling solo is an empowering experience—you get to explore the world on your own terms. But let’s face it, sometimes you want a bit of company, and meeting new people while traveling can make your adventures even more rewarding.

Whether you’re a social butterfly or someone who needs a little nudge to strike up conversations, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips for connecting with like-minded solo travellers. So, let’s get you out there, making friends and creating memories!

1. Stay in Social Accommodations

Hostels, guesthouses, and even certain hotels are gold mines for meeting people. One of the best parts about staying in a hostel is that you’re automatically thrown into a social environment. Common areas like kitchens, lounges, and rooftop terraces are perfect spots to meet fellow travellers. Most hostels even organise group activities like city tours, bar crawls, or cooking nights, which makes it super easy to get chatting with people.

If hostels aren’t your vibe, boutique hotels or guesthouses often have a smaller, more intimate feel, and you’re likely to meet fellow solo travellers over breakfast or in shared lounges. Plus, it’s way less intimidating to say hello when there are fewer people around!

Personal Tip: Opt for women-only dorms or hostels that specifically cater to female travellers. It’s a great way to feel safe and connect with other women on similar solo adventures.

2. Join a Group Tour or Day Trip

If the idea of approaching strangers feels a bit daunting, booking a group tour is the perfect way to ease into meeting people. Whether it’s a walking tour, a day trip to a nearby destination, or a cooking class, group activities bring together like-minded travellers looking to explore the same place. Plus, there’s an instant ice-breaker: the shared experience.

On one of my travels, I found that group tours naturally create a sense of camaraderie—you’re all in it together, learning and experiencing something new. By the end of the tour, you’ve shared laughs, taken photos, and maybe even swapped contact details for future adventures.

3. Use Apps to Meet Fellow Travellers

Thanks to technology, meeting people while travelling has never been easier. Apps like Couchsurfing and Bumble BFFare fantastic tools for connecting with locals and other travellers.

Couchsurfing, in particular, has a feature called Hangouts, where you can find people in your area looking to grab coffee, visit a museum, or simply hang out. It’s a low-pressure way to meet people who are in the same boat as you—exploring solo and open to making new friends.

I’ve used Bumble BFF to meet up with other female travellers, and it’s always been a fun experience. You can chat beforehand, get a feel for whether you click, and then arrange to meet up for a meal or sightseeing. It’s a great way to meet someone without feeling too out of your comfort zone.

4. Take a Class or Workshop

Taking a class while traveling is one of the best ways to meet people with similar interests. Whether it’s a yoga class on the beach, a sushi-making workshop in Japan, or a photography class in the mountains, these experiences naturally attract people who are curious, open-minded, and eager to learn—just like you!

You’ll get to bond over a shared activity, which makes conversation flow naturally. Plus, you’ll leave with a new skill and potentially new friends. Classes or workshops are particularly great if you’re traveling somewhere for an extended period and want to build a bit of a social routine.

5. Go to Meetups and Events

Meetup.com is another amazing tool for finding local events and meetups geared toward travellers and locals alike. Whether it’s a hiking group, a language exchange, or a book club, Meetup events bring together people who are looking to connect.

I’ve joined Meetups in various cities, and it’s a fun, casual way to meet both locals and fellow travellers. You can choose an event that aligns with your interests, and you’re bound to meet people who share your passions.

Personal Tip: If you’re more comfortable meeting people in a structured setting, look for events like pub quizzes or group dinners. You’ll be focused on the activity, so there’s no pressure to keep the conversation going at all times.

6. Get Social at Cafes and Common Spaces

Sometimes, meeting people is as simple as being open to conversation in everyday settings. Cafes, co-working spaces, and even public parks are all great places to strike up a chat with someone.

If you’re working remotely while traveling, co-working spaces offer an ideal environment to meet other digital nomads or solo travellers. You’ll have natural breaks in your day where you can strike up a conversation, and who knows—you might end up with a new travel buddy!

If you’re a bit shy about starting conversations, carry a book or wear a shirt with a cool graphic or quote—these things often act as conversation starters. People love to bond over shared interests, and little details can sometimes make all the difference.

7. Attend a Festival or Event

Festivals and cultural events are buzzing with people, many of whom are traveling solo and eager to meet new faces. Whether it’s a music festival, a food fair, or a cultural celebration, these events create an easygoing environment for meeting people.

Everyone’s there to have fun, which makes striking up conversations so much easier. You might end up dancing with a group of new friends or enjoying local cuisine with fellow travellers who wandered into the same event.

8. Join Online Communities Before Your Trip

Don’t wait until you’re at your destination to start meeting people. Join online solo female travel groups on Facebook or Reddit before you go! These groups are full of women sharing tips, advice, and even meetup opportunities.

You can connect with people heading to the same destination or even ask for recommendations on safe and social spots to stay. The best part? You’ve already built some rapport online, making the transition to in-person meetups so much easier.

Conclusion

Meeting people while traveling solo doesn’t have to be daunting. Whether you’re booking group tours, joining a class, or chatting with fellow travellers in a hostel, there are plenty of ways to connect with like-minded people on your journey. Just remember to be open, curious, and willing to step outside your comfort zone—it’s all part of the adventure! And who knows, you might just make a friend for life.

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