Travelling solo does not mean doing everything alone
The advantage of a solo trip is that you decide. Keep it. Plan a few activities with other people and leave space between them. You can share dinner, a tour or a night out, then continue alone the next morning.
That distinction removes pressure. You do not need to find the perfect travel group in the first few hours. One good conversation or afternoon together is already worthwhile.
Choose accommodation where conversation is easy
A hostel is not automatically social. Look for a shared kitchen, common areas, small organised activities and reviews that describe the atmosphere. A private room in a social hostel can offer both quiet and contact.
From a hotel or apartment, build the opportunities into your day: a walking tour, cooking class, coworking event or local activity. The number of beds matters less than having a natural reason to speak.
Seven situations where meeting people feels natural
Choose things you would enjoy even if nobody becomes a new friend. Then the day still works when the group is not your crowd.
- A small walking or food tour with time to talk
- A cooking, surfing, dance, language or craft class
- A guided hike or other group activity
- A hostel dinner, games night or organised outing
- A public event, reading or sports session
- A local community shared by travellers and residents
- Your own invitation for a museum, meal, hike or concert
Start with one small question
Ask about the class, the next stop or a recommendation nearby. ‘Are you doing tomorrow’s tour too?’ moves more naturally than a round of personal questions. If the conversation is easy, make a timely suggestion: ‘I’m getting food later—want to join?’
Not every traveller wants to share their day. Take no calmly. Plans change quickly on the road, and a declined invitation says little about the conversation you just had.
Find people for part of the day, not the whole trip
Say exactly what you want company for: ‘museum Thursday at 10’, ‘dinner tonight’ or ‘easy coastal hike on Saturday’. Residents and other travellers can respond even when the rest of their itinerary is completely different.
On Meshup, you can share that date as a Pulse when you already know what you want to do. Check whether the service is active at your destination and combine it with established tours, courses and local communities.
Stay open without giving up control
Meet new contacts publicly, keep your accommodation and room number private at first and arrange your own way back. Tell somebody you trust what you are doing. For hikes or remote trips, route, weather, equipment and a reputable organiser matter more than the wish for company.
Read current official travel advice before and during the trip. Do not get into a stranger’s car on impulse, hand over documents or continue a meeting when somebody applies pressure.
Keep some evenings that work well alone
If every day depends on finding somebody else, solo travel becomes exhausting. Keep activities you genuinely look forward to doing alone and treat shared plans as an addition. A book, headphones, dinner at the bar or an early night can all belong to a good trip.
If you want to share the transport, accommodation and several days deliberately, read how to find a compatible travel companion.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How can I meet people quickly while travelling alone?
Choose small group activities, useful common areas and one specific plan for the same or next day. A shared reason to talk works better than waiting for somebody to approach you.
Do I need to stay in a hostel to meet other travellers?
No. Tours, classes, events, coworking spaces, local communities and activity platforms also work when you stay in a hotel or apartment. A social hostel is only one option.
How can I safely meet strangers while travelling?
Meet publicly, protect your accommodation details, arrange your own return and share the plan with somebody you trust. For remote activities, check the organiser, route, weather and equipment.
Sources and review basis
Product and access details were reviewed against these official provider sources. Offers can change.