How to Meet People While Traveling Solo and In Your Everyday Life
Traveling alone doesn’t mean you have to feel lonely. In fact, knowing how to meet people while traveling solo can lead to deeper connections, meaningful friendships, and experiences you wouldn’t otherwise have. Solo travel isn’t about being isolated. It’s about freedom, confidence, and choosing to live a full, vibrant, and connected life.
One of the biggest misconceptions about solo travel is that it means you are lonely or friendless. I have lost count of how many times someone has said, “I’m sorry,” when I mention that I am traveling alone.
And my response is always simple:
“I’m not.”
This article is your guide to traveling solo without ever feeling alone. You will learn how to meet new people while traveling, how to build deeper friendships as an adult, and how to embody the energy that naturally attracts connection.
Whether you are preparing for your next adventure or simply want more friendship and community in your everyday life, you are in the right place.
The Impact Meeting New People While Traveling Solo Has Had On My Life
I cannot recall how many incredible people I have met on my solo travel journies, but I can certainly say that they have all had an impact on my life. Whether they were kind to me, or danced the night away beside me… the people I have met during my travels hold a very special place in my heart.
As someone who was always very shy during my childhood through my mid twenties, embracing new people and putting myself out there was not something I was comfortable with. But it was something I wanted to do. And I knew the only way to make friends and not be lonely when I was traveling solo would be to step outside my comfort zone, make an effort to introduce myself to strangers, participate in group activities, and drop my guard to let new people into my life. Learning how to meet people while traveling solo starts with being open to connection.
It was uncomfortable at first, but after years of practice, and finding evidence to prove that people can be wonderful, and it is fun to meet new people, it has now become second nature for me to embrace strangers warmly in potential friendship.
I truly hope this article inspires you to put yourself out there, go to events alone, say hello to a stranger, and be open to the possibility of meeting a new, incredible person.
If you are reading this and are someone I have met during my travels, I want to say thank you! Thank you for your kindness, warmth, conversations, and friendship. Meeting you during my travels is one of my most cherished memories.
Why Meeting New People Matters
When we were kids, friendships seemed to appear naturally. School, sports, clubs, and shared routines made it easy. As adults, life feels different. Schedules fill up. People move, get married, change careers, and grow in new directions.
Even the most social woman can find herself wondering:
Where do I meet new people now?
Here is the truth I want you to hear:
You are not behind, you are not alone, and there is nothing wrong with wanting more meaningful connection.
Friendships matter because they bring:
- More happiness
- A sense of belonging
- Emotional support
- Shared experiences
- Laughter and joy
- Confidence to try new things
- A reminder that you are not meant to live life isolated
Opening yourself to new people is also opening yourself to a fuller, more vibrant life.
Why Making Friends as an Adult Feels Hard
If you have ever told yourself any of the following, you are not alone:
- I do not know where to meet people
- I feel awkward around new people
- I am too busy
- What if they do not like me
- I feel guilty taking time for myself
- I am introverted and this feels uncomfortable
- I do not have hobbies
- I have been hurt or disappointed before
These thoughts are not character flaws. They are protective patterns. But they can also become barriers between you and the friendships you desire.
The first step is noticing your excuses without judgment.
The second step is challenging the story that says meaningful connection is not available to you.
You are allowed to want new friendships.
It is fun to create a community as an adult.
You are allowed to begin again.
Who Is Your Ideal Friend
This is one of my favorite exercises to teach because it changes everything.
Before you can attract the right friendships, you need to know what you are actually looking for.
Ask yourself:
What qualities do I value in a friend?
Your ideal friend might be someone who:
- Loves to laugh
- Enjoys discovering new places
- Has deep and honest conversations
- Is supportive and uplifting
- Has a positive outlook
- Appreciates elevated and fun experiences
- Embraces new people
- Is ambitious and inspiring
- Loves life
- Shows up with compassion and honesty
You are not searching for one perfect person who holds every trait. You are building a circle of people who collectively bring the energy you want more of.
Once you know what you are looking for, it becomes easier to recognize those qualities in others.
Where Is Your Future Friend Spending Time
After identifying the traits you value, ask yourself:
Where would someone like this spend their time?
Your future friend might be at:
- A coffee shop
- A co-working space
- A women’s networking event
- A wine tasting or cooking class
- A fitness studio or hiking group
- A travel or wellness retreat
- A museum or bookstore
- A concert
And now the more important question:
Am I putting myself in places where my future friends might be?
If you want fun and adventurous friends, go do fun and adventurous things.
If you want confident and uplifting friends, begin showing up with that same energy in your own life.
Be the friend you want to attract. It all starts with you.
How to Filter Friendships That Are Not Aligned
You do not need to be friends with everyone you meet. In fact, you should not be.
Pay attention to:
- How you feel around them
- Whether you feel comfortable being yourself
- If you feel energized or drained afterward
- Whether they respect your boundaries
- If they bring out your best qualities
You are allowed to choose who you give access to your energy. Friendships should feel supportive and reciprocal. If they do not, you are not obligated to continue them.
Trust your intuition. It always speaks first.
How to Make New Friends as an Adult
One of the easiest ways to meet people while traveling solo is to join group tours or classes. Here are realistic and effective ways to expand your circle:
Join interest-based communities
Fitness studios, art classes, dance workshops, pottery classes, book clubs, and more.
Learn something new
Taking classes creates built-in conversation and connection.
Ask for introductions
Your friends or coworkers may know people who are aligned with your energy.
Volunteer
Shared values create an easy connection.
Attend events or meetups
Use platforms like Meetup and Eventbrite or explore local Facebook groups.
Be an initiator
Invite someone for coffee, a walk, or an event. Small steps lead to a real connection.
Say yes more often
Do not give yourself time to overthink. If something interests you, go.
Use social media intentionally
Comment, connect, and allow online interactions to grow naturally into real-life friendships.
Friendship often begins when you are willing to go first.
How to Meet People While Traveling Solo
Solo travel makes meeting people easier than you might expect. Everyone is already outside their comfort zone and more open to connection.
Here are the best ways to create opportunities:
1. Be approachable
If you want to know how to meet people while traveling solo, begin by noticing your energy and body language. Your body language speaks for you. Try softening your facial expression, putting your phone away, sitting with an open posture, or offering a simple smile when it feels natural.
You do not need to perform. Just stay present and open.
2. Talk during transit
Some of the best conversations happen on airplanes, trains, airport lounges, and in line for boarding.
A simple question like, “Where are you headed?” can start a great conversation.
3. Join group tours
Walking tours, food tours, boat rides, day trips, and excursions provide a built-in community. Everyone is sharing an experience, making conversation effortless.
Questions like, “Where are you from?” or “What has been your favorite part of your trip so far?” open the door to easy connection.
4. Take classes
Cooking classes, wine tastings, art workshops, and photography tours give you something fun to do while meeting people who share your interests.
5. Explore local spots
Step away from the most touristy areas. Sit at the bar instead of a table. Ask the bartender or barista for recommendations. Let curiosity guide you. A big part of how to meet people while traveling solo is showing up where other travelers naturally gather.
6. Follow your passions
If you love live music, go to a concert. Are you a foodie? Find a food tour (they’re available locally!). If you love art, join a gallery event. You meet aligned people when you follow what lights you up.
How to Meet People While Traveling Solo Safely
Connection is beautiful, but your safety always comes first. Stay aware and trust your instincts.
Remember:
- Do not go anywhere secluded with someone you have just met
- Do not accept open drinks from strangers
- Share your location with a trusted friend
- Do not tell people where you are staying
- Keep your valuables secure
- Check in with someone at home each day
- Leave immediately if something feels off
Your safety is an expression of self-respect.
The Solo Travel Lifestyle Is a Social Lifestyle
Solo travel is not about isolation. It is about expansion. It is about trusting yourself enough to explore the world while staying open to the people you meet along the way.
But you do not need a boarding pass to begin meeting new people.
You can start today. Right where you are.
Your future friends are already out there. They are at the local events you have been curious about, the classes you have been meaning to try, and the places you have not visited yet because you were waiting for someone to go with you.
Take the lead, choose connection, and choose courage.
You get to travel solo.
You never have to feel alone.
Learn all the ways I can support you here.
