Travelling alone offers a unique sense of freedom, but it can also feel isolating at times. One of the best ways to enrich your journey is by connecting with others, whether it’s fellow travellers or locals who can offer a deeper insight into the place you’re exploring. If you're wondering how to break the ice while on the road, here are ten ways to meet people while travelling that are fun, active, and perfect for fostering real connections.
1. Stay in social accommodation
Where you stay plays a huge role in how easily you meet people. Hostels, guesthouses, and co-living spaces often have communal areas where you can relax, cook, or participate in events. Opting for dorm rooms over private ones can also increase your chances of meeting fellow travellers. Some hostels also organise social activities, from city tours to game nights, to make it easier to strike up conversations.
2. Join group tours and activities
Joining group tours is one of the easiest ways to meet like-minded people. Whether it's a walking tour, a cooking class, or an adventure excursion, you'll be surrounded by people who are all there for the same experience. Small-group tours provide an intimate setting where conversations naturally flow, and you’re more likely to find yourself chatting with fellow travellers.
3. Take a class or workshop
Signing up for a language class, photography workshop, or craft lesson creates opportunities to interact with others who are learning the same thing. These types of experiences offer structured ways to meet people, share knowledge, and bond over a shared interest.
Attending cooking classes or art workshops also provides a chance to learn local traditions, while meeting travellers and residents alike.
4. Get active with group sports and outdoor activities
Participating in activities like yoga workshops, dance classes, or hiking tours naturally fosters interaction. Many of these activities encourage socialising before, during, and after the class, with shared experiences and the challenges of learning together. Other group sports like surf lessons or climbing expeditions create an instant sense of camaraderie through teamwork, making it easier to strike up a conversation and build friendships.
5. Volunteer or join a work exchange
Volunteering or joining a work exchange programme is another fantastic way to meet people. You’ll be working alongside locals and fellow travellers, often in small groups or close-knit teams. Whether you’re helping out in a local café, teaching English, or working on a community project, you’ll create lasting bonds through your shared efforts.
Work exchanges, in particular, are great because they combine travel with work while giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and meet new
people.
6. Use travel apps and online communities
Travel apps are a convenient way to connect with fellow travellers. Apps like Meetup, Couchsurfing, and Facebook Groups allow you to find events, activities, and like-minded people in your destination. If you're in a new city, apps like these can help you find meetups for dinner, group hikes, or even shared interests like photography or art. Just be sure to meet in public spaces and trust your instincts when interacting with new people.
7. Dive into local events and festivals
Immersing yourself in local culture through events and festivals is a great way to meet both locals and fellow travellers. Live music, street festivals, sporting events, and cultural celebrations provide opportunities for organic interactions. Many cities have free public events, such as open-air concerts or food markets, where it’s easy to strike up conversations.
Whether you’re at a traditional festival or a modern food fair, these events create natural environments for making new connections, as everyone is gathered to enjoy the same thing.
8. Explore Social Nightlife Options
While nightlife might not be for everyone, it can be a great way to meet people in a relaxed, fun setting. Pub crawls, themed quiz nights, and karaoke events naturally lend themselves to social interaction. Even if you’re not into drinking, activities like comedy shows, board game cafés, or evening walking tours offer a great alternative for meeting fellow travellers in an easygoing environment.
Nightlife settings create a low-pressure atmosphere where conversations can flow freely—whether you’re bonding over shared interests or laughing over a joke.
9. Choose overland travel instead of flying
Flying is quick, but it doesn’t always offer the best opportunities for meeting people. Opt for long-distance trains, buses, or carpooling services like BlaBlaCar to enjoy more relaxed, social travel. On a train or bus journey, you’re often seated with strangers, making it easier to strike up a conversation.
Shared car rides also give you the chance to chat with locals or fellow travellers. These encounters often result in interesting discussions, travel recommendations, and sometimes even friendships. Overland travel opens up more spontaneous opportunities to meet people compared to the impersonal nature of flying.
10. Say yes to spontaneous plans
Sometimes the best way to meet people is by saying yes to spontaneous plans. If someone invites you to a dinner, a last-minute hike, or to check out a hidden local spot, take the opportunity! Many of the best travel memories happen when you embrace the unplanned.
Being open to spontaneity means you’re more likely to connect with others who are also looking for adventure or a unique experience. While safety and instincts should always come first, some of the most rewarding friendships are made when you step outside your comfort zone.
Meeting people while travelling can truly enrich your experience, and the opportunities are endless when you’re open to new adventures. Whether it’s through shared activities, spontaneous encounters, or exploring social spaces, the key is to be open, approachable, and proactive in seeking out connections. From joining a group class to volunteering or even exploring the local nightlife, these tips will help you meet people and make the most of your travels—because the memories you create with others are often the most cherished.
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