Solo Travel and Socializing: How to Meet People While Traveling Alone
Traveling solo is one of the most rewarding experiences, but let’s face it: it can sometimes feel a bit lonely. One of the best parts of solo travel is meeting new people, whether they’re fellow travelers or locals. But how do you make those connections while still keeping your independence and enjoying the peace that comes with solo travel?
Don't worry! With the right approach, meeting people while traveling alone can feel natural and enriching. In this guide, I’m sharing practical, insider tips on how to meet like-minded people, connect with locals, and find opportunities to socialize without compromising your solo adventure. Plus, I’ll recommend a few family-owned hotels and boutique stays in Europe that make it easy to meet others and feel part of the local scene, without being overwhelmed by big crowds.
Stay in Family-Owned Boutique Hotels with a Personal Touch
When you're traveling solo, choosing the right place to stay can make a huge difference in how easy it is to meet people. Family-owned boutique hotels are a perfect option for solo travelers. These intimate, well-curated places often have a more personal, cozy vibe that makes it easier to strike up conversations with staff and other guests. Plus, the warm, welcoming atmosphere makes it feel like you're staying in someone's home, rather than just a generic hotel.
Insider Tip: Look for hotels where the owners are passionate about sharing local experiences, offering personalized recommendations, and organizing small events. These places create opportunities to meet other solo travelers, share stories, and explore together.
Where to stay:
Hotel San Giorgio in Positano, Italy – A family-run boutique hotel on the Amalfi Coast with stunning views and a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. The owners often arrange local outings, giving you a chance to connect with fellow travelers.
Hotel Alessandra in Florence, Italy – A charming family-owned hotel with a welcoming atmosphere. Located just a short walk from the historic center, the staff are excellent at recommending local hidden gems and helping solo travelers feel at home.
La Maison de la Forêt in Chablis, France – A rustic, family-run boutique hotel tucked away in Burgundy’s wine country. The intimate setting makes it easy to connect with other guests, especially during wine-tasting events hosted by the owners.
Join Local Tours or Group Activities for Solo Travelers
One of the easiest ways to meet people while traveling solo is by joining small-group tours or local activities. Whether it’s a wine tasting in Bordeaux, a cooking class in Barcelona, or a walking tour of a quiet village, group activities offer a natural way to meet other like-minded solo travelers.
We recommend: Opt for tours that are specifically geared toward solo travelers or those with smaller, intimate group sizes. These often attract people who are also looking to meet others while exploring, making the experience feel more personal and comfortable.
Where to go:
Lisbon, Portugal: Join a small-group walking tour through the Alfama district, where you’ll not only discover the city’s charm but also get to know fellow solo travelers in a relaxed, social setting.
Madrid, Spain: A tapas and wine-tasting tour is a fun way to connect with others while enjoying delicious food and local wines. Many tours offer intimate group sizes, making it easy to bond with fellow travelers.
Vienna, Austria: Take part in a “Vienna Café Tour,” where you can explore the city’s famous cafés with a small group, learning about the city’s culture while meeting other curious travelers.
Embrace Local Cafés, Markets, and Parks for Organic Conversations
Sometimes, the best connections happen when you least expect them—like when you're sipping a cappuccino in a local café, strolling through a market, or sitting in a park. Europe is full of cozy cafés, vibrant markets, and green spaces where locals and travelers mix, providing the perfect opportunity to strike up a casual conversation.
Have confidence! Don’t be shy about starting a conversation. Ask locals for recommendations on where to eat or what to do. Most people are friendly and love to share their insights. You can also use these opportunities to meet other solo travelers who are out exploring the same spaces.
Where to go:
Paris, France: Visit Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots, both historic cafés in the heart of the city. These cafés have long been popular with locals and travelers alike, making them perfect spots to meet people while enjoying a slow cup of coffee.
Copenhagen, Denmark: Head to Torvehallerne, a food market in the city center, where you can chat with vendors and fellow food lovers. It’s a great place to meet people over shared culinary interests.
Edinburgh, Scotland: Relax in Princes Street Gardens, a peaceful park in the heart of the city. It’s a wonderful spot for reading or people-watching, where conversations with fellow solo travelers or locals often begin organically.
Attend Local Events, Festivals, or Language Exchanges
Europe is full of local events, festivals, and cultural activities that provide excellent opportunities to meet people. Whether it's a small-town festival, a music event, or a language exchange night, these gatherings bring people together in a relaxed, social environment.
Insider Tip: Look up local events or meetups happening during your travels. Many cities have weekly events that cater to solo travelers, such as language exchange nights, which make it easy to connect with others.
Where to go:
Berlin, Germany: Join a “Language Exchange” event, where you can meet locals and fellow travelers looking to practice different languages. The events are relaxed and designed to get everyone talking.
Brussels, Belgium: Participate in the “Brussels Beer Project” brewery tours or festivals—these events attract a mix of locals and travelers and are a fun way to bond over a shared love for beer.
Helsinki, Finland: If you’re traveling during summer, check out the Helsinki Festival, which brings the city to life with performances, art exhibitions, and plenty of opportunities to meet new people.
Use Apps and Social Platforms for Meetups
In today’s digital age, apps like Meetup, Couchsurfing, or Tandem are great tools to meet new people while traveling solo. Whether you’re looking to join a casual dinner gathering, find a hiking buddy, or simply connect with someone over shared interests, these platforms allow you to meet locals or fellow travelers with similar ideas in mind.
Insider Tip: When using apps like Couchsurfing or Meetup, be sure to check reviews and take the time to read about other solo travelers’ experiences. This can give you a sense of the types of people and events that are being organized, ensuring you feel comfortable when you meet up.
Where to connect:
Amsterdam, Netherlands: Find local meetups through Couchsurfing for events like group bike rides, dinner parties, or local pub nights.
Madrid, Spain: Use Tandem to find locals who want to practice a language with you over coffee. It’s a great way to meet new people and immerse yourself in the culture.
Stockholm, Sweden: Meetup offers a variety of events like photography walks, art tours, and group hikes. These events attract a range of solo travelers who are eager to connect.
The Joy of Socializing
Solo travel doesn’t have to mean traveling alone. Whether you’re looking to meet new people, share stories with fellow solo travelers, or connect with locals in a meaningful way, there are countless ways to socialize and create lasting memories during your journey. From joining local tours to striking up a conversation in a cozy café, socializing while traveling solo can enhance your experience, all while giving you the space and freedom to enjoy your own company.
So, next time you’re traveling solo, embrace the opportunity to connect, explore, and grow!
