Travelling alone gives you freedom, but it can also leave you wanting company for a meal, an outing or a conversation. You do not need to turn every day into a social event. Start with one activity you enjoy and give yourself a simple opportunity to meet people.
Updated 12 October 2026. These are options to try, not promises of friendship. Check current availability, costs and suitability for your destination, and keep the boundaries that make you comfortable.
Choose an Activity You Would Enjoy Anyway
A walking tour, cooking class, photography walk or small workshop gives you a shared subject to talk about. Pick something you genuinely want to do so the outing is still worthwhile if you do not click with anyone.
Before booking, check the group size, language, duration, access arrangements, meeting point and cancellation terms. A tour advertised as free may expect tips. Choose a manageable activity for your energy level and leave yourself a way to return independently.
Look at the Social Spaces Where You Stay
A hostel common room, guesthouse lounge or hotel activity can offer a natural place to talk. Check recent reviews and the property’s current event calendar rather than assuming a hostel will always be social or a homestay host will introduce you to friends.
You can choose a private room and still use shared spaces. You can also stay in a quiet hotel and meet people through activities elsewhere. Sleep, comfort and a useful location matter as much as a busy lounge.
Use a Local Calendar
Look for public talks, performances, book events, gallery openings, language exchanges or community activities that welcome visitors. Check the organizer’s current listing, tickets, age requirements and any registration rules.
For LGBTQ+ travellers, a local community group or cultural event may offer ways to meet people beyond nightlife. Research the local setting and how publicly visible you want to be. My LGBTQ+ travel safety checklist can help with that preparation.
Use Online Groups Thoughtfully
Destination groups and friendship platforms can help you find activities or people with similar interests. Check a platform’s current country availability, eligibility, privacy settings and rules before relying on it. The old app list in this article was not a verified current recommendation.
A useful post can be specific without revealing private details: your broad area, an activity you want to do and the public place where it happens. Keep your accommodation address, room number, identity documents and live itinerary private. A friendly profile or group membership does not establish someone’s identity or intentions.
Keep the First Meetup Simple
Choose a public place with other people around, such as a café or the meeting point for an organized activity. Arrange your own route there and back, and let someone you trust know your plan. You can keep a first meeting short and decide afterward whether you want to meet again.
Stay in control of your belongings and plans. If someone pressures you to move to an unfamiliar private location, lend money or share sensitive information, you can leave. You do not need to explain or keep an arrangement that feels uncomfortable.
The Government of Canada’s travel safety resources include advice about meeting new people abroad. Check current local information as well.
Have One Easy Conversation Starter
Ask about the shared activity: “Have you done a class like this before?” or “What have you enjoyed visiting here so far?” A practical question often feels easier than trying to make an instant friend.
Give the other person room to respond or return to what they were doing. A short, pleasant exchange is still a good encounter. You are not responsible for making every conversation continue.
Research Volunteering Before Committing
A community activity can be meaningful when the organization genuinely needs the work and your skills fit it. Check its reputation, what you will do, supervision, any fees and insurance arrangements. Do not assume that an unpaid role is automatically allowed under visitor entry conditions.
The Canadian government’s advice for international volunteers recommends researching the organization and checking visa requirements with the destination’s embassy or consulate. Make those checks before agreeing to a placement.
Stay in Touch If You Both Want To
If a meeting goes well, ask whether the other person would like to exchange contact details. Choose a channel you are comfortable sharing, and send a brief follow-up if you want to. Ask permission before posting a photo of someone or tagging their location.
A good trip can include a new friend, a handful of enjoyable conversations or plenty of quiet time. None of those outcomes is a test of whether you travelled successfully. Leave room for connection while keeping your own pace.
For a personal example of finding community on the road, read the story behind No Plus One Required. For broader preparation, use my first solo trip planning guide.