How to Meet People Traveling

Traveling solo or even with a small group doesn’t mean you must do everything on your own. In fact, meeting new people often becomes one of the best memories of a trip. Here are practical ways to connect with others while you’re on the road.

Choose Social Accommodation

Where you stay can make a big difference. Booking into a hostel or a sociable guesthouse gives you a much better chance of chatting, bumping into others in common spaces, and joining hostel-led activities. 

If you prefer the comfort of hotels, look for ones with a bar, lounge area, or communal breakfasts where you’ll still get the chance to strike up a conversation without feeling out of place.

Watch Sport Together

Whether you’re shouting at a screen in a crowded bar or soaking up the atmosphere at a live match, sport is one of the easiest ways to meet people. 

Find a local pub or sports bar showing a popular game where you’ll often find expats, travelers, and locals all mixing together. Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation, whether it’s about the rugby scores, that referee decision, or even something non-sports related.

Use Apps, Groups and Social Platforms

Even before you arrive, you can tap into networks where travelers and locals meet. Try Trevello or a Meetup group for your destination, but definitely try apps designed for social connection rather than just dating. 

Setting up a quick profile or posting that you’ll be in town can lead to anything from a casual coffee to someone showing you around or inviting you to a group outing.

Join Group Activities

Rather than exploring entirely alone or in your group, pick a day tour, walking tour, or workshop. These naturally bring you into contact with people who may already share an interest, or may also be trying out something new for the first time. 

Whether that’s hiking, diving, cooking or something else, when you’re side by side sharing an experience, conversation tends to come more easily.

Top Tips for Meeting People While Traveling

• Be open to small interactions: Sit at communal tables, offer to take someone’s photo, or just ask where they’re from. Small gestures often spark bigger conversations.
• Let your interests guide you: Join activities you already enjoy — food tours, hiking groups, language classes. Shared passions make it easier to connect.
• Keep an eye out for events: Whether it’s the Euros, a music festival, or a local carnival, events are one of the easiest ways to be sociable.
• Stay smart and trust your gut: It’s fine to say you’re traveling solo, but be mindful about what you share and with whom. Stick to public places at first, and don’t feel pressured to join anything that doesn’t feel right.

Wrap‑up

Traveling and meeting people don’t have to be intimidating. By making some smart choices like staying somewhere social, joining a few group activities, using digital tools, starting simple chats, and always keeping safety in mind, you’ll genuinely increase your chances of meeting new people. 

Who knows, you might end up with just a funny travel story, or you might make a lifetime connection.