15 Tips for Connecting with People as a Solo Female Traveler
Welcome to She Thrives with Stef Barti, a podcast dedicated to empowering women to live their best lives and thrive unapologetically
This blog post is an extension of my podcast episode 15 on She Thrives with Stef Barti, where I explore how women can connect with others while solo traveling.
Solo travel can be an empowering and life-changing experience, and I’m here to share some of the best ways to meet new people and create unforgettable connections during your travels.
Solo travel is a journey of self-discovery, independence, and adventure.
While it can be incredibly rewarding, one of the challenges that often comes up is connecting with others.
If you’re like me, a natural extrovert, making friends on the road might come easy.
But for some, the idea of approaching strangers or initiating conversations can feel daunting.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to connect with people and create lasting bonds, all while traveling solo.
In this post, I’m going to share 15 simple and effective ways to meet people while on your solo travels.
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1. Take a Food Tour
If there’s one thing that unites people around the world, it’s food!
Whether you’re a self-proclaimed foodie or just enjoy trying new things, food tours are a fantastic way to connect with fellow travelers.
These tours are often casual, fun, and interactive, which means it’s easy to strike up conversations with other participants. Plus, everyone’s in a great mood because food is involved!
2. Join a Free Walking Tour
One of my favorite activities when traveling is joining a free walking tour.
These tours are usually run by local guides and are often a great way to get to know the city and meet other solo travellers.
Many walking tours are designed for small groups, which creates an intimate setting for making new friends.
And, of course, while the tour itself is free, be sure to tip your guide generously.
3. Offer to Take a Photo
Sometimes, the best way to start a conversation is by offering to take someone’s photo.
If you’re exploring a beautiful or iconic spot and you see someone struggling to take a picture of themselves, offer to help.
You’d be surprised how many spontaneous conversations start when you simply extend a helping hand.
And who knows?
That brief interaction could lead to a coffee date or even a new friendship!
4. Use Instagram to Connect
Instagram has been a game-changer for me in terms of meeting new people.
If you’re traveling solo, you can use Instagram to find like-minded individuals in the city you’re visiting.
In fact, I’ve met some of my closest friends through Instagram!
I’ve also connected with people I’ve met on the road, keeping the conversation going after our travels.
Social media can be an incredible tool for making connections, especially if you use it authentically.
5. Explore Friendship Apps
Not all apps are just for dating!
There are plenty of apps specifically designed for making friends, especially for solo travelers.
Apps like Bumble BFF, Meetup, or even Couchsurfing’s community feature can help you find people with similar interests.
These apps are especially useful if you’re looking for something more specific, like a hiking buddy or a fellow yoga enthusiast.
6. Use Meetup
Meetup.com is a great resource for finding groups of people with similar interests.
Whether it’s a book club, a hiking group, or a photography class, Meetup can help you find local communities that share your passions.
And the best part is, these meetups are often open to newcomers, making it easier to connect with locals and fellow travelers alike.
7. Chat with Your Plane Neighbor
While some people might prefer to keep to themselves during a flight, I’ve had some of my best travel experiences by talking to the person sitting next to me.
A quick chat can turn into a meaningful conversation, and sometimes even into an invitation to meet up later in the trip.
Just remember to read the room—if your neighbor seems in the mood for a chat, go ahead and strike up a conversation.
8. Rent a Room
While renting an entire apartment has become popular, there’s something special about staying in a shared space with a local host.
Many hosts on Airbnb offer rooms in their homes, and this can provide a more personal, community-oriented experience.
I’ve had some incredible connections through Airbnb hosts who took the time to show me around their city or introduce me to local experiences.
9. Visit Coffee Shops
Coffee shops are natural hubs for meeting people, whether it’s fellow travelers or locals.
If you’re someone who likes to people-watch or just strike up casual conversations, a coffee shop is a great place to connect.
Plus, it’s a low-pressure environment where you can relax and enjoy a drink while meeting others.
10. Participate in Group Activities or Classes
Taking part in group activities, such as yoga classes, cooking workshops, or art classes, is another way to meet people.
These types of activities bring people together in a relaxed and collaborative environment, so it’s easy to strike up conversations while learning something new.
Not to mention, you’ll have something in common to talk about from the start!
It’s all about embracing your authentic self and bringing more joy, love, and power into your life.
On another note, if you need some help to embody your magic, check out my self love course to ignite the goddess in you ✨“Unleash Your Wild Feminine” ✨
11. Take Part in a Sports Camp or Retreat
If you’re into sports, why not join a sports retreat or camp?
There are tons of organized events around the world—whether it’s surfing, jujitsu, or hiking—that cater to people looking to meet others while staying active.
I’m a big fan of Jiu-Jitsu retreats, and I’ve met so many amazing people from all walks of life by attending these camps.
12. Attend Events or Festivals
Festivals are one of the best ways to meet people, as they tend to attract a diverse crowd.
Whether it’s a cultural festival, a music event, or a food and drink gathering, these events are often filled with opportunities to connect with other solo travelers.
If you’re in a city during a major event, be sure to check out what’s happening and see if any gatherings align with your interests.
13. Visit a Co-Working Space
Co-working spaces aren’t just for digital nomads—they’re also great places to meet fellow travelers, especially those who are on a similar work-travel path.
Many co-working spaces host community events, happy hours, or networking mixers, making it easy to connect with others in a professional setting.
14. Join a Group Tour
If you want to meet like-minded women while traveling, group tours can be an excellent option.
I offer women-only group tours that combine adventure with connection. We travel together, explore new places, and support one another along the way.
If this sounds like something you’re interested in, join the thriving girlies newsletter to stay in the known.
You’ll also be the first to know about my self love dance and feminine embodiment retreats.
15. Stay Open and Flexible
Lastly, my biggest tip for making connections as a solo traveler is to stay open and flexible.
You never know when or where an opportunity to meet someone will present itself.
Whether it’s striking up a conversation at a museum, chatting with a fellow traveler at the bar, or connecting with someone online—just be open to the possibility that every encounter could lead to a new friendship.
Traveling solo is an incredible way to experience the world, and with these tips, you’ll be able to forge meaningful connections wherever you go.
Remember, it’s all about stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the journey, whether that’s meeting new people or exploring unfamiliar places.
Stef Barti
Host of She Thrives with Stef Barti Podcast
Feel free to share this post with anyone who might benefit from it. And remember, you are a unique, beautiful creation, worthy of love and joy every day of the year.
Follow me on Instagram for more insights and travel tips! My Instagram account is private, as I’m building a close-knit community of like-minded women focused on wellness, dance, somatic healing, spirituality, and adventure. Request to follow and let’s connect!
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