There’s something quietly electric about landing in a new country, that comes with the unfamiliar air, the accent-flavoured chatter, that weird excitement that tingles in your chest as soon as you step out of the airport. Solo travel isn’t just about freedom; it’s about possibility. And when you book those cheap flight tickets and head somewhere new, maybe to the beaches of Mauritius or the coffee-scented alleys of Prague, the people you meet can change everything. Because let’s face it: adventures are brighter when shared. If the question is how to make friends when you’re traveling alone without coming off like a lonely wanderer waving at strangers, here’s the only answer you’ll need!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Start with the Magic of Shared Spaces
- The Airport Effect (And Other Accidental Friend Zones)
- Apps Are the New Travel Wingmen
- The Introvert’s Edition: Quiet Bonds Still Count
- Body Language and a Bit of Psychology Magic
- Make it Spontaneous
- Little Unplanned Joys
- Summary
- FAQs: Tips to Make Friends
- Akbar Travels Services
Start with the Magic of Shared Spaces

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Hostels, walking tours, all-inclusive holiday tour packages, communal breakfast tables, these are where travellers collide in the best way possible. The shy smiles over pancakes, the lazy chat that begins with “So, where’re you from?” and suddenly turns into a three-hour debate over which city makes the best street food.
That’s the unspoken secret of how to make friends when travelling: is all about proximity and timing. Sit in shared lounges, join free local tours, and always, always say yes to that random invite to a karaoke bar, even if you sing like a dying seagull.
If you’re looking for a comfy crash spot, the best deals on hotel bookings online can help you find sociable stays with good vibes (bonus points for rooftops and shared kitchens).
The Airport Effect (And Other Accidental Friend Zones)

Image credit: Unsplash/Marco López
You know that awkward moment at airport gates when everyone pretends to read but is secretly people-watching? That’s your opening. Long layovers, shared flight routes, or even delayed boarding can lead to great convos.
When it comes to how to meet people while travelling, it’s not about grand gestures. It’s those small, “Hey, do you know if this lines for boarding?” moments. They start casually, end with plans for beach sunsets. And now with online visa services for 180+ countries, hopping borders for spontaneous reunions is way easier than before in just 24 hours!
Discover: Turn Your Layover into Staycation at the World’s Best Airport Hotels.
Apps Are the New Travel Wingmen

Image credit: Unsplash/Pauline Loroy
There’s no shame in using tech to your advantage. Modern explorers have apps for making friends that are basically pocket-sized social miracles! From Bumble BFF to Couchsurfing meetups, it’s all just a tap away. They work especially well if you’re wondering how to make friends online before even arriving somewhere new.
Set up casual coffee hangouts or local activity meetups at pottery classes, language exchanges, or beach cleanups. There’s something comforting about walking into a new city already having someone to grab a sandwich with.
AT Tip: One of the best tips for making friends in Mauritius or any destination is to visit a food mart and strike up a conversation. If you’re a sporty person, the beach volleyball games are the perfect chance to step in!
The Introvert’s Edition: Quiet Bonds Still Count
Not everyone’s born chatty, and that’s fine. If you’re wondering how to make friends as an introvert, it’s to go slow. Choose structured activities like cooking classes, hiking groups, and photography tours. They give you built-in topics to talk about (no small talk panic).
Introverts tend to form deeper, more lasting friendships once comfort sets in. Just remember: eye contact and a small smile go a long way. Sometimes, that’s enough to open a door.
Body Language and a Bit of Psychology Magic

Image credit: Unsplash/Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦
There’s real science behind connecting. Simple psychology tips for making friends, such as mirroring gestures, maintaining an open posture, and asking genuine questions (not just polite ones), help people warm up faster.
Asking where someone’s headed next, or what they miss most from home, can be instant conversation gold. An obvious secret you know but avoid is that most travellers want to connect just as much as you do. Everyone’s in the same boat in a new city, new people, open hearts. So put your fears aside to let friends in!
Make it Spontaneous

Image credit: Unsplash/Toomas Tartes
Sometimes, how to make friends when travelling alone is as easy as signing up for something spontaneous. Shared experiences, like snorkelling off coral coasts or hiking misty trails, create fast friendships because they’re felt, not forced.
And if it’s a family vacation, don’t write off the social side completely. A great way for parents or siblings to discover how to make friends on holiday with family is through local activities. Kids, especially, are friendship magnets, one playground hello, and suddenly families are swapping stories over dinner.
Explore: Friendship Day Travel Destinations Inspired by Your Favourite FRIENDS Characters!
Little Unplanned Joys
Here’s the thing, though, how to make friends when travelling isn’t a checklist. It’s messy, unpredictable, and sometimes awkward. You’ll laugh with strangers, lose contact with some, but others might stick, popping up years later in another country, another season.
So, whether it’s chatting over shared earbuds, clinking drinks in a hostel bar, or bonding during a midnight bus ride through the rain, remember: travel friendships aren’t forced; they’re found.
Summary
Making friends while traveling alone isn’t about luck; it’s about openness. From hostel breakfasts to random airport chats, these how to make friends when travelling tricks help turn strangers into memories. Whether it’s an introvert’s quiet bond or a beach bonfire in Mauritius, travel friendships make every journey richer. Pack curiosity, a smile, and maybe snacks, we bet the world’s full of people waiting to say hello.
FAQs: Tips to Make Friends
How do people make friends when travelling?
Staying at hostels and exploring with an unknown group as a solo traveller can help make friends much more easily. Approaching a random person to know more about the local culture might also help.
Is travelling a good way to make friends?
Yes, travelling is one of the best ways to make friends, as you’re exploring beyond the borders and are exposed to all kinds of people. If you’re travelling solo, you’re also forced to interact with other locals and tourists, which will push you to make friends.
How to deal with loneliness when travelling alone?
The best way to deal with loneliness is to interact with locals and travellers along the way as much as possible. You can also enjoy experiences like solo dining, snorkelling, etc, which makes the loneliness seem smaller.
What is the hardest age to make friends?
There’s no particular hardest age to make friends. People of all age groups can make friends easily, regardless of where they are.
How can I find friends to travel with?
Usually, people find like-minded travellers online, on Facebook groups, planned tours, and on Reddit. If you don’t find friends online, you can take a leap and look for connections once you get to your destination.
What are red flags when choosing travel mates?
Avoid people who make too many spontaneous and dangerous decisions, keep asking you for money during travels, and fail to share their expectations regarding travels.
Where to solo travel to meet people?
When solo travelling, choose to stay at hostels where you can find like-minded people to travel and share experiences with.
Want More Tips? Read:
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