# Top Ways to Meet New People While Traveling Abroad
Traveling abroad offers countless opportunities for personal growth, cultural immersion, and unforgettable experiences. Yet for many solo travelers, one of the most enriching aspects of international travel remains the connections forged with fellow adventurers and local residents. Whether you’re embarking on your first independent journey or you’re a seasoned globetrotter looking to enhance your social experiences, understanding how to meet new people whilst traveling can transform a good trip into an extraordinary one. The difference between simply seeing a destination and truly experiencing it often comes down to the meaningful relationships you build along the way. From shared meals in hostel kitchens to chance encounters at language exchanges, the modern traveler has access to an unprecedented array of opportunities for connection that previous generations could only dream of.
The landscape of solo travel has evolved dramatically over the past decade, with technology and the sharing economy creating bridges between cultures that were previously difficult to cross. No longer must travelers rely solely on chance encounters or awkward introductions in hotel lobbies. Instead, a sophisticated ecosystem of apps, platforms, and organized events now exists specifically to help international travelers connect with both locals and fellow explorers. This shift has democratized the experience of meaningful cultural exchange, making it accessible whether you’re staying in a luxury hotel or a budget hostel, whether you’re naturally extroverted or more reserved in social situations.
Leveraging hostel common areas and organised social events
Hostels remain one of the most reliable environments for meeting fellow travelers, and their effectiveness has only increased as the industry has evolved to prioritize social experiences. Modern hostels understand that their guests seek more than just affordable accommodation; they’re looking for community, shared experiences, and connections that might last well beyond their travels. The best hostels have transformed themselves into social hubs, carefully designing their spaces and programming to facilitate organic interactions between guests from diverse backgrounds.
Participating in pub crawls and group activities through Hostelworld-Rated establishments
Hostel-organized pub crawls have become something of an institution in backpacker culture, offering a structured yet relaxed environment for meeting other travelers. These events typically gather groups of 15-30 people for an evening of bar-hopping, often including drink specials and organized games that naturally break down social barriers. The beauty of pub crawls lies in their low-pressure atmosphere—you can engage as much or as little as you’re comfortable with, whilst the movement between venues provides natural conversation opportunities. Many highly-rated establishments on Hostelworld specifically highlight their social programming, with some hostels offering daily activities ranging from walking tours to cooking classes.
When selecting a hostel, pay particular attention to guest reviews that mention the social atmosphere and staff friendliness. Properties that consistently receive praise for their community vibe typically employ staff members who actively facilitate introductions and create opportunities for guests to mingle. These “social hostels” often feature common areas designed to encourage interaction, with comfortable seating arrangements, communal dining tables, and sometimes even designated conversation zones free from electronic devices.
Utilising communal kitchens as natural networking spaces
The communal kitchen represents one of the most underutilized networking opportunities in hostel environments. Cooking in a shared space naturally creates opportunities for conversation—whether you’re asking to borrow ingredients, sharing cooking tips, or simply commenting on the delicious aromas filling the space. Consider preparing a dish from your home country and offering to share with others; food remains one of the most universal conversation starters across cultures. This approach not only saves money compared to eating out for every meal but also creates memorable bonding experiences over shared meals.
Many experienced travelers intentionally time their kitchen usage for peak hours, typically between 6-8 PM, when the space is most active. During these times, you’ll find other travelers preparing dinner, creating a natural environment for striking up conversations. Some hostels even organize communal dinners where guests contribute ingredients for a shared meal, combining the social benefits of group dining with the budget-friendly appeal of home cooking.
Attending Hostel-Organised walking tours and local excursions
Free walking tours have become a staple of the backpacker experience, and for good reason. These tours, typically lasting two to three hours, bring together groups of travelers exploring the same destination with similar interests. The shared experience of discovering a new city creates instant common ground, whilst the walking format provides ample opportunity for conversation during transit between landmarks. Many
hostels partner with reputable local guides and tour companies to run these excursions, which can range from city highlights walks to day trips to nearby natural attractions. Because everyone has signed up through the same hostel, there’s an in-built sense of community and safety, making it easier to introduce yourself and suggest grabbing a coffee or meal afterwards. If you’re nervous about approaching people, start with simple, situational questions such as “Have you done any other tours here?” or “What’s been your favourite spot so far?”—those small openings often lead to deeper conversations over the course of the day.
To maximise your chances of meeting compatible travel friends on walking tours and excursions, aim for smaller group sizes when possible. Groups of 8–15 tend to feel more intimate and give you time to rotate through conversations with different people, whereas very large groups can split into cliques. It’s also worth asking hostel staff which tours tend to attract solo travellers rather than couples or families. By being proactive—arriving a few minutes early, introducing yourself to the guide, and staying for any post-tour drinks—you turn a standard sightseeing outing into a powerful way to build your international social circle.
Engaging in game nights and film screenings at social hostels
Game nights and film screenings are deliberately low-pressure social events that many hostels use to bring guests together in the evenings. Board games, trivia quizzes, and card tournaments naturally encourage interaction because you’re sharing a goal: winning as a team or enjoying the shared challenge. Even if you’re introverted or tired after a long day of sightseeing, sitting down at a communal table for a round of cards is often less intimidating than starting a conversation from scratch in a crowded bar. Similarly, movie nights can act as an easy starting point—chatting about the film before or afterwards gives you something to talk about beyond the usual “Where are you from?”
If you want to use these events to meet people while traveling abroad, position yourself strategically. Choose a seat that isn’t isolated in a corner, leave your headphones in your bag, and avoid hiding behind your phone. Offer to keep score, shuffle the deck, or pour popcorn into bowls—small acts of participation signal that you’re open to connection. Many hostels advertise their evening events on chalkboards or in reception areas, so get into the habit of checking the schedule each morning and planning your day so you’re back in time for the activities that interest you most.
Joining language exchange meetups and conversation partners programmes
Language exchange meetups are one of the most effective ways to connect with both locals and other international visitors who are curious about different cultures. Instead of making small talk about sightseeing, you’ll be discussing everyday life, idioms, and cultural quirks in a structured yet informal setting. For solo travelers, these exchanges provide built-in conversation topics and time limits, which can make socialising feel more manageable. They’re also a powerful way to deepen your cultural immersion—learning how people really speak, not just what’s in your phrasebook or app.
Finding tandem partners through ConversationExchange and HelloTalk platforms
Online platforms like ConversationExchange and HelloTalk allow you to find “tandem partners”—people who want to practise your language while helping you with theirs—long before you arrive in a destination. You create a profile listing your native tongue and the language you want to learn, then search for people in the city you’re visiting. Many travelers begin by exchanging messages or voice notes online, gradually building rapport before suggesting a real-life meet-up in a public place such as a café or park. This pre-existing connection can dramatically reduce the awkwardness of meeting strangers abroad because you’ve already established shared interests and a reason to talk.
When using these platforms as a solo traveler, it’s wise to set clear expectations in your profile. Mention that you’re visiting for a specific period, that you’re looking for cultural exchange and language practice rather than dating, and that you prefer to meet in group-friendly, public locations. Treat your first meetup like any other social arrangement on the road: share your plans with a friend or family member, check reviews of the venue, and trust your instincts. Used thoughtfully, tandem partnerships can evolve into genuine friendships, giving you a local contact who may introduce you to their wider social circle.
Attending polyglot gatherings and multilingual cafés in major cities
In many large cities, you’ll find “polyglot gatherings” and multilingual cafés: informal events where people switch between languages at different tables, often flagged by country flags or language name cards. These meetups are perfect if you enjoy hopping between conversations or want to practise several languages while traveling abroad. Because everyone is there with the shared goal of language learning, stumbling over grammar or pronunciation is not only acceptable—it’s expected. This shared vulnerability often creates a surprisingly warm and supportive environment where friendships form quickly.
To find these events, search for phrases like “language exchange [city name]” or “multilingual café [city name]” on social media platforms, Meetup, or local WhatsApp and Telegram groups. Arriving early gives you a chance to chat with organisers, who can introduce you to regular attendees and recommend which tables to join based on your level. If you’re nervous, start at a table for your native language and gradually move towards the language you’re learning; you’ll gain confidence by first playing the role of “expert” before switching to “student.” Over the course of a single evening, you might share travel tips with an engineer from Brazil, a teacher from Japan, and a local student eager to practise English—proof of how language can be a powerful connector on the road.
Participating in structured language exchanges at couchsurfing events
Couchsurfing is often associated with free accommodation, but its events and hangouts have become a major meeting point for travelers and locals alike. Many cities host recurring Couchsurfing language exchange nights in bars, community centres, or co-working spaces, where participants wear stickers indicating the languages they speak and want to practise. These structured formats help remove the guesswork of approaching strangers—if someone’s sticker matches the language you’re hoping to improve, you have an instant, mutually beneficial reason to start a conversation. Because Couchsurfing attracts globally minded people, you’re likely to meet others who also love travel and cultural exchange.
To make the most of these events, update your Couchsurfing profile with your travel dates and interests, and mark yourself as “interested” or “going” to specific meetups. Event hosts often create WhatsApp groups for each gathering, which you can join to coordinate pre- or post-event plans such as grabbing dinner or exploring a nearby neighbourhood. While you don’t need to be staying with a host to attend, following the same safety guidelines you would for any social event is sensible: meet in public spaces, watch your belongings, and feel free to leave politely if a conversation doesn’t feel right. Over time, you may find that the same faces reappear at multiple Couchsurfing events, turning casual acquaintances into a reliable network of friends in your temporary city.
Enrolling in short-term intensive language courses abroad
For travelers who have a little more time in one place, enrolling in a short-term intensive language course can be an excellent way to build a social circle. Language schools often cluster students by level and age, creating small classes that spend several hours together each day. This concentrated contact naturally leads to post-class coffee breaks, study sessions, and weekend trips. Many schools also organise cultural activities—such as cooking classes, museum visits, or city tours—that are designed to help international students connect beyond the classroom. Because everyone is in the same position—new to the city, eager to learn—the barrier to starting conversations is low.
When choosing a course, look for schools that highlight their social programme as much as their curriculum. Reviews that mention “community,” “activities,” and “easy to make friends” are promising signs that the institution understands the social side of studying abroad. Even a one- or two-week intensive can be enough to form friendships strong enough to travel with later in your trip. And the more you invest in the local language, the easier it becomes to connect with people outside the tourist bubble—from chatting with market vendors to understanding jokes at local events.
Participating in specialised interest tours and activity-based travel
One of the most reliable ways to meet new people while traveling abroad is to join tours or activities that revolve around a shared passion. When you’re hiking a mountain, tasting regional dishes, or attending a photography walk, your fellow participants have already self-selected based on similar interests. This removes the need for forced small talk and replaces it with genuine curiosity: “Which lens are you using?”, “Have you tried this dish before?”, or “Where else have you hiked?” As a result, conversations tend to feel more natural and engaging, and the friendships you form are more likely to continue beyond the activity itself.
Joining small-group food tours through EatWith and withlocals
Food is an exceptionally powerful connector, and small-group culinary experiences are ideal for turning strangers into dinner companions. Platforms like EatWith and Withlocals specialise in linking travelers with local hosts for home-cooked meals, market visits, and tasting tours. Because group sizes are often capped at 6–10 people, everyone has a chance to participate in conversations and ask questions about local cuisine and culture. You’re not just sharing dishes; you’re sharing stories—about family traditions, favourite comfort foods, and the memories tied to certain recipes.
If you’re keen to meet both locals and other travelers, look for experiences that specify a “shared group” format rather than private bookings. Reading host profiles and reviews will also give you a sense of whether they’re particularly skilled at creating a convivial, welcoming atmosphere. Consider arriving a little early or staying a little later to help with prep or cleanup; these quieter moments often spark more intimate conversations and can lead to spontaneous invitations to other events. For many travelers, the friendships formed over a shared table become some of the most enduring memories of a trip.
Booking adventure activities via GetYourGuide and viator group experiences
Adventure activities—such as kayaking tours, cycling excursions, or day hikes—naturally foster camaraderie because you’re facing the same physical challenge together. Booking through platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator allows you to filter for small-group experiences, which are typically more sociable and safer for solo travelers. In a group of 8 rather than 40, it’s easier to learn everyone’s names, chat with your guide, and rotate through different walking or paddling partners. Shared adrenaline and achievement—reaching a summit, completing a challenging trail, or seeing wildlife up close—create instant stories and inside jokes.
To leverage these outings for social connection, don’t rush off immediately once the official tour ends. Suggest grabbing a coffee, drink, or meal with anyone you clicked with during the activity; many travelers are grateful when someone else takes the initiative. You can also mention other plans you have for your time in the area, such as a museum visit or another hike, and invite people to join if they’re interested. Think of each adventure activity as both an experience in itself and a springboard: even if only one person accepts your invitation, you’ve turned a structured tour into the beginning of an ongoing travel friendship.
Engaging in voluntourism projects through workaway and WWOOF networks
Voluntourism—combining travel with volunteering—offers a deeper level of engagement with a place and its people. Networks like Workaway and WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) connect travelers with hosts who provide accommodation and sometimes meals in exchange for help with various tasks. Because volunteers often live and work together for weeks at a time, these environments become fertile ground for strong, lasting friendships. You’re not just sightseeing side by side; you’re weeding the same garden, preparing meals together, and sharing the rhythm of daily life.
Before committing to a project, read host profiles and reviews thoroughly to understand what kind of community you’ll be joining. Some placements are very social, with multiple volunteers and regular group activities, while others may be more isolated and better suited to those seeking quiet reflection. Clarify expectations about working hours, living conditions, and days off so there are no surprises. When chosen thoughtfully, a Workaway or WWOOF experience can feel like joining a temporary family abroad—complete with shared laughter, occasional frustrations, and a sense of joint accomplishment that’s hard to find in more transient travel settings.
Attending photography walks and creative workshops for travellers
Creative pursuits are another powerful way to connect with others on the road. Photography walks, sketching meetups, and writing workshops bring together people who are curious, observant, and eager to engage with their surroundings. Many cities now have local photographers or artists who host small-group tours focused on capturing lesser-known neighbourhoods rather than just the main tourist sights. As you pause to adjust camera settings or compare shots, conversations about composition and technique flow naturally, soon evolving into discussions about wider travel experiences and future plans.
To find these opportunities, search for “photography walk [city]” or “urban sketching meetup [city]” on event platforms or social media. Some hostels and co-working spaces also advertise creative workshops targeted at travelers, such as travel journaling classes or street art tours where you can try your hand at spray painting in a legal environment. Think of these activities as both skill-building and relationship-building: even if you’re a complete beginner, your willingness to learn and experiment provides a shared starting point with others. Like musicians jamming together, you don’t need to be perfect—you just need to show up and participate.
Utilising digital nomad co-working spaces and remote work hubs
As remote work has become more mainstream, co-working spaces and digital nomad hubs have emerged as social anchors in many cities around the world. These environments are particularly valuable if you’re traveling abroad for several weeks or months, or if you’re balancing exploration with a full-time job. Instead of working alone in your accommodation, you’ll be surrounded by freelancers, entrepreneurs, and other remote workers from diverse backgrounds. This creates daily opportunities for casual conversations in the kitchen, at communal desks, or during scheduled networking events—conversations that often lead to friendships, collaborations, or future travel plans.
Networking at WeWork and selina co-living locations worldwide
Global brands like WeWork and Selina have built their reputations on combining work-friendly facilities with community-focused programming. WeWork locations typically offer regular events such as breakfast meetups, skill-sharing sessions, and after-work drinks, allowing members and day-pass users alike to connect beyond their laptops. Selina goes a step further by integrating co-living, co-working, and travel experiences, with many of its properties hosting yoga classes, surf lessons, and local tours in addition to professional networking events. If your goal is to meet new people while maintaining productivity on the road, these hubs offer a ready-made social infrastructure.
To make meaningful connections rather than just exchanging business cards, approach these spaces with curiosity rather than a purely transactional mindset. Ask fellow members about their current projects, why they chose that particular city, or what they enjoy doing outside of work. You might discover a shared interest in hiking, live music, or markets and decide to explore together after hours. Because many digital nomads follow similar routes across regions like Southeast Asia, Latin America, or Europe, you may even find yourself crossing paths with the same people in multiple destinations—a modern form of the “travel tribe” that makes long-term solo journeys feel surprisingly communal.
Attending professional meetups through nomad list community events
Nomad List has grown into one of the most influential communities for remote workers and location-independent professionals, offering city rankings, cost-of-living data, and active member forums. One of its lesser-known strengths, however, is its local meetups. Members can see who else is in their current city and either join existing gatherings or organise new ones, often in casual settings like cafés, parks, or co-working spaces. Because everyone there shares the lifestyle of working while traveling abroad, conversations quickly move beyond surface-level small talk to topics like productivity on the road, visa strategies, and favourite digital nomad hubs.
If you’re new to this world, don’t worry about not having a “perfect” remote work setup or a long list of countries under your belt. Many members enjoy helping newcomers avoid common pitfalls and are happy to share their experiences. When attending Nomad List or similar community events, remember that you’re not just networking—you’re potentially meeting neighbours for the weeks ahead. Being reliable (showing up on time, following through on plans) and generous (sharing resources, recommending local spots) goes a long way towards integrating into the existing nomad community in any given location.
Joining digital nomad conferences and remote work summits
For a more concentrated dose of community, consider timing your travels to coincide with digital nomad conferences and remote work summits. Events like these bring together hundreds of attendees for several days of talks, workshops, and social activities. While the formal programming focuses on topics such as entrepreneurship, productivity, or tax planning, much of the real value comes from the informal conversations you’ll have during coffee breaks, lunches, and evening gatherings. It’s a bit like summer camp for adults who work online—intense, immersive, and often the starting point for friendships that extend far beyond the event itself.
Conferences can be particularly helpful if you’re transitioning into remote work or feeling isolated on a long solo trip. Surrounded by people who understand the challenges and freedoms of this lifestyle, you’re likely to feel both inspired and reassured. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, set a simple goal such as “have three meaningful conversations per day” rather than trying to meet everyone. Follow up with new contacts afterwards via email or social platforms, and don’t be shy about suggesting future meetups in other countries—you might find yourself planning co-working house shares, road trips, or even business collaborations with people you met at a single event.
Connecting through location-based social applications and traveller platforms
While chance encounters still happen, modern solo travelers have a powerful advantage: location-based apps designed specifically to connect people in the same area. Used wisely, these tools can act like a social compass, pointing you towards events, meetups, and individuals who are also eager to make friends while traveling abroad. The key is to treat them as gateways to real-world interaction, not substitutes for it. Your goal isn’t just to collect matches or group invites—it’s to translate those digital connections into shared experiences offline.
Meeting fellow travellers via meetup groups and eventbrite local gatherings
Meetup and Eventbrite are two of the most versatile platforms for discovering in-person events that align with your interests. From hiking clubs and photography meetups to language exchanges and tech talks, you can filter by date, location, and theme to find gatherings that fit your travel schedule. Unlike purely travel-focused apps, these platforms often attract a mix of locals, expats, and visitors, giving you a broader cross-section of the community. Attending a few of these events in your first days in a new city can quickly turn a place from anonymous to familiar.
To increase your chances of meaningful interaction, look for smaller or recurring events rather than one-off mega-festivals where you might get lost in the crowd. Reading through event descriptions and comments can give you a feel for the organisers’ tone and the type of people who typically attend. When you RSVP, consider introducing yourself in the group chat if there is one—mentioning that you’re traveling solo and keen to meet people often prompts warm responses and pre-event invitations. By the time you walk through the door, you may already recognise a few names and faces, making it easier to strike up conversations.
Using bumble BFF and friender for platonic travel connections
While many people associate swipe-based apps with dating, options like Bumble BFF and Friender are specifically designed for platonic connections. You create a profile highlighting your interests—such as hiking, live music, or café-hopping—and the app shows you others nearby looking for friends rather than romance. This can be particularly valuable if you’re staying somewhere that lacks a strong hostel or co-working scene, or if you simply prefer one-on-one meetups to large group events. Matching with someone who already lives in the city can also provide insider knowledge you won’t find in any guidebook.
To use these apps effectively when traveling abroad, be upfront about your situation in your bio: mention how long you’ll be in town, what you’re hoping to do, and any languages you speak. Suggest low-pressure first meetups in public places during daytime or early evening hours, such as coffee shops, markets, or busy parks. As with any online interaction, prioritise your safety by telling someone your plans, sharing your live location if possible, and trusting your gut if something feels off. Used with care, these platforms can transform a potentially lonely few days in a new city into a series of engaging, well-matched hangouts.
Engaging with couchsurfing hangouts and local ambassador programmes
Beyond traditional hosting, Couchsurfing has two features that are particularly useful for social solo travelers: Hangouts and local ambassador programmes. Hangouts allow you to broadcast that you’re free to meet up for specific activities—such as grabbing coffee, exploring a neighbourhood, or attending a concert—and see who else nearby is interested. Because you’re connecting around a shared plan rather than a vague desire to “hang out,” it’s easier to coordinate and feel comfortable about meeting. You can also join group Hangouts, which reduce the pressure of one-on-one interaction and often lead to spontaneous mini-adventures with a small international crowd.
Local ambassadors, on the other hand, are experienced Couchsurfing members who volunteer to welcome visitors to their city. While they’re not personal tour guides, many are happy to answer questions, recommend authentic spots, or invite travelers to larger community events. Reaching out to an ambassador with a polite, specific message—such as asking about upcoming meetups or the best districts for live music—can open doors you didn’t even know existed. Think of them as bridges between the global Couchsurfing network and the local scene, helping you quickly plug into existing social circles instead of starting from scratch.
Immersing in cultural festivals and local community celebrations
Finally, one of the most rewarding ways to meet people while traveling abroad is to align your trip with local festivals and community celebrations. Whether it’s a national holiday, a religious procession, a neighbourhood street party, or a seasonal event like a harvest festival, these occasions draw residents out of their daily routines and into shared public spaces. As an outsider, you’re given a rare opportunity to witness—and, respectfully, participate in—traditions that matter deeply to the community. It’s the social equivalent of being invited into someone’s living room rather than just admiring their house from the street.
To find these events, go beyond generic “what to do” lists and look for city calendars, tourism board websites, or posters in local cafés and community centres. Ask your accommodation host, tour guides, or baristas what’s happening that week; people are often proud to share upcoming celebrations and may even offer to accompany you. When you attend, approach with curiosity and humility: observe how locals dress, behave, and participate before jumping in. Simple gestures like learning a few key phrases, trying traditional food, or asking someone to explain the meaning behind a ritual can lead to rich conversations and invitations to more intimate gatherings.
Of course, festivals can be crowded and overwhelming, so it helps to adopt a flexible mindset. You might not see every performance or reach every famous viewpoint, but you may gain something far more valuable: meeting a family who invites you to join their picnic, dancing alongside new friends in a street parade, or being taught a local song by children eager to practise your language. These unplanned interactions are often the moments that stay with us long after the itinerary details have faded. By consciously choosing experiences that bring people together—rather than keeping you at a distance behind a camera lens—you transform your role from spectator to participant in the ongoing story of the places you visit.