How to Make Friends as a Solo Traveler

[@filb]

I always prefer to travel solo. When I would go with friends, there was always one in the group who didn't want to do things or they would complain all the time. As a solo traveler, you kind of chose whether or not you want to hang around with the people who are in the same situation as you. If there's a good vibe, well you get to hang out with them and share the experience....if not, you have no obligation to be with any of the other solo travelers there. That's what I like about solo traveling is you get to decide...when you bring along a group on a trip, unfortunately most of the time, it's the group that decides even if you don't agree with them and even worse is if you have a complainer within your group. If you have a SO that share the same passions as you, that would definitely be the best scenario though. If not, then the next best thing is solo traveling in my opinion unless you actually do have a group of people with the exact same passions and interests as you. For me, it hasn't been the case unfortunately, most people I know prefer just lounging on the beach while I prefer being an explorer.

[@LIVEINPEACE2023]

⬆️ THIS!!!

[@sunflowerfields4409]

@@LIVEINPEACE2023 Exactly!

[@Iusuallydontcommentbut...]

same, I feel it. Traveling alone spar so much negociation.

[@johnmno]

Yes! As a solo traveler you will never complain that traveling is stressful! Just an adventure! You do what you want, when you want, and free to change plans whenever.

[@alexlindquist2986]

One of my favorite things to do is sit at the bar in a location that doesn't get many tourists. You always get asked, "What are you doing out here? We're thrilled to have you!" Best way to get to know the true locals and even get invited to gatherings if any are happening. I love solo traveling because I can make any last minute changes or improvise as I go without having to worry about anyone else.

[@oldbroadabroad6619]

I met lots of interesting people on walking tours.

[@AdamGordon1977]

I also enjoy walking tours.

[@renferal5290]

Me too.

[@acbc3543]

I travel solo because I make my own schedule . That’s it .

[@travelingcatman2089]

I travel solo always cos I like it yes but it is nice to meet up with other follow traveler too not to spend te whole time with but go for a beer with maybe ams chat about each others travels etc as nice to have a chat to some one

[@kallelaur1762]

Then there's also people who live "solo" to begin with and would like a change.

[@adi91216]

Solo travel is the best - YOU get to decide when to wake up and what to do that day. Guided tours are a good way to feel part of a group, and if you are lucky you may make a friend. If not, at least you have enjoyed the place with good people and vibes.

[@stanislas4990]

Eating alone is not depressing, unless you think that. Solo travel is great, you can do what you want whenever you want. Sometimes you have the opportunity to meet new people and make friends, but sometimes not.

[@laurenelizabeth2505]

I like your comment. Respect.

[@giovannig2509]

totally agree. .I enjoyed eating out alone on my vacation in Porto recently, no problem..Good food, a glass of wine..people speaking various languages around my table..

[@Jetsetterjanelle]

Traveling solo has taught me to enjoy my own company 🌎

[@gerardacronin334]

As a female solo traveller who likes her privacy, I wouldn’t be too keen on some of these suggestions for safety reasons. Tours and classes are more my thing. I also recommend that solo travellers check out the Solo Travel Society, which has loads of good suggestions as well as an ongoing summary of trips and tours that are either designed for solo travellers or don’t have a single supplement.

[@HuskerIsNumberOne]

One place where I met some travelers is at a coffee shop. I’m not a morning person by any stretch but my first day alone as a solo traveler for the first time went to Paris. Got up early morning, sat down at a touristy coffee shop and met a young couple who were from South Africa. We’re friends today and I invited them to come stay here in Nebraska later this summer.

[@Angell_Lee]

Wolters World, best channel of travelling that I found. Your energy and family vibes are AMAZING, you give us Premium content. Thank you so infinitely 💖

[@sbkpilot1]

I mostly travel solo, my top advice would be to develop a very thick skin and simply ignore what others think. I've been on tours as well and I still sometimes get odd comments by others acting surprised that I am by myself, sometimes they take pity on me that I couldn't find anyone. For example I was in Switzerland recently doing the zipline in Grindelwald and I was virtually the only solo person there, literally everyone else was in a group of 2 or more and we're talking hundreds of travelers. I do get their train of thought though, most people don't travel solo due to their own fears of facing the world by themselves - it's less scary to be part of a group.

[@tmat90-o8t]

Absolutely agree. I experienced this too as a solo traveler. I’m like, I have family and friends. They just don’t like to go to the places I like to go to. They are more of lounging around while on vacay. I’m more of an explorer on vacay.

[@jdc327]

This sums up the emotions of joining a "mostly groups group" pretty well. Often in bigger cities I find it more common to encounter more solos, but otherwise you almost have to justify to people why you aren't with another....

[@IvyDiRoma]

I find it amazing that people haven't gone out for dinner by themselves in their hometown, State, Country. Or a movie alone.

[@travelvideos]

... or just stay at the hostel. Hostel is the easiest way to make friends. Also, train is good in Asia. If sitting for some hours, you are expected to talk. There is a need to bring snacks to share!!! Another thing, which is a sort of personal challenge: sometimes I book two tickets for a concert in a foreign country and then I force myself to find another person to go to that concert with. It just forces me to talk with as many people as possible during the day.

[@IvyDiRoma]

What a nice idea.

[@yaowsers77]

I've only started traveling and I'm a solo traveler. On my first big, my aunt told me not to talk to strangers. I had already been there at least a day. My reply to her was "too late!". Unintentionally, i found a way to stave off some of that missing the sharing thing. I posted pics of places soon after i leave on Facebook. It was kinda like keeping an on going journal since I'd post something about the place. The great thing was all my friends commenting on my pics. At the end, people actually said they enjoyed coming with me on my trip. One even asked questions about the places i went because she was going a few weeks later with her husband. Oh and i gave out what I'm calling kindness duckies. They're tiny resin duckies the size of your fingernail and i have them out to people who were especially kind, patient, or friendly. The reactions i got were amazing so I'll be doing this everywhere i travel.

[@NickP16]

Get out and socialize in the city! Perfect way to meet up I agree about the hostels Mark. Save a bunch of money and get to meet interesting people from all over the world.

[@gilliandrysdale5306]

I went on an escorted tour of New Zealand met a lot of very nice people on the bus. When you’re with the same group for a whole you do bond. I have been various places on my own and it’s fine for me. I am an older single woman so try to be very aware of my safety but it’s a great experience

[@DrVVVinK]

The best way I met someone was when I was in Vienna last summer. I collect DVDs of very obscure movies. Before I travel anywhere, I turn to Google for some DVD shops. I found one. So, I am in this more residential neighborhood trying to find this shop, walking back and forth, of where this shop should be. I see this gentlemen standing on the corner, and I go up to him and ask, "Vergebung. Sprechen Sie Englisch?" He says "Do I speak English? Yes". I then ask if you know where this DVD shop is. He told me that he is from Bulgaria and is looking for it too. Long story short, we find it. It is in some guy's flat on the third floor, and it is mainly an online business, but he welcomes people into his flat. The man from Bulgaria told me that there are not too many DVD shops or movie fans where he is, but he is trying to help the industry and is a jury member at a film festival there. We were talking about movies, our taste, and everything. It was great.

[@Angell_Lee]

I feel tours are the best way and most secure way to connect with people since you have a guide and I usually take the hotel pick up/drop off, so there is an added layer of security for me to have the best time and totally unwind. :)

[@anitasjoberg9948]

I love bus tours. You are never alone.

[@ck062165]

I was recently in Liverpool and went to a pub across the road from my hotel. The pub (The Ship and Mitre) didn't have any TV screens. Easy to talk to people. Find the bar or pub with no screens.

[@DaltonsDetours]

Great advice. Love booking a food tour the first or second night in a city when traveling solo. A chance to get my bearings and meet new people.

[@oliviamurwin7576]

I'm planning to be a travel advisor and this is what I look forward to! I love talking to people from all different backgrounds.

[@meissoun]

One of the best ways to connect with others for me is dancing. When I travel solo, I always bring my tango shoes with me, there's a milonga (tango place) almost everywhere in the world. I have also made a lot of online friends in the bellydance community, so when I go to a new place I sometimes contact the local dancers and suggest a meet-up. I have made some longtime friends like that - and sometimes it's a way to find a free place to stay for a few nights (I make sure to return the favour). On the other hand I am also completely happy to be alone for a while and just do my own thing.

[@alexandroskostalas6474]

Some great ideas, I am an introvert so not everything is applicable, also some of the points mentioned could be ok for solo males but definitely scary and risky for ladies. I am a fan of tours and events and attending classes is actually something I haven't thought of, so thank you.

[@bonnyvondolores2647]

Wow.. tendum.. speaking with a local… learning with each other…lots of great info… thanks…

[@williamjongeward8672]

All of these are great. One to add that has worked for me are dating apps. It's fun to meet locals who just want to go hang out or show you their city.

[@vinyalonde]

Good ideas all. The language school is a really interesting idea as is the tandem.

[@AzzaYCF]

Recently, I went on my first ever solo trip and tried to do a small group tour (maximum 16 people). I ended up being with a group of 14, but 10 of them (across 3 generations) knew each other and were a group. They were polite, and one woman was a bit chattier, but it was a bit daunting! I do agree though, that tours can be a good way to meet people. On a longer tour I did with friends many years ago, we still have a friend we made from then. With regards to eating alone, I quite enjoy being first for breakfast as it's usually empty/emptier than normal, but I haven't mastered the art of comfortably eating alone in a restaurant for dinner. Much busier and louder.

[@francesgill8621]

I spent two days in Cartagena in December on a windstar cruise. It's cool to see your background pics. I saw a lot of that.

[@crwalker33]

I travel solo a good bit. These a great tips! I'm going to try some of these out. The main tactic I've used is to just be nice and talk to people. That's easy for me since I'm from the south USA. It's easier in some countries than others depending on the local culture's view on small talk. In Amsterdam it was brutal. They are nice but don't really enjoy small talk with strangers. But I did end up meeting some other tourists this way. I always seem to meet travelers from the UK or Australia and paring up with them. They are everywhere! If I hear any UK accents, I strike up a conversation. Also, if I feel a bit lonely in a foreign city, I find the nearest thing to a british pub.

[@BojoPigeon]

I visit the Akihabara area of Tokyo every year or two, usually solo, and even though I know the area pretty well now (I show friends around when we meet up) it's fun to go on a short group tour sometimes, just to meet other people interested in the same location. Japan is especially well-suited to solo travel, since solo dining is a very normal thing there. Lots of places have counter seating. I'm a non-drinker, but some times I'll order something that come with a free beer or sake. Offering that to a person nearby is a sure fire way to get a conversation going. Solo travel also makes it easy to switch into "Japanese Language Mode" while I'm there, since I'm talking mostly with locals rather than a travel partner. Obviously, speaking the local language makes starting conversations a lot easier.

[@kimmontenegro2258]

Met a friend volunteering at an event in the town I was visiting.

[@paulkoza8652]

Not bad advice. Small day tours are pretty good, plus if you don't like the people you are with, you are not stuck with them, which can be a drag. I don't do hostels, but I have run into interesting people when scoping out places for dinner, especially in the hotel or B&B lobby while looking up restaurants. I've made good travel friends this way. Breakfast is not a great time to do this because people generally want to eat and get out because their day is planned.

[@sunflowerfields4409]

I went on ghost tour in London and it was great! I traveled solo and enjoyed this group event. This was the first time I traveled alone, but I loved it! I will be traveling alone in the future. Thank you for these wonderful ideas!

[@backtobaking4054]

Honestly, they are so generous with serving their food.

[@petek5523]

Food tours, albeit expensive, are a great way to meet people if you want. They’re usually 3-4 hours long and include enough food and drinks for a full meal.

[@AdamGordon1977]

Thanks for sharing. Great ideas. As someone mentioned, I also like walking tours. They only last a few hours and it's a great to meet people. Since I am trying to learn Spanish, this is a good reason to try to meet people where this is the native language.

[@roddiesimmons8773]

When I finally become a KZbinr in about a year, I will go to Jericoacoara in Brazil on the weekends. Love the HOSTEL idea (any favorites). i can see myself offering language classes as well. Thanx! 😎

[@renferal5290]

I always have traveled alone. I've met lots of nice people doing day tours. And when I was in France for the first time, I made good friends with Mr. Cognac.

[@TravelWithBen121]

Wolter you are popping up all over the world! Great information.

[@VampiraVonGhoulscout]

As a solo female traveller, I try to avoid talking to anyone and everyone like the plague because I don't want to die lol. But occasionally I have met people in a bar or hostel that I had a conversation with for a while.

[@TravelwithTravelarii]

Great tips, Wolter! Staying in hostels is indeed a fantastic way to meet fellow travelers. Thanks for sharing your experiences!

[@FABCASTLE]

I reeeally loved the food sharing/talking tip!! Never thought about it and it may be so useful, huge thanks ❤😊👍🏽

[@CaroLeena02]

I’m a fairly new solo traveler and I like to book walking/food tours. Or smaller tours thru Air BNB, and I’ve met some awesome people and get a more personal experience.

[@SRKhan774]

Thanks for all your videos! Especially the Italy ones so informative and eases the nerves :)

[@65kimmie]

great inspirational view and video, can't wait to put it in practice!

[@josephhutchinson9428]

Well this is perfect timing, I'm thinking about booking a solo trip soon as all my friends and family don't have the free time. I'm a bit nervous to go solo but I still want to travel.

[@ralphbrookens7491]

Peru hop is a terrific way to meet very interesting travelers! I understand they now have added Ecuador to their itinerary.

[@LIBREPUB]

I’m pretty exclusively solo and agree with the day tours.

[@Planckpudding]

Wow what a beautiful city. Cant believe that’s in such a dangerous place like Colombia.

[@allyson1691]

Local FB groups are good too. Some have Meetups and then you can see who you connect with at the events and go from there.

[@michaeltravers3095]

There’s a ski lodge in Killington,VT I stay when skiing Killington. I stay in a dorm in basement. It is a good option when by myself but if you want a private room with private bath, it is as expensive as nicer hotels. All I need is a bed. I’m there to ski.

[@wendywehner2320]

Thank you. This was very helpful.

[@JCA51698]

I visited Belize 🇧🇿 solo in 2015 for eight days. How to make friends there? Walk like you’re from the USA 🇺🇸. Guaranteed someone will stop you and say, “why so fast? go slow.” And then a conversation begins 🙂

[@m34tba11]

amen to the Hostel common area. wish this video had come out a month ago before I hit the UK for this current 2 month jaunt.

[@Mrhitechmystery]

Thank you this video is very helpful. I would not mind solo traveling and then meeting people or making friends with locals. This will be kinda off topic but I also hope Mark can give some travel advice on Colombia such as to Cartagena, Medellin, and many parts of Colombia like the donts, loves and hates, what to know before going, things that will shock me and so on so forth.

[@mjpascuzzi]

There are many travel companies that now specialize in solo travel (OAT, Road Scholar, etc) especially for solo females. They usually reserve a large portion of the group without your having to pay a single supplement. I’ve done language schools all over Italy. Usually they have afternoon excursions following your classes in the morning. It’s a great way to explore local culture and meet likeminded travelers.

[@laurenelizabeth2505]

Lovely video!! Thank you, good man!

[@randomsockpuppet]

This video could not have been better timed! I’m about to leave for Hong Kong as a first time solo traveler

[@dang8352]

@woltersworld Mark, this is a great addition to your many excellent videos! I am 72 and often travel alone. I find it fairly easy to talk to people but I like your suggestions for tandem and possibly staying at a hostel… if it is one that has solo spaces! ;-)

[@cz2301]

Mark, challenging question here: how to make friends when you are shy AND hard of hearing? I avoid people bc i cant understand what they say

[@roddiesimmons8773]

I live in a very small village in Brazil. No one speaks English. I get by with body language. Unfortunately, I am not shy, but there are things that even shy people have to do like getting groceries, buying gas. Opportunities abound. Make friends with the people you see on a regular basis and then take it from there. 😎

[@ChuletaSV]

I haven't started to travel yet on my vacations because I have no idea how to make solo trips, this video has good ideas, excellent!!!

[@hassanalihusseini1717]

When I am travelling solo I do it because I want to travel in peace, not to be disturbed by other people. So I try to be for myself. I never could understand people who always need company of others.

[@Cindypisces]

Yea same!! Ever since I started traveling solo I love it and much rather travel that way. It’s funny because I still have met people and people to talk to you especially when they see you by yourself but I don’t seek out anyone to travel with her to keep me company.. 😂

[@hassanalihusseini1717]

@@Cindypisces Yes, exactly my experience! Keep rolling!

[@stanislas4990]

Absolutely. It's possible to enjoy things without other people with you.

[@metroy1medio]

Omg you are in my city. Try going to the Movich Hotel rooftop for a sunset. Hands down the best view in the city

[@garyrobinson8665]

I prefer travelling solo i like my own company most of the time but I don't want to be alone all the time. I make friends by having small talk in bars with other locals and tourists. I open up more when Ive had a couple of drinks.

[@bleeckerstblues]

I always thought hostels were geared to young travelers - teens and twenties - so as an older person I thought it would be a bit creepy for me to stay in a hostel but maybe I am completely wrong. Can anyone comment on this? Has anyone else over 40 stayed in a hostel? I never have stayed in one even when I was younger. Thanks.

[@MiaHessMusic]

Wish I could help. I only stayed in them in my 20s and HATED them!!! In those days, you had to actually work, sweep or scrub the floors, take out garbage etc. I have heard of ElderHostels but I'm not sure if they are still a thing. I've known over 40s in the past who loved staying at those. I have traveled solo a lot but it's been a wile!

[@bleeckerstblues]

@@MiaHessMusic Thanks for your response. ❤ I imagine that I would not care for them as well as a person who values my privacy and security. Never heard is elder hostels be probably would not care for them as well.

[@bretonneaYKNT]

I am in my 60 and has stayed in hostels many times. It's a great way to travel. I crossed Russia, staying in hostels. They were all very friendly and super clean. Last year, I stayed one week in a French hostel in France. There were people of all ages staying there. Go for it! If you don't like it, you can always switch back to hotels!

[@dreamthedream8929]

Arent hostels just hotels with an option to stay with other people in the same room? Whats so special about them? If possible i take private rooms there preferably also with private bathrooms​@@bleeckerstblues

[@Mike_Greentea]

I walk around in my underwear and make friends real fast

[@brendataylor8388]

Oh Mark, I hate the music! It’s very distracting 😢

[@alexandertheresurrection2810]

I use to think a hostel was a place where people got tortured and murdered. Glad to know that isn’t the case.

[@sapphirebhs]

This video is posted twice on your channel

[@xochitlrodriguez4584]

☁️ ☁️ ☁️

[@tinshlong]

Tinder

[@giovannig2509]

Do pub crawls?? No please that's for kids to get drunk.. It sounds like it's ok to travel solo but as long as we have company....Just be yourself and do what you want.