How to Meet Other Travelers via Hostels, Events and Meetup Apps
- Travel Insider
- Jun 29
- 5 min read
Traveling by yourself doesn't have to mean staying by yourself. Forget the stereotype of eating every meal solo, endlessly scrolling through your phone, or wondering if you'll actually meet anyone. The truth? If you're open to it, meeting people while traveling is usually much easier than you expect.
Whether you love striking up conversations with strangers, prefer organized social events, or want an app to break the ice for you, there's a way to meet like-minded travelers that fits your style. Here's your guide to how to meet other travelers via hostels, events and meetup apps (plus a few underrated options that deserve a spot on your radar).
TL;DR
If you're wondering how to meet other travelers via hostels, events and meetup apps, here are the easiest places to start:
Hostel events make meeting fellow travelers almost effortless
Meetup apps connect you with locals and visitors before you even leave your accommodation
Walking tours, cooking classes, and day experiences naturally spark conversations
Staying with local hosts creates instant community
Coworking spaces are surprisingly social if you're staying awhile
Small group adventures remove the guesswork completely by introducing you to a ready-made group
Most experienced solo travelers use a combination of these depending on the destination and how social they're feeling.
Who should read this?
This guide is for anyone who wants to come home with stories about the people they met, not just the places they visited. Maybe you're taking your very first solo trip. Maybe you're traveling in your 30s or 40s and wondering whether everyone else already has a travel buddy. Or maybe you simply want genuine conversations instead of another night scrolling in your hotel room. Whatever your travel style, these ideas make connecting with people feel much more natural.
How to Meet Other Travelers via Hostels, Events and Meetup Apps: At a Glance
Option | What makes it great | Best for | Popular examples |
Hostel events | Built-in social atmosphere | Backpackers and flexible travelers | Hostel dinners, walking tours, game nights |
Meetup apps | Arrange plans before leaving your room | Solo travelers who prefer structure | Meetup, Nomadtable |
Day experiences | Shared activities make conversations easy | Independent explorers | Secret Food Tours |
Staying with locals | Immediate local connections | Cultural immersion | Homestay, Worldpackers |
Coworking spaces | Familiar faces every day | Remote workers | Impact Hub, Regus |
Small group trips | Instant travel companions | First-time solo travelers | Flash Pack, Wild Frontiers |
Hostel events
Hostels have earned their reputation for one simple reason: they're designed to bring travelers together.
Why people love them
Even if you're staying in a private room, many hostels organize activities that make introductions feel completely natural. Think family dinners, city walks, trivia nights, rooftop drinks, cooking classes, or group excursions. Instead of awkwardly approaching strangers, everyone is already there for the same reason.
Best suited to
Travelers who enjoy relaxed, informal social settings without needing to plan ahead.
Typical hostel events:
Group dinners
Walking tours
Game nights
Pub quizzes
Sunset hikes
Beach outings
You don't even need to stay overnight at some hostels to join their events.
Meetup apps and travel communities
Sometimes the easiest way to meet people is before you ever leave your accommodation.
Why they work
Apps remove the uncertainty. Everyone using them is actively looking to connect, making that first message much less intimidating than approaching someone in a café. Many travelers arrange coffee, sightseeing, hikes, or dinner plans within minutes.
Best suited to
People who like having a loose plan or anyone who finds making the first move a little daunting.
Popular apps:
Meetup – interest-based local events around the world
Nomadtable – casual meetups for travelers and digital nomads
Going Solo: Travel Friends – travel buddies and smaller social groups, especially among younger travelers
Always arrange first meetings somewhere public and trust your instincts.
Small group adventures
If your main goal is making friends while traveling, this is one of the easiest routes.
Why it works
Everyone arrives solo (or nearly everyone does), everyone shares the same itinerary, and friendships tend to develop naturally over several days instead of a single evening.
You skip the hardest part of solo travel because introductions are already taken care of.
Best suited to
Anyone wanting meaningful connections alongside bigger travel experiences.
Companies to consider:
Walking tours, food tours and classes
You don't have to commit to an entire vacation to meet interesting people.
Why they work
Activities naturally give everyone something to talk about. You're sharing an experience instead of trying to invent conversation from scratch. It's social without feeling overwhelming.
Best suited to
Travelers who enjoy independence but appreciate having company for part of the day.
Good places to start:
Secret Food Tours
GetYourGuide experiences
Whether you're making pasta, exploring street art, or sampling local dishes, you'll often discover plenty of fellow solo travelers doing exactly the same thing.
Staying with local hosts
Hotels are comfortable. Staying with locals is memorable.
Why it works
Living alongside local hosts gives you instant human connection while helping you experience everyday life in your destination. Even short stays often lead to conversations, home-cooked meals, and recommendations you would never find online.
Best suited to
Travelers looking for authentic cultural experiences and a welcoming atmosphere.
Popular platforms
Homestay
Some Flash Pack itineraries also include unique meals or overnight experiences hosted by local families.
Coworking spaces
Not every travel friendship begins over cocktails.Some are more professionally orientated.
Why they work
When you see the same people every morning, conversations happen naturally. Many coworking spaces organize coffee breaks, workshops, networking events, and social evenings alongside work. Routine builds familiarity surprisingly quickly.
Best suited to
Digital nomads and anyone spending several weeks in one destination.
Well-known options
Regus
Coworker
Frequently asked questions
What's the easiest way to meet other travelers?
If you're looking for guaranteed social opportunities, hostel events, meetup apps, and small group trips are among the easiest places to begin. Random encounters can be wonderful too, but they're impossible to predict.
Are meetup apps safe?
Generally, yes, provided you use common sense. Meet in public places, let someone know your plans, and trust your instincts if something doesn't feel right.
Can introverts still meet people while traveling?
Absolutely. You don't have to become the loudest person in the room. Smaller activities like walking tours, cooking classes, or meetup groups often suit introverts better than large parties.
Is it more difficult to make friends when you're in your 30s or 40s?
Not really. Many solo travelers in their 30s and 40s are looking for exactly the same thing: meaningful conversations and shared experiences. You may actually find the connections feel more genuine than in your college days or when you were younger.
What if I feel lonely during my trip?
Almost every solo traveler experiences moments of doubt. Those feelings usually fade once you settle into your destination or join an activity. Often, one conversation is all it takes to completely change the day.
What's the safest way to meet new people abroad?
Choose reputable platforms, attend organized events, meet in busy public places, avoid leaving drinks unattended, and listen to local advice. A little caution goes a long way while still allowing you to enjoy new friendships.
How to Meet Other Travelers via Hostels, Events and Meetup Apps by GroupTravelReviews.com
Comments