Let’s be real: one of the scariest parts of solo travel isn’t the flights or the packing—it’s wondering if you’ll spend the whole trip alone, staring at your noodles while everyone else laughs in groups.

Spoiler: you won’t. The truth is, making friends while traveling solo is so much easier than you think, and sometimes the random people you meet along the way will become your lifelong ride-or-dies. Just ask Alexa and Emilia!

Here are some of our favorite tips for going from “table for one” to “I can’t believe I just met these people yesterday”...

 

10 Fool-Proof Ways to Make Friends While Traveling Solo

1. Stay in Social Accommodations

Hostels, guesthouses, boutique stays—anywhere with a common room. You don’t have to be a 20-bed dorm girlie to make friends. Even private rooms in hostels still give you access to the social vibes. But the magic happens in the common areas: the rooftop, in the kitchen, or around that slightly sticky hostel bar. Sit down with your book, grab a drink, and make eye contact. That’s your ticket in.

2. Use the Solo Girl's Travel Guide as a Friend Magnet

See anyone else carrying one of our books? They're your 

3. Turn On Your Imaginary Green Light

We all carry around an invisible traffic light. Your energy—how open, closed-off, or approachable you seem—speaks louder than anything you say. Alexa talks about this in her book The One-Way Ticket Plan: Find and Fund Your Purpose While Traveling the World... when your “light” is green, people feel safe to approach you; when it’s red, they won’t. So close your eyes, picture that imaginary traffic light, and turn on that green light loud and bright!

4. Join Group Activities

Cooking classes, free walking tours, surf lessons, yoga sessions—these are friendship factories. Everyone’s in the same boat: new, slightly awkward, and open to connection. Plus, it’s the best way to meet people who share your interests!

5. Say Yes to that First Invite)

The first time someone asks “Want to grab dinner with us?”—say yes. Even if you’re tired, even if you’re nervous. That first “yes” opens the door to everything else.

6. Master the Art of the Icebreaker

Your best friend while traveling is a simple question: “Where are you from?” Follow it up with “Where have you been so far?” and boom—you’re in a 20-minute conversation

7. Get on Bumble

Did you know Bumble has a BFF mode? Skip the f*ckboys and start swiping to meet your soul sister.

8. Search for Online Communities

The world (aka the internet) is basically one giant group chat of solo female travelers waiting to be your friends. And your first stop? Our very own Solo Girls Travel community. From there, you can branch out into destination-based groups like Girls in Bali, Girls in Thailand, Girls in Seattle, or Girls in Puerto Vallarta. Not seeing your spot? Just type “Girls in [Your Destination]” into Facebook and you’ll probably find a whole squad of women already there, swapping tips, planning meetups, and ready to welcome you in.

9. Be the First to Invite

Don’t wait for someone else to ask. Say: “Hey, I’m going to check out the night market—want to come?” You’d be surprised how many people are just waiting for someone else to make the move.

10. Accept That Some Friendships Are Short & Sweet

Not everyone is going to be your soul sister—and that’s okay. Some friends are for one dinner, one hike, one wild night out. Others might stick for years. Both will help you create incredible travel memories along the way.

11. Remember: You’re Already Interesting!!!

You’re the girl who booked the solo trip. You’re already someone people want to talk to. Trust me—you’re not the weird loner in the corner. You’re the brave girl who stepped out of her confort zone to explore the world. Repeat after us: you’re a bad bitch! And people are dying to meet you.

The beauty of solo travel is that you can be alone when you want, and social when you want. You’ll meet people everywhere—on buses, in hostel kitchens, over beers at the beach. And the best part? You get to choose who you let into your story.

So don’t stress—you won’t be lonely forever. In fact, you might end up with too many friends and not enough alone time #SoloGirlProblems