Whether you’re a social butterfly or more of an introverted traveler, there are plenty of creative, interactive ways to make travel friends. 

As seasoned travelers ourselves, here at Traverse Journeys, we’ve experienced firsthand how much making new friends and connections enhances our travel experiences. From interacting with other travelers to meeting locals, these are our tried and true tips on how to make travel friends, both for the short and long term. 

Here are three ways to make travel friends:

How to make travel friends online

Before embarking on any travel adventure, there is the inevitable planning and preparation that happens at home. While the preparation is usually tied to getting time off work, booking flights, and packing, have you ever thought about connecting with travel friends before leaving home?

Meetup

One way we love to connect is through local Meetup groups.  This platform connects like-minded folks in different areas to meet up and hang out in person! It’s an invaluable resource to meet other friends for tips and tricks on the road and even potential new travel buddies. 

Here at  Traverse Journeys we hold Meetup groups across North America and love watching travelers connect and learn together! 

Protip: Check out our Community page and also learn about the opportunity to get more involved as a Community Organizer.

Internations

Another great platform to use before your travels is Internations.  Similar to Meetup it connects travelers to connect prior to meeting in person. Internations can also be a great way to explore your own city with local excursions like wine tasting, a hike, or a museum outing.  

Facebook groups

Lastly, a great and often overlooked tool is Facebook groups.  Headed to Portugal? Research Portugal travel tips. You can also search for some general travel terms, like “solo female travel”, “female digital nomads” or “Europe travel” example.  Once you’re accepted into the groups there are a ton of great resources, you’re able to introduce yourself and often message other people in the group who can become new travel friends! You can also use the search bar to read through frequently asked questions. 

You can join our Traverse Journeys Facebook group here!

How to meet people while traveling

You've finally made it to your destination and whether you’re traveling solo or in a group, you’re excited to connect and meet people while traveling! So now what? 

Hang out in shared spaces

Some of the greatest ways to start making travel friends are to spend time in shared spaces, whether a shared kitchen or café area, outdoor terrace, or even a more traditional hotel lobby. You’ll inevitably find yourself with the opportunity to start chatting.  

Look for local events

Another favorite way to meet others is to check out local cafes or business boards for local events.  This is where you will hear about both smaller gatherings like yoga in the park or bigger events like concerts and festivals.  You can also browse local events on Facebook.

Booking group trips and excursions

Booking shared tours and excursions on your trips like a day hike or a cooking class is also the perfect way to meet other travelers who are interested in similar styles of travel.  Having the day to connect with them is a great way to strike up an organic conversation and perhaps exchange contact information.  

If you are taking a group tour, our suggestion for small group tours is to opt for a shared room. Not only will it save you money, but it will give you more time to enjoy one-on-one time with a new friend and connect on a deeper level!

You can make travel friends on the small group trips we offer here!

How to meet locals while traveling

While it is incredible to make friends with other travelers on the road, meeting locals while traveling can open you up to a truly immersive experience. One of the best ways to meet locals is by finding homestays with local families or staying at small locally owned accommodations.  Not only will you be supporting local businesses, but you will also be more likely to connect with locals.  It’s also a great way to have meaningful and culturally enriching experiences such as language exchanges, shared meals, and family gatherings.  

Look for group activities

Another way to meet locals is to attend local markets, sporting events, classes, workshops, concerts, or pub nights.  The trick is to ask yourself: where do the locals hang out? Taking action to seek local experiences versus events that cater only to tourists will give you an opportunity to delve deeper into the local culture.   

Learn some of the local language

Learning some of the local languages is also a fantastic way to make local friends! There are SO many benefits to immersing yourself with the local language. But one of the best reasons? Being able to open yourself up to new people you may never have been able to connect with otherwise.  More often than not, locals are so excited to share their language and experiences with you, so putting in the effort to engage with them will naturally create an opportunity for connection.

At the end of the day, don’t be afraid to venture out on your own and strike up a conversation.  Often, solo travelers find it easier to meet locals than those traveling in groups since one person is more approachable than many.  So go out to eat, sit at a cafe, pull up a stool at the bar, and be open to engaging with everyone around you! 

Make travel friends with Traverse Journeys group trips

Regardless of how you travel there are endless ways to meet new people and make lasting and meaningful travel friends.  From pre-travel research and online travel groups, finding local events, group tours, homestays, learning the language, and more.  Stay open, be kind, go explore, immerse yourself in the culture and be pleasantly surprised at what meaningful connections and experiences will come your way! 

If you’d like to make travel friends with other travelers AND locals, consider joining us on one of our small-group tours here at Traverse Journeys. From wellness and yoga retreats in Guatemala to adventures through New Zealand, our tours help you connect with other like-minded travelers. All of our tours are led by local guides, so it’s just like having a trusted friend show you their country. 

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