15 Easy Ways To Make Travel Buddies
Traveling has given me some of the best friendships I never expected.
Even if it’s bonding over street food in Bangkok or sharing travel hacks in a hostel common room, I’ve found that meeting people along the way can make a trip unforgettable.
But let’s be real—approaching strangers in a new place isn’t always easy. That’s why I’ve put together this list of 15 simple ways to make travel buddies.
Some of these have worked wonders for me, and I bet they’ll work for you too!
1. Stay in Hostels
I’ll be honest—hostels are my favorite places to meet people while traveling. The moment you step into the common area, it’s like an instant social scene.
Whether it’s swapping stories over free breakfast or joining a hostel-organized bar crawl, you’ll find that conversations flow effortlessly. I’ve met some of my best travel friends this way, and I guarantee you will too!
Share a meal in a common kitchen or join a hostel-organized event to break the ice. The shared dormitories foster a sense of camaraderie, as travelers swap stories and tips.
2. Attend Local Events
Local events are hands-down one of the best ways to meet people while traveling. No matter it’s dancing in a lively parade or chatting with an artist at a pop-up market, these moments create instant connections.
From street festivals to art exhibitions, these gatherings provide ample opportunities for interaction. Strike up a conversation while admiring a local artist’s work or while sampling traditional cuisine.
These events are a melting pot of cultures. The best part? Everyone at these events is there to enjoy the moment, so conversations flow naturally.
3. Use Social Media Platforms
Before heading somewhere new, I always check Facebook groups, Reddit threads, or travel apps to see if any meetups or group hangouts are happening.
I’ve met people this way who later turned into long-term friends, all because I sent a quick message saying, “Hey, I’m in town too—want to grab a coffee?”.
Post about your travel plans and see who might be interested in joining your adventure. These platforms offer a wealth of opportunities to meet people who share your interests.The ease of communication helps bridge geographical gaps. Be proactive and harness the power of social media to make lasting travel buddies.
4. Take a Class or Workshop
Classes and workshops are excellent venues to meet people with similar interests. Either if it’s a cooking class, art workshop, or language course, shared learning experiences create bonds.
Working together in a relaxed environment fosters collaboration and conversation. These settings offer a supportive space to engage and share knowledge.
You’ll always have something to talk about—even if it’s perfecting a dish, struggling with a new language, or laughing over a shared experience.
Soak up the energy of the moment, and let shared learning spark unexpected connections that turn into genuine friendships.
5. Join a Volunteer Program
Volunteering isn’t just rewarding—it’s also a fantastic way to meet people who share your values.
Regardless if you’re helping at an animal shelter, teaching English, or working on an environmental project, you’re surrounded by like-minded travelers who want to give back and connect.
Engage with fellow volunteers through meaningful work and shared passion. The act of giving back often leads to fulfilling friendships. Also, when you work toward a common goal, friendships form naturally.
6. Participate in Meetup Groups
Meetup groups are fantastic for connecting over shared interests. Even if it’s hiking, photography, tech talks, or book clubs, these gatherings offer a casual, friendly environment to meet people.
Participating in activities you love alongside others fosters natural interactions. The relaxed atmosphere of meetup events encourages conversation and collaboration.
Join these communities and watch friendships flourish through shared experiences and interests.
7. Join Group Tours
Joining a group tour can be a fantastic way to meet fellow travelers!
Surrounded by people with similar interests, you’re in the perfect setting to strike up conversations.
From wandering through ancient ruins to savoring street food, these shared experiences have a way of turning strangers into lifelong friends.
The structured schedule and knowledgeable guides add to the overall enjoyment. By choosing tours that align with your interests, you’ll likely meet like-minded individuals eager to connect.
8. Stay at a Bed and Breakfast
Bed and breakfasts, and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere encourage interaction among guests. Unlike large hotel chains, these accommodations often have shared dining areas and common spaces, where conversations flow naturally.
One of my favorite travel memories is chatting with fellow travelers over breakfast in a charming Parisian B&B, swapping recommendations, and even planning a day trip together.
Many B&B hosts also facilitate introductions between guests and provide tips on places to visit, making it easier to engage with fellow travelers and locals alike.
9. Take Public Transportation
Riding buses, trains, and subways creates a unique chance to connect with future travel buddies. Sitting next to someone on a long train or bus ride can spark interesting conversations.
Share travel tips, recommendations, or simply enjoy a friendly chat. The common journey creates a shared experience, providing natural openings for interaction.
Some of the best travel conversations start with a simple question—“Is this your first time here?” or “Any recommendations for places to visit?”.
Engaging with fellow passengers can turn a routine trip into an opportunity for cultural exchange and spontaneous plans.
10. Join a Travel Club
People with a shared passion for exploration come together in travel clubs and online communities.
These clubs range from a digital nomad group, a hiking club, or an online forum for solo travelers. All of them make it easy to connect with like-minded adventurers before even arriving at a destination.
Many travel clubs organize group trips, meetups, and discussion forums, offering opportunities to form connections that extend far beyond a single journey.
For those who love to plan ahead, these communities provide a great way to meet people before stepping foot in a new city.
11. Engage in Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing isn’t just about finding a place to stay—it’s about meeting locals and fellow travelers.
Even if you don’t use it for accommodation, the Couchsurfing “Hangout” feature is a great way to meet people for coffee, city tours, or cultural exchanges.
One of my best Couchsurfing experiences was in Prague, where my host invited me to a local market and a jazz bar—it felt like an insider’s tour I never would have found on my own.
12. Explore Coffee Shops
Coffee shops are underrated social hubs! No matter if you’re working remotely, reading a book, or just enjoying a quiet moment, these spaces naturally bring travelers together.
Engage with those around you as you soak up the local vibe. Shared spaces like these are ideal for networking and making new friends.
The casual atmosphere makes it easy to strike up conversations over a cup of coffee. Dive into the coffee culture and watch as new connections brew naturally.
13. Join Language Exchange Programs
Even if you only know a few words of a new language, language exchanges are a fun and interactive way to meet locals and travelers alike.
These interactive sessions encourage conversation and cultural exchange.The shared goal of language learning cultivates mutual respect and curiosity.
These exchanges often lead to insightful discussions, shared laughter over pronunciation mishaps, and an appreciation for different cultures.
It’s an easy, relaxed way to meet people while gaining a deeper connection to a destination.
14. Participate in Adventure Activities
Nothing brings people together like a shared adrenaline rush.
Activities like hiking, scuba diving, zip-lining, and whitewater rafting naturally foster teamwork and interaction, creating the perfect setting for bonding.
Adventure tours often have small group sizes, making it easy to get to know fellow participants.
Regardless if its celebrating a summit view, overcoming a challenge together, or laughing over unexpected twists, these shared moments tend to forge lasting connections.
15. Frequent Local Markets
Local markets are hubs of culture and connection, filled with energy and endless opportunities to meet people.
Engaging with vendors, exploring colorful stalls, and striking up conversations with fellow shoppers can lead to unexpected interactions and shared experiences.
These vibrant spaces invite spontaneous exchanges, from discussing local delicacies at a street food table to admiring handcrafted goods with other travelers.
The lively atmosphere pulls people together, turning casual chats into cultural discoveries and simple encounters into memorable connections.