How to Make Friends While Traveling When You’re Socially Awkward: A Fun Guide for Introverts

Let’s face it—traveling solo can be intimidating, especially when you’re socially awkward. The idea of making friends while traveling solo can feel like a Herculean task. But fear not, fellow introverts! This guide will show you how to make friends while traveling, even if you’re someone who prefers people-watching over small talk.

1. Start with Group Tours—Your New Social Lifeline

One of the easiest ways for socially awkward solo travelers to meet fellow travelers is by joining a group tour. These are designed to bring people together, often in a casual setting where it’s easy to strike up conversations with other solo travelers. Whether it’s a walking tour in a new city or a cooking class highlighting the local culture, small group tours are an excellent way to connect with others while learning something new.

Plus, these tours are often filled with like-minded people who are also traveling solo. You don’t have to worry about breaking the ice—just smile, make eye contact, and ask a simple question about the tour group or local area. Before you know it, you’ll have new friends to explore with!

2. Stay in Hostels—Where Friends Are Practically Built-In

Hostels are a goldmine for making friends while traveling. Many hostels have common rooms where people naturally gather to relax, share stories, and plan their next adventure. Don’t underestimate the power of a shared kitchen or a casual lounge area for meeting other travelers!

If you’re feeling especially awkward about starting conversations, try sitting in the common room with a book or journal. Most people will eventually strike up a conversation with you, especially if you seem approachable. You’ll be amazed at how many hostels cater to solo travel looking to meet people and make connections. It’s a low-pressure environment where you can be yourself and meet interesting people from all over the world. 

3. Master the Art of People Watching

Ah, the joys of people watching! For the socially awkward traveler, observing how others interact can give you clues on how to join in the fun. Pay attention to body language—people who are open and friendly often make more eye contact and seem relaxed. Once you feel ready, approach a group that seems welcoming and start with something simple, like, “Hey, have you checked out the local market yet?” or “Any recommendations on where to eat around here?”

People generally love to talk about their experiences, and by asking questions, you’ll seem engaged and interested. Before you know it, you’ll be deep in conversation with fellow travelers, and you might just make a new friend for your solo trip. 

4. Join Local Classes: Cook, Craft, and Converse

For the socially awkward introvert, language classes, cooking classes, and local workshops are like social life jackets. You’re focused on learning something cool, which means you don’t have to worry about making small talk right away. The shared experience of learning how to whip up a local dish or saying “hello” in the native language is a natural icebreaker.

These activities are usually filled with both locals and other travelers on solo trips, so you’ll find people who are eager to connect. Plus, once the class is over, you can say, “That was fun! Want to grab coffee and chat more?” Bam—instant connection!

5. Try Pub Crawls or Music Festivals

Feeling bold? Attending a pub crawl or music festival is a fun and sometimes wild way to meet other travelers. These events are designed to be social, and group tours through bars or clubs make it easy to find a travel buddy for the night. Even if you’re shy, the high-energy environment will make it easier to loosen up and connect with others.

Not into partying? No problem! There are tons of other events, like food festivals or street fairs, where you can wander at your own pace and strike up conversations with local people who share your interests. 

Before your trip, dive into social media and travel apps like Bumble BFF or Couchsurfing to connect with like-minded people. These apps are fantastic for finding fellow solo traveling individuals or locals who are looking to meet up. Want a travel buddy for a day trip to that famous waterfall or an art gallery tour? Post about it, and someone’s bound to join you!

There are also loads of Facebook groups specifically for solo travelers and expats in different cities. By the time you arrive, you’ll have a few friendly faces lined up to explore with.

7. Embrace the Hostel Activities

Hostels often organize events like game nights, karaoke, and city tours for guests. If you’re feeling unsure about how to meet people, joining one of these activities is a great idea. You won’t have to worry about approaching strangers since the group setting makes it easy to get involved.

If you’re in a smaller, more intimate setting like a walking tour, the connections feel even more natural. People are generally more relaxed in small groups, which helps with those deeper conversations that introverts and socially awkward folks often prefer.

8. Give Yourself Permission to Recharge

Socialising is fun, but let’s be real: everyone needs a break, especially if you’re more introverted. Remember, it’s okay to carve out some alone time during your solo trip. Take a breather, explore at your own pace, or just chill at a park and people-watch for a while.

Traveling isn’t just about making friends—it’s about enjoying your journey. And sometimes, that means taking a solo walk through a museum, sitting at a quiet café, or spending the day with a good book by the beach. Balance is key!

9. Safety First, Always!

Last but not least, while making new friends is awesome, always trust your instincts. If someone gives off bad vibes, don’t feel pressured to stick around. Whether you’re meeting people from expat groups or at your hostel, let someone know where you’re headed, especially when meeting strangers.

Your safety is the most important thing, so while it’s great to be social, be smart and stay aware.

FAQs 

How do I handle conversations if I’m shy or introverted?

Start with simple, open-ended questions about travel experiences or the current activity. People generally enjoy talking about their trips or hobbies, which can naturally lead to longer conversations.

Is it safe to meet people from social media or travel apps?

Yes, but always take precautions. Meet in public places, inform someone about your plans, and trust your instincts if something feels off.

What should I do if I feel overwhelmed by socialising while traveling?

Take a break and recharge. Find a quiet spot to relax, like a park or café, and allow yourself some alone time to reset before joining social activities again.

Explore More