How to Find Travel Buddies: 10 Easy Ways
Traveling solo is an amazing experience, but now and then, you want to have someone to share the journey with—someone to laugh with, split costs with, or help take those perfect Instagram shots. Sometimes finding the right travel companion is like hunting for a needle in a haystack. The good news? With a little creativity and an open mind, it’s doable.
Whether you’re about to go on a road trip, take a trip overseas, or to nearby towns, the journey is so much better when shared. Below are 10 foolproof ways to find your next travel buddy and ensure your adventures are memorable.
Use Travel Buddy Websites
Travello or GAFFL (Get a Friend for Life) are websites that specialize in connecting travelers. You can filter by destination, date, or interest, so it’s really simple to find someone whose plans align with yours. Most of these platforms have reviews and chat, so you can check out your potential buddy before leaving.
Join a Group Tour or Excursion
It can be a game changer if you sign up for a group tour. Whether it’s a guided trek in the Andes or a food tour in Italy, you’ll meet people with a shared interest. Plus, the icebreaker’s already built in—you’re all there for the same reason. One common way people meet future lifelong friends is by exclaiming together about something amazing they witness.
Tap Into Travel Apps
Travel apps are the matchmakers of the travel world. You’ll find apps like Couchsurfing and Bumble BFF, which have features to help connect you to locals and fellow travelers. A simple swipe on the app can connect you to new people ready to share travel ideas over coffee. Plus, you can check reviews or ratings on many of these apps to give you that extra boost of confidence.
Social Media Groups
Social media is the town square of today. You can visit Facebook groups like “Backpackers in Southeast Asia,” or “Women Who Travel” and connect with wanderers from nearly every corner of the globe. All you need to do is introduce yourself, share your plans, and see who’s interested. Chances are, someone’s already planning a similar trip. Keep safety in mind, check their profile, and chat a bit before meeting.
Hit the Trail Solo, But Stay Open
The best way to find a travel buddy can be to start the journey alone sometimes. You’d be amazed how often you’ll strike up conversations with strangers on trains, in cafes, or during group activities. The trick is to stay approachable: smile, look someone in the eye, and don’t be afraid to say, “Hey, mind if I join you?” Usually, the best stories come from spontaneity.
Visit Hostel Common Areas
At a hotel, the common room is a goldmine for meeting fellow adventurers. It’s where travelers come to swap stories, share meals, and plan trips. Just a simple ‘So, what are you up to tomorrow?’ and you could have a travel buddy or someone to split the taxi fare to the next worthwhile spot.
Volunteer Abroad
If you’ve ever thought about giving back while exploring, volunteering abroad is your ticket to finding travel companions. Workaway or WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) are programs that connect you with people working on shared projects. It’s not just about the work, it’s the connections you make with people who share your enthusiasm for adventure.
Attend Local Travel Meetups
Travel meetups, often organized by websites like Meetup.com or Eventbrite, are a goldmine for connecting with like-minded adventurers. The scope of these events varies, some are as casual coffee chats while others are spread out as full-on networking parties. Share your bucket list, bring a smile, and you might just find someone planning a trip you can tag along with.
Network With Friends of Friends
A hidden treasure trove of possible travel buddies could be your social circle. Mention your plans at a dinner party or in your group chat, and you might be surprised who chimes in with a “Hey, I know someone!” Traveling with a friend’s friend adds a degree of trust, and you already have a mutual connection to talk about on long train rides.
Join Online Travel Forums
In our digital age, there’s still a place for old-school forums like Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree or some of the travel communities on Reddit. These are filled with people looking for travel buddies, advice, and trip reports. You may find someone as excited to go hiking in Patagonia as you are.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.