thecurioussparrow

7 Ways to Avoid Feeling Lonely as a Solo Traveller

Solo travel can be really empowering, pushing you to become more independent, resourceful, and self-reflective. There’s a real sense of freedom in exploring a new place on your own, doing whatever you like, whenever you like, and having total control over your time. However, many first-time solo travellers worry about feeling lonely. Eating alone, visiting tourist attractions by yourself, and navigating your way around an unfamiliar place can be intimidating if you’re not used to them. I certainly felt that way before my first solo trip and still get butterflies in my stomach before jetting off somewhere by myself. The good news? Solo travel doesn’t have to be lonely! There are plenty of ways to meet people and form connections that can make your holiday even more special. Here are my personal recommendations on how to avoid feeling lonely on a solo trip.

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1. Join Group Tours and Activities to Meet People

One of the easiest ways to meet fellow travellers is by taking part in organized activities. Platforms like Airbnb Experiences, Tripadvisor, Viator, and Get Your Guide offer a range of small-group activities ideal for connecting with fellow travellers. I’m a big fan of walking tours as a way to explore a new city, understand its layout, and learn about its history and culture from a local guide. Food tours and cooking classes are another great choice; I have done these in places like Sicily, Greece, Vietnam, Mexico and Thailand, and they have always been fun, interactive, and full of delicious food and good conversation!

  • Top Group Activities for Solo Travellers:
    • Walking tours and pub crawls
    • Cooking classes with local chefs
    • Food tours with local guides

2. Head to Expat Hangouts

Expat-friendly bars and cafes are perfect for meeting people whether you’re in town for a few days, weeks or longer. Irish pubs are a safe bet; it seems every city in the world has at least one Irish pub and they are a hot spot for locals and travellers alike. Not only can you enjoy a social atmosphere, but the bar staff often have great recommendations on what to see and do in the area. If you have a Facebook account, check out Expat Facebook groups, which can be really helpful in learning about local events and festivals. Search for group names like “Expats in +city name” or “Expats living in +city name” and join the groups to see what events are being advertised and talked about.

  • Popular Spots for Solo Travellers:
    • Irish pubs and expat bars
    • Local events shared or advertised in Expat Facebook groups
    • Cafes with live music

3. Get Active with Outdoor Adventures

Outdoor group activities like hiking, diving, kayaking, rock climbing and snorkelling are great ways to meet other people. I feel a lot safer and more comfortable doing things like this as part of a group, rather than alone. Whenever I’ve taken part in a group activity on holiday, it’s been a great way to meet new people and bond over a shared experience. What’s more, you can get some fresh air, move your body and enjoy the beautiful nature around you. Win-win!

  • Top Outdoor Activities for Meeting People:

4. Choose Hostels for a Social Stay

If your goal is to meet people, hostels are the perfect place. Hostel bars and common areas are designed with travellers in mind, making it easy to meet others. Hostels often organize group activities like pub crawls, walking tours, or cooking nights for their guests. If you can’t stand the thought of sharing a dorm with strangers, you can book a private room. That way you can take advantage of the social atmosphere and events, while having your own space and privacy.

  • Quick Tip: Even if you’re staying elsewhere, hostel bars are often open to non-guests and are a great place for socialising.

5. Take a Yoga or Pilates Class

Taking part in a Yoga or Pilates class is an excellent way to meet locals and fellow travellers who are interested in health and wellness. Many studios offer drop-in classes in English so you can join a session or two without making a long-term commitment. If you’ve been on the go, sightseeing and exploring for hours on end, a class like this is the perfect opportunity to stretch and unwind. The calm, relaxing setting is ideal for friendly, low-pressure interactions with the other participants.

6. Use Apps and Communities to Meet People

Modern technology has made it easier than ever to stay connected while travelling. A great resource for finding events and social gatherings is Meetup.com. Download the app and you can browse through local events in your destination, filtering them to match your hobbies and interests. For female travellers, I highly recommend joining Girl Gone International. I’ve been a member since 2015, and it’s an amazing community of women travellers and expats who host regular meetups, share local tips, and support solo female travellers. Even if you’re in a city for just a few days, you can join group activities, attend events, or invite other members to meet for a coffee, or a walk.

7. Stay Open-Minded and Leave Room for Spontaneity

While it’s easy to plan every detail, leaving room for spontaneous connections and invitations can make your trip even more memorable. When I first travelled solo to Cologne (Germany), I met a woman in line at a kebab house who helped me translate the menu. After ordering our food, she invited me to her apartment across the street to eat together. I was hesitant at first (this kind of interaction would never happen in my home city London!), but I accepted, and we ended up having a really lovely evening. Of course, I messaged my husband her address (in case she turned out to be an axe murderer!), but she was just a friendly, curious person who wanted to get to know someone new. I’m naturally very risk averse, so it was a good reminder to be open-minded and say “yes” more often.

I hope this blog post has shown you that solo travel doesn’t have to mean being lonely. With some planning and an open mind, you can make lasting connections and friendships along the way. Whether you’re joining a cooking class, taking part in a yoga session, or hanging out at a hostel bar, these tips can help you turn solo travel into a rewarding, unforgettable experience. Have you travelled alone before? Share your favourite ways to meet new people in the comments below, or let me know if you’re planning a solo trip soon! 

Ciao for now

Izzie, the Curious Sparrow

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