There’s a quiet kind of courage in solo travel. You’re not just navigating new cities or street food menus, you’re learning how to be with yourself. But let’s be honest: even the most independent travelers crave connection sometimes.
The good news? Making friends abroad doesn’t have to mean forcing small talk at hostel bars or signing up for loud group tours. There are softer, more intentional ways to connect, ones that align with how you actually like to travel.
If you’ve ever felt like friendship should just… happen naturally, you’re not alone. I recently shared this sentiment in a Forbes article about how solo travelers form meaningful connections. One of the things that’s worked best for me? Letting my interests lead.
“Now that we’re based in Vietnam, social media has played a large role in making friends,” I told Forbes. “Just this week, I’m meeting a new friend I connected with on Instagram for a lantern-making class because she’s in my town.”
Lantern Lady in Hoi An, Vietnam
Here’s what I’ve learned about making real connections on the road:
1. Lead with curiosity, not convenience
You don’t have to join every expat meet-up to find “your people.” Instead, explore your own interests. Take a ceramics workshop. Visit a local bookstore. Volunteer at a food bank. The right connections tend to happen when you're in your element.
2. Let your social media work for you
Instead of endlessly scrolling, use Instagram or Facebook to see who's nearby or what's happening in the area. Travelers are surprisingly open, especially when you say something specific like, “Hey, I saw you’re in Da Nang this month too, would love to meet up for coffee or a class!”
3. Carry something that tells a story
Maybe it’s a journal. Maybe it’s your sketchbook or camera. Whatever it is, it can act as a quiet invitation. People are more likely to strike up a conversation when they catch a glimpse of who you are beyond “Where are you from?”
4. Stay somewhere with shared space (but privacy when you want it)
This is why I love small guesthouses, co-living spaces, or even Airbnb listings with community gardens or shared kitchens. You don’t have to be in a dorm to meet people but a welcoming environment helps.
I made two French friends who were traveling all over Mexico
5. Don’t underestimate the follow-up
Met someone cool over coffee? Send a message the next day. That second hangout is often where real friendships start to form, not the first.
