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The train pulled out of Madrid’s Atocha station, and as the city faded, a knot tightened in my stomach.
I was 19 on my first solo trip to Lisbon, and the excitement was mixed with a very real question: What if I don’t meet anyone?
The fear of being alone solo traveling is something most of us feel, but rarely talk about.
It’s not about a lack of confidence; it’s a basic human need for connection in an unfamiliar place.
This guide isn’t about telling you not to be afraid.
It’s about giving you a practical toolkit.
I’ve used these simple strategies in dozens of countries to turn that initial anxiety into some of the best friendships and memories of my life.
Acknowledging the Fear of Being Alone Solo Traveling is Normal
Before we get into the “how,” let’s agree on something important.
Feeling a bit of anxiety about loneliness is completely normal.
It’s a sign that you’re pushing your boundaries and stepping into a new, exciting chapter of your life.
This feeling isn’t a signal that you’ve made a mistake.
It’s your brain adjusting to a new environment without your usual support system.
Once you accept that this is part of the process, you can start using that energy to build new connections.
How to Actually Meet People on a Solo Trip?
To meet people on a solo trip, you need to be intentional.
Choose social accommodations like hostels, participate in group activities such as walking tours or cooking classes, and use common areas.
Be approachable by putting your phone away, making eye contact, and using social travel apps to find local meetups and connect with other travelers.
These steps create opportunities for organic conversations to start.
It’s less about a magic formula and more about placing yourself in the right situations.
๐กYour Mindset is Your Best Tool
The single biggest factor is your mindset. People are drawn to openness. A simple “hello” or “where are you from?” is the only icebreaker you need. Most solo travelers are in the exact same boat and will be happy you started the conversation.
7 Practical Strategies to Make Connections
Here are the exact strategies I use on every trip to build a sense of community, even when I arrive in a new city knowing absolutely no one.
1. Choose Your Accommodation Wisely
Where you sleep is your home base, and it can be your biggest social asset.
While a private hotel room is comfortable, it can also be isolating.
Social accommodations are designed to foster interaction.
Hostels are social incubators, a real traveler’s friend.
Common rooms and kitchens are where plans are made and stories swapped.
They often run their own free tours or pub crawls, easy to join.
You’ll meet people from everywhere, just by being there.
You get peace and quiet, that’s a big plus for many.
But you must actively seek out every single social interaction.
There’s no built-in community waiting outside your door.
Can be a bit lonely if you don’t have a solid plan to meet folks.
2. Use Common Areas & Hostel Events
This is one of the most effective tips for meeting people in hostels in your late 20s.
Don’t just use your room to sleep.
Spend time in the kitchen, the lounge, or the rooftop terrace.
These are the places where conversations happen naturally.
๐My Lisbon Kitchen Connection
On that first trip to Lisbon, I was nervously making pasta in the hostel kitchen. A girl from Australia asked me what I was cooking. That simple question led to us sharing dinner, joining a walking tour the next day with two guys from Germany she’d met, and forming a little group for the next three days. It all started in the kitchen.
3. Join Group Tours and Classes
Signing up for an activity is a fantastic way to meet people who share your interests.
You already have a built-in topic of conversation.
The pressure is off because the focus is on the activity, not on making friends.
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Free Walking Tours
Offered in most cities through FREETOUR.com, with tours in 140+ countries. (Tip-based, usually โฌ10-โฌ15). A perfect way to see the city and chat with others during the walk.
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Local Cooking Classes
Learn to make pasta in Rome or pho in Hanoi. (Prices vary, โฌ50+). Bonding over food is universal. I met a great friend at a paella class in Valencia.
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Organized Day Trips
Visit nearby attractions with a group. (Check local operators). Sharing a long bus ride is a surprisingly good way to start a conversation.
4. Leverage Social Travel Apps
Your phone can be a tool for connection, not just isolation. There are several apps designed to help travelers and locals meet up.
Meetup.com is fantastic for finding groups with your hobbies.
From hiking clubs to language exchanges, you’ll find your people with over 4.4 million members in travel groups worldwide.
Couchsurfing isn’t just for free stays, check the events section!
Note that Couchsurfing now requires a paid subscription (started in 2020), but locals often host weekly gatherings perfect for travelers.
The Hostelworld app has chat features for your specific hostel.
You can connect with people through Hostel Chat (available 14 days before check-in and 3 days after checkout).
A great way to see who’s up for a beer or a museum visit on day one.
The app also offers City Chats to connect with travelers in your destination.
5. Be Open and Approachable
Your body language speaks volumes.
If you’re sitting in a corner with headphones on, scrolling through your phone, you’re sending a clear “do not disturb” signal.
Instead, try sitting in a common area with a book or a journal.
Make eye contact and smile at people who pass by.
It makes you seem open to a conversation without you having to say a word.
6. Share a Meal
Eating alone can be one of the main triggers for feeling lonely.
A simple fix is to eat at the bar of a restaurant instead of at a table.
Bartenders are often happy to chat, and you’re more likely to strike up a conversation with the person sitting next to you.
Many hostels also host family-style dinners.
For a small fee, you get a great meal and an instant dinner party with 20 new people.
Always say yes to these.
7. Learn a Few Local Phrases
You don’t need to be fluent.
Just learning how to say “Hello,” “Please,” and “Thank you” in the local language shows respect and makes you more approachable to locals and other travelers.
It’s a small effort that goes a long way.
Is It Easy to Make Friends Backpacking at 28?
Yes, it is absolutely possible and, in my experience observing other travelers, often leads to more meaningful connections.
The dynamic is different than it is for the 18-year-old crowd, but that’s not a bad thing.
You’re less likely to bond over cheap beer and more likely to connect over shared interests, life experiences, and travel styles.
You know yourself better, so you find friends who really fit.
Conversations tend to be deeper than just “where have you been?”.
You’re more confident and less worried about what others think.
It’s about quality connections, not the quantity of party friends.
The party-focused hostel scene can feel a bit young.
Look for boutique hostels or ones that aren’t labeled “party” hostels.
Fewer people are on long, open-ended trips.
Your schedules might not align for as long, but that’s okay.
What If I Feel Lonely on My First Solo Trip?
If you feel lonely on your first solo trip, acknowledge the feeling without judgment.
It’s temporary.
The best thing to do is take a small, proactive step.
Call a friend from home for a quick chat, move to a social space like a cafe or hostel common room, or join a low-commitment group activity like a walking tour.
Sometimes, just being in a huge new city can feel like a lot to handle.
Action is the best remedy.
Sometimes, you just need a plan to reset your mood.
A quick call or video chat with family or friends can be a great reset.
It reminds you of your support system, that you’re not truly alone.
Just hearing a familiar voice can do wonders for your mood.
Don’t stay on for too long, just enough for a quick boost.
Go to a museum, find a cozy cafe, or just put on a podcast and walk.
Lean into the “solo” part of solo travel for a little bit.
It reminds you that being alone is not the same as being lonely.
This can recharge your social battery for later.
FAQs: Your Questions on Solo Travel Loneliness
Is it weird to travel alone in your late 20s?
No, it is incredibly common and empowering. You’ll meet many people in their late 20s, 30s, and beyond who are traveling solo. It’s a time when many people have the financial independence and confidence to see the world on their own terms.
How do I stay safe when meeting new people?
Always trust your intuition. Meet in public places for the first time, especially during the day. Let a friend or family member back home know your plans and who you’re meeting. Consider using safety apps like Travel Smart or bSafe for added peace of mind. Never feel pressured to do something you’re uncomfortable with.
What if I’m an introvert?
Solo travel is perfect for introverts. You control your social meter. Focus on smaller group activities like a cooking class over a massive pub crawl. Aim for one-on-one conversations in the hostel kitchen. You don’t have to be “on” all the time; the freedom to retreat to your own space is one of the best parts of traveling alone.
What’s the best first step to take if I arrive in a new city and feel anxious?
The best first step is to join a low-pressure group activity as soon as possible. A free walking tour is perfect for this. It gets you out of your room, helps you learn the city’s layout, and puts you alongside other travelers in a situation where casual conversation is natural.
Are hostels only for young people who want to party?
Not at all. While party hostels exist, there’s a huge variety of “boutique” or more relaxed hostels that attract travelers of all ages, including those in their late 20s and 30s. Read reviews on sites like Hostelworld and look for places that emphasize comfort, co-working spaces, or cultural events instead of a bar.
What if I’m not comfortable just walking up to strangers?
You don’t have to. The key is to make yourself approachable. Sit in the hostel common room with a book instead of in your dorm with headphones. Join a cooking class or a day trip; the shared activity provides a natural icebreaker, and conversations will start on their own.
Besides walking tours, what’s another guaranteed way to meet people?
Look for hostels that offer “family dinners.” For a small cost, you get a home-cooked meal and a seat at a large table with 10-20 other travelers. It’s one of the easiest and most effective ways to make friends, as everyone is there for the same reason: good food and good company.
Is it better to have a strict itinerary or be flexible?
A balance is best, but lean towards flexibility. Having a few key things you want to see is great, but over-scheduling can prevent you from saying “yes” to a spontaneous invitation. Some of the best experiences come from joining a group you just met for a day trip you hadn’t planned.