Although a lot of travelers enjoy going solo, having a like-minded companion during your trip hits different. Imagine sharing moments of chasing sunsets and doing adrenaline-rushing activities, bonding on same bucket lists, or simply talking to each other while commuting. Most of our traveler decided to go solo after having a hard time aligning schedule with their family and friends. However, after years of solo traveling, they find joy in traveling with a group of travel buddies. So, are you looking forward to find a travel partner for your next trip? Here is our community’s tips on how to do it!
TL;DR – How to Find a Travel Buddy?
You can find a travel buddy both online and along the way. Travelers find hostels, day trips, social events, and classes to be great ways to find friends while enjoying a destination. Meanwhile, online platforms are accepted as a safe and insightful way to get to know someone before meeting them. Joining hosted group trips or meeting friends from a trusted travel platform are popular among travelers.
What is a Travel Buddy?
A travel buddy joins you on one or many of your travel adventures. A travel buddy can be a friend you already know or a traveler whom you meet on social media or on the road. As travel brings stress-free and fun vibes, building connections while traveling feels easier and more natural. Therefore, traveling together is one of the best ways to bond and find new friends.
Are you worried about traveling with strangers? Understandable, but websites will often verify their travelers and support you every step of the way. Other than that, meeting strangers in a legit and safe public spaces, like hostels and social events, allows you to stay safe during the trip.
How to Find A Good Travel Buddy?
Finding a travel partner can be a challenge, but not to worry! We’re here to help, so your travel plans will be the best ever! Here are some tips and tricks for finding the perfect travel friends:
- Know what you want
This is important! You should know what you want and how you want it. Are you an active traveler, or do you want to spend your days on the beach? Decide what you want, and you’ll find the best trip for yourself. - Know your budget
Most small-group tours only include certain costs, like transportation at the destination, accommodation, and some activities. Be aware of the possible costs of food, your flight, and activities you would want to do by yourself. - Where do you want to travel?
Which destination has been on your list? Where do you want to go? The world is just waiting to be explored, so choose your next destination now! - How do you want to travel?
There are many different ways to travel. You can choose the Contiki way with big groups and quick itineraries where you’ll see everything in a short period of time! Or you can decide on smaller group trips hosted by locals or experienced travelers, for example, on JoinMyTrip!
How to Find a Travel Buddy on the Road?
Nowadays, travelers are confident to make friends along the way. They mingle on social events, stay in the same hostel, join the same day trip or yoga class, or even through a casual conversation in a cafe. Friends you meet while traveling is a great surprise to your trip! From a companion to enjoy your destination’s best offers to build lasting friendships, meeting people when traveling unlocks different doors. So, here is how you can find a travel buddy along the way while staying safe:
Stay in Hostels
Hostels are not just about affordable rooms for backpackers, but also about community and friendships. Staying in hostels have unlocked new friendships for me. I met new friends by randomly taking a seat in a communal space or ordering a coffee at the hostel’s lounge in the morning. Besides that, a lot of hostels have specially branded themselves as ‘social’. They design social events for the guests, such as bar-hopping and specially-crafted city tours. If you are thinking of staying in a hostel to save your wallet, get ready to make new friends!
Join Day Trips and Social Events
Another strategic way to meet friends ‘organically’ is to join group excursions and social events. If you are traveling solo to a destination, you can find an organized day trip or walking tour. Aside from the fun factor, you can meet people who travels solo (like you) or share the same interests with you. Moreover, casual social events, like organized dinners or bachata classes, can also be a good place to find friends.
Pro tip: Sign up for an activity or class you are interested in. It’s easier to bond over shared passion!
Sit in Open and Noticeable Spots
If you are feeling open and social, we recommend starting conversations with people at a cafe or restaurant. When you visit a popular travel destination, like Bali, Gran Canaria, or Tulum, you are most likely to meet travelers and vacationers. Old school way, like greeting each other, can still work in some settings. Our tip is avoid sitting in the corner where people can’t see you. Instead, you can choose a seat that is located in a crowded area or the bar to strike conversations with the bartender or fellow guests.
How to I Find A Travel Buddy Online?
Thank you internet, we can connect with people from all around the world without borders! And when it comes to finding a travel buddy, internet shows up to be really handy. There are a lot of platforms to connect with new friends and meet travelers who are in the same area, whether it is a general one or specifically-tailored for travel. Here are our top picks for finding travel buddies online.
Facebook Groups
Facebook Groups are a good way of connecting with other people sharing your interest. There are a lot of groups connecting travelers from all over the world. Here are some top picks for you
- Reisepartner gesucht
A group that initially connected Germans who wanted to travel together but now has more and more international members.
55.300 Group Members (October 2025) - TravelBuddies by JMT
An international travel group that connects travelers from around the world. Here you’ll find an international audience.
5.600 Group Members (October 2025) - Als Frau alleine Reisen
Another popular German travel group that connects female travel buddies and solo female travelers. If you want to find more Facebook Groups where women welcome women, check out our guide to the best groups out there.
26.800 Group Members (October 2025)
Meetup
Another great way to meet travel buddies is through Meetup Groups and Events. Worldwide you’ll find more than 35 million users on the platform. Let us share our best Meet Up Groups with you or check out local meet-up groups worldwide.
- JoinMyTrip – London Travel Club with more than 2.500 members sharing your love for travel
- JoinMyTrip – Amsterdam Travel Club with more than 4.400 members
- JoinMyTrip – Lisbon Travel Club with nearly 2.500 members
Websites
Of course, there are even more websites out there which will help you find travel buddies around the globe. Here are some of our top picks:
To find the perfect small group tour company for you, check out our favorites list.