Solo But Social: 15 Friendship Tips for Travelers in Their 40s

Adults often find it challenging to make new friends. This difficulty becomes even more pronounced during solo travel, especially for those dealing with social anxiety like myself. While traveling alone offers unmatched freedom, it can also lead to feelings of isolation.

Meeting new people and enjoying their company can be appealing despite initial unease. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help bridge the gap and foster new friendships during your next vacation.

1. Stay in Social Accommodations

We’re talking hostel accommodations here. I’ve never been a huge fan of sleeping in a room full of strangers and sharing bathroom facilities with them, yet this is one of the best ways to meet fellow travelers. If you think this is only for a younger age group, think again — all ages use hostels.

Sometimes, getting out of your comfort zone is totally worth it. If you’re put off by sharing a room with a stranger, hostels often offer single rooms. That way, you can still hang out in the common area and join in any activities the hostel provides without discomfort.

2. Join Group Activities

Friends playing board games in wedding — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Getting involved in group activities while traveling alone is a fantastic way to meet new people and have a great time. Whether you join in on hostel social events, try out a local cooking class, or go on a pub crawl tour, there’s something for everyone.

These activities provide opportunities to connect with others with similar interests and experiences. Check out tours and cooking classes on Get Your Guide or Viator.

3. Attend Local Events

Local events range from cultural festivals and concerts to community gatherings and art exhibitions. By participating in such activities, you experience the unique customs and traditions of the place you’re visiting and interact with locals and fellow travelers alike.

Whether you’re dancing to live music at a street festival, sampling traditional cuisine at a food fair, or admiring local artwork at an exhibition, attending these events is a great opportunity to socialize and make connections. To find events at your destination, you have a few options — try Eventbrite, Facebook Events, or even Google.

4. Use Social Apps

Platforms like Couchsurfing and Backpackr are designed to help travelers meet others with similar interests or itineraries. Perhaps you’re looking for a hiking buddy, someone to explore local attractions with, or simply having company for a meal. These apps provide a convenient way to find like-minded individuals in your vicinity.

Other social media apps like Facebook offer opportunities to join local travel groups or events. If you’re a member of a particular interest group, you can let people know you’re in a particular location and ask if they’d like to meet up. Remember to use common sense when meeting strangers and opt for public places.

5. Take Group Transportation

Some tour companies offer group travel for solo travelers. If this is too big of a commitment because — like me, you’d like some alone time — even a day tour can offer this, which is a great way to meet others.

Explore a new city on a sightseeing bus tour or embark on a group trek through the countryside. You can also find short day trips to incorporate into your journey. Group transportation helps people talk and makes them feel like they’re part of the group.

6. Visit Social Gathering Spots

When traveling solo, visiting places where people gather, like cafes, bars, or community centers, can be a great way to meet locals and fellow travelers.

These spots usually have a relaxed atmosphere, making starting conversations and making new friends easier. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee, enjoying a drink, or attending a community event, these social hubs provide opportunities for spontaneous connections and memorable interactions.

7. Be Approachable

Sometimes, we put up our guard without realizing it. Our body language signals to people that we don’t want to engage. This can be difficult to understand. It may feel unnatural when we realize our folded arms or downturned mouths are reasons people might avoid talking to us.

Being approachable means being friendly, open, and ready to engage with others. A warm smile, a friendly greeting, or a simple conversation starter can make it easier for people to approach you.

8. Learn Basic Local Phrases

Learning a few basic words or phrases in the local language can enhance your travel experience and help you connect with locals. Even if you’re not fluent, making an effort to communicate in the local language shows respect for the culture. People often appreciate that you’ve made an effort, and it can work as a conversation starter.

Simple greetings, expressions of gratitude, and basic phrases for asking directions or ordering food can go a long way in bridging language barriers and fostering connections with the people you meet.

9. Attend Language Exchanges

Language exchange events are gatherings where people practice speaking different languages. These events offer a relaxed and supportive environment for language learners to improve their skills while meeting new people.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner looking to practice basic conversation or a more advanced speaker interested in cultural exchange. These events provide opportunities to connect with others who share your passion for language and travel. You can find groups on websites like Language Exchange.

10. Stay Open-Minded

Being open-minded means being receptive to new experiences, ideas, and people. It’s easy to go with what’s familiar — like frequenting McDonald’s instead of a local cafe or restaurant. Remember, you paid a lot of money and traveled a long way to get here, so get out of your comfort zone.

Try new foods, explore unfamiliar neighborhoods, or converse with strangers. Just be vigilant; in some countries, being overly friendly for no reason, especially when you’ve just arrived, is sometimes a scam. If your new friend offers to take you somewhere, use your judgment and stay safe.

11. Follow Up

I can’t stress this enough. I’ve met and connected with many people on social media, but having them there as a non-interactive friend is pointless. Engage with them, like their posts, and send them the occasional private message. This lets them know you enjoyed their company and want to continue the friendship.

Staying in touch with the people you’ve met on your travels means you’ll have new friends and a connection to the location you were visiting. This is invaluable for future trips.

12. Be Safety-Conscious

While traveling solo, it’s important to prioritize your safety and well-being. Being safety-conscious means being aware of your surroundings, trusting your instincts, and avoiding risky situations.

Stay in well-lit areas at night, secure your belongings, and avoid potentially dangerous activities. Being safety-conscious allows you to explore confidently and with peace of mind. Making new friends is great, but remember to take it gradually.

13. Join Online Travel Communities

Charleston — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Online travel communities are great virtual spaces where travelers share tips, advice, and experiences. By joining these communities, you can connect with like-minded individuals, get insider recommendations, and sometimes find travel companions for your adventures.

Join travel forums or Facebook groups, or follow travel bloggers on social media. Online travel communities offer valuable support for solo travelers, especially when you’re first starting out.

14. Volunteer

Volunteering while traveling allows you to give back to the communities you visit while enjoying the company of other volunteers and locals. You’d be surprised at the various things you can volunteer for.

You’ve got your usual conservation projects, teaching English, or practicing English in a language exchange. Then you’ve got random things like a Husky ranch caretaker in Scotland, a zookeeper in Hungary, or a helping at a stray dog rehab in Nepal. Find genuine websites with volunteer opportunities from all over the world, such as Volunteer World. If they’re trying to charge you money for your time, reconsider.

15. Stay Authentic

Be true to yourself and your values while traveling. Instead of trying to fit in or impress others, embrace your uniqueness and let your personality shine. Don’t be afraid to share your passions, hobbies, or personal stories.

Staying authentic allows you to connect and attract like-minded people who appreciate you for who you are. By staying true to yourself, you’ll find that you attract meaningful connections and create memorable experiences wherever you go.