13 Simple Travel Hacks To Avoid Solo Travel Loneliness
Solo travel loneliness is real, but it doesn’t have to ruin your trip!
We love exploring the world together as a mother-daughter travel duo, but we also enjoy the freedom and adventure of solo travel.
Solo travel is an amazing experience—you get to explore at your own pace, follow your own interests, and embrace total freedom.
But let’s be honest: solo travel loneliness is real.
Even the most independent travelers sometimes crave connection, conversation, or just the feeling of being part of a group.
If you’ve ever felt a little isolated while traveling alone, don’t worry—you’re not alone in this!
Here are 13 travel hacks to help you stay social, meet new people, and keep loneliness at bay while traveling solo.
13 Game-Changing Hacks To Avoid Loneliness
1. Join Group Tours or Activities
One of the easiest ways to meet people on the road is by joining group tours.
Whether it’s a free walking tour, a food-tasting experience, or an adventure trip like white water rafting, being part of a group instantly gives you built-in connections for the day.
Look for day tours or adventure experiences that attract solo travelers.
Even if the group is mostly couples or families, people tend to be friendly in a shared experience, making it easy to initiate a conversation.
Who knows? You might even end up exploring more with someone you meet!
2. Stay in Social Accommodations
Where you stay makes a huge difference in how social your trip feels.
Instead of booking a hotel, opt for hostels, co-living spaces, or guesthouses with communal areas.
Even if you prefer privacy, many hostels now offer private rooms while still providing common spaces for meeting people.
Co-living spaces are perfect for digital nomads and long-term travelers looking for a balance of work and social life.
If you’re staying in one place for a while, check out guesthouses or homestays where locals and fellow travelers can introduce you to their world.
3. Create a Personal Routine
When traveling solo, having a routine can help you feel more grounded.
I always try to keep my morning routine from back home.
But simple things like visiting the same café every morning, taking a walk at sunset, or journaling at night give your days a comforting structure.
A routine also increases your chances of building connections with locals.
If you go to the same coffee shop each morning, the barista might start chatting with you, and regulars might recognize you.
Before you know it, you’ll have a familiar place where you feel less like a tourist and more like a part of the community.
4. Join Classes
Signing up for a class is a great way to learn something new while meeting people who share your interests.
Whether it’s yoga in Bali, salsa dancing in Puerto Rico, or a pastry baking class in France, being in a group setting makes it easier to connect.
Plus, when you take a class, you naturally have something to talk about.
You can bond over learning a new skill, laugh at mistakes, and exchange contact info to hang out later.
5. Take a Group Transport Option
Instead of booking a solo taxi or private ride, try group transport options.
Shared shuttles, long-distance buses, and even ride-sharing apps can lead to great conversations.
Long journeys can feel lonely, but sitting next to a fellow traveler on a train or bus is an opportunity to chat.
During my solo trip to Costa Rica, I opted for shared shuttles for all my transfers. Not only did I meet tons of amazing people, but the long journeys flew by with great conversations.
6. Sit at Communal Tables
Eating alone can feel awkward, but choosing a communal table can make all the difference.
Many restaurants and cafés—especially in hostels or trendy spots—have large shared tables where people naturally strike up conversations.
Another trick? Sit at the bar or counter seating.
It’s an easy way to chat with bartenders or other solo diners without feeling out of place.
7. Video Call or Chat with Family and Friends
Sometimes, the best cure for loneliness is calling home.
A quick video chat with your best friend, parents, or partner can instantly lift your mood and remind you that you’re never really alone.
If time zones don’t align, send voice notes or texts throughout the day.
Even a simple, “Guess what I did today?” can make you feel more connected.
8. Listen to Podcasts or Music
This one is especially helpful when walking alone in a big city like New York or Madrid on your own.
Silence can sometimes amplify loneliness, especially during long bus rides or solo dinners.
Keep your mind engaged by listening to podcasts, audiobooks, or music.
Choose a travel-related podcast to feel inspired or listen to something familiar to create a sense of comfort.
If you’re feeling homesick, playing your favorite songs from home can be an instant mood booster.
9. Keep a Travel Journal
Writing in a travel journal is a great way to process your experiences and feel less alone with your thoughts.
Even if you don’t write every day, making notes of highlights, funny moments, or even struggles can be therapeutic.
A journal also becomes a memory keeper—when you look back at it years later, you’ll see how much you’ve grown from your solo adventures.
10. Plan Dinner with Local Friends or Family
If you have distant relatives, friends-of-friends, or even old classmates in your destination, reach out!
Meeting up for dinner with someone familiar—even if you haven’t seen them in years—can be a refreshing break from solo travel loneliness.
If you don’t know anyone, consider booking a food tour with an experienced local.
11. Use Social Apps for Travelers
Technology can be your best friend when it comes to meeting people.
Apps like Backpackr, Meetup, Couchsurfing Hangouts, or even Bumble BFF help solo travelers connect with others nearby.
Try joining Facebook groups for travelers in your destination.
Many cities have expat groups where people post about meetups, hikes, or events.
A quick message like, “Hey, I’m in town solo, anyone up for coffee?” can lead to unexpected friendships.
12. Attend Local Events or Festivals
Local events and festivals are a fun way to meet people and experience a destination’s culture.
Whether it’s a music festival, street fair, or food market, these gatherings create a lively, social atmosphere.
Check platforms like Eventbrite or Facebook Events to find out what’s happening nearby.
Being part of a shared experience makes it easy to start conversations and connect with locals and fellow travelers.
13. Embrace Solitude
At the end of the day, solo travel isn’t about avoiding loneliness completely—it’s about embracing it.
Learning to enjoy your own company can be empowering.
Instead of fearing alone time, treat it as an opportunity.
Try something new, take yourself on a date, and enjoy the freedom that comes with being alone in a new place.
Solo travel teaches you to be your own best company—and that’s a beautiful thing.
Beat Solo Travel Loneliness Tips
Solo travel loneliness is normal, but it doesn’t have to ruin your trip.
By staying open to meeting new people, using social tools, and finding comfort in small routines, you’ll enjoy solo travel without feeling isolated.
Next time you feel lonely on the road, try one of these hacks.
You never know—the next person you talk to might become a lifelong friend.
What are your favorite ways to avoid solo travel loneliness? Let us know in the comments!
