How to Meet People While Traveling Solo in Your 30s (Without Staying in Hostels)

Traveling solo in your 30s is one of the most empowering experiences you can give yourself, but let’s be honest, it can also feel a little intimidating, especially when it comes to meeting new people. Hostels are often seen as the go-to social hub for solo travelers, but they’re not for everyone. If you value your independence, enjoy your space, or simply need a good night’s sleep, the hostel lifestyle can feel overwhelming.

Personally, even though I’m a very social person, I find hostels exhausting, even when I book a private room. Being surrounded by people 24/7 can be overstimulating, so I usually opt for a local guesthouse or a shared apartment instead, where I can recharge and still feel connected to the place I’m visiting.

Working views from my Cape Town's apartment, April 2023

The good news? There are plenty of ways to meet people while traveling solo that don’t involve bunk beds or bar crawls. I’ve been traveling alone for years, almost never stay in hostels and yet I always manage to make meaningful connections everywhere I go.

And you can too. Here’s how.

1. Join local Facebook and WhatsApp groups

Before arriving in a new destination, I always search for location-based Facebook groups like “Girl Gone International – [City]”, “Solo Female Travelers in…”, “Expats in…”, or “Digital Nomads in…”. These communities are goldmines for finding local meetups, events, yoga classes, hikes, coworking spots, or even spontaneous coffee catchups.

Many of these Facebook groups also share WhatsApp group links, which are even more dynamic and active. Once you join, you instantly tap into a real-time stream of local events, tips, and opportunities to connect with likeminded people.

Breakfast from a beach hotel in Mendihuaca, Santa Marta, Colombia, March 2025

I usually join a few groups in advance, especially if I have specific questions, like where to stay as a solo female traveler, how to get from the airport to the city center, or how safe a particular neighborhood is. Some groups are more active than others, but most of the time, you’ll find incredibly helpful people who are happy to share advice because they’ve been in your shoes.

Over the years, I’ve met some of my closest friends through these groups. They're especially helpful when you're new to solo travel or heading to a destination that isn’t perceived as very safe. Sometimes, all it takes is one message or comment to open the door to an unforgettable experience or a truly special connection.

2. Sign up for group activities (sport, wellness, volunteering & more)

One of the easiest and most natural ways to meet like-minded people while traveling is by doing something you genuinely enjoy. Whether it’s a beach yoga session, a surf class, a group hike, a dance workshop, or even a cooking class, these shared experiences make conversations flow effortlessly.

My favorite yoga place in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia, February 2023

These types of activities often attract not just other travelers, but also locals and long-term expats, which can lead to deeper, more meaningful connections. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve ended up being invited to dinners, parties, or other random adventures just because I joined a yoga class or signed up for a tour.

So even if you’re busy, take a moment after class to chat with someone, or strike up a quick conversation during a hike. That fellow solo traveler could easily become a new friend, or at the very least, someone to grab lunch with.

You can often find these activities posted in Facebook and WhatsApp groups, but don’t forget to check posters in local cafés, guesthouses, or community boards. Sometimes the best events aren’t even advertised online, you just have to ask around or keep your eyes open.

3. Attend meetups and events (it’s not just for techies)

Platforms like Meetup, Eventbrite, and even Couchsurfing events are great places to find social gatherings in your area. Many cities, even smaller ones, host regular meetups for everything from language exchanges and beach workouts to sunset picnics, creative workshops, and entrepreneur hangouts.

Vietnamese cooking class close to Hoi An, Vietnam, August 2023

These events often attract solo travelers and open-minded locals who are also looking to meet new people. And here's a tip: go alone. Seriously! It might feel intimidating at first, but showing up solo actually makes it easier to step out of your comfort zone and connect with others. When you attend with a friend, it’s easy to stick to what’s familiar, but when you're alone, you're more likely to strike up meaningful conversations with those around you.

So don’t hesitate, say yes to that random event, even if you're not sure what to expect. You might leave with new friends, business partners, fun plans or simply new ideas.

4. Book small group tours through GetYourGuide or GuruWalk

Platforms like GetYourGuide and GuruWalk are perfect for joining small group experiences like city tours, food tastings, cooking classes, and free walking tours. You don’t need to commit to a group trip to meet people, just spending a few hours with other curious travelers can lead to spontaneous connections (I’ve ended up with new friends and dinner plans more than once, true story!).

Me during a group hiking tour with local women in Sapa, Vietnam

These tours are a great way to learn something new and make socializing feel effortless. Booking a free walking tour is often the first thing I do when I arrive in a new city. Half the time, I’ve gone for lunch or dinner afterward with fellow tour participants. Sure, I love to talk and I’m naturally social, but honestly, anyone can strike up a conversation when it feels right.

Something important to remember (and easy to forget) is that many of the people you’ll meet while traveling solo are dealing with the same doubts and insecurities as you are. Just opening up a little and sharing that experience can ease anxiety and help you feel more grounded. Travel is a lot more fun when we’re not pretending to have it all figured out, and when we’re open to the magic of connection.

5. Work from coworking spaces or laptop-friendly cafés

Even if you’re not a full-time digital nomad, coworking spaces can be fantastic places to meet people, especially in destinations popular with remote workers like Bali, Lisbon, Cape Town, or Medellín. Alternatively, cozy cafés or beach bars with reliable Wi-Fi often create a relaxed atmosphere where conversations naturally start over coffee breaks or shared tables.

I know firsthand how hard it can be to socialize on busy workdays, especially if you have a corporate job filled with back-to-back video calls. It’s easy to feel drained by the end of the day, with zero energy left to chat. But honestly, taking just five minutes to engage with the person sitting next to you can be incredibly rewarding.

My favorite coworking space in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Some of the people I now call lifelong friends were once strangers working beside me in a coworking space, we started chatting during a break, even on days when I thought I had no social energy left. Sometimes, that tiny moment of connection is all it takes to turn a regular workday into something truly special.

6. Use dating apps

Apps like Tinder, Bumble (especially Bumble BFF), and Hinge aren’t just for romance, many travelers use them to meet locals, get insider tips, or simply find someone to grab a coffee with or cowork for a few hours. You’re fully in control, and it’s totally okay to be upfront about your intentions, whether you're looking for a date, a friend, or just good conversation.

Sunset view during a dinner in Sea Point, Cape Town, South Africa

And if you do feel like going on a date while traveling, go for it! There’s still a lot of stigma around using dating apps, but the truth is, they can lead to some really meaningful connections. I use them quite often when I travel, and some of the people I’ve met have shared unforgettable moments with me, experiences that shaped who I am today.

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, just stay safe, trust your intuition, and enjoy the moment. Sometimes, the most beautiful memories start with a simple swipe and a good chat.

7. Talk to people, literally everywhere

It may sound simple, but some of the best conversations I’ve had while traveling started in the most unexpected places: waiting for a bus, sitting on a plane, or enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. You’d be surprised how many solo travelers are out there, and how many people are just hoping someone will make the first move.

Me traveling solo around Morocco, December 2022

If you feel a good vibe from the person next to you, don’t be shy. Start a conversation, ask where they’re from, what they’ve seen so far, or if they have any local tips. That random chat could lead to a shared adventure, a spontaneous dinner, or even a new travel buddy.

Sometimes, all it takes is a smile and a “Hi” to turn a solo day into a memorable one.

Final thoughts: independence + connection = the best of both worlds

Traveling solo in your 30s doesn’t mean being lonely and meeting people doesn’t require giving up your comfort or independence. My family and friends often say I don’t check in enough during my solo trips. What they don’t realize is that I’m rarely alone. Building meaningful connections on the road takes time, presence, and energy and honestly, that’s where so much of the magic happens.

With a bit of curiosity and openness, you can create deep, memorable connections on your own terms, while still enjoying those peaceful, soul-nourishing “me moments” that make solo travel so special. So no, you don’t need to stay in hostels or colivings to meet people. You just need to show up, stay open, and trust that the right people will cross your path when the moment is right.