Let’s be honest you’re probably not going to make a deep connection in a crowded museum while everyone’s silently looking at 18th-century oil paintings.

Instead, go where social energy is already part of the design:

• Hostels with common rooms or social events
• Boutique hotels with open lobbies or shared kitchens
• Walking tours or food crawls (usually small groups)
• Coworking cafés (yes, even on vacation)
• Bars with communal tables or solo-friendly seating at the bar

✨ Pro tip: Sit at the bar instead of a table. Bars are the “open seating” of the world a quiet green light for casual convo.

Compliments are underrated social openers. When done right, they’re authentic, low-pressure, and almost always welcome.

Try:

• “That’s an amazing tattoo does it have a story?”
• “I love your earrings. Are they local?”
• “Your notebook looks well-traveled. Been on the road a while?”

The key is specificity. A vague “nice shirt” sounds generic. A thoughtful comment feels seen.

Why it works: Compliments make people feel good and give them something to respond to that isn’t just “where are you from?”

You don’t have to pretend to like hiking just to meet people. Pick things that naturally create conversation while you’re doing them.

Good options:

• Cooking classes (bonus: you get fed)
• Art or photography workshops
• Language exchange events
• Day trips with small tour groups
• Yoga or dance classes (especially local styles)

Why it works: There’s less pressure to talk constantly because you’re doing something. And when you do talk? It’s already a shared experience.

Skip the tired “Where are you from?” and try:

• “What’s something in this city you think more travelers should know about?”
• “Have you found a favorite spot here yet?”
• “What brought you to this place?”

These invite actual stories, not just one-word answers.

Bonus points for having one interesting answer of your own. It makes the interaction feel mutual, not like an interview.

Not every moment of solo travel needs to be social. In fact, part of the magic is in contrast a quiet morning walk alone followed by an unexpected lunch with a stranger.

If you don’t meet anyone today? That’s okay.

Use the time to observe, journal, or simply be present. You’re not doing it wrong. You’re just doing it solo and that’s kind of the point.

Tinder is fine (sometimes). But there’s more to connection than swiping.

Instead, try:

• Meetup.com – for language exchanges, hikes, artsy stuff
• Eventbrite – for pop-up events, tours, and local happenings
• Couchsurfing Hangouts – even if you're not staying with someone
• Facebook Groups – search “[City Name] Solo Travelers” or “Expats in…”

The key: Look for events or spaces designed for meeting others. You’re not crashing the party, you're the guest of honor.

Yes, it’s great to push yourself out of your comfort zone. But also? You’re allowed to opt out of energy that doesn’t feel right.

If someone seems off, if the vibe is weird, if you’re drained instead of lit up, excuse yourself. You don’t owe anyone your time or presence.

On the flip side: if someone’s energy feels light, open, and respectful? That’s your cue to lean in.

Talking to strangers in a new city? That’s courageous.

Choosing to travel solo? Also courageous.

Deciding to open your heart even just a little to the unpredictable beauty of human connection? That’s power.

You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room. You just have to be willing to show up. In your own way. On your own timeline.