If you’re staying at hostels or using couchsurfing, this is a no-brainer; you’ll meet people that way (read my tips for meeting people at hostels when traveling solo). But if renting your own place or staying at a hotel is more your style, you still have great options for meeting people. 

MEETUP.COM OR THE LOCAL EQUIVALENT

I used meetup.com to meet people while I was traveling alone in Paris and staying in an apartment by myself. Paris also has meetmeout.fr, which is the local equivalent. You’ll find happy hours, walking tours, networking events, classes, picnics, and more.

COUCHSURFING EVENTS

Even if you don’t use couchsurfing for accommodation, you can still go to the events and meet other solo travelers. Most cities have tons of events listed on the website, as well as a monthly couchsurfing party, so be sure to check to see if you’ll be around for that.

FACEBOOK FRIENDS…AND FRIENDS OF FRIENDS

Check to see which of your Facebook friends live or have lived in the city you’re going to and see if there is someone there you can connect with during your visit. Also, use the “traveling to” feature to post where you’re going and you never know who might be around and contact you. I have connected with many old friends and made new friends this way.

GROUP CLASSES AND TOURS 

Dance classes, cooking classes, art classes, language classes, walking tours; these are all great ways to meet locals and other tourists. If you’re interested in learning how to cook the local cuisine or you want to learn the local language, find a local school or conversation group. I did language classes in both Rio de Janeiro and Paris, and made friends for life.

DATING APPS

If you’re single, Tinder or other dating apps are a great way to meet locals and other travelers. Who knows, you might make a new friend (or more) that wants to show you around their city.

It’s great meeting people when you’re traveling on your own, but don’t forget to enjoy and cherish your alone time too, which is an essential part of your solo adventure.