Traveling Alone But Not Lonely: How to Meet People and Stay Social While Abroad
Making friends on a trip to Portugal
One of the most rewarding aspects of solo travel is the freedom to explore on your own terms, but that doesn’t mean you have to go it completely alone. When I first started traveling solo, I quickly realized that it’s possible to feel connected, make new friends, and share memorable moments with people from all around the world, all without compromising my independence.
If you’re considering a solo journey to Europe, especially as a woman or nonbinary person over 50, you might be wondering how to strike that balance between solitude and social connection. The good news is that Europe is a fantastic place to meet people and build friendships along the way! I’ve gathered a few tried-and-true strategies that have worked for me, and I hope they help you feel inspired to stay social on your next adventure.
Join Local Tours and Classes
One of my favorite ways to connect with others when I arrive in a new city is to sign up for a local tour or class. Many cities in Europe offer walking tours, cooking classes, art workshops, and even dance lessons where travelers and locals alike can get together and learn something new. This way, you’re experiencing the local culture in a much more meaningful way than just hitting the tourist sites. These activities not only allow you to experience the culture firsthand but also naturally create a space to chat with others.
For example, I took a chocolate tasting tour in Brussels, Belgium, where I learned how to make chocolate and got to know a few fellow solo travelers. We ended up sharing stories and exchanging travel tips while we sampled truffles. Many of these activities can be booked online by searching “food tour Brussels” or “art class Florence” for example.
Truffles in Belgium
Stay in Social Accommodations
While solo travelers often gravitate toward hotels for privacy, certain types of accommodations offer both comfort and a chance to socialize. Boutique hostels, guesthouses, and smaller B&Bs tend to be more community-oriented. These places often organize events, communal dinners, or game nights that make it easy to meet other travelers.
I stayed in a boutique hotel during a visit to Spain. One morning after a particularly noisy night, I bonded in the elevator with a Dutch couple about the lack of sleep. They invited me to join them in the hotel restaurant for breakfast. I hesitated because I had plans for pastries nearby, but ended up saying yes. It turned out that they were there for the same reason as me: scouting the area for a place to retire. We had a lovely breakfast conversation and shared tips about moving abroad.
Another option is to stay in accommodations with shared spaces, such as kitchens or lounges. You can meet some incredible people while making a cup of tea in a communal kitchen or sitting in a cozy reading nook at a hostel. Plus, it’s nice to have someone to swap stories with after a day of sightseeing.
Embrace the Café Culture
Europe has a wonderful café culture, which can be a great asset for a solo traveler looking to meet locals and other travelers alike. I love sitting at a café with my journal or a good book, and I’ve found that many locals in cities like Paris, Rome, and Amsterdam are open to a friendly chat. In many parts of Europe, it’s perfectly normal to share a table if space is tight, and it can open up a chance to connect with someone new.
When I was in Paris at a creperie, for instance, I was seated next to a couple speaking English. I asked what they ordered that looked so delicious. They turned out to be Canadian. We ended up having a lovely conversation and they gave me some fantastic restaurant recommendations. It was a small moment, but it reminded me of the kindness and openness that exist around the world.
Use Technology to Your Advantage
Travel apps can be a wonderful tool for meeting people while staying safe. I’ve had great experiences using apps like Meetup, which often have groups specifically for travelers or people interested in language exchanges. In larger cities, you might find meetups focused on everything from photography walks to hiking to wine tasting, which can be a fun way to engage with others while doing something you enjoy. For women over 50, there are also travel-specific groups, like Solo Traveler Network and Women Who Travel, that can connect you with other women traveling in the same area.
Facebook Groups are another place to connect. Search for terms like “solo female travel” or “expats in _________.” I highly recommend Girl Gone International, where you can post that you’ll be visiting an area and see if anyone wants to meet for dinner.
Girl Gone International meetup on a beach in Valencia, Spain
Take a Language Class or Conversation Exchange
Even if you don’t speak the language fluently, taking a language class or joining a conversation exchange can be an excellent way to meet locals and get a bit more immersed in the culture. You can often take a single class, so there’s no need to commit to multiple weeks.
If a formal class isn’t your style, many cities have language exchanges at cafes or community centers where locals and travelers meet to practice different languages. These exchanges are usually very relaxed and create a great opportunity to connect with people in a casual setting. Language exchanges, also called intercambios, are frequently posted on Meetup or Facebook groups.
Attend Cultural or Community Events
One of the highlights of traveling in Europe is the abundance of local festivals, markets, and cultural events that happen throughout the year. From summer music festivals to Christmas markets, these events can be a fantastic way to meet people who share a love for travel, art, or food.
Keep an Open Mind and a Friendly Attitude
Finally, I’ve found that a simple smile or a friendly hello can open doors to new connections. A good way to start a conversation is to ask a question. People are generally flattered to be asked for their opinion. Asking for a recommendation for where to stay or eat is a great way to start a conversation.
Traveling solo doesn’t mean you’re closed off from others—it means you have the freedom to choose your interactions. When you put yourself out there and talk to people, you might find yourself with a new friend to share a meal or explore a new city.
In the end, one of the joys of solo travel is the balance between solitude and connection. By taking a few steps to stay social, you can have the best of both worlds: the freedom to travel on your own terms and the camaraderie of meeting others along the way. So go ahead, plan that trip, and remember—you’re only as alone as you want to be.
Looking for a step-by-step guide to planning a safe solo trip to Europe? Download my European Travel Planner for free and move from feeling overwhelmed and intimidated to feeling like a confident, empowered solo traveler!
