
Taking your first solo budget trip can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to meeting new people and making friends. while traveling solo.
I remember feeling intimidated about approaching strangers during my first solo travel experience. However, once I gathered the courage to start conversations and open up to others, making friends became surprisingly easy and natural.
With a little creativity and openness, you can make friends around the world without getting kidnapped!
Whether it’s joining a free walking tour, connecting over a meal, or exploring the local nightlife scene, there are countless ways to connect with others on a budget.
So, if you’re ready to turn your solo trip into a social adventure, keep reading for tips and tricks to meet people while traveling on a budget and explore the world!
Stay in Hostels or Shared Accommodation

Hostels are an absolutely the best way to make friends while travelling around the world without even trying.
just to say “hi. ”and you will see how everyone is open to be your friend
Picture this: you’re sitting in a cozy common area, someone’s playing guitar, and a few people are laughing about their day’s adventure. It’s the perfect environment to strike up a conversation and maybe even find a buddy to explore the city with tomorrow.
Here’s why hostels are such a social magnet:
- Common Areas: Hostels usually have shared spaces like lounges, game rooms, or rooftop terraces. These spots are made for hanging out. It’s super easy to start chatting with someone over a cup of coffee
- Organized Events: Most hostels know travelers want to socialize, so they set up events like walking tours or even game nights. These aren’t just for fun; they’re mini icebreakers! By the end of the night, you might have shared laughs with a group of strangers and found a travel buddy.
- International Vibe: Hostels attract people from every corner of the world. One moment you’re talking to someone from Australia, the next, someone from Brazil. The diversity in hostels is mind-blowing and makes every conversation feel like an adventure on its own
But, here’s the trick—finding a budget-friendly hostel that’s also got a strong social vibe takes a little bit of skill.
Not every hostel is a social wonderland. Some feel more like budget hotels where people keep to themselves.
Here’s how to pick the right one:
- Check Hostel Reviews
Read reviews on sites like Hostelworld or Booking.com.
Look for phrases like “social atmosphere,” “great for meeting people,” or “amazing events.” These are gold.
Reviews that mention friendly staff or organized activities are often good indicators that it’s an easy place to connect with others
- Pick Hostels With Organized Events
Some of the best hostel memories happen at those little events they organize.
You can join a sunset hike, a cooking class, or a local beer tasting—all perfect for sparking conversations. Often, people who attend these events are solo travelers themselves, meaning they’re just as eager to make friends.
- Dorm Rooms Over Private Rooms
Dorms, especially smaller ones (like 4-6 beds), are perfect if you want a bit of downtime but still want to meet people.
Larger dorms (10–12 beds) can be a bit noisier but are typically way more social.
Join Free or Low-Cost Walking Tours

Here’s why walking tours are perfect for meeting like-minded travelers:
- Casual Chatting Opportunities:
Walking tours are low-pressure social situations.
You’re moving, listening, and observing, which makes it super easy to start a conversation without any awkwardness.
Maybe you comment on an interesting building, or someone asks you where you’re from—it’s simple, natural, and there’s no pressure to force anything.
- Shared Experience:
There’s something about exploring a city with strangers that creates an instant connection
. As you’re all listening to the guide’s stories or snapping photos of a historical building, you’re already bonding over a shared experience.
Plus, walking tours tend to attract travelers who genuinely want to learn about a place, so you know you’re with curious and adventurous peoples.
- Budget-Friendly:
Let’s be real—when you’re traveling, every dollar counts. Free or low-cost walking tours don’t just save you money; they’re also great because they attract other budget-conscious travelers.
You’ll find people who are also into discovering hidden gems and exploring on a budget, which makes it easy to swap tips or even plan another adventure together.
for free walking tours i usually use guruWalk and freeTour
and for low cost tours i use getyourguide
Using Social Media and Apps to Make Friends on the Go
thanks to social media and travel apps, meeting new people while exploring a new city is easier than ever.
Here’s a quick look at some of my top apps I use to meet new people on the go:
couchsurfing
The main goal of Couchsurfing is to help you find free accommodation from amazing people who are open to hosting you and becoming friends.
but guess what?
Couchsurfing isn’t just about free accommodations anymore; it’s a full-on social network for travelers.
Through the app, you can find hosts, but you can also join “hangouts” with locals and travelers in your area and attend events where you can meet a lot of people.
You can find also many different events where you can meet a lot of people
Imagine arriving in a city and joining a group to explore the night markets or hike a local trail.
Tip: Choose Well-Rated Hosts and Buddies because not every host or buddy are nice
some of them use the app just to flirt with girls or they are rude with people so always check reviews
Trip BFF
Trip BFF is newer but growing fast, designed specifically for solo travelers looking for buddies. Couchsurfing still the best one for me because its simpler but i use trip BFF i case i didnt found buddies in couchsurfing
Hostelworld
Hostelworld is for booking rooms in hostel but it has an amazing feature.
Once you book a room in the hostel, they’ll add you automatically into groups where you can find all people who are staying in the same area or hostel. So you can easily make friends by joining the group and asking if someone wants to join you for your plans
Volunteer Opportunities for Travelers

Volunteering while traveling is an awesome way to keep costs down and meet people who share your passions.
You’re not just seeing the sights; you’re becoming part of a community, working on meaningful projects, and making connections with locals and fellow travelers.
Here are a few budget-friendly platforms that make volunteering abroad accessible:
worldpackers
Worldpackers is designed with budget travelers in mind.
This platform lets you exchange your skills (whether it’s teaching English, social media, farming, or cooking) for free accommodation and meals.
Worldpackers also has a review system, so you can read past volunteers’ experiences and get a sense of the place before committing. The membership fee is low and gives you access to thousands of host options worldwide,
so if you’re ready to pitch in, it’s well worth it.
workaway
Workaway is another great option for finding low-cost volunteer gigs globally.
With an annual membership, you get access to thousands of volunteer opportunities in almost every country, from helping on organic farms to supporting community projects.
Workaway placements are often in rural or smaller communities, which gives you the chance to fully immerse in local culture. You’ll usually work around 4-5 hours a day in exchange for free lodging, and in many cases, meals are included.
And sometimes you will find payed one, so not only you will save money but they will pay you for the job you did
The benefits of volunteering go beyond just budget savings; it’s about immersion, friendship, and experiencing travel in a unique way:
- Real Cultural Immersion:Volunteering allows you to live like a local, which you simply don’t get from typical tourist experiences. You’re part of the community’s daily routine, joining them for meals, celebrations, and everyday life.
- Learning and Growth:Volunteering stretches your comfort zone, exposes you to different lifestyles, and often teaches you new skills. It’s an enriching experience that helps you learn not only about other cultures but also about yourself
- Lasting Friendships: The friendships you form while volunteering can be some of the strongest. Shared experiences, challenges, and the impact you make together create bonds that go beyond a typical travel friendship. Many travelers stay in touch long after their volunteer stints and even reunite for future trips.
Solo travel encourages you to get comfortable with the uncomfortable. Whether it’s joining a group tour with strangers or eating at a local spot by yourself,
these little steps outside your comfort zone can lead to some of the most memorable connections.
Stepping out and trying new things doesn’t just help you meet people—it helps you connect on a deeper level. When you’re willing to be vulnerable and open up, you’re more likely to form friendships that go beyond surface-level small talk.