How to Make Friends While Traveling (Beyond the Coworking Space)

Traveling alone as a digital nomad doesn’t mean you have to feel lonely. While coworking spaces are great for networking, they are not always the best places to meet people. Some nomads don’t want to pay for a coworking, while others have a lot of meetings and find that a coworking space is not the best fit. Fortunately, there are many creative ways to connect with fellow nomads, travelers, and locals beyond the coworking space. Let’s look at a few of them.

1. Free Walking Tours

Free walking tours are goldmines for meeting like-minded travelers, but they won’t break the bank. My last free walking tour in Tirana, Albania had more than 75 people on the tour. As the guide tells different stories, there is a lot of time to chat with other travelers as you walk around together. Usually, these tours are also in the morning or afternoon, which leaves time to make plans later in the evening. Guides usually encourage guests to introduce themselves at the beginning of the tour, which is the perfect opportunity to continue the conversation along the way with someone you found interesting.

2. Dating Apps

Modern dating apps like Bumble, Tinder, and Feeld aren’t just for romantic encounters. Many travelers use these platforms to make friends, find travel buddies, or explore the local scene with a like-minded person. Start with an interesting conversation and you may even end up with a little romance as the cherry on top. Just be sure to make your preferences and boundaries clear from the start – of course!

3. Food Tours

Join a food tour that includes a group dinner, especially on your first night in a new place, and you may find friends for the rest of your stay. Like free walking tours, food tours build conversation into the experience. And the best part? You don’t have to worry about eating dinner alone. Even if you don’t end up making a connection, you will still get delicious food and some great foodie destinations to enjoy during the rest of your stay.

4. Writing Meetups

If you’ve never attended a writing meetup, you’re in for a treat. Both local and expat writers often gather weekly to hold each other accountable and get a little social time. Writing meetups usually begin and end with tips and tricks about the craft and allow time for one-on-one interactions about creative projects. This is perfect for introverts who want to get out of the house and talk to their fellow humans.

5. Pub Quizzes

Pub quizzes are social magnets and seem to be a staple of even small towns around the world. If there’s a bar, then it’s likely there’s a pub quiz! Even if you arrive alone, you can often join a team or be invited to participate. The collaborative nature of trivia nights breaks down social barriers quickly, and shared laughter and friendly competition create instant rapport.

6. Language Exchange Events

Language exchange meetups attract both locals and travelers eager to learn and practice languages. These events are designed for interaction, with structured activities that make initial conversations comfortable. You’ll practice language skills while making international friends and learning more about the local city.

7. Meetup.com

Meetup.com is an app and website where you can likely find many of the activities we’ve listed above. Covering many international cities, Meetup.com lists everything from yoga classes in the park to comedy nights and improv groups. Look up your hobby and you’re sure to find something on Meetup – and you certainly won’t be alone!

Final Thoughts

Remember, making friends while traveling is an art in and of itself. Not every interaction will lead to a lasting connection, and that’s okay. Hopefully, we’ve inspired you to try something new.

Which of these activities has worked best for you? Let us know in the comments.