How to find a travel buddy

There are different reasons why some people want to know how to find a travel buddy. Even when your family or friends are interested in traveling, they might not be excited about all your travel plans.

When you have certain travel goals, but you do not know people who would share them with you, you have two options. Either travel alone or try to find a travel buddy. 

Traveling solo might be easier for many. You do not have to consider somebody’s else ideas, budget, interests, or even values, or opinions. 

But if you need a travel mate, there are many different ways how to find them. Either before your trip or when you are already on the road.

Stay in hostels

An easy way how to meet new people is to stay at hostels. The places are known hubs where people of all ages, nations, and backgrounds share accommodation. Hostel guests also share many common areas like kitchens, or lounges, that offer many opportunities to meet someone new. 

Many hostels organize events like pub crawls or group tours. They give you not only easy access to meet other people. They often offer already prepared handy activities so you do not have to worry and plan everything by yourself. 

Join a group tour

Wherever you are traveling, there will be many local tour operators offering different kinds of tours. You can find many affordable tours online on sites like GetYourGuide, Viator, Tiqets, Civitatis, Klook, and many others. Sometimes you may end up in a group tour that consists of only the tour guide and one or two other people who booked it. On the other hand, some group tours may involve too many people, and you will not have the opportunity to talk to them all. 

Some other great and positive sides are that they offer pre-planned itineraries with set destinations and activities. They can make it effortless for you to discover and get in touch with people who share the same or similar interests as you. 

The tour guides can also impact your ability to connect with new people and you can ask them to organize activities outside the planned itinerary. 

Hitchhiking

One of the less conventional ways to find travel mates. When hitchhiking, you will share the journey and exchange stories when on your way to your destination. This way of traveling involves a lot of encounters with strangers, and also other fellow hitchhikers. Unlike group tour activities, it gives you more chances to interact with locals, which can lead to many authentic cultural exchanges. 

CouchSurfing

CouchSurfing is another great way how to find a travel buddy. These experiences commonly facilitate cultural exchange and understanding. They bridge gaps between hosts and travelers from diverse backgrounds and nationalities.

CouchSurfing is great for more spontaneous and flexible individuals for short notice or impromptu trips.

Besides shared accommodation, the locals can give you insights, recommendations, and insider tips. They can be a great source of valuable local knowledge and perspectives.

Volunteering

Volunteering may become a very rewarding way for you to find new travel companions. You will find people who share the same purpose, and values, filled with a sense of camaraderie and bonding. In many cases, volunteering means becoming part of a community and sharing accommodation, meals, and common areas, collaborating on new projects, and working together.

It can become a networking event. It can expand your social network and build new connections with other volunteers, locals, or project coordinators.

Established sites that offer volunteering work are for example Worldpackers or Workway.

Rent a friend

Renting a friend is one of those less conventional ways how to connect with locals. Though there are countries that are more advanced in this field like Japan, or China, the concept is becoming more popular in Western countries too.

There are some sites where you will find locals from all over the world. It is up to you then to study their profiles and choose somebody that fits your interests. The majority of them speak English, so you do not have to worry about the language barrier. They can also assist you with translation, or communications with non-English speaking locals.

They can also serve as personal photographers. Instead of relying on selfies or asking strangers, you will end your trip with more professionally captured photos.

Local photographer

Booking a local photographer can be similar to renting a friend. There are also many local Facebook groups where new and aspiring photographers are looking for people open to modeling in front of lenses for free.

Photographers can be a great networking opportunity. They are usually connected with communities and may know other people who share your interests. 

Many of them may know about interesting and hidden parts, districts of cities, or neighboring surroundings. They can also advise you on the optimal times to visit touristy places without facing overcrowding.

When a photographer takes your photo, and you upload it online and tag them, you may attract the attention of other travelers. They might become interested in exploring the destination with you or collaborating in the future.

But you can also become a photographer. If you are interested in street or portrait photography, you can ask strangers to take pictures of them. This way you can initiate conversations and potentially make new friends or travel buddies.

Dating sites

How to find a travel buddy with a dating site can be quite easy. Many dating sites allow users to create profiles, showcase and list all their interests, values, opinions, pictures as well as travel preferences. 

Many of these sites use algorithms and compatibility matches to connect users. Some of them even organize events, meetups, or group activities. 

Although the primary focus of such sites is to find a long-term partner, when you are transparent you may discover and form a friendship with like-minded individuals. 

Facebook Groups

Facebook groups can cater to specific interests, travel destinations, hobbies, or even jobs like pet-sitting. You’ll encounter several local Facebook groups, along with numerous international ones, focused on travel and connecting with fellow adventurers.

You can also look at Facebook groups as valuable sources where people share travel itineraries, recommend accommodations, transportation, and budgeting tips.

Because of available real-time updates, you can connect with new people at the last minute or fill vacancies in group trips.

Travel apps

Finding a travel buddy through this app follows a similar process to previous ones. Especially dating site scenarios. You create your profile and let the algorithm do the magic. 

Search filters and in-app messaging streamline the search process, offering efficiency. This differs from Facebook groups, where messages may go unnoticed or unread.

Apps also come with niche-specific features like itinerary sharing, and collaborative trip planning tools. Verified profiles can ensure the credibility and authenticity of user profiles.

Several captivating apps worth testing include Triptogether or Backpackr. You can also try language exchange platforms, and pet-sitting networks.

Collaborate on Art or work project

Collaborating on art or work projects while traveling offers a unique opportunity to connect with fellow creatives or professionals from diverse backgrounds. Whether painting murals, participating in community initiatives, making documentaries, or launching entrepreneurial ventures, you can use this approach to create lasting friendships on the road.

Cultural exchange programs

Sign up for cultural exchange programs that pair travelers with local families or communities for an authentic and immersive travel experience.

Adventure challenges

Participate in adventure challenges or extreme sports events where you can meet fellow adrenaline junkies with a passion for travel.

When seeking a travel buddy, prioritize safety by thoroughly vetting potential companions and arranging to meet in public places. Discuss compatibility factors such as political views, drinking habits, and hygiene preferences to ensure a harmonious journey. Additionally, communicate openly about budget, personal space boundaries, and preferences for solo versus group activities to align expectations and foster a mutually enjoyable travel experience.