Solo Travelers’ Guide to Making Local Friends, Not Just Other Tourists

When you're traveling alone, it’s tempting to bond only with fellow tourists—it’s easier, and you already have travel in common. But one of the most enriching parts of solo travel is connecting with locals. Making friends who actually live where you’re visiting can give you deeper insights into the culture, hidden spots tourists rarely see, and friendships that feel truly meaningful. Here’s how you can go beyond tourist circles and forge real connections with locals.

Attend Community-Based Events That Are Geared Toward Locals and Give You a Natural Way to Meet People in Their Own Environment

If you want to make local friends, you have to show up where the locals are. Look for cultural events, art shows, farmers' markets, book clubs, or even local sports games. Many cities have free weekly events—like language exchanges, dance nights, or public festivals—that are open to anyone. These aren’t just “tourist experiences”; they’re woven into the local fabric of life. By attending, you not only get to meet people who live there but also show that you’re genuinely interested in their culture and daily lives. Casual conversations at these events often feel more organic because you're sharing a real-world experience instead of a touristy one.

Volunteer or Take Part in Projects That Involve Working Alongside Locals Instead of Just Observing Their Communities From Afar

Volunteering is one of the best ways to build genuine relationships while traveling. Whether it’s helping at a community garden, teaching language classes, or participating in a beach cleanup, volunteering puts you side-by-side with locals who share your values. It naturally sparks conversations and connections because you’re working together toward a shared goal. Unlike paid tourist activities, volunteering shows you care about the community. Locals tend to respect and appreciate travelers who make an effort to give back, which often opens doors to deeper friendships and invitations to local gatherings or social circles.

Choose Homestays or Local Guesthouses Where You’re Hosted by Locals Rather Than Large Hotels Catering to Tourists

Where you stay has a massive impact on the kind of connections you make while traveling. Instead of choosing big, tourist-focused hotels, opt for homestays, small guesthouses, or Airbnb rentals hosted by local families. Many hosts are excited to share their culture with visitors and are happy to recommend their favorite neighborhood cafés, parks, or hidden gems. Some might even invite you to family gatherings, home-cooked meals, or community events if you show genuine interest. By choosing accommodations run by locals, you’re immersing yourself directly into the heartbeat of the place you’re visiting.

Learn a Few Key Phrases in the Local Language to Show Respect and Break the Ice

Language barriers can feel intimidating, but even learning a few basic phrases in the local language can make a huge difference. Simple greetings, "thank you," "please," and "how are you?" can go a long way in breaking down walls. Locals often appreciate when travelers make an effort to communicate in their language, no matter how imperfectly. It shows respect and humility, which in turn can make people more open and welcoming toward you. Plus, stumbling through a new language often leads to shared laughter, one of the quickest ways to bond with someone new.

Join Hobby-Based Classes or Activities Where Locals Outnumber Tourists

Signing up for a cooking class, dance lesson, painting workshop, or local hiking group can be a fantastic way to meet people with similar interests. The key is choosing activities that locals actually attend rather than those marketed primarily to tourists. Look for smaller, community-run classes rather than large commercial operations. Whether it’s a yoga class at a neighborhood studio or a casual soccer game at a local park, joining these activities allows you to naturally meet people while doing something you enjoy, creating easy conversation starters and genuine connections.

Be Curious, Open, and Willing to Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

The heart of connecting with locals lies in your attitude. Approach each new place with curiosity rather than judgment, and be open to experiences that might feel unfamiliar or even uncomfortable at first. Accept invitations when they come—whether it's to a neighborhood barbecue, a traditional ceremony, or just a casual coffee meetup. Locals can sense when someone is genuinely interested versus when they’re just ticking off experiences for social media. By staying humble, open-minded, and flexible, you create more opportunities for real human connections that go beyond superficial small talk.

Final Thoughts

Traveling solo doesn't mean you have to limit yourself to tourist-only experiences. By stepping outside of the easy path and engaging more deeply with the people who call your destination home, you can turn a regular trip into a life-changing experience. Making local friends not only enriches your journey with authentic insights and unforgettable memories, but it also reminds you of the universal human connections that transcend borders, languages, and backgrounds. The next time you travel solo, dare to go deeper—you'll be amazed at the friendships waiting just beyond the tourist trail.