Key takeaways
– Mexico, Serbia, and Costa Rica are the tourist-friendliest destinations
– Many Discord servers are dedicated to traveling
– Nomad Her connects women on solo trips
– Try Couchsurfing, Meetup, Internations, or Small World
Best Countries for Making Friends
Just 57% of people who live abroad find making friends easy, and even fewer (45%) say that making friends with locals when traveling is easy. However, Mexico, Serbia, and Costa Rica ranked in the top five countries where making friends is the easiest. 80% of foreigners in Mexico told researchers making friends was easy. In Serbia, most foreigners find locals friendly, and Costa Rica’s communicative locals make it an excellent location for mixing and mingling.
If you’re traveling to a different destination or are anxious about your trip, you can always make friends before setting off by joining online groups. Platforms like Discord, Internations, A Small World, or Nomad Her offer excellent opportunities to connect with fellow travelers or locals in your chosen destination.
Discord Servers
As of September 2024, Discord had nearly 200 million active monthly users, with many of its servers dedicated to travel. Most Discord users fall between the ages of 25 and 34. On these servers, you’ll find experienced travelers and locals who offer valuable advice and travel tips. Some servers even feature channels specifically for finding travel buddies. By posting your travel plans and engaging with other users, you can meet people heading to the same destination or locals willing to show you around.
Additionally, Discord dating servers can help travelers find like-minded partners who share their passion for exploration and adventure. These real-time conversations on Discord allow you to get instant tips and advice while traveling. Whether it’s getting recommendations for hidden gems or practicing the local language with a native speaker, Discord’s dynamic platform offers an enriching way to enhance your travel experience. Plus, building relationships with locals can open doors to a more immersive travel experience, making your trip unforgettable.
Internations and A Small World
Internations is a fantastic platform to connect with fellow foreigners and travelers. It has over 5.4 million members worldwide, allowing you to meet others in your destination country. The platform lists countries where you can search for events or people who are either currently living there or planning to visit soon. Internations also hosts local events, providing opportunities for in-person meetups, which are excellent for making new friends and networking.
A Small World is another exclusive community offering unique events worldwide. With over a thousand events in more than 80 cities annually, it’s a great way to network with like-minded individuals, engage in cultural exchanges, and experience global travel from a local’s perspective. Whether you’re looking for travel buddies or locals to share experiences with, A Small World creates the perfect space for those with a passion for travel.
Nomad Her
Nomad Her is a travel app designed specifically for women embarking on solo adventures. It has over 200,000 members worldwide and helps connect female travelers with similar itineraries. This app provides not only travel advice but also opportunities to find like-minded women to travel with. Whether you’re looking to find a travel buddy or just want to connect with other female explorers, Nomad Her is an excellent resource for those seeking community while traveling.
Other Platforms to Consider
In addition to Discord, Internations, and Nomad Her, there are several other popular platforms for connecting with travelers and locals. Couchsurfing allows you to meet locals and find affordable accommodations. Meetup is an event-based online community where you can join activities that suit your interests. WWOOF, Backpackr, and Bumble BFF are other platforms that connect like-minded travelers, each with unique approaches to building travel connections.
Conclusion
Making friends before arriving at your destination is a game-changer for travelers, especially solo explorers or those unfamiliar with their destination. Platforms like Discord, Internations, Nomad Her, and A Small World offer invaluable resources for forming connections ahead of time. By joining these online communities, you not only expand your network but also enhance your travel experience through deeper, more meaningful interactions with locals and fellow travelers.
These platforms provide an excellent opportunity to ease the anxiety of solo travel, make the most of your trip, and immerse yourself in new cultures. Whether you’re looking for travel buddies, local guides, or just someone to grab coffee with, these tools are designed to foster connections that could lead to lifelong friendships. Ultimately, preparing for your journey by making connections ahead of time will enrich your adventures and create memories that go beyond just sightseeing.
FAQ
How do I find a group of friends to travel with?
Group tours and cruise companies are great ways to meet travel buddies. Solo travelers often sign up for group activities hoping to find travel companions. Many popular destinations also organize free walking tours, which provide opportunities to meet other travelers. Cruises, in particular, are gaining popularity, with JPMorgan Research predicting the industry will capture nearly 4% of the global vacation market by 2028, which is currently valued at $1.9 trillion.
What are the best destinations to travel solo?
Norway is a nature lover’s paradise, with its unforgettable landscapes and outdoor activities. Grand Cayman Island is affordable and easy to reach on various US airlines. It offers solo travelers exciting activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving, plus an impressive culinary scene.
How can I meet other travelers online?
You can use Couchsurfing to connect with other travelers and find affordable accommodations. Meetup is another great option for finding events and gatherings in your destination. WWOOF, Backpackr, and Bumble BFF also provide ways to meet fellow travelers online before embarking on your adventure.
What are some popular destinations that are actually scary?
For thrill seekers, Australia is a destination where nearly everything is poisonous, from the notorious funnel-web spider to dangerous sea creatures. In Asia, countries like Japan excel at promoting their mythological creatures, which can add an eerie element to your travel experience.
