{"id":1266853,"date":"2025-07-25T09:59:08","date_gmt":"2025-07-25T09:59:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/?p=1266853"},"modified":"2026-07-16T10:34:09","modified_gmt":"2026-07-16T10:34:09","slug":"how-to-meet-people-in-hostels-when-youre-a-solo-traveler","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/how-to-meet-people-in-hostels-when-youre-a-solo-traveler\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Meet People in Hostels When You\u2019re A Solo Traveler"},"content":{"rendered":"

Travelling solo doesn\u2019t mean staying solo.<\/strong> In fact, one of the best parts about hostel travel is how easy it is to connect with other travellers from around the world, whether it\u2019s bonding over a shared breakfast, a spontaneous hike, or a late-night chat in the common room.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udc49 If you\u2019re nervous about meeting people or want to dive deeper into solo travel, check out our guide to travelling alone for the first time<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ready to find your people? Here\u2019s how to break the ice, join the conversation, and make meaningful connections in hostels<\/strong><\/a>, without feeling awkward.<\/p>\n

1. Say Hi in the Hostel Chat Before You Arrive<\/h2>\n

\"woman<\/p>\n

Before you’ve even unpacked your bag, you can already start connecting.<\/p>\n

Hostelworld\u2019s app<\/strong><\/a> lets you join the social chat<\/strong> of your hostel as soon as you book. You\u2019ll find a community of other travellers staying there, asking questions, sharing travel plans, or arranging drinks or group dinners. Even a simple \u201cAnyone around for a beer tonight?\u201d can lead to meeting your next travel buddy.<\/p>\n

\u27a1\ufe0f Tip: When joining Hostelworld’s app and booking a hostel, you will be able to join the social chat for both the hostel you’ll be staying at, as well as as a city chat with all travellers who will be in the city you’re visiting at the same time as you. Use both, the hostel chat to connect with people you will be sharing a dorm with, but also the city chat for joining group tours, sharing a meal with other solo travellers, and more!<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tJoin The Social Chats<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/p><\/p>\n

2. Ice Breakers That Aren\u2019t Cringe<\/h2>\n

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We get it, approaching a group of strangers can feel intimidating. But here\u2019s the secret: everyone else is in the same boat<\/em>. Hostels<\/strong><\/a> are full of solo travellers who want<\/em> to meet people.<\/p>\n

Try these simple openers:<\/p>\n

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    \u201cHey, mind if I join you?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    \u201cWhere are you heading next?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    \u201cAnyone got recommendations for food around here?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    \u201cI just arrived\u2014what\u2019s the vibe like here?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    The goal isn\u2019t to be clever, just open and genuine. Most people will happily welcome you in.<\/p>\n

    3. Show Up to Hostel Events (Even If You\u2019re Nervous)<\/h2>\n

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    From pub crawls to communal dinners, hostel activities are designed<\/em> to get people mixing. You don\u2019t need to be the life of the party, just showing up is enough. These events naturally break the ice, especially when you\u2019re doing something interactive like trivia nights, cooking classes, or walking tours.<\/p>\n

    Don\u2019t overthink it. Just go. You\u2019ll thank yourself later.<\/p>\n

    \ud83d\udc49 Don’t know what to expect? Check out our list of 13 hostel activities that help you instantly meet people<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    4. Share Your Travel Plans<\/h2>\n

    A guaranteed conversation starter? Talking itineraries. Whether you\u2019re heading to the same next stop or just curious where people are coming from, swapping travel stories and plans is the universal language of hostels<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    You can say:<\/p>\n

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      \u201cI\u2019m heading to Lisbon next, any hostel recs?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      \u201cI\u2019ve just come from Budapest\u2014want some tips?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      \u201cI\u2019ve got a free day tomorrow\u2014anyone want to explore together?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      \ud83d\udca1 Even better? The Hostelworld app<\/strong><\/a> lets you share your travel plans directly with other travellers staying at your hostel, or even nearby. It\u2019s a game-changer for finding people headed in the same direction or linking up for a trip, day tour, or night out. You can also check out others\u2019 travel plans to see who might be going your way.<\/em><\/p>\n

      \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tShare Your Travel Plans<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/p><\/p>\n

      You might end up finding someone with a similar route\u2014or even your next travel buddy.<\/p>\n

      5. Hang Out in Social Spaces (Not Just Your Dorm’s Bunk Bed)<\/h2>\n

      \"people<\/p>\n

      It\u2019s tempting to curl up with your phone after a long travel day, but common areas are where the magic happens. Even just sitting in the kitchen with a coffee or chilling in the lounge can lead to easy chats.<\/p>\n

      Leave your headphones off. Look approachable.<\/strong> You don\u2019t need to talk to everyone, just being present makes it easier to connect when the opportunity comes.<\/p>\n

      6. Not a Natural Extrovert? That\u2019s Okay.<\/h2>\n

      You don\u2019t have to be super outgoing to meet people. Many travellers are shy, introverted, or simply not into big social scenes, and that\u2019s totally valid. Look for smaller or quieter hostel events, early morning group walks, or one-on-one convos in shared dorms.<\/p>\n

      \ud83d\udca1 For more low-pressure ways to meet people, read our guide on how to make friends in hostels even if you\u2019re shy<\/a>.<\/p>\n

      7. Be the First to Say Something<\/h2>\n

      \"\"<\/p>\n

      Sometimes, all it takes is one person to break the silence, and that person can be you. Whether it’s asking if someone wants to cook dinner together or offering to share your snacks, small gestures go a long way.<\/p>\n

      Confidence is like a muscle: the more you use it, the easier it gets.<\/p>\n

      Bonus Tips to Meet People Without Even Trying<\/h2>\n

      \ud83c\udf92 The \u201cDorm Room Compliment\u201d<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      Notice someone with a cool patch-covered backpack or a well-worn Lonely Planet guide? Compliment it.<\/strong> It\u2019s a super low-stakes way to start a convo\u2014and usually leads to a story or a laugh.<\/p>\n

      \u201cThat backpack\u2019s seen some things!\u201d<\/em> is basically traveller-speak for \u201cTell me your life story.\u201d<\/p>\n

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      \ud83c\udf5c Cook Something That Smells Amazing<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      \"\"<\/p>\n

      Forget fancy cooking skills, just boil pasta with garlic and olive oil.<\/strong> The smell will waft through the hostel and suddenly people are \u201cjust hanging out in the kitchen.\u201d Instant friends.<\/p>\n

      Bonus: Ask if anyone wants to join. People love food, and shared meals = shared stories.<\/p>\n

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      \ud83e\udde9 Carry a Card Game or Uno Deck<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      Even if you\u2019re not super social, games are social magnets<\/strong>. Leave a deck out on the table and wait. It takes one curious person walking by to ask, \u201cWhat\u2019s this?\u201d and you\u2019re off.<\/p>\n

      \n

      \ud83d\udecb\ufe0f Be a Couch Potato (In the Lounge)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      You don\u2019t have to chase convos. Sometimes just being in a common area and looking open (i.e., not glued to your phone)<\/strong> is all it takes. People are more likely to talk to someone who\u2019s available, even if you’re just pretending to read your book.<\/p>\n

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      \ud83c\udfa7 Headphones Off, Curiosity On<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      If you\u2019re in the common room with headphones in, you\u2019re saying \u201cI\u2019m not available.\u201d Even if you\u2019re not in a chatty mood, ditch the earbuds for a bit<\/strong>. It makes you more approachable and invites spontaneous chats.<\/p>\n

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      Meeting People in Hostels is Easier Than You Think<\/h2>\n

      \"\"<\/p>\n

      Solo travel doesn\u2019t mean solo living. Hostels<\/strong><\/a> are built for connection, and even one new friend can change your trip entirely. Whether you\u2019re swapping stories on a rooftop or heading out on a spontaneous adventure, the people you meet might just become the highlight of your journey.<\/p>\n

      And don\u2019t forget to download the Hostelworld app<\/strong> <\/a>to join chats, plan meetups, and connect with other travellers before<\/em> you even arrive.<\/p>\n

      Download the Hostelworld app to start meeting people from the moment you book<\/h3>\n

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