So you’ve got this amazing trip in mind. Maybe it’s finally seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland, eating your way through Tokyo, or hiking Machu Picchu at sunrise. There’s just one problem: you don’t want to do it alone, but finding the right person to travel with? That’s… complicated.

We get it. Your best friend might be amazing for brunch, but three weeks of sharing hotel rooms and making decisions together? That’s a whole different thing. And asking random people from the internet to explore a foreign country with you can feel, well, a little weird.

But here’s the good news: finding great travel companions is totally doable, and it doesn’t have to be awkward. Let’s break down how to find your people.

solo traveler looking at phone frustrated

Why Bother Finding a Travel Buddy?

Look, solo travel is great (we’re big fans, actually). But traveling with the right person? That’s a different kind of magic.

You’ll save money. Splitting that Airbnb, sharing a taxi from the airport, getting the group rate on tours: it adds up fast.

Someone’s got your back. Whether it’s watching your bag while you run to the bathroom or helping you navigate a sketchy situation, there’s comfort in numbers.

Inside jokes happen. Some of the best travel memories are the weird, hilarious moments you share with someone else. That story about getting lost in Barcelona at 2am is way better when someone else was there.

You push each other. Maybe you’d skip that sunrise hike alone, but with a travel buddy? You’re both setting alarms and holding each other accountable.

Where to Actually Find Travel Companions

Travel Apps (Yes, They Exist)

Think of it like dating apps, but for finding people to explore the world with. These apps match you based on where you want to go, how you like to travel, and what kind of person you are.

When you’re picking an app, look for:

  • Personality matching (not just “we both want to go to Thailand”)
  • Identity verification (safety first!)
  • Ways to chat before committing to anything
  • Reviews from other travelers

That’s literally what we built Sorom for. Our ConneXions system matches you with compatible travel companions based on personality, travel style, and interests. No more hoping for the best. Actually find people you’ll click with. Check it out.

sorom app connexions feature

The Internet (But Make It Smart)

Reddit has some solid communities like r/travelpartners and r/solotravel, which are full of people looking for companions. Facebook groups for specific destinations or travel styles can work too.

Quick tip: When you post looking for travel buddies, be specific. “Looking for someone to travel with” is vague and kinda weird. “Planning 10 days in Portugal in October, moderate budget, love food and history but also want beach time” gives people something to connect with.

Just… Join a Tour

Here’s a secret: group tours are basically built-in friend-making machines. Companies like G Adventures and Intrepid Travel specialize in small groups, and you’ll naturally bond with people over shared experiences.

Not into structured tours? Even a one-day excursion or cooking class can introduce you to people heading in the same direction.

Hostels Are Still Clutch

Even if you’re past your “sleep in a 12-bed dorm” phase, hostels with good common areas are gold for meeting people. Many have private rooms now, so you get your own space but still have access to communal kitchens, bars, and organized activities.

But Will You Actually Get Along?

Finding someone who wants to go to the same place isn’t enough. You need to figure out if you’ll actually enjoy traveling together. Here’s how to vet potential travel partners:

Talk about the real stuff:

  • Are you an “up at dawn to maximize the day” person or a “vacation means sleeping in” person?
  • Budget: Are we talking street food and hostels, or nice dinners and boutique hotels?
  • How much alone time do you need? (This is huge. Some people want to do everything together; others need space.)
  • What happens when plans go sideways? Are you flexible or does chaos stress you out?

Do a test run. Before committing to two weeks abroad together, try a weekend trip somewhere nearby. You’ll learn more about your compatibility in 48 hours than weeks of chatting.

Set expectations. Have an actual conversation about how you’ll split costs, what happens if someone wants to change plans, and whether it’s cool to do your own thing sometimes.

Staying Safe When Meeting New Travel Partners

Meeting someone from the internet in a foreign country requires some common sense:

Before you meet:

  • Video chat first. See their face, get a vibe.
  • Check their social media. Does their online presence seem real and consistent?
  • Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.

When you meet:

  • Public place, daytime. Coffee shop, popular tourist spot, somewhere with people around.
  • Tell someone. A friend or family member should know who you’re meeting and where.
  • Have your own transportation sorted.

During the trip:

  • Keep important documents separate from your travel companion.
  • Check in regularly with someone back home.
  • Have your own emergency fund.

Pro tip: Sorom has built-in safety features like GPS check-ins, emergency contacts, and meetup verification PINs. We take this stuff seriously.

Your First Trip Together: Set Yourselves Up to Win

Found someone promising? Here’s how to make that first trip actually enjoyable:

Pick a forgiving destination. For your first trip together, choose somewhere with variety (so you can both find things you like), good infrastructure (less stressful), and reasonable costs (money stress kills vibes).

Plan together. Use shared docs or travel apps to build your itinerary together. When both people feel invested in the plans, there’s less resentment when things don’t go perfectly.

Build in breathing room. Don’t schedule every minute. Leave space for spontaneous adventures and, this is important, time apart. Even the best travel companions need a break from each other sometimes.

Go Find Your People

The perfect travel companion isn’t going to magically appear. But with the right approach (using dedicated apps, being honest about your travel style, and taking time to vet potential partners) you can absolutely find someone who makes your trips better.

Your next adventure is waiting. And maybe so is a new friend to share it with.

Download Sorom and start matching with compatible travel companions today.