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12 Sites That Will Help You Find A Travel Buddy

Meeting new people is one of the best parts of traveling.

Hopefully, you found some cool solo travel groups in our blog post, 10 Different Types of Solo Travel Groups . But there are also times when you might want to find a travel buddy, one other person to travel with, on your own trip.

Here are 11 sites that will help you find a travel buddy:

Search a destination, find travel partners, get connected, and trip together! It’s as easy as that. You can rest easy knowing that GAFFL uses a strict verification process so you can feel safe about your travel partner. Start your search here !

2. Utilize Social Media Groups

There are many Facebook groups and pages that you can follow and join to meet people with similar interests as you. Search for things like “travel” or “travel buddy” and you will find groups like Female Travel Buddies, Travel Buddies, and Travel Friends Finder that you can join.

I have been a part of a Facebook group called Women Who Travel , and it has been very helpful to me. Not only do these women post when they need travel companions, but they post tips for each other too. Other sites like Reddit utilize forums and feeds to connect people. All worth a look!

Check out Women Who Travel’s podcast  too!

3. Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a service that allows you to connect to a worldwide community of travelers. It is a great place to somewhere to stay or to share your home with travelers.

As with any online interaction, you need to make sure you do your due diligence. Using trusted sources for finding couches to key to couch surfing safely .

This website is super cool because it’s simpler than the rest. On Meetup , you can search for events in the area or wherever you will be, and see who is attending. You can even contact those people through Meetup too!

Working with Meetup will be a little different than other sites when looking for a travel companion. You might not meet your travel companion until you go to an event or two. It is more of a free-flowing way to meet people in the area you are in.

5. TripGiraffe

TripGiraffe is really easy to use. It offers the options of finding a travel buddy, exploring all travelers on the site, and looking for meetups. You can search for trips coming up soon as well as create your own.

Each mini-profile is straightforward listing the exact places you will be going, the dates you will be traveling, your gender and age, as well as the type of trip and budget.

Check out some of the profiles before you build your own – you might just want to hop on someone else’s trip!

6.  Trip in Touch

How about a new site called Trip in Touch . “Same place. Same time. Same interests. Trip in Touch – find your next Travel Buddy!”

The app is on its way, for now, you can subscribe and join their Facebook groups to connect with other travelers.

7. Intrepid Travel

If you’ve got the urge to travel but no one to do it with you can stop worrying because Intrepid has got you covered. Join one of their small group tours and find ready-made friends who are itching to explore just like you are.

8. Flexible Guided Travel

If you book daily tours in each place you stay, you are sure to make friends that might be on the same schedule as you! Give it a chance.

In New Zealand, you can pay for guided but flexible travel with the Kiwi Experience . The Kiwi Experience is a bus that travels around New Zealand making stops and bringing you from Point A to Point B. But it’s your choice how often you want to stay on the bus or on the journey! Completely flexible!

This would be a great way to meet people while you’re in the country and possibly grab a travel companion while you’re there.

9.  Travello

Travello is an app designed to make travel social. Known for where travelers connect, Travello asks you what you are interested in and then helps you to connect with other travelers nearby.

This is an excellent way to meet a travel buddy, whether you’re at home before the trip takes place or on the actual trip!

If you meet someone at home with similar interests and who loves to travel, chances are it could be a good match! This also eliminates traveling far to meet up before the trip.

10. Tourlina

Tourlina is specifically for females looking for female travel buddies. Another option to browse other trips, create your own, and speak with other females about their trips too!

The app promises a trusted and secure network of individuals.

11. Join My Trip

Choose the destination, the group size, and the experience that is right for you and Join My Trip will find the trip mates.

Whether you are looking for a simple weekend getaway or the trip of a lifetime, this is a great way to find new friends, share costs, and make memories that will last forever.

12. DePassport

DePassport can be the premier destination for you to find adventure buddies and a perfect travel companion. And for a surprise, this app lets you find not just a partner, but someone whom you will truly vibe with. The platform uses an AI-powered matching algorithm to connect you with people who match your values, and interests. 

You can connect with people from around the world, and plan your travels easily.

44 Responses

You need to add http://www.gogaffl.com to this list!

Thanks for the tip!

Very good information regarding travel

Thanks so much, Prakash!

Hi Erica, Absolutely awesome article. Btw, you are missing two big ones. CouchSurfing and GAFFL. I have always used CS before and recently used GAFFL in Australia. It was awesome. It connects people based on trips. You can start a trip or join trips. I think you can mention them in your list too.

Will do, thanks Ed!

I love Wandure app! They have amazing experiences created by awesome locals.

We love it too Lina!

Finding a perfect travel buddy is always difficult. But, having a travel buddy can make the trip more enjoyable and less lonely. It helps to have someone to split the expenses with, so you can save up for your next trip. A travel partner also minimizes risks associated with traveling alone. GAFFL (www.gogaffl.com) can be a great addition to this list. It matches up travelers with similar travel plans and ensures the safety of travelers through their well-built verification process.

Thanks for the tip, Abrar!

Are you a solo traveller? I am an Indian n Canadian citizen retired 60+ age group in n good shape to travel. Can you suggest some dependable solo travel groups. Pls email your response to [email protected] thanks

Hi Peter, check out Eldertreks, Adventures Abroad, Road Scholar, Walking the World!

Yes! I love it

Thanks Sarah!

Ms.Erika Szumel, Really Thank you for the information. Can you please rank them according to your knowledge and experience? is it possible to know which are all providing paid and which are all free in 2020?

Hi Siva, thanks for reading! Most of these are free or offer free basic memberships. Click on the links to get an idea of which fits best!

Thanks for sharing this info..

Really nice post. Thanks for sharing with us..

Thanks for reading, Suvajit!

Great Blog.It is very useful.Thanks….

Thanks for this lovely info.

Thanks for reading, Pradyut!

Great post!! Thank you very much for sharing.

Glad you enjoyed it, Ujjal!

Hi, maybe you should add https://backpackingtribe.com/ to this list. It’s a platform where you can find not just a buddy, but an entire group to backpack together with! It’s amazing!

Thanks for the tip, Wijnand!

Hey Erika, You should think about adding Share Bus to this list – if you’re travelling in Aus! Its a shared rental of a minibus, trailer and camping equipment. They find the travel mates (other backpackers) for you. It’s totally flexible and self guided – you just join on the trip/date you want to do (i.e. Perth to Broome) and you can make your own adventure.

Hey Jade, thanks for the tip!

This is such a great list! It’s got everything except https://www.fairytrail.app , a dating app for people with a passion for adventure and can work anywhere (one can look for friendships too). You should check it out and review it 😉

The most interesting list is here to find a travel buddy. Travelling with someone is fun. And these days finding a perfect travel partner is tough task, but your list has made it bit easy.

Great post! thank you so much for sharing

Thanks, Shawn!

Great content. You can also add https://cogofly.com to this list. It is a travel social networking site that helps travellers connect with other travellers around the world. As well as with its advanced search filter, anyone can find the perfect travel buddy match.

Thanks for the tip, Sameena!

You need to add http://www.joinmytrip.com to this list for sure!

Thanks for the tip, Prasanna!

great post … full of knowledge ,i am inviting you to India if you think so it will be a great pleasure for me to hosting you

Are there any sites for older people? Most of these sound like they are for younger folks. Thanks for any referrals.

Check out Walking The World, Eldertreks, Adventures Abroad, Intrepid!

Hello, I am 61 yr old female looking to travel solo but would like to join a group to travel to St Martin in the spring 2023. Do you have any recommendations.

Hi Valerie, check out some of the sites listed above! We know there are specific age groups that you can book with.

I think you have missed http://www.connectingtraveller.com as well.

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12 Apps and Sites to Find a Travel Partner

Traveling is always a magical experience, even if you’re going solo. But in case you’d love to arrange an exciting trip with a new friend, this post is for you. I’ll introduce you to the coolest apps and sites to find a travel partner.

You’ll notice how simple it is to browse the web for folks with travel preferences that match yours, as well as fine-tune the results according to age, gender, and other filters if you want.

Let’s do this!

Table of Contents

Top apps to find a travel partner

1. travello.

Available on iOS and Android

Travello tops our list because it’s hands down the most thorough app of its kind, in addition to one of the largest travel communities on Earth.

Despite not being designed specifically as a travel partner search tool, the issue-oriented groups you can take part in are perfect for that. You can interact with fellow solo travelers, photographers, hikers,… or any other interests you may think of.

Chances are you’ll get to meet new friends in your hometown too, as there are millions of users around the globe.

What’s more, Travello offers 30,000+ tours and activities all over the planet that you can book for a discount by collecting points on the app.

The app also features a built-in GPS functionality that locates sweet deals, events, and free Wi-Fi wherever you are. 

2. Facebook

Facebook isn’t as popular with the younger crowd as it used to be a couple of years back, yet Meta’s flagship social media platform remains unrivaled when it comes to one precious tool: groups.

You probably know the drill. You just have to tap on the Groups icon on Facebook’s homepage and search for keywords or phrases related to your need. In this case, “travel buddies”, “travel partners”, or “travel friends” are the best combinations.

Then, simply join the groups that match your interests and either post your travel plans or scroll down to see what’s up.

A few of the highlights here include I Need a Travel Buddy , with 33,000+ members, and Travel Buddies , with 26,000+.

Women Who Travel , a private group with over 155,000 members, might turn out to be a lot of help to female travelers.

Meetup isn’t exclusively travel-oriented, but it is definitely an amazing place to find a travel partner. 

The platform’s basic premise is to hook you up with people who share similar interests with you, based on the events that the 61 million users organize in 9,000 cities. Meetup’s impressive size is by far one of its greatest assets. 

Like Facebook, the app also offers the possibility of creating and joining groups so you can interact with folks who enjoy the same stuff as you, be it cooking, visiting museums, or cycling.

Though that doesn’t necessarily amount to finding a travel buddy, you’ll be able to meet new friends and hopefully make plans to see the world together.

Plus, you can always attend an event in the city you’re traveling to and meet up a local to show you around.

Gaffl is a reliable resource that connects you to potential friends, which means you never again have to travel all by yourself if you don’t want to.

The first thing you have to do is pick a destination. The app will then show you people near you who have similar travel plans so you can use the chat tool to get to know them better and arrange the details. Alternatively, you can post your itinerary and let other members join in.

 One of Gaffl’s advantages is the fact that you can see which users have a verified account and choose to interact only with trustworthy profiles.

5. Travel Buddy

Whether it’s Japan , Peru , or Italy , Travel Buddy is your go-to guide to explore the must-sees, find the best deals on everything you may need while abroad, and meet new friends on-site. 

Built as a community of travelers that connects over a million locals and visitors around the world, the app also allows users to list services like walking tours and accommodation options in such a way that you’ll hardly need any other travel app.

This is an innovative system to find a travel partner, as you’ll bond with authentic globetrotters and passionate locals. 

6. Tourlina

Women face far larger safety risks than men when traveling by themselves, especially in remote areas or in countries where traditional values are still upheld by the majority of people. Traveling with a male partner, in turn, can end up being just as complicated.

That’s what Tourlina aims to address: letting women make travel plans with other female travelers. It works like a regular dating app, where you swipe left or right on potential matches after setting the outline of your plans (i.e. dates and destination) and your partner preferences, including age range.

The best thing about the app is that only verified users with a Facebook profile are admitted, which makes it extremely reliable. On the other hand, Tourlina is an expanding platform, which means you’ll often struggle to match with someone depending on your travel plans.

7. CouchSurfing

When CouchSurfing was launched in 2004, it was a truly groundbreaking initiative because it was the first-ever website to connect travelers and folks who would host them for free.

While that remains its core business, with its 12 million users, CouchSurfing is also a wonderful forum where you can meet new friends to travel the world with you.

One of the best ways to do that is by taking part in the weekly events members organize in 200,000 cities across the planet. 

In 2020, in order to bear the financial burden brought about by the pandemic, CouchSurfing introduced a membership fee for users registering from a bunch of countries, among which Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, the UK, as well as several EU nations.

Yet that takes nothing away from the app’s status as the no. 1 platform connecting travelers and hosts on a global scale.

8. Workaway

Like Couchsurfing, Workaway is a different sort of app in that it’s not aimed as much at matching you with a travel partner , but rather with a travel host . This is a fantastic alternative for those of you who want to travel on a budget.

Basically, you’ll be given accommodation and food in exchange for pre-agreed services you’ll be performing for your host according to your skills. You can tend their garden, do some house sitting, or teach their kids your native language, for example. Even better, you’ll be paid an actual wage in case your host needs help with business matters. 

The app was launched approximately 20 years ago and is extremely effective, so the fact that it charges a  $49 annual membership isn’t really absurd. Both hosts and volunteers are reviewed by other users, meaning you can trust Workaway to help you take a totally safe trip. 

Best sites to find a travel partner

9. tripgiraffe.

TripGiraffe is one of the most comprehensive websites on our list, as it does its best not to leave room for ambiguities. 

Upon registering, you’ll get to specify your budget, your target destinations, your preferred accommodation type, the languages you speak, and more. You can even let people know how you want to split expenses.

It works as a full-on social network for travelers where you can message users that seem to match your profile. TripGiraffe can do the hooking up for you as well if you want, connecting you to fellow travelers in 100+ countries.

On top of that, you can join an existing trip if finding the ideal travel buddy sounds like too much work. In other news, TripGiraffe maintains a blog with precious travel tips to help you prepare as you should when it’s time to hit the road.

10. JoinMyTrip

JoinMyTrip’s app is only available for Android users, which is why I’m listing it as a website instead.

Upon selecting among 8,000 destinations all over the planet, the platform will introduce you to members who want to discover that exact place too.

As its name suggests, JoinMyTrip also allows you to… well, join other people’s existing trips or create your own itinerary as a tripleader so other users will come along.

You can preset the dates and group size and estimate the total budget per tripmate, then wait for one or a few of the 160,000 members to hop on the boat. 

One of the things that set JoinMyTrip apart from other similar solutions is its excellent customer service. The team advertises itineraries on Instagram daily and is always ready to answer your questions.

11. Women Welcome Women WorldWide

Women Welcome Women WorldWide’s promise is similar to Tourlina’s, as its name suggests. Women who don’t feel safe traveling alone or simply don’t want to do it can interact with other users to organize a trip together.

While the website is UK-based, women from all over the globe can register. You’ll be expected, however, to pay a $50 admission fee to help cover Women Welcome Women WorldWide’s maintenance costs. 

Besides finding a partner to travel with, you can use the website to connect with a local in your next destination so she can show you around and keep you company as you explore her hometown. 

WWWW currently has 1500 members in 40+ nations on all continents; it’s a relatively small but expanding community.

12. YourTravelMates

On YourTravelMates, travel is more of an excuse than the end goal. Founded about 30 years ago as TripTogether, the platform is present in over 40 nations and has as many as a million members worldwide.

Yet the focus here is more on finding a life partner rather than a travel buddy. The website’s purpose is to foster romance on a global scale. Still, tons of users are seeking friendship and companionship instead, just like most of the other entries on our list.

When looking for other users, you can narrow the results down according to gender, age, arrival dates, and destination.

You can then exchange e-letters or video chat with them until you eventually decide to meet up. Though YourTravelMates charges for these services, membership is 100% free.

Final thoughts

As exciting and enlightening as traveling on your own can be, finding a travel partner can be a great way to ensure your trip will be safer, more affordable, and often more fun.

Through top-notch apps like Gaffl and Travello and websites like JoinMyTrip and TripTogether, you can connect with millions of globetrotters from across the planet and find a travel partner to see the world with you.

2 thoughts on “12 Apps and Sites to Find a Travel Partner”

I highly recommend these two couchsurfing communities to find female travel buddies:

Host a Sister – Facebook group where women around the world can find accommodations and travel buddies. Travel Ladies – mobile app connecting women who want to travel with other women

I highly recommend these two women-only communities to find female travel buddies:

Host A Sister: Facebook group Travel Ladies: mobile app

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Traveling solo can be fun at times, but there are times when you want a travel partner. It's pretty common for family or friends to ditch you at the last moment and ruin your big trip. You don't have to give up on your plans because of that, though.

Luckily, there are websites out there that connect you with travel buddies, so you can have company on your trip. These websites will embellish your journey and make the holiday memorable.

So, let's take a look at seven of the best websites for finding a travel buddy.

GAFFL helps you find a dependable travel partner. It's easy to use, and you get a lot of options to choose from while selecting your partner.

The first step is to search and select your destination . The second step is to find the people who also want to travel to the same place.

You'll find a list of different routes and the locals and people near you who also want to visit that destination. All you have to do is choose the preferred options to carve out a plan for your trip.

You can start talking to the potential travel buddies in the chat to try to know them better. You can initiate the chat by clicking the connect button. This website also shows if their accounts are verified.

If you like the person, you can meet up with them and plan the trip together. Finding a partner is effortless on this website.

2. Flip the Trip

Flip the Trip offers a wide range of services. It lets you find either a local or a nearby partner with whom you can travel with ease. You need to search for the place you want to visit, then select the exact location where you are planning to travel.

The website shows a list of local people. Locals can be excellent guides as they can introduce you to local places and know the best places to get native food. You can also select somebody who lives near you. In this way, both of you can travel together right from the start.

People can ask random questions related to their travel on the website in the Feed section. Other people who have been to those places can answer them.

3. Trip in Touch

Trip in Touch not only finds you a travel buddy, but is also well known for its travel blogs. You can read travel blogs on the website and find great traveling partners.

This site doesn't just provide you with a partner for adventurous traveling–it also helps you find partners for dates and concerts. You can connect with people all over the globe on Trip in Touch.

RELATED: Travel Apps That'll Help You Save Money

The website only connects you with trustworthy people. It also lets you join its massive Facebook community, where people can communicate with each other.

You can share your traveling experience on the blog so that other people get tips from it. Trip in Touch is a content-rich travel website worth checking out.

4. TripGiraffe

TripGiraffe is a straightforward travel website. It helps you save time and money so that you can travel in peace. You can either create a trip or join an existing one.

The first step is to share your details and the destination of your trip. You can also add the date and time of travel.

Secondly, you can specify which type of partner you want for your journey. You can also select the gender of your partner. The site then connects you with a partner to travel with, in up to 100 countries or so.

Moreover, there is an option to select whether you want to split the expenses with your partner or not. You can also predefine your budget.

This is one of the most polished websites on this list. It specifies everything one needs to know and tries not to leave any ambiguities behind. TripGiraffe also has several travel blogs that are pretty helpful for a traveler.

5. Women Welcome Women WorldWide

This website is a space for women travelers to travel with other women. It is a website made by women for women. However, it's worth noting that the website is based in the UK, but anyone can join.

The site takes into account all the needs a woman can have while traveling. If you specifically want to travel in a girl group, you should try this website. It also gives you local members' contacts who can guide you on your trip.

RELATED: The Best Websites to Help You Travel for Free

You need to join the website to get access to people worldwide. You can then choose the people you would like to contact and get in touch with them. Women above the age of 18 are eligible to join this platform–the membership of the website costs around $50.

6. Workaway

You can join Workaway either as a worker or as a host. A worker helps the community by writing their experiences and helping others in their travel plans.

Workers stay at a host's place in return for sharing their skills. The skills can be gardening, charity work, house sitting, teaching, or practicing a language. The workers who help the host in business activities get paid a minimum wage per hour. You can make new friends this way.

You don't have to pay any money for this stay. All you have to do is provide some valuable services. This website is review-based to make it convenient for you to make your choices.

7. JoinMyTrip

JoinMyTrip allows you to travel to more than 6,000 destinations. You can select your desired location and find the people who also want to travel to the same place.

You can also create a trip on your own. In this way, other people will join your trip. Many passionate travelers enjoy making their trips in this space.

RELATED: Apps Every Solo Traveler Should Have

The price of the trip caters to all the expenses of the journey. This website has excellent customer care service as per the reviews.

You also get to know your trip leader before the actual trip. All the leaders are verified. In this way, the site clears all your security concerns.

Find Your Travel Buddy Using These Websites

All these websites will help you arrange or join an organized trip. You can meet honest and dependable travel buddies on these websites.

Chatting and meeting up with people before going on the trip is usually a good idea. Check out these sites to choose the one that looks most reliable and interesting to you.

• Online Tools

How To Find A Travel Buddy

To find a travel buddy, start by determining your travel preferences like budget, destinations, and travel pace. Use social media platforms and travel forums to connect with like-minded adventurers.

Join travel meetups and local clubs to meet potential buddies in person. Try travel buddy apps like Backpackr or Travello for easy matching. Utilize Couchsurfing to engage with a community of travelers.

Posting on classified websites can also attract interested companions. Don’t forget your friends and family network – they might know someone compatible. Volunteering abroad is another great way to meet fellow travelers. There are more tips and tricks to discover!

Just The Basics

• Join travel-related groups on Facebook or Instagram to connect with like-minded travelers.
• Utilize travel buddy apps like Backpackr, Travello, and Tourlina for finding compatible companions.
• Attend local travel meetups and events to meet potential travel buddies in person.
• Leverage your friends and family network to find travel companions through mutual connections.
• Post detailed travel plans and preferences on classified websites like Craigslist or specialized travel forums.

Determine Your Travel Preferences

Before finding a travel buddy, it’s crucial to figure out your own travel preferences to ensure compatibility . Think about what kind of traveler you are. Do you enjoy a meticulously planned itinerary or do you prefer spontaneous adventures? Consider your budget , accommodation style , and the type of destinations that excite you. Understanding these preferences will help you find a travel buddy with similar interests and expectations.

Next, reflect on your travel pace . Are you someone who likes to wake up early and maximize every minute of the day, or do you prefer a more relaxed schedule? Your travel style can significantly impact your experience, and having a mismatched pace with your travel buddy can lead to frustration.

Also, consider your interests. Are you a history buff who loves visiting museums, or do you enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and swimming? Having aligned interests can enhance your travel experience and make it more enjoyable for both of you.

Lastly, think about your social preferences . Do you need alone time to recharge, or do you thrive on constant interaction? Your compatibility in this area can make or break the success of your trip together.

Use Social Media Platforms

Once you’ve nailed down your travel preferences, the next step is to explore social media platforms to find a compatible travel buddy. Social media offers a stack of options to connect with like-minded travelers. Start by joining travel-related groups on Facebook, where you can post about your upcoming trips and see if anyone’s interested in joining you. Instagram is another excellent platform; use hashtags like #TravelBuddy or #TravelPartner to discover people with similar travel goals.

Here’s a quick comparison of popular social media platforms for finding a travel buddy:

Using these platforms, you can start by sharing your travel plans and preferences. Be clear about your travel style, budget, and destinations. This transparency helps in attracting someone who shares your interests and expectations. Always engage in a few conversations to gauge compatibility and ensure both of you are on the same page. Social media can be a powerful tool in finding a travel buddy who will make your journey even more enjoyable.

Join Travel Forums

Joining travel forums is another effective way to find a like-minded travel buddy . These forums are bustling with individuals who share your passion for exploring new destinations. By participating in discussions, you can exchange travel tips , share experiences, and connect with potential travel partners who’ve similar interests and itineraries.

Start by registering on popular travel forums like Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree, Travellerspoint, or Reddit’s travel communities. Once you’re in, create a detailed profile highlighting your travel preferences, past experiences, and future plans. This helps others understand your travel style and see if you might be a good match.

Engage actively in discussions. Ask questions, offer advice, and respond to others’ posts. This builds your reputation and increases your chances of finding someone compatible. Look for threads dedicated to finding travel buddies or start your own post explaining what you’re looking for.

Be honest and clear about your expectations. If you prefer budget travel or have specific destinations in mind, mention it upfront. This transparency ensures you find someone who aligns with your travel goals.

Remember to vet potential buddies carefully; a video call before committing to travel together can help ensure compatibility and safety.

Attend Travel Meetups

Attending travel meetups can be a fantastic way to meet fellow adventurers and find a compatible travel buddy . These events bring together people who share a passion for exploration, making them an ideal setting for networking and friendship.

You can find travel meetups in your local area by checking community boards , social media groups , or websites like Meetup.com .

When you attend a travel meetup, be open and approachable. Introduce yourself and share your travel experiences and future plans. This will help you connect with like-minded individuals who might be interested in similar destinations.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and find out what others are looking for in a travel companion. This is your opportunity to gauge compatibility and determine if someone’s travel style matches yours.

Many travel meetups also feature guest speakers, travel presentations , and group activities, making it easier to bond with potential travel buddies over shared interests .

Make sure to exchange contact information with people you click with, and follow up soon after the event. By staying proactive and engaged, you’ll increase your chances of finding the perfect travel buddy who shares your wanderlust and enthusiasm.

Download Travel Buddy Apps

Dive into the digital age by downloading travel buddy apps that can connect you with fellow travelers around the globe. These apps are designed to help you find like-minded individuals who share your passion for adventure. Whether you’re looking for a companion to explore a new city or someone to share a long trek, there’s an app for that.

Start with popular apps like Travello, Backpackr, and Tourlina. Travello is a social network for travelers where you can join groups, share experiences, and plan meetups.

Backpackr focuses on connecting solo travelers , making it easy to find a buddy on-the-go.

Tourlina, on the other hand, is geared towards female travelers , ensuring a safe and friendly environment.

Make sure to create a detailed profile . Highlight your interests, travel style, and any specific destinations you’re planning to visit. This will help match you with compatible travel buddies.

Don’t forget to check reviews and ratings , as they can provide insights into other users’ experiences.

Participate in Group Tours

If apps aren’t your thing, another fantastic way to find a travel buddy is by participating in group tours . Group tours are organized trips where you and other travelers follow a set itinerary , often led by a guide. These tours provide a structured environment where you can meet like-minded people who share your interests and travel goals.

Start by researching reputable tour companies that offer group trips to destinations you’re interested in. Look for reviews and testimonials to ensure the company has a good track record. Websites like TripAdvisor and Lonely Planet can be great resources for finding reliable tour operators.

Once you join a group tour, make an effort to engage with your fellow travelers . Break the ice with casual conversations about the trip, your backgrounds, or shared interests. Group activities, such as guided walks, meals, and excursions, naturally facilitate interaction and bonding among participants.

The shared experiences and collective memories created during these tours can form the foundation for long-lasting friendships. Plus, having a common goal —exploring a new place—provides plenty of opportunities to connect and potentially find a travel buddy for future adventures.

Leverage Online Communities

When looking for a travel buddy, don’t overlook the power of online communities to connect you with fellow adventurers. The internet is teeming with platforms designed to bring travelers together, making it easier than ever to find a companion who shares your interests and travel style.

Here’s how you can make the most of online communities:

• Join Travel Forums : Websites like Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree or TripAdvisor’s forums are great places to start. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and you might find someone with similar travel plans.
• Use Social Media Groups : Facebook, for instance, has numerous travel groups where you can post your travel plans and find potential buddies. Just search for groups related to your destination or travel style.
• Try Travel Buddy Apps : Apps like Backpackr, Travello, and Tourlina are specifically designed to connect solo travelers. These platforms offer user profiles, making it easier to find someone compatible.
• Leverage Meetup Events : Websites like Meetup.com host a variety of travel-related events and meetups. Attending these can help you meet like-minded travelers in person before committing to a trip together.

Ask Friends and Family

Tapping into your network of friends and family can be a surprisingly effective way to find a travel buddy who shares your interests and values. Start by casually mentioning your travel plans during family gatherings or when catching up with friends. You might be surprised to find that someone you know is also looking for a travel companion or is excited about the same destination.

Don’t hesitate to be specific about what you’re looking for in a travel buddy. Clearly outline your travel style , budget , and must-see attractions . This helps ensure that any potential travel partners are on the same page, reducing the risk of conflicts down the road.

Sometimes, a friend or family member may know someone who’d be a perfect match for you. They can introduce you to mutual friends or acquaintances who share your travel interests. This indirect approach can expand your pool of potential travel buddies beyond your immediate circle.

Also, consider organizing a small get-together or a group chat to discuss travel plans and see who’s genuinely interested. This relaxed setting allows everyone to gauge compatibility and excitement about the trip.

Check Local Clubs and Groups

Exploring local clubs and groups can be an excellent way to meet like-minded individuals who share your passion for travel. You’ll find that local organizations often bring together people with similar interests, making it easier to connect and plan trips together.

Here are some practical steps to take when checking out local clubs and groups:

• Join Meetup Groups : Platforms like Meetup have a stack of travel-focused groups. Simply search for travel clubs in your area, attend a few meetups, and see if you click with anyone.
• Attend Local Events : Look for events like travel fairs, photography exhibitions, or cultural festivals. These gatherings often attract travel enthusiasts and provide a perfect setting for networking.
• Visit Community Centers : Your local community center may host travel seminars or clubs. Check their bulletin boards or websites for upcoming meetings or events where you can meet potential travel buddies.
• Check Social Media : Platforms like Facebook have numerous local travel groups. Join these groups, participate in discussions, and you might find someone who’s planning a trip similar to yours.

Utilize Couchsurfing Networks

Couchsurfing networks offer a unique opportunity to connect with fellow travelers and potentially find a travel buddy . By joining platforms like Couchsurfing.com, you can link up with people who’ve similar travel interests and goals. Start by creating a detailed profile that highlights your travel preferences , interests, and experiences. This helps others get a sense of who you’re and what you’re looking for in a travel buddy.

Once your profile is set up, actively engage in the community . Participate in local Couchsurfing events or join online discussion forums . These interactions can lead to meaningful connections and even help you find someone who wants to explore the same destinations as you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to other members directly. A friendly message can go a long way in initiating a conversation and gauging compatibility.

You can also use the ‘Hangouts’ feature to meet people nearby who are available for spontaneous meetups . This is a great way to test the waters before committing to a longer trip together.

Always read reviews and trust your instincts to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Post on Classified Websites

Posting on classified websites is another effective way to find a travel buddy who shares your interests and schedule. These platforms allow you to connect with like-minded travelers quickly and easily.

To maximize your chances of finding the perfect companion, follow these practical tips:

• Choose the Right Platform : Websites like Craigslist, Gumtree, and specialized travel forums are great places to start. Ensure the site you choose has a good reputation and active user base.
• Craft a Compelling Ad : Your post should be clear and engaging. Include essential details like your destination, travel dates, budget, and interests. A well-written ad will attract more suitable candidates.
• Be Honest and Specific : Be upfront about your travel style, preferences, and any must-see attractions. Honesty helps in finding someone compatible and avoids misunderstandings later.
• Include Contact Information : Provide a safe way for people to reach you, such as a temporary email address or a messaging app. Always prioritize your safety by not sharing overly personal details initially.

Following these steps will make your classified post stand out and increase your chances of finding a travel buddy who complements your adventure.

Consider Volunteer Opportunities

Another excellent way to find a travel buddy while making a positive impact is to consider volunteer opportunities abroad. By joining a volunteer program, you’ll meet like-minded individuals who share your passion for helping others and exploring new cultures. Websites like Volunteer Match, Workaway , and WWOOF offer a stack of options, from environmental conservation projects to teaching English in underserved communities.

Volunteering can also foster deep connections quickly. When you’re working together towards a common goal, you’ll naturally bond over shared experiences and challenges. This can turn acquaintances into lifelong friends and ideal travel companions. Plus, you’ll have the added benefit of structured activities, making it easier to plan your travels.

To get started, choose a cause that resonates with you. Research the organization thoroughly to ensure it aligns with your values and offers a safe environment. Once you’ve committed, reach out to fellow volunteers before your trip. Social media groups and pre-trip orientations can help you connect with potential travel buddies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Ensure My Travel Buddy Is Trustworthy?

To ensure your travel buddy is trustworthy, start by having honest conversations and ask for references. Check their social media profiles and meet in person to gauge their reliability and compatibility for your travel plans.

What Should I Do if Our Travel Styles Clash?

If your travel styles clash, communicate openly about your preferences. Compromise where possible and respect each other’s needs. Consider spending part of the day separately to enjoy activities that align with your individual interests.

How Can I Handle Financial Disagreements With a Travel Buddy?

You should set a clear budget together before the trip, discuss expenses openly, and agree on how to split costs. If disagreements arise, compromise and maintain open communication to ensure a smooth travel experience.

How Do I Set Boundaries With a New Travel Companion?

Start by discussing expectations upfront. Clearly communicate your preferences and limits. Don’t be afraid to express what’s important to you. Regular check-ins during the trip will help maintain mutual respect and understanding.

What Are the Signs of a Compatible Travel Buddy?

You’ll know you’ve found a compatible travel buddy if they share your interests, respect your boundaries, and communicate well. Look for someone who’s adaptable, reliable, and has a similar budget and travel style.

Final Words

Finding a travel buddy doesn’t have to be daunting. Determine your travel preferences and leverage social media , travel forums, and meetups.

Download travel buddy apps and check local clubs. Utilize Couchsurfing networks, post on classified websites, and consider volunteer opportunities .

By exploring these avenues, you’ll connect with like-minded travelers and enrich your journey.

So, dive in and start your adventure with a new travel companion by your side!

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What should you do first while looking for a travel buddy?

Many people who desire to travel around the world and see breathtaking places don’t have a suitable travel companion. And not everyone can make an announcement “travel buddy wanted” via social networks.

Most likely your perfect travel buddy and even destiny are not among your old internet friends. And this is the main reason to start looking for a travel buddy on the special project. At first pick and post your best photos, decide where you want to go and what do you plan to visit, write all hobbies, interests and plans in your personal profile and start an exciting race of making new friends all around our planet.

There are several secrets that help while choosing a travel buddy

Pay attention to people’s plans and habits. For example, if a person writes in a profile that he prefers energetic lifestyle with tons of activities and you enjoy calm and quite sightseeing – probably you won’t make a good match even if other interests are similar. If you two are early birds – that’s great, if not it could do you wrong. Imagine the situation when your buddy is a night owl and doesn’t give you a chance to rest.

So try to write a list of what you prefer while traveling. Do you like organized or spontaneous trips? Riding a car or hiking miles? Dining at home or tasting foreign cuisine? And you can also mention on what side of the bed you sleep. Make a funny note - travel buddy with left bedside preference wanted. Fortunately, your perfect travel buddy will appreciate this tiny joke. And don’t forget that sense of humor is one of the most important things in any relationship.

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How to Find a Travel Companion: Safe Options and Some to Avoid

February 20, 2023 by Janice Waugh

Finding a travel companion can make travel better but it can also make it worse.

There was a lively debate about finding a travel partner on the Solo Travel Society on Facebook.

• The majority of people considered this service counter to solo travel. Karen wrote: “I don't want to connect with anyone, love being solo. “
• Some thought that there was definitely a place for it. Danielle wrote: “when it comes to hiking or camping remotely while solo, that's a little nerve wracking and I'd love to meet up with people who are in the same mindset. “
• Some liked the idea as a means of getting around the single supplement. Mary wrote: “I like the idea of being connected to someone sometimes to avoid that “single-occupancy tax. “

Let's be clear: despite being a solo traveler, I have traveled with companions many times and had good success. It can enhance the travel experience as you discover a new destination through your own cultural lens and that of your new travel companion as well.

Yet, whatever your reason for seeking a travel companion, I suggest you proceed with caution and use the methods below. They are safe and will help increase your chances of making a successful match.

Table of Contents

How to Find a Travel Companion: Methods I Can Recommend

There are safe ways to find a travel partner for a day, a week, or more. These methods give you the freedom of being solo and connecting to interesting people when you want.

1. Get a warm introduction from a friend.

One of the best ways to find a travel companion is through a friend or family member. Being concerned for your safety, they will only suggest that you travel with people they trust. Hopefully, you will be geographically close enough to meet each other a few times before setting out so that you can determine for yourself whether they are a person with whom you'd like to spend a lot of time.

2. How to meet the right travel companion along the way.

This has happened to me most often in hostels, but it doesn't really matter where you meet them. The point is that you meet a travel buddy as you travel, not before. You get to meet them in person and spend a few days together sharing meals or day tours before committing to anything longer. Spend the days in the public sphere and return to your own safe accommodation every night. Eventually, you can decide whether this is the right person for you to travel with.

3. Let your tour/cruise company connect you with a travel partner.

If your goal is to avoid the single supplement on a tour or cruise, ask the travel company to partner you with another solo traveler. Most companies will and, if they can't, they'll give you your own room for no additional charge. See our Deals  page for tours and cruises with no or low single supplements.

4. Use Meetup.com to find locals who want similar experiences

Meetup.com is a fabulous resource for solo travelers to meet people of similar interests. These are most often locals, not people to travel with. But, locals! How great is that? I used Meetup.com and found people to hike with in Hong Kong.

5. Book a greeter and have a local share their city with you. 

International Greeters  connects you with locals who volunteer to show off their city. I've used this service in Paris, New York, Kyoto, and Chicago. It's a great way to meet and have fun with someone new. I've gone cycling, shared lunch, and shopped with greeters.

6. Women Welcome Women World Wide

This is an international community of 2,400 people in over 80 countries. They are mostly women over 60 who want to travel more often and meet locals, so they host one another for a tea or a stay as they travel. Read  Women Welcoming Women: A Gateway to International Friendships .

7. Take a day tour or a class to find a travel companion.

If social is what you're looking for, schedule in time for social activities. Day tours and group lessons give you a social experience. Perhaps you'll meet someone with whom you'd like to spend more time. Read How to Travel Alone Without Being Lonely: 10 Tips & 6 Short Stories .

3 Safety Rules for Traveling with Someone New

Traveling with someone you do not know really well requires a few safety tips, especially if you're traveling independently:

• Stay in public. When you are with someone new, stay in the public sphere for at least a few days. You need a bit of time to get to know them before renting a car together or sharing a hotel room. Eventually, determine whether this is a person with whom you truly feel safe.
• Be proactive . Choose who you want to spend time with. Make your own decisions rather than responding to invitations from others who might have agendas of their own.
• Don't be rushed into a decision. If you are considering traveling with someone, don't be rushed into the decision. If the idea comes up but they say that you must decide by a time that is less than comfortable for you, decline the opportunity.

Also, read our primary post on solo travel safety .

Apps/Sites for Travel Companions: My Concerns

There are a number of apps and websites that will help you find a travel partner. I have concerns about them for the following reasons.

• Compatibility . Just because you're going to the same destination does not mean that you're compatible with someone. You may not discover until you're into the trip that you don't share the same interests or ways of exploring, never mind the rhythm of your travels. This can make for a miserable trip.
• Catfishing . A catfish is someone online who pretends to be someone they're not. Without a real life connection, there is no way to know who is real and who isn't on social media. This could put you in a vulnerable situation where the person you thought was going to be your travel buddy is actually expecting to hook up, is not who they pretended to be, or worse.
• Misunderstandings . The potential for a serious misunderstanding is another reason I don't promote the idea of finding a travel partner on an app. Your new travel partner may not have had any intention of deceiving you and may not mean to cause you any harm, yet they may have different hopes for the trip than you do.
• Telling the world you're solo . By participating on an independent matching site and sharing your itinerary you are telling the world that you are traveling solo and where. While I don't hide the fact that I'm solo while I travel, for safety reasons, I don't broadcast it either.
• Sites/apps can get too much personal information . In an effort to increase member safety, some sites go through a variety of verification steps, including gathering government ID information. This raises identity safety concerns.

Because I can't promote the sites that help you find a travel partner (I don't have experience with them), I'm not giving you a list. However, if you are still interested, you will find a list on Google. If you do so, I hope you'll be cautious with a new travel partner and read the Solo Travel Safety section of the site before leaving.

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6 sites to help you find a travel buddy for your next trip

While traveling solo has its benefits, it's nice to have someone with whom to explore a new place. The following apps and platforms help you find the perfect travel buddy — just make sure to ask these 20 important questions before hitting the road, or risk being struck with an awful travel companion .

1. Penroads .  Penroads is a free service that connects travelers before they hit the road. Once you sign up, you'll create a profile, including details about your trip for other travelers to browse. The platform allows you to search by destination, helping you to quickly narrow down pertinent matches.

2. Reddit.  There's a good chance you already use Reddit to find interesting stories; however, Reddit's  Travel Partners message board allows travelers to post trips and ask others to join. If you're traveling alone, the  SoloTravel subreddit is a good place to find potential travel partners and seek advice.

3. HereToMeet.com .  Just launched in March, HereToMeet.com is a social networking site for travelers. After inputting your travel destination, dates and interests, the platform matches like-minded travelers with similar itineraries, also providing event ideas via EventBrite . Before meeting in person, users can exchange messages and media and live chat through website. Because the website is so new,  you may not find a ton of users yet, however, it's worth keeping an eye on, especially with an app set to launch at the end of summer.

4. HelloTel App .  The HelloTel app (iOS & Android, free) is a social network with over 150,000 users connecting travelers at the same hotel or nearby. There's a lot of functionality — the ability to add photos, comments, ask for local recommendations, plan meetups and post questions in your social feed — and it's a good choice for solo travelers who sometimes want to interact with others.

5. Tour groups for solo travelers.  To guarantee you won't be alone on a trip you booked solo, join a tour group. While all will ensure interaction, companies like Solos , Exodus (which has a specified Solo Travellers Holidays ) and Singles in Paradise (geared toward single travelers) ensure you won't be stuck in group of couples and friend cliques.

6. Wingman .  I mentioned Wingman, an app that helps you "meet people at the airport, on your flight, and at your destination" in my article on networking in the sky with a bit of sarcasm; however, the site seems to have changed its wording around. While at first it billed itself, more or less, as the Tinder of the skies, it now seems that not just "attractive people" will find this app useful. I guess we'll see once the app officially launch this summer.

With myriad new travel apps and platforms being launched each week — not to mention a growing traveler desire to connect with others around the world — these are far from your only options. A few others to check out: Globetrooper , TripTogether and Tripstir , launching this month.

Jessica Festa is the founder on the solo and offbeat travel blog, Jessie on a Journey , and the online responsible tourism and culture magazine, Epicure & Culture . She's constantly searching for local experiences beyond the guidebook. You can follow her travels on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .

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Home » Budget Travel » How to Find a Travel Buddy: Travelling with a Friend 101

How to Find a Travel Buddy: Travelling with a Friend 101

There’s a certain romanticism in the life of an intrepid solo traveller—solitary and stoic—braving venturing unto new frontiers. But do you want to know the truth?

Some of my warmest, happiest, and most sincere memories from the road are of experiences shared travelling with a friend.

Now, that’s not necessarily to say a friend  from home.  No, rather, a travel buddy that I met on the road. People that, astonishingly quickly, became treasured friends and companions.

Because that’s the underlying magic of finding a travel buddy: it’s a shared experience, and that makes it more real. Suddenly, there’s someone to tell that story with—someone to reminisce with. At the one-year reunion, the two-year reunion, or, hell, maybe (if you’re lucky enough), then when you’re old and grey and still complaining about the price of cigarettes together.

And that’s exactly why I want to teach you how to find a travel buddy! Because remembering and sharing those stories together… that’s more special than the travels themself.

We’ll be covering the basics today, i.e. how to make a friend (in case you missed that 101). But also the peripherals: how to find a travel buddy online AND offline, the (more practical) benefits of travelling with friends, and even the stampeding elephant in the room that is the variable of gender.

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Why Travel with a Stranger?

How to find a travel buddy online, how to find a travel buddy offline, the ins-and-outs of travelling with a buddy.

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Ok, so ‘stranger’ is a bit rough. Sure, when you first meet a travel buddy they’ll be a stranger, but that’s the beauty of travel relationships: they get real deep real fast.

Imagine a friend that you see every day of your life, be it for 3 days or 3 months. Every decision is shared, resources are shared, stories—new and old—are shared. Rapidly, this person becomes a staple and constant in your life.

It sounds almost like a… real relationship , right?

But it is, essentially, albeit platonically (most of the time).

If the idea that you won’t find a travel partner is holding you back from travelling, that’s daft. There are incredible places to travel alone in the world.

Short of disappearing into the frozen expanses of the Alaskan tundra, you will never be alone. Often, alone time can almost be like black gold for a traveller.

The world is a big place, and no matter how hard you try, you’re never really alone.

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The Benefits of Travelling with a Friend

Outside of all the esoteric mumbo-jumbo about meeting people to travel with and forming lifelong kinships of an almost spiritual substance, there are heaps of logistical reasons to travel with someone!

• Saving money – Duh— budget backpacking 101 ! Someone to split costs with means spending less money overall.
• Taking nicer rooms – Kind of an offshoot of the last point but think about all the private room options that will open up if you’re sharing. You can take swanky Airbnbs at a steal or share grimy single rooms (with one person on the floor) for a pittance!
• Sharing resources – “Hey, dude, got any mozzie spray?”
• Someone to watch your back – Safety in numbers, naturally, but not just that. You’ve got someone to watch your stuff when you wander off for a piss or to talk to on the long train rides. It’s the little things.
• They might not finish their meal – Cha-ching!
• Photo-ops – You’re gonna be featured in way more Insta-basic-beach-poser shots with someone around to take them.

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Travelling with a Friend from Home

Personally, I’m not a fan of the ‘bring a friend’ method. You know how sometimes friends choose to live together and then they discover they’re shit housemates and it gets petty and causes schisms within the whole friendship group? (No, you’re a projection!)

I know the dream is to have your mates from home tag along for the adventure, but a dream can quickly turn to a lucid nightmare. Once you’re travelling—solo or with a travel buddy—you’ll discover the glory of freedom. Both the freedom of the road and freedom from home.

Travel is a chance to be free of the perceptions of who you are held by the people closest to you. It’s a chance to grow, develop, and learn about yourself, with yourself, in brand new and unprecedented scenarios. Bringing a friend from home along to that experience is like sneaking a flask into an AA meeting.

I wouldn’t say doggedly avoid travelling with a friend from home. I would, however, suggest to experience travel in its fullest before you bring that home-friend.

A home-friend, or, yes, a partner, is—to be blunt—a ball-and-chain. A travelling friend is someone you meet on the road. You have no unspoken contract to uphold; if it goes south, then so do you (while they go north).

A friend you travel with , however, has all sorts of potential to get messy, and it’s not a good first-time introduction into the backpack-o-sphere. It’s a commitment and one that works counter-intuitively to the freedom of travel.

It can be a real restriction.

Will here again!

While planning an entire backpacking trip with a friend (or friends) can lead to surefire disaster, a short stint through the crazies of Asia or clubs of Europe is a blast!

When it comes to getting my friends to come out and travel with me for a bit, I am absolutely a convincing bastard! What I like to do on longer trips is to make a Facebook group, add my favourite homies, and then post my—extremely rough—itinerary and any general directional updates. That way, people can work out where I’m heading and decide if they’d like to swing by for an interlude.

I tend to much prefer to go my own way during the adventures, but seeing the peeps from back home is always such a heartwarming experience, especially in the reaches of some far-flung land. It may just take some persistence to convince them. 😉

Travel Alone or with Someone: Shoulda Put a Ring on It

While travelling with a friend may be the dream, solo travel is the real journey. If you find a travel buddy, you’re not solo travelling, and that, simply by nature, is restricting.

As a solo traveller, you’re living on a whim. Anywhere you go is entirely in your hands. And experiences come a lot more frequently as a result of your solitude.

• Hitchhiking alone is easier.
• Meeting locals is easier.
• Having someone host you is easier.

That’s not to say that this stuff doesn’t happen when travelling with someone. Only, it’s more restrictive.

A pair of exotic foreigners is a lot more daunting to approach than a single dazed soul. And you haven’t got to hash out decisions with someone either before you do something crazy in the spur of the moment. You do you.

However, you do lose a lot too. Travel isn’t about being alone: it’s about all the people you meet. It’s about all the things that they teach you, and all the things that you learn together. Meeting a travel buddy and earning a travel companion is a natural extension of that.

What I’m trying to say is that sometimes you just wanna smoke a joint by yourself. I get that—we all do. But, at the end of the day…

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It’s the 21st-century. Of course, we’re doing this digitally! Isn’t the main reason to travel to be looking at your phone more?

Ok, so finding a travel buddy online may not be my favourite flavour, but it does work. There are no shortage of travel companion sites and ‘find a travel buddy’ apps fit for the purpose of hooking you up with some loose cannon through cyberspace.

The most obvious is social media and this does work:

• Facebook – Is the no brainer. Check general backpacking groups, backpacking groups for the country you’re in, groups for specific hobbies (hiking, climbing, etc.), or even ride offering/asking groups in the famous road trip countries (Australia/New Zealand/etc.).
• Instagram – Yeah, Insta does have its purposes ; try posting a photo or story showcasing where you’re at now. Chances are someone you met on the road before will hit you up.
• Twitter – I’m not even going to pretend to be an expert on Twitter, but if you’re already an avid tweeter of twits, then I’m sure you know how to utilise it. I have heard success stories!

Your socials are already covering a lot of ground given that so many people—and travellers—are active users. But your also looking at a huge gene pool of many splendid examples of the lowest common denominator. There are no referrals, no rating system, and no barrier of entry.

They definitely have their uses, but there are plenty of much more nuanced travel friend apps and sites to find people to travel with.

Best Travel Buddy Apps and Sites

• GAFFL – On the reverse end of social media’s low threshold to sign up is GAFFL with its 4-step verification process—yikes! There’s a site with a yummy UX and an accompanying travel buddy app, plus you get some extra bonus features for planning the trip itinerary and securely splitting the costs even prior to the trip.
• Travel Buddies – Well the name certainly fits! It’s kinda like a social media platform with the explicit purpose of advertising your upcoming trips and seeing other peoples’. It’s pretty straightforward to contact people and overall a pretty clearcut travel buddy site.
• Meetup – It’s not actually a site for finding a travel companion but rather a site for group meetups and events—hiking, pub drinks, Taco Tuesdays, LGBTQ Taco Tuesdays. You may never meet a travel buddy through meetup, but you’ll definitely meet some friends!
• Tinder – I know, I know. But, using Tinder while travelling does have its uses.
• Backpackr – Just a straight app without a website. You can browse people’s profiles (so, yeah, it’s a bit dating-ish) and a ‘Common Room’ for asking questions, getting tips, and screaming into the void.
• 5W: Women Welcome Women Worldwide – I wanted to throw a ladies-only choice in, and this one is more like a worldwide network than just an app for meeting travellers. 5W is a non-profit that’s been around since 1984. You’ll have to complete an application process first to ensure you meet the prerequisites (i.e. having a vagina), but once you do, you’ll be given the keys to the kingdom: the members list with plenty of opportunities for attending gatherings or organising one-on-one meetings.

Then there are Traveller forums. They’re a dime a dozen for both seeking tips and finding travel buddies. If you’re not a massive fan of apps, these are the major players you should look at:

• Tripadvisor forums – People ask a lot of questions over there too.
• Reddit –  There are endless subreddits divided by different destinations, communities, and hobbies. Check out the Travel Partners and Solo Travel boards particularly.

Couchsurfing – A Broke Backpacker’s Secret Weapon

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While the above apps certainly serve the cause, there’s only one platform that I believe takes the true crowning jewel of being the best app to find a travel buddy—Couchsurfing! I have Couchsurfed in all manner of weird and wonderful locales—Iran, Venezuela, and Jordan just to name a few—and I have always found the Couchsurfing community to be absolute gems.

As well as being a fantastic platform for finding free accommodation and meeting locals, Couchsurfing is also a great site and app for making travel friends. I have found numerous people through Couchsurfing’s groups who I have travelled with, and I’ve won some truly treasured friendships as a result.

The best group to look in is either the ‘Backpacker’ group or the ‘Travel Buddies’ group as well as checking out the specific group for whichever country or region you are travelling and Couchsurfing in. Often, people will post in country or city groups asking if other CSers are around for drinks, an adventure, or to see if anybody else is trying to find a travel mate. It’s also definitely worth heading to any local Couchsurfing meetups in your area too!

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Look, I’m old fashioned. I don’t like Tinder. I prefer paying in cash, and I do enjoy popping the odd Werther’s Original. Finding someone to travel with offline is my jam.

You’re going to meet travel companions organically as you travel alone (assuming you’re lovable with a winning smile). It’ll be in any number of differing formats too. They could be a:

• Solo human with an equally unquenchable thirst for the world’s most adventurous places .
• Pair of humans who are either previous friends or also travel buddies.
• Group of any size and connecting factor (though a group of all solo travellers is always madness of the finest calibre).
• Romantic pair of humans. This actually happens more often then you might think and is more-often-than-not excellent fun! Bonus points to the travelling couples who argue in their native tongue for the sake of politeness.

There are probably other formats than this, but that’s the basics. And again, it will happen organically , even if you’re not lovable with a winning smile. (Unless, of course, you’re a total prick, but then you have bigger issues).

Meet Other Travellers (But Never Settle for Second-Best)

Do let it be organic. You’re a solo traveller! Be the badass motherfucking homeless-hero thou most certainly art.

Go and solo travel. Brave new ventures, be lonely sometimes, and make many, many new friends. When the right companion to travel with comes along, you’ll know it. Forcing this issue is just like forcing relationships – it doesn’t work out very well!

Usually, finding a travel buddy (or buddies) is a matter of something shared; it is a core value of The Broke Backpacker Manifesto . A shared desire for the same off-beat adventure. Or it could be a shared matter of convenience— we were both going to the same place, but then we stayed together.

Often, for me, it’s just a shared love for the same simplicities in life: living cheap, travelling without money , eating local, smoking the finest dankeries, and, sometimes, sleeping under the stars. The dirtbag life.

My point is, don’t settle for mediocrity! You’re way too good for that. Wait until you meet travel buddies that truly deserve you.

Just do you, soak up the journey, and let the opportunity come to you. Ultimately, it’s gotta flow.

Places to Find a Travel Buddy Offline

If you’re steering clear of the apps and socials in your travels (or are just terrible at using them), then there are still some classic meeting points to find a travel mate:

• Hostels – Staying in backpacker hostels is the tried-and-true classical method to meet travellers and find someone to travel with. But remember to pick hostels that match your vibe.
• Work Exchange Programs – Absolutely! Things like Workaway, WWOOF, Worldpackers, HelpX, etc… these types of travel jobs are tops places for meeting travellers. Particularly solo and long-term travellers.
• Public Transport – If you’re carving a typical backpacking route for any given place—say the Banana Pancake Trail in Southeast Asia —then you’ll always encounter travellers en route between the major destinations.
• On the Plane – You can find a travel buddy before you even leave the airport! Scout the plane and passengers (at the baggage claim is also a smart spot) for any smelly backpacker vagrant types, and ask them if they’d like to share a taxi to the nearest backpacker hub of whatever city you’ve landed in. A general rule: the cheaper the flight , the more likely you’ll walk into some fellow broke backpackers!
• Declaring a Grand Adventure – It’s happened to me no short number of times. You declare with great intention (no bluffing allowed) about some grand adventure you’re planning—say, hitchhiking across India or finding some legendary hidden mountain village. If the chances of death are still low enough, people are always gonna want to tag along.

Often, if the flow is right, someone that you met as a short-term travel buddy (say, on the bus) can end up being someone you travel with for a while. Sometimes, it can be a long while.

Seriously, work exchange programs are a brilliant method to meet other travellers. Given that the people you meet—not even counting the local friends that you’ll make—are more than likely going to be dedicated to the slow travel life (and to exploring a country away from the tourist bubbles), forming substantial friendships is just a matter of being in the right place at the right time.

It also helps to know your way around the voluntourism sector, and how to choose worthwhile programs (ideally, with a steady influx of travellers). Worldpackers and Workaway —two esteemed platforms for volunteering abroad—are good places to look too.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

Nobody said it was easy. No one ever said it would be this hard.

Yes, indeed, the man known as ‘Coldplay’ was correct. While sometimes it flows effortlessly, sometimes it is hard.

They’re not a true friend until you’ve seen them at their worst. They’re not a true friend until you’ve considered throwing them out of a 6-storey window.

If you’re going to choose to travel with a stranger, you’ve got to be prepared for some strangeness. Sometimes it gets tense. Sometimes it gets uneasy.

Finding a travel partner is only half the journey.

Oh Boy, We’re Discussing Genders

Yay for minefields! I really wanted to avoid this topic because finding a travel buddy should never be about the potential to get inside another traveller’s Thailand Elephant Pants. However, we can’t honestly pretend that gender isn’t an influencing factor and so… it’s into the abyss we go!

Yes, finding travel companions for singles, as a single, is definitely a thing. Finding love and sex while backpacking is a potential natural conclusion of this. Fairly often, it ends poorly once the honeymoon bubble of travelling together wears off; but it does work out too… sometimes.

BUT, it’s more important to shift your thinking away from that and to more consider the variable of gender , i.e. how gender affects travel.

I remember travelling with a friend—female and very much treasured—in Sri Lanka. She cracked the shits at me one night after dinner because I failed to see the host was ignoring her and taking executive decisions on the meal order from me: the man. Truthfully, I was completely oblivious; I was just pumped for dinner.

However, having a female travel companion does help create insight. Many parts of the world are substantially more difficult for a girl to travel in solo or otherwise (though certainly not impossible)…

The Arab World is tricky. South Asia is not the best either? South America is… mmm .

Being a female looking for a male travel partner in these parts of the world—while not a necessity—is smart. It does mitigate the intensity. With a couple of fake wedding rings thrown in, you’ll be coastin’.

If you do end up travelling with someone of the preferred gender and orientation you most enjoy diddling, again, you guys do you. Just remember the variable.

Dudes, stay aware of your female travel companions. Just stand a bit tighter in the surge of a crowded bazaar, or keep an eye on her drinks during a psy-banger in Goa. Remember that her experience will always be different.

As for the Mademoiselles travelling with a guy friend, just keep communicating: be chill, girl-bros. If you’re gonna crack the shits, do so gently. Sometimes, we’re just not paying attention.

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How to Travel with a Friend: On Fights

Yeah, arguments do happen on the road. Travel with a friend long enough, and, eventually, it’ll happen.

The first time I had an argument with a travel buddy, it got ferocious. Imagine two colourfully dressed hippies shoeless on the side of a New Zealand road screaming and cussing each other out—one in broad Australian, one in angry Japanese. That wasn’t our last argument either.

The next time I hitched long distance with someone, I warned him:

“Alright, dude. At some point, we’re gonna fight. We need to decide now, what we’ll do then.”

He thought I was joking.

“Oh, yeah, well how about we roll a joint on it.”

Several days later while being held semi-captive in a buttfuck-nowhere Indian village, we had our first fight, and that’s exactly what we did.

Assume it’ll happen, make the necessary plans in your head, and communicate well. When you find a travel companion, you’re gonna see that person every day. Often, for every meal.

Travelling relationships can be every bit as intense as romantic ones. The only difference is you don’t get the catharsis of a make-up bang afterwards.

How to Travel with Someone – Tips and Pointers

• Talk – And communicate; if you’re having an off-day—a case of the traveller blues—mention it. Talking is important, especially if it’s about something that affects the team.
• Share – If you’re both giving and taking fairly, you’ll end up a stronger team for it. Pool your resources!
• Don’t be an accountant –  For big sums of money, sure, but keeping track of the little things is going to wear very thin. Often, it’s easier just to go 1:1 on buying each other chai, meals, bus fares, and whatever else.
• Take Space – When you feel you need it, and sometimes when you don’t too. Timeout is rarely the wrong choice.
• Compromise – You ain’t solo travelling anymore which means sometimes you’ll need to make concessions! Somedays, you’re just not going want to do the same thing.

And remember that word— team.  Because that’s what you are. You’re a team working together towards a shared goal.

You gotta function as a unit.

Travel Alone or with Someone, but Get Insurance!

I once had a friend spot his travel buddy several grand when she got herself into a medical mess in Nepal (which is yet to be returned, to the best of my knowledge). Now, granted, he’s self-sacrificing to a fault, however, it’s a picture-perfect example of exactly why you should have travel insurance.

Because it ain’t you who’ll be cleaning up your mess.

All kinds of things can happen when you travel, and they do happen. Be sure to consider some quality travel insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

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And Now You Know How to Find a Travel Buddy!

And how to travel with them. It’s kinda cool, right?

Ding-dong—I’m a solo traveler!

For me, one of the greatest thrills of backpacking is to rock up somewhere completely new and meet a whole new crowd of people, travellers and locals alike. I have done a huge amount of solo, partnered, and group travel, and I highly recommend you have a crack at all of them.

Moreso, I can’t stress enough that if the fear of being alone is holding you back from travelling, it shouldn’t. One of the main reasons some would-be vagabonds never leave home is because they’re worried they won’t meet anyone and will be lonely. One of the lessons you’ll learn travelling is that that’s simply never going to happen.

The backpacker community is awesome; everybody is extremely friendly and, in general, people just want to meet-and-greet (the same as you). It’s really quite easy to find people to travel with. And the times that you are, you’ll still be having a damn good time!

It’s something someone said to me a long time ago: some things you can only learn in a relationship, and some things you can only learn on your own. I think the same is true of travel.

Travelling solo is only one part of travel as is travelling with a friend , buddy, stranger, partner, or even in a group. Don’t find a travel buddy because you’re scared. Be scared and be awesome, because the two aren’t mutually exclusive.

Travel in all ways, experience it in all forms, and when you do find travel buddies, experience that too. Because many of those shared stories—and those shared photos—will be the ones that inspire your kids to travel.

1+1=3… which is to say that a unit is greater than the sum of its parts. A team, a friendship, and travel buddies—when it’s right—are stronger together than they are apart. And the end results?

They’re worth all the stupid fights.

Buy Us a Coffee !

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You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee . If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂

Ziggy Samuels

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17 Comments

Too cool of a website. Thumbed the NA Continent, tried in SE Asia {didnt know what thumbing was} and met fine people. There are great people wherever one goes and ones that will go out of their way to help another. Canada is super, picturesque as is the Alcan, North of 60 {Phillip smith mts}. Stayed mostly northern areas. The south has a different atmosphere but good folks. Want to try Hitching Trains. Valuable info to share with others re the site

This helps. I need a travel companion if nothing else someone to talk to but, I would like to find someone that can do some of the driving. Money is not my problem it’s time. I once said we have 3 things. MONEY, SEX, TIME. SOMEONE INTERESTED IN TRAVELING THE USA STARTING IN MARCH OR APRIL CONTACT ME. [email protected] .

I’ve been trying to FIND Someone Anyone!! to go with me from: TX. To and Through: OK./MO./KS. with NO LUCK!!! LOCAL TRAVEL(S) NOT FOREIGN TRAVELS!! Because I LIVE LOCALLY In The USA DUH,……For TWO YEARS Now,…..SO NOT GETTING ANYWHERE OR ANYPLACE, With DIALING The: CHARTER BUSES, The RIDE SHARES, And Even Other HIKING AND BIKING BUDDIES, Especially LONG Distance, Because I Don’t Drive A Car As A Grown Up ok??? VERY FRUSTRATING!!!! What HAPPENED To Just Getting A SIMPLE RIDE Safely Of Course (That Word SAFE AGAIN Grrrr!!!) (SAFE THIS AND SAFE THAT, Or: Safe That And Safe This, For TWO FREAKING YEARS NOW!!!) (SHUT UP ABOUT SAFE!!!) (And Oh Yeah Also: WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER BULLCRAP For TWO FREAKING YEARS!!! ENOUGH ALREADY!!!) Basically AND Generally??? I N E E D A R I D E From A D R I V E R Or D R I V E R S And/Or A Bike AND Hike Group A LONG A DISTANCE Soon For The REST Of This fall And winter DUH!!! And SOMEONE AND SOMEBODY WHO KNOWS THE AREA And/Or AREAS WE ARE GOING THROUGH Soon!!!!! I JUST WISH!!!!!! I’LL EVEN LEAD THE GROUP OR A GROUP, IF NEED BE, THOUGH I’VE NEVER ACTUALLY HAVE LED A GROUP OF OTHER PEDESTRIANS EVER!!! UHG!!! GETTING MORE AND MORE FRUSTRATED DAILY HERE IN GREENVILLE, TX./Texas AND SOON I’M JUST GOING To Go FIND SOME ABANDONED CAR, AND HOTWIRE IT EVEN IF IT’S A NEW WORLD ORDER AI SCARY BOT CAR!!! TIRED OF WAITING FOR A FEW YEARS TO RETURN There WHEREVER!! And A FRUSTRATED TRAVELER(S), BECOMES A HOSTILE CRANKY TRAVELER(S)!!!

Sad to not see more comments since Covid… It’s like a message in a bottle thrown into the sea. I’m French, 35 yo, fit, gentleman, I don’t smoke, marketing manager teleworking, looking for a travel buddy, a woman, I’m not vaccinated, I already moved to different places with my car in France but I also plan to travel in EU, I usually stay a month or more in the same place. I like to explore around, to try the local food, organic mostly, monuments, history, nature… The week I stay around the place to work and do multimedia art, music, etc. on my laptop… I don’t need someone but when I see that most places I rent are for 2 minimum, well… It’s a shame not to share this experience, right?

TravBuddy & Thorntree shut down their service.

GAFFL is a similar site which matches up travelers with similar travel plans and ensures the safety of travelers through their well-built verification process. Currently, it has users from over 170 countries.

This can be a great addition to this list.

Hi my name is LUIS I live in Houston to and I’m ready for new adventures

Teacher: Looking for travel buddy know knows how to budget. Currently in Mexico and looking to head to Asia. Any takers? My goal is to travel with Will one day!

Yes i too would like to travel to Asia! You still down for it?

Hi Guy !!! I am an asian guy,living in the Netherlands now.I will be travelling to Viet Nam ( from 12th/Jan/2019 till 28/febr/2018. I wanna look for a travelbuddy to join me .You dont need to travel as long as i do if you cant.You dont need to travel with me all the time either,if you dont want it.You can catch me up during imy holiday in Viet Nam.Travelling with me together wont be only a great fun, but it will also be a great advantage for you,because i have known the beaufitul cities and countrysides in Viet nam,i do know where we can get cheap accomodation ,, cheap and delicious local food..and wonderful highlights in Viet nam too.Ofcourse you can afford in travelling with me with your low budget . I can speak Vietnamese ,English and Dutch.Any guys are interested in being on vacation with me together in Viet Nam.Be welcome to contact me : [email protected] Greeting. Khale

Hi I’m isaac 28 yr old currently homeless having lost both my parents rest of family have turn there back on me looking for a buddy to travel with I’ve haven’t got much but a good Hart and great company.

I am nearing 60 , but my heart is still of 25 . Passionate about Travel ( Nature) , Sports Music . I have traveled 59 countries so far , partially due to my official requirement and remaining pleasure- trip . I have now enough free time to explore the World with some like minded travelers at economical way . South America , Australia-New Zealand, Japan , Scandinavian Countries are in my bucket list. I am of very flexible and adjusting nature . I am now looking for a like minded travel buddy. Anyone interested ? [email protected]

I would like to add https://travelmate.world to your list as well 🙂 It’s more than just a platform to meet travel buddies. You can also write a free travel blog and ask others for help.

Nice one! It is really nice to watch people going back to good old fashioned hobby – travelling. I love those new travel platforms and apps, allowing people to find ideal companion from a different country so quickly and easily. I do not have many experiences with a “travel buddy” system, but many times I heared about https://tripgiraffe.com/

Another good article for finding travel partners.. Also, Babak I really liked your network you’ve created too! I started my own travel network a while back for finding like-minded travel partners also – http://www.travelchum.net

Great roundup. I’d add another free resource: https://www.tripolette.com/ I started Tripolette to help you find other travelers with similar plans and share trips together. The benefit of this over other forums is the powerful search and discovery, and social aspect. Give me a shout if you like it!

I’ve taken a lot from this post. Firstly – awesome idea about making the facebook group for your itinerary, I always struggle so much remembering who to tell.

BUT, mostly I’ve decided that if you’re ever short of cash, you should contact Colegate and offer to promote them while you travel. They sponsor you to smile next to a famous landmark and boom, you’re rolling in dollar. While giving 60% to your manager in commission for coming up with such a great idea of course.

Oh, I’ll be your Colegate manager by the way.

This looks crazy fun. This is one of the best things in travelling with family and friends. You get to do all things that can give you the fun that you need.

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Home » Travel Tips

How to Find a Travel Buddy: Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Partner for Your Next Vacay

The term buddy system has been used for years, first by soldiers on the battlefield and then by parents in the suburbs. And while we may have rolled our eyes or grumbled under our breath as children, with age comes wisdom and the truth that, sometimes, it’s nice to have a buddy, especially as you travel the world. But then comes the hard part. How do you find this elusive travel buddy to share in your adventures?

Fear not. It doesn’t matter if you’re a shy solo traveler or an outgoing adventure travel connoisseur; you can find travel buddies anywhere. 

Discover our tips for finding your perfect travel partner and where to get started!

Table of Contents

1. don’t be hasty, 2. know that you’ll never find the perfect travel partner, 3. find someone with a sense of humor, 4. know when to call it quits, 3. travello, 4. couchers.org, 5. tourlina, 6. women welcome women worldwide, 7. tripgiraffe, 8. backpackr, 9. intrepid group tours, 10. stroll buddy, 11. social media, looking for the perfect travel partner next vacay has your back, 4 tips for finding a travel companion.

Finding the perfect travel partner isn’t so much about finding the perfect person to travel with. Instead, it’s about finding someone who can enrich your experience and make it better than if you had opted for solo travel. 

With that in mind, here are four tips to ensure you’re not just choosing a travel companion who looks good on paper but one who takes your travels to new heights.

Patience is a virtue, especially when choosing a travel buddy with whom you’ll spend significant time as you trot the globe together. The last thing you want to do is rush the process and pick someone who doesn’t share the same interests or enjoy traveling the way you do. 

Some travelers love trekking through the wild outdoors, while others prefer their most strenuous activities to be picking their way over rain puddles on a cobblestone street. 

Having different travel interests is fine and expected, but if you and your travel partner don’t see eye to eye on anything in the trip itinerary, you may as well elect to travel solo at that point . Trying to navigate different travel styles and compromise on what you’re doing won’t be fun for you or your potential travel partner.

You want to find a travel buddy that complements your personality and travel style. So, think of your search like a jigsaw puzzle. You wouldn’t steal a piece from another jigsaw and ram it into the one you’re trying to complete just to say you did it. As you search for your travel companion, keep in mind you want to find a piece that matches the rest of your jigsaw, i.e., someone who fits near seamlessly into your travels.

Unrealistic expectations can derail the best-laid plans.

Wanting a “perfect” travel buddy is setting yourself up for disappointment. Unless you somehow rope Keanu Reeves into traveling with you—we’re pretty sure he’s one of the nicest/coolest people on the planet—you can expect some bumpy patches during your travels. 

The bright side, or downside, or maybe it’s just a fact of life, is that you’d run into this problem with anybody. We’d like to know one couple, pair of friends, or sibling duo that hasn’t fought, especially when traveling together. 

Sharing your life with someone else can get messy. The same is true for traveling with someone else. And expecting perfection from them is a double-edged sword that will certainly nick you at some point as well. 

No one is perfect. 

So, look for a travel buddy with whom you mesh well. If you can help fill in each other’s gaps, even better. Maybe you have an impeccable sense of direction while they have an outgoing and approachable demeanor. Don’t get hung up on perfection. Instead, look for ways you and your partner complement one another and can help each other grow.

You’ll find your search a lot easier in the long run and connect with more potential travel partners.

We think this one pretty much speaks for itself. Trips seldom go as planned. Unexpected situations can pop up in the blink of an eye, and plans get rearranged or canceled entirely. 

Having an easy-going travel companion ready to take the day in stride and crack a joke or two is the exact kind of person you’ll want by your side when everything goes south—your plans, not your travels. 

After all, rainy days look a lot less grim when greeted with a smile.

You’re bound to meet a lot of interesting people in your search for a travel companion. As you scope out the best websites for the right person, pay attention to how you feel while chatting. Take note of anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or uncertain, and if things don’t feel right, don’t be afraid to move on. 

Traveling solo will be a better bet than spending your trip with someone who doesn’t make you feel comfortable. 

Of course, once you’ve found someone to travel with, you may find that you don’t mesh as well as you thought you did after you’ve gotten out on the road. Maybe they travel a lot more than you or spend the whole trip talking about their ex—we’ve all heard the horror stories. You may find yourself wanting to call it quits halfway through the journey.

This is another reason why an easy-going travel friend is a good call.

Simply put, it’s easier to break things off with someone who won’t throw a fit. Be comfortable and confident with setting boundaries, and don’t be afraid to bail if necessary. 

Provided you aren’t stuck together in a car on an epic road trip around South America, there’s no rule saying you have to stick it out with your travel buddy to the bitter end.

How to Find a Travel Buddy Online: Top 12 Sites

Now that you’re well-equipped with helpful tips on how to find your future travel partner, check out these top sites and travel apps to find a travel buddy. 

Whether you’re looking for someone to plan a whole trip with or just someone to spend a day with, you’re bound to meet people and find the perfect travel buddy for your next trip!

1. GAFFL  

GAFFL stands for Get a Friend for Life. While we can’t attest to that claim, GAFFL does offer the opportunity to find your perfect travel buddy, whether you’re looking for a forever friend or just a friendly face to split the costs of your travel. Simply search your destination, then browse through trips or create your own to find like-minded travelers with similar travel dates who can share your experience—and the bill.

A three-step verification process for users includes a valid government ID so that you can feel safer about your potential travel buddy. Just sign up, connect, and start chatting to find your perfect travel companion.

While the platform is extremely helpful, it’s not exactly free. Arguably, the biggest drawback to the site is that GAFFL users have to pay to access trips, with prices ranging from $9.99 for one month to $39.99 for 12 months. On the upside, these are one-time payments with no recurring fees. The downside is that even if you want to check out the site before using it, you have to pay the one-month fee for access.

Reddit isn’t just for getting news updates and reading incredible—and cringe-worthy—stories. It’s also a great resource for finding all kinds of travel-related content. And, yes, that includes finding travel companions!

The TravelPartners subreddit helps people find a travel buddy or simply new friends to meet up with as they solo travel the world. 

Check out previous posts to see if anything aligns with your travel plans. If you’re new to Reddit, your account must be a week old before you can post your own trip details. 

And if you’re more interested in solo travel with some companionship sprinkled in, the SoloTravel subreddit is perfect for getting advice on just that. You’ll find recommendations for finding people to meet up with for group tours, social events, and more.

Travello bills itself as the “complete social travel app” and is probably one of the best apps for finding travel partners. You can meet friends, book experiences, and share your travel stories with posts and pictures. 

Whether you’re a digital nomad or solo traveler, users can create their perfect travel community within the app, discovering new friends nearby and at their destination. Adding your travel plans to your Trips immediately opens the door to possible connections, as Travello will tell you who else has similar itineraries. 

You can also join special interest groups to find travelers with similar passions, like backpacking, photography, etc. 

Being a solo traveler can be tough, but Travello makes it easier by connecting you with other travelers. You can find travel companions and even hunt down free Wi-Fi spots through the app. Talk about the complete package.

Couchers.org bills itself as a new and improved alternative to Couchsurfing. Though Couchsurfing has been a big name in the travel industry for years, it was hit hard by COVID and has been plagued by issues stemming from its for-profit structure, unsavory users, and buggy tech. 

Couchers.org aims to address those issues and remain non-profit by returning to the original essence that existed at Couchsurfing’s core years ago. 

While still in its beta stages, the community is growing rapidly. Users can find many useful features, including a map to help locate potential hosts. Aside from finding a place to stay, Couchers.org is an excellent place for solo travelers to find new friends, chat, and plan meetups.

Tourlina is all about the female travel buddy experience: only women are allowed to use the app. This makes it perfect for women who don’t feel comfortable finding travel companions of the opposite sex. All new members are manually verified, so female travelers can feel a bit safer knowing their potential travel buddy has already been vetted. 

Once you sign up, you can enter your trip destination and dates and find other solo travelers with similar interests. You can also find local people in the area to chat and meet up with once you arrive.

Women Welcome Women Worldwide, more commonly known as 5W, is an organization focused on helping women travel internationally and connect with women all over the globe. Though based in the UK, as the name suggests, women from all over can join. 

Created by women for women, 5W offers a safe space for solo travelers to chat, find travel friends, and engage in a global network of like-minded souls. Travelers can do everything from connecting with a local for lunch to arranging meetups with larger groups.

5W allows women to solo travel without being one hundred percent alone. New members can join with a donation of just under $50 USD. 

TripGiraffe provides a straightforward, easy-to-use website to find a partner for your global travels. Finding a travel buddy is as simple as filling out a trip form. 

Though you can browse available trips, creating a new trip is one of the best ways to connect with people on the site, and TripGiraffe allows you to fill out more specific details. Of course, you’ll enter the broad destination and travel dates, but then users can fill out info like preferred type of vacation, budget, how they like to travel, and even what they’re interested in doing while there. 

This helps you truly hone in on the best travel buddies for your vacation. 

The site then directs users to a suggestions page, where they can find other travelers going to the same place and even invite travelers they think might like to travel together.  

Backpackers who want to embark on a new adventure and meet up with fellow travelers can check out Backpackr. 

Everything about this app caters to the backpacker experience. Making friends is made easy with the ability to find travel buddies with the same passions and plans to go to the same destinations. 

In the Common Room, you can ask other travelers for advice on places to see and things to do and arrange to meet up before your actual trip. 

The app also provides exclusive offers on local tours, hostels, pub crawls, and more, enhancing the social aspect of backpacking.

They say that a good friend is the best thing you can bring on your travels. But, if you can’t bring a friend, you can still share your experiences with others! Intrepid offers small group tours perfect for solo travelers interested in meeting up with fellow adventurers. 

With over half of Intrepid’s community being solo travelers, you’re bound to run into a travel buddy who shares similar interests. 

Even if you’re not looking for a forever travel mate, sometimes it’s nice just to have company. Intrepid’s group travel offers the comfort of numbers and some free time to get out and do your own thing. 

Between your fellow travelers and the local leaders who know the area, you’ll be in good hands during your trip.

Formerly the Global Greeter Network, Stroll Buddy is a non-profit organization with volunteers offering visitors a personalized peek into their city. 

For solo travelers just looking for a short-term travel companion, Stroll Buddy may be the perfect fit. You can connect with a friendly face at your destination and get an insider tour without the commitment of a long-term travel buddy, leaving you to solo travel through the rest of your trip in peace.

Once you select your destination, you can request a stroll buddy through the online form. From there, it’s a simple matter of strapping on a pair of comfy shoes and linking up with your stroll buddy.

Social media was built to connect people, so it’s no surprise that it does a good job connecting travelers, too. Facebook is an excellent source for travelers from around the globe, making it easier to chat, share advice, and find travel buddies!

Possibly its greatest advantage is Facebook groups, which allow people to join a community of individuals who share common experiences and interests. 

Women traveling solo can join GirlsLOVETravel to plan meetups with other females, while LGBTQ travelers can get travel tips from others in their community. You’re bound to find a Facebook group for whatever you can dream up.

Meetup is a familiar name in the online social network sphere that has also been helping people build connections for years. 

Whether you want to attend an event for tips on how to find travel buddies or take your search out into the world by joining a group, Meetup is a great place to get started finding events in your area. 

With regular events and members, you’ll be able to spend time with people and experience how well you get along in person before possibly embarking on a trip together.

Traveling the world without a partner isn’t just intimidating, it can be costly too. With expenses racking up every way you look, you may think your dreams of travel are over before they’ve even begun.

Enter your new travel buddy. 

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Find a Female Travel Partner: Safe Tips and Best Apps for Traveling Buddies

To find a female travel partner, use GAFFL. This website and app connect solo female travelers with trusted travel companions. GAFFL’s multi-step verification includes checks on social media, phone numbers, and government IDs. This process promotes trust and safety, helping you travel with confidence.

Some popular apps include Bumble BFF, which matches you with potential friends based on shared interests. Likewise, Couchsurfing offers a community of travelers seeking connections. These platforms emphasize safety and verification, ensuring a secure environment for users.

To travel safely with a partner, maintain open communication. Discuss travel plans, budgets, and preferences before departure. Always share your itinerary with friends or family to keep them informed. Additionally, choose destinations known for being female-friendly. Research local customs and safety measures in advance.

While finding a female travel partner might seem daunting, utilizing the right resources makes it manageable. Understanding the importance of safety and choosing the proper apps will lead you to enjoy enriching experiences in new places.

In the next section, we will explore specific apps in detail, discuss their features, and highlight user experiences to guide your selection process for a travel companion.

Table of Contents

How Can You Effectively Find a Female Travel Partner?

To effectively find a female travel partner, consider using social media, travel apps designed for finding companions, and joining travel groups or forums for like-minded individuals.

Using social media platforms can connect you with potential travel companions. Facebook groups specifically focused on travel can help you meet women who are looking for travel partners. A survey by Statista in 2021 indicated that around 40% of users found companionship through social media.

Travel apps cater to individuals seeking travel partners. Apps such as Couchsurfing and Bumble BFF allow users to connect based on geographic location and shared interests. These apps often incorporate safety features, making interactions more secure.

Joining travel groups on platforms such as Meetup can expose you to local women interested in travel. Meetup allows individuals to create or join groups based on specific interests, including travel. Engaging with others in these groups can lead to friendships and partnerships for future trips.

Networking through travel blogs and Instagram accounts can also yield potential partners. Many travel bloggers seek cooperation with fellow travelers. Comments and direct messages on these platforms can facilitate connections.

In summary, leveraging social media, dedicated travel apps, travel groups, and engaging with online travel communities can significantly enhance your chances of finding a compatible female travel partner.

What Are the Key Benefits of Partnering with a Female Traveler?

Partnering with a female traveler offers numerous benefits that can enhance the travel experience, ensuring safety, comfort, and enriching interactions.

The key benefits of partnering with a female traveler are as follows: 1. Enhanced safety 2. Greater comfort 3. Improved social interactions 4. Diverse perspectives 5. Shared resources and experiences

Partnering with a female traveler promotes safety in multiple ways. Enhanced safety occurs as female travelers may feel more secure in each other’s company. According to the Global Peace Index (2021), traveling in pairs, particularly when both parties share similar backgrounds, can deter potential threats and provide support in unfamiliar environments. Individual experiences indicate that having a companion, especially of the same gender, fosters a sense of ease and reduces anxiety.

Greater comfort plays a significant role in the travel dynamic. Traveling with another female traveler can improve comfort levels. Research by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (2020) suggests women often feel less pressure to conform to social norms when with fellow travelers. This environment allows for authentic self-expression, free from judgment.

Improved social interactions occur when female travelers connect with each other. These interactions can lead to lasting friendships. A study by the Harvard Business Review (2019) indicates that social networks boost engagement in travel experiences and enhance emotional well-being. The bond that often forms during shared experiences can create a unique camaraderie that enriches travel memories.

Diverse perspectives are a valuable contribution from female travelers. Different backgrounds lead to varying viewpoints, enhancing the travel experience. According to a study by McKinsey & Company (2020), diverse teams tend to outperform homogeneous groups in innovation and decision-making. This diversity can inspire new itineraries, cuisine explorations, and cultural engagements that one may not consider alone.

Shared resources and experiences significantly contribute to the travel experience. Sharing costs, such as accommodations and transportation, often makes trips more financially feasible. A survey by Airbnb (2021) revealed that travelers who share accommodations save around 30% on lodging expenses. Additionally, pooling knowledge about local sights and experiences can lead to more memorable adventures.

Partnering with a female traveler has specific benefits that enhance travel safety, comfort, and engagement, making it a favorable option for many women.

What Essential Safety Tips Should You Consider When Traveling with a Female Buddy?

When traveling with a female buddy, safety should be a top priority. Here are essential safety tips to consider:

• Share Itinerary
• Use Secure Accommodation
• Stay Connected
• Trust Your Instincts
• Keep Emergency Numbers Handy
• Plan Transportation
• Be Aware of Surroundings
• Avoid Excessive Alcohol
• Dress Appropriately
• Engage with Locals Cautiously

These tips emphasize preparedness and awareness in unfamiliar environments. Each point addresses a different aspect of safe travel, ensuring an enjoyable experience while minimizing risks.

Share Itinerary : Sharing your travel itinerary with someone back home is crucial. This includes accommodation details, transportation schedules, and planned activities. Having someone know your whereabouts enhances safety and ensures someone can raise the alarm if needed.

Use Secure Accommodation : Selecting secure accommodation is essential for safety. Look for trusted hotels or hostels with good reviews and secure entrances. Check for security features such as locks on doors and surveillance cameras.

Stay Connected : Staying connected with your travel buddy and family is vital. Use smartphones for messaging and sharing locations. Regular check-ins can alert others to any issues.

Trust Your Instincts : Trusting your instincts during travel can prevent dangerous situations. If something feels off or unsafe, it’s essential to leave the area or avoid interactions that seem suspicious, regardless of the context.

Keep Emergency Numbers Handy : Keep a list of emergency numbers accessible, including local police, medical services, and your country’s embassy. Knowing whom to call in emergencies can save time and prevent panic.

Plan Transportation : Planning transportation ahead of time minimizes complications and uncertainties. Research local transit options and book rides through reputable services. Avoid hitchhiking or getting into unmarked taxis.

Be Aware of Surroundings : Maintaining awareness of one’s surroundings is critical for personal safety. Pay attention to notable features, other people’s behaviors, and exits when in public areas. Avoid distractions like excessive phone usage in unfamiliar places.

Avoid Excessive Alcohol : Limiting alcohol consumption can help maintain alertness and judgment. Choosing when and where to drink can reduce the risk of compromising safety.

Dress Appropriately : Dressing conservatively in certain cultures can prevent unwanted attention. Understanding local customs can influence clothing choices and promote respect and safety.

Engage with Locals Cautiously : While interacting with locals can enhance the travel experience, exercise caution. Be mindful of sharing personal information and distinguish friendly gestures from potentially harmful ones. Always have a buddy to back you up in social situations.

These safety tips provide a comprehensive approach to ensuring a secure and pleasant trip while traveling with a female buddy. Each aspect contributes to a more mindful travel experience.

What Are the Most Recommended Apps to Connect with Female Travel Companions?

The most recommended apps to connect with female travel companions include a variety of platforms designed for women seeking companionship while traveling.

• Couchsurfing

Connecting with female travel companions through various apps can enhance safety and foster friendships. Different apps cater to diverse needs and geographical preferences, promoting connections based on shared interests and experiences.

Meetup : Meetup allows users to create and attend events that match their interests. This platform connects people in person, facilitating the formation of friendships among travelers. Fans of this app often appreciate the variety it offers. Users can join groups focusing on their hobbies or travel locations. According to Meetup’s 2020 report, over 50 million users engage in activities that interest them, suggesting a broad base for finding traveling companions.

Couchsurfing : Couchsurfing connects travelers with hosts who offer free accommodation. The platform emphasizes cultural exchange and offers a community of like-minded individuals. Approximately 14 million users worldwide utilize Couchsurfing, with a significant female presence. Women often feel safer using this platform since they can read reviews and ratings of hosts before meeting them. This feature encourages informed decisions when connecting with potential travel partners.

Bumble BFF : Bumble BFF serves as a social networking extension of the dating app Bumble. Users can swipe to connect with potential friends, making it easy to find like-minded individuals in their travel destination. A 2021 survey indicated that 70% of female users found making new friends easier through this app. This highlights Bumble BFF’s effectiveness in fostering female-only connections that can lead to travel companionship.

Travello : Travello is a travel app designed to connect travelers with shared itineraries. Users can post their travel plans, and others can join them. This app primarily targets solo travelers looking for group adventures. Research by Travello in 2022 showed that over 60% of users found new travel friends through the app, indicating a high success rate for connecting female travelers.

Backpackr : Backpackr allows travelers to find companions based on their future travel plans. Users share itineraries and can connect with others traveling to the same destination. Information from Backpackr indicates that the app has facilitated numerous friendships among its community. Unique attributes such as real-time travel updates and personalized itineraries make Backpackr a favored choice for female travelers seeking companionship.

In summary, these apps provide diverse options for women looking to connect with fellow travelers. Each app offers unique features that appeal to various travel styles, preferences, and needs, ensuring that users can find the best fit for their travel companionship.

What Fun Activities Can You Enjoy Together as Travel Buddies?

Travel buddies can enjoy a variety of fun activities together. These activities can enhance their travel experience and create lasting memories.

• Exploring Local Attractions
• Trying New Foods
• Outdoor Adventures
• Cultural Experiences
• Games and Challenges
• Photography Sessions
• Relaxing Together
• Attending Events

These activities not only promote bonding but also diversify the travel experience. Now, let’s delve into each activity in detail.

Exploring Local Attractions: Exploring local attractions involves visiting significant sites that showcase the culture, history, or natural beauty of a destination. Travel buddies can create a list of must-see places such as museums, monuments, or natural parks. For example, a trip to Paris might include visiting the Eiffel Tower, while a journey to Rome may encompass the Colosseum. Engaging with these attractions fosters shared experiences and discussions.

Trying New Foods: Trying new foods allows travel buddies to experience the culinary diversity of a region. They can visit local restaurants or street food stalls to taste authentic dishes. For instance, sampling sushi in Japan or paella in Spain gives insights into local culture. Enjoying meals together can spark conversations about preferences and culinary traditions.

Outdoor Adventures: Outdoor adventures encompass activities such as hiking, biking, or zip-lining. Engaging in these activities can be exhilarating, as they often promote teamwork and trust among travel buddies. A great example is hiking the scenic trails in national parks, where buddies can enjoy breathtaking views and nature. According to research by the Wilderness Society, shared outdoor experiences significantly enhance friendship bonds.

Cultural Experiences: Cultural experiences include participating in local festivals, workshops, or traditional practices. Travel buddies can immerse themselves in a destination’s culture through dance classes, art workshops, or attending a local festival. This involvement helps deepen their understanding of the community and fosters appreciation for diverse traditions.

Games and Challenges: Games and challenges introduce an element of fun into travel. Buddies can create travel-related challenges like scavenger hunts or trivia games about their destination. This playful competition can strengthen friendship and facilitate teamwork. For instance, a scavenger hunt in a city can lead to discovering hidden gems that may not be on the tourist map.

Photography Sessions: Photography sessions allow travel buddies to capture their adventures and create memories. They can schedule dedicated times to take pictures at iconic locations or during candid moments. Sharing photography tips and techniques can enhance the experience and foster creativity. This shared interest often leads to producing an impressive travel album.

Relaxing Together: Relaxing together is essential for a balanced travel experience. Buddies can spend time unwinding at a beach, spa, or quiet cafe. Engaging in tranquil activities, such as yoga or meditation, can enhance emotional well-being. This downtime allows for meaningful conversations and reflections on the trip.

Attending Events: Attending local events can deepen a travel experience. Whether it’s a concert, market, or sports event, these experiences create opportunities for bonding and enjoyment. For example, experiencing a local music festival can enrich understanding of the community. Events often provide insight into local customs and societal issues.

Engaging in these activities will ensure that travel buddies have a fulfilling and memorable experience, strengthening their relationship through shared exploration and enjoyment.

What Steps Should You Take If Your Travel Partnership Doesn’t Work Out?

If your travel partnership doesn’t work out, take the following steps to ensure a smooth transition and minimize disruptions.

• Assess the situation.
• Communicate openly.
• Explore alternative travel options.
• Consider regrouping or re-planning.
• Reflect on the experience.
• Seek new travel partnerships.

After identifying the steps to take, it’s important to delve into each one for clarity and guidance.

Assess the Situation : Assessing the situation involves understanding the root cause of the partnership’s breakdown. Identify specific issues, such as differences in travel preferences or financial disagreements. Acknowledging these factors helps in determining the best way to proceed without misunderstanding.

Communicate Openly : Communicate openly with your partner about the difficulties faced. Honest conversations help clarify feelings and expectations. This dialogue can lead to potential compromises, or at least, a mutual agreement to separate amicably.

Explore Alternative Travel Options : Explore alternative travel options if continuing together is not feasible. This can include solo travel, joining a group tour, or finding new travel buddies online. Platforms like Meetup or travel-specific apps can facilitate this search.

Consider Regrouping or Re-planning : Consider regrouping or re-planning the trip. If your partner agrees, revisit the travel itinerary and see if adjustments can resolve conflicts. Sometimes, modifying plans to accommodate both preferences can lead to a successful trip.

Reflect on the Experience : Reflect on the experience after the partnership ends. Understanding what went wrong can help you make better choices in future travel partnerships. This reflection is crucial for personal growth and improving interpersonal skills.

Seek New Travel Partnerships : Seek new travel partnerships to replace the old one. Look for individuals with similar interests and travel styles. Networking through social media or travel forums can help you find like-minded travelers.

By taking these steps, you ensure that a failed partnership does not hinder your travel experiences but rather prepares you for more rewarding adventures ahead.

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