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:
1. GAFFL
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.
4. Meetup
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 Peter.narula@gmail.com 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 😉
Thanks for the tip!
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.
Thanks for the tip!