How to Find a Travel Buddy for Your Next Trip

how to find travel friend

If you’ve had enough of travelling solo and currently don’t have anyone who could go on a trip with you, there’s one simple solution — finding a travel buddy.



Reasons to Find a Travel Buddy

According to a New York Post poll, 78% of respondents believe that travelling is much more fun with a companion and that they would postpone the trip if their loved ones couldn’t join them. If you feel the same way and want to go on an adventure with someone, there are a few simple methods to find that trip mate. Let’s get to some of the most effective ones. But before we do that, what are some other reasons to find a travel pal for your journey?


1. Safety

For some, traveling solo is a preferred option. However, as stated by Travel Noire, 88% of women don’t feel safe traveling alone but do it anyway. In some cases, such as going to dangerous countries, having someone by your side is a must if by any chance something goes wrong. In the event that you don’t know your potential travel buddy well, learning who they are is a necessary step that, if ignored, could lead to serious consequences.


2. Convenience

Imagine going somewhere only to realize that you’ve left your charger at home or lost your cash. Such situations usually prove that it’s better to have someone with you who can lend you a hand. Feeling vulnerable in unfamiliar places, having no one to split costs for accommodation, and managing luggage without help are other reasons why you need to take someone on a trip with you.


3. Emotional Support

In some instances, traveling alone is a stressful experience. That’s why having someone to talk to during a tense episode could calm you down and make you feel less anxious. It’s also completely normal to feel homesick while you’re away, so having someone who reminds you of home could provide immense emotional support.


4. Better Decision-Making

Two minds are better than one. And when it comes to traveling, both of you could make choices about itineraries or solve other problems that arise during the trip. When you’re traveling solo, the only person you can rely on is you, which isn’t always safe.


5 Effective Tips for a Travel Buddy Search

Here's some advice:


1. Use Online Platforms

Some online websites and apps, such as Travello, Tourlina, Couchsurfing Hangouts, TravelBuddies, and Trip in Touch, among others, can be useful for finding like-minded individuals who could go on a trip with you. You can also turn to forums like Reddit to ask its users if someone is willing to set on a fun journey to some exciting place. Groups on social media sites, particularly Facebook, have also proven to be effective in this regard.


2. Attend Travel Events in Your Area

Travel agencies sometimes hold travel workshops or seminars that focus on destinations, travel tips, and itineraries, which can give you a chance to connect with others interested in similar topics. There, you could talk to other people who would love to go to another state or country but haven’t still made up their minds on who to go with. Most travel agencies also organize groups for their trips, so if you feel like traveling with more than one person is worth trying, attending such events is a good idea. While you’re there, be open and approachable, actively participate in discussions, and exchange contacts with those who are great candidates for your future trip.


3. Ask on Social Media

If you’re on Instagram or other social media sites, you can post a story or a post stating that you’re looking for a travel companion. There’s a high possibility that someone among your followers would want to take that opportunity. Maybe they’re also looking for someone to travel with or just would love to keep you company. Word travels fast, so it’s also a good idea to ask your followers to share your story or post with other people, which will only increase your chances of locating a travel companion.


4. Talk to Your Friends and Relatives

Share your travel plans with your friends and relatives and ask if any of them would love the idea of setting on a journey with you. This option is the most comfortable for people who have a good relationship with their relatives, as traveling with someone you know well won’t cause you any discomfort or make you feel scared. So, call your parents, siblings, friends, or even grandparents and ask if they’re into the idea of exploring a certain city or state or another country with you.


5. Join Volunteer Meetups

If you’re interested in volunteer tourism, you can attend events by Habitat for Humanity or WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms). During this volunteering travel experience, you can explore new places, make a positive impact on communities, and find a travel buddy for your next trip. So, if you’re interested in joining travel-related volunteering organizations, check their websites, read the conditions, and submit an application if everything works for you.


Summing Up

More and more people embark on journeys by themselves, which is great for those who need some time alone. However, solo travel can also be dangerous, especially for women. So, if you’re going to a place that you’ve never visited before, finding someone to keep you company is a smart decision. Some of the most reliable methods to find a travel buddy include using online platforms, attending local travel events, asking your followers on social media, talking to your friends and relatives, or joining volunteering organizations.


All of these are safe options to find someone who could go on a trip with you, but note that it’s still important to check whether the person you’ve found is safe to be around.

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ABOUTME

We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.

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