Solo travel is no longer a niche pursuit. In 2025, it’s a booming trend, with people across all age groups embracing the freedom of “me time” on the road. But let’s be honest, while travelling alone sounds exciting, the idea of feeling isolated can be a tad intimidating.
Enter community-friendly travel! A movement that lets you explore solo while staying socially connected. Whether you’re sharing meals with locals in Italy, joining group hikes in Peru, or signing up for a sustainable farm stay in Japan, you’ll find countless ways to meet like-minded explorers. Let’s dive into the ultimate guide to creating unforgettable solo adventures without a hint of loneliness.
How to Travel Alone Without Feeling Lonely
Why Solo Travel Is Thriving in 2025
Skyscanner data indicates 54% are considering going solo next year. (2025) ”Travel search engine Kayak’s data shows searches for single-traveler flights are 36 percent higher for 2025 travel than in 2024. While a survey by Skyscanner, a Kayak rival, indicates one in two travelers (54 percent) are considering escaping solo in 2025, with 65 percent choosing to go their own way because family and friends don’t share their travel interests.” Source
More people are realising the freedom it offers—not having to compromise on destinations, meal choices, or itineraries. But the secret sauce of solo travel in 2025? Building instant connections through community-focused experiences.
Related Articles: Guides to Solo Travel
Best Destinations for Solo Travellers in 2025
– Lisbon, Portugal: A hub for digital nomads and solo travellers, Lisbon’s coworking spaces double as social meetups. Spend mornings exploring tiled streets and afternoons mingling with fellow travellers at rooftop bars. Incredible place to visit!
– Chiang Mai, Thailand: Famous for its warm, friendly vibe, Chiang Mai offers group cooking classes, temple tours, and bustling markets where it’s impossible to feel alone.
– Mexico City, Mexico: From Frida Kahlo-inspired art walks to vibrant food tours, the city’s lively culture invites solo travellers to join the fiesta.
Find the cheapest flights: Trip.com Flights and Hotels
Community-Focused Accommodation Options
Your choice of accommodation can make or break your solo travel experience. Luckily, 2025 offers more options than ever for sociable stays:
- Hostels 2.0: Modern hostels like Selina and Generator provide private rooms with communal spaces, ideal for travellers who want privacy but also crave connection.
- Eco-Villages: Stay in sustainable communities like La Loma Jungle Lodge (Panama), where shared dinners and activities bring people together.
- Homestays & Airbnb Experiences: From staying with a local family in Kyoto to joining cultural workshops in Marrakech, these offer a built-in social network. Most owners / families will let you integrate with them and even take you on tours! I recommend using Airbnb or Couchsurfing.
Recommended Hostels: Hostelworld Best Hostels
Further reading: Finding Your Solo Travel Groove: Tips to Enjoy Your Own Company
Community Tours: Exploring Together
Group tours aren’t just for retirees aymore! Brands like Intrepid Travel and G Adventures specialise in small-group trips that connect you with people who share your passions, whether it’s hiking Patagonia or volunteering on coral reef projects in Bali.
Solo but Social: Activities That Bridge the Gap
- Workshops & Classes: Why not master pasta-making in Italy or learn to surf in Byron Bay? Shared interests create instant bonds.
- Volunteering Holidays: Help out on wildlife conservation projects or teach English in rural schools, it’s rewarding and social.
- Day Trips: Many cities offer free or low-cost walking tours where you’ll meet other curious solo travellers.
Use Get Your Guide for the best tours and tickets!
Digital Tools to Connect While Travelling
The digital world makes travelling alone so much easier. Here’s what you need in 2025:
- Meetup.com: Find local events and activities wherever you go.
- Couchsurfing Hangouts: Meet locals or fellow travellers for a casual coffee or city tour.
- Bumble BFF: Perfect for finding new friends to explore with.
What to know How to Plan or Save for a Trip? Here are our best:
Safety First: How to Stay Secure and Social
Travelling solo doesn’t mean throwing caution to the wind. Here are some tips:
- Share your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member.
- Use apps like Sitata for real-time safety updates.
- Trust your instincts when it comes to meeting new people—stick to public places for initial meetups.
Keeping Safe: Solo Travel Safety: Proven Tips to Keep You Safe
Solo Travel in the Age of Sustainability
Sustainable travel is the name of the game in everyone’s future, and solo travellers are leading the charge. Look for eco-conscious experiences that give back to local communities:
- Join reforestation projects in Costa Rica.
- Support indigenous-owned tour companies in Canada.
- Stay at eco-lodges powered by renewable energy in New Zealand.
Related article: Conquer Your Fears: The Beginner’s Guide to Solo Travel
Real Stories: Travellers Who Did It Right
Anna from London: “I spent two weeks in Bali on a yoga retreat. By day three, I had a group of friends from six countries. It didn’t feel like solo travel at all!”
Jamie from Melbourne: “I joined a cooking class in Florence and ended up spending the evening chatting with a couple from Brazil and another solo traveller from Japan. We even planned a day trip together the next day.”
Source: Reddit communities
As you can now tell, travelling alone doesn’t mean being lonely. Thanks to the rise of community-driven travel experiences, solo adventurers can explore the world while forming meaningful connections along the way. It’s things like sharing tapas in Spain or hiking the Inca Trail with a group of strangers-turned-friends, there’s no shortage of opportunities to make your trip unforgettable.
So, go ahead—step out of your comfort zone and embrace the thrill of solo travel. You might just come back with a heart full of memories and a brand-new circle of friends.
Share Your Solo Story!
What’s your favourite way to stay connected while travelling solo? Share your tips, experiences, or dream destinations in the comments below!
Related Solo Traveller Articles:
- Hostels 101: Choosing the Right Place to Stay on a Backpacking Trip
- Collecting Memories, Not Things: Why Backpacking Wins
- 10 Best Volunteer Abroad Programs in the World for 2024
Recommended Websites and Resources:
Your Questions, Answered
Q: Is it safe to travel alone as a woman in 2025?
A: Absolutely! Many destinations have become more female-friendly, offering women-only hostels, tours, and safety apps like SheSafe. Use common sense, stay aware of your surroundings, and trust your instincts.
Q: How can I meet people while travelling alone?
A: Take group tours, stay in hostels, attend local events, or join activities like cooking classes or guided hikes. Apps like Meetup.com can also connect you with locals.
Q: What’s the best way to balance alone time and socialising?
A: Choose accommodations that offer communal spaces but private rooms. Plan group activities during the day and save evenings for downtime if you need it.
Q: Are there specific destinations ideal for solo travellers?
A: Yes! Cities like Copenhagen, Tokyo, and Medellín are renowned for their safety, friendliness, and vibrant solo travel scenes.
Q: How do I avoid feeling homesick while travelling alone?
A: Stay connected with loved ones through regular video calls, bring a few home comforts (like your favourite tea or snacks), and keep busy with activities that excite you.
Travel Planning Resources
Ready to book your next trip? These trusted resources have been personally vetted to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Book Your Flights: Kick off your travel planning by finding the best flight deals on Trip.com. Our years of experience with them confirm they offer the most competitive prices.
Book Your Hotel: For the best hotel rates, use Booking.com . For the best and safest hostels, HostelWorld.com is your go-to resource.
Find Apartment Rentals: For affordable apartment rentals, check out VRBO. They consistently offer the best prices.
Car Rentals: For affordable car rentals, check out RentalCars.com. They offer the best cars, mostly brand new.
Travel Insurance: Never travel without insurance. Here are our top recommendations:
- EKTA for Travel Insurance for all areas!
Book Your Activities: Discover walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more on Get Your Guide. They have a vast selection of activities to enhance your trip. There is also Tiqets.com for instant mobile tickets.
Need More Help Planning Your Trip? Visit our Resources Page to see all the companies we trust and use for our travels.
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