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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.

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.

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.

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!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

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.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Ziggy Samuels

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Travel buddy: 10 desirable characteristics and behaviors + search tips

A lot of different factors can influence whether you enjoy your holiday or not. The weather, locals, sightseeing, safety, unforeseen events, transportation method, budget, stress, or even the pillow you will lay your head on at night. But most of all, I believe that a travel buddy can make or break your holiday. I speak from personal experiences. Regardless whether you travel as a couple, friends, occasional travel companion, as part of a guided group trip, or you decide to join a few other backpackers as part of your solo trip.

The longer you go and the more you differ, the more the differences will become evident and may lead – in worst case scenario – to irritation, frustration or worse. There are these websites and Facebook posts of people looking for travel companion. If no one in your vicinity meets your travel needs, you have to do something. Life is too short to always having to wait for others. Some calls seem so desperate that “anyone” would be fine, as long as they do not have to travel solo. Rather risky considering the fact that bad travel company can pretty much ruin your trip.

When looking for the right travel companion, what kind of characteristics and behaviors do you look for? Nobody is perfect but here are some tips and suggestions based on personal experiences during 20 years of travel.

Lover vs. travel buddy

Now if you have serious travel goals and you are still looking for a partner or you are still in the dating phase, I would suggest to pay some extra attention here. Your boyfriend or girlfriend will likely become an important travel companion throughout your life. You may have others that you can go travel with, like friends or a relative, however their lives will develop (kids) and not many couples survive if all they share together are the household and obligations.

People may be different of course, but if you enjoy traveling and your partner has a different travel style preference than you (for example budget backpacking vs. luxury) and/or multiple unpleasant character traits, then traveling can become a setback faster than you might imagine now. Or you end up on a couch with a bunch of screaming kids, feeling miserable with every travel photo you see. Love is blind and there will always be compromises in life, but keeping your mind when choosing a life partner can make a big contribution to your future travel happiness. Good luck!

Characteristics travel buddy

Someone’s character highly influences whether or not someone is pleasant company; with travel, but also in relationships, at work, etc. What kind of characteristics makes someone a pleasant travel buddy is a bit subjective and personal of course, however there are a bunch of characteristics that most people do appreciate in others. So what are the main characteristics and behaviors that I appreciate in my favorite travel buddies? In voluntarily order. You may notice that communication, expectation, equivalency and respect are a reoccurring theme.

To me, laughing is like the elixir of life. No matter how many things may go wrong and how miserable things can get, if you can laugh with your travel companion, it will definitely contribute with your travel happiness. If someone has no humor at all, a very different kind of humor than you, or only makes harsh jokes on the expense of others, things can become dull up to embarrassing or obnoxious. When you notice this after a couple of days out of a three or four weeks or months trip, the journey can feel like an energy-consuming, exhausting long way. So better test this in advance before going on a longer trip together.

2. Patience

I can be a bit slow in the morning. Make-up, hair, pick clothes, day dreaming… Not a morning person at all. If your travel companion is a morning person and you are a night owl, your day rhythm will be different and require some adjustment. Morning persons who do not care about make-up or a crease in their pants, will be must faster ready for breakfast than an evening person who does. If you share an apartment, the morning person may want to start making breakfast? The slower person may want to set the alarm a bit earlier to have enough time. Find a way to make it work.

But what if you are staying in a hotel ? Isn’t it nice if your travel buddy patiently waits until you are ready for breakfast too? OK maybe not for hours but waiting for 10 minutes or so is a way of showing respect to the other. OK, but what if you are really hungry and the other person looks-like they may need at least another half an hour or so? Just joke about your growling stomach, ask your travel buddy on a friendly tone how much more time he or she needs to get ready, and potentially discuss the possibility of going to breakfast already. Saves a lot of raised eye brows I can tell ya.

Same with for example taking pictures during holidays. Show some patience towards a travel buddy who wants to take a photo or shoot a short video at a sight. Obviously this should not become a whole photo shoot on every single step you take. Especially if you are on a group trip, show some patience towards others. Otherwise you better travel solo, so you can do everything as you like, on your own pace. Showing some patience to another has a lot to do with showing respect, but that is just my humble opinion.

Did your mom get hospitalized recently? Your sister got a baby? Your bunny recently died? It is nice if you show some empathy to your travel companion. Simply ask how they are doing and ask about recent events in their lives. Possibly this person does not want to talk about the less fun things that have happened recently in his/her life, a holiday can help to escape and relax for a while from our daily worries. But do not fill in for another or assume; make an attempt and you will notice quickly enough, whether your questions are appreciated or not. It does not have to become a police kind of interrogation, but open your heart, be kind and show some interest in one another. Who knows, you may end up in a wonderful deep conversation about life.

Traveling with a travel buddy who is anti-social, is like a nightmare to me. Or those couples who sit at a restaurant table opposite each other and have nothing to talk about, simply stare around or at their smartphone. After a couple of weeks of traveling together, it is not strange to be silent for a while, but not all the time, right? When you are traveling around as a couple, I have noticed that sometimes you can be in your own bubble, mainly focused on each other. When you travel solo, with a social friend or a nice group, I have the experience that it is much likelier that you will end up spontaneously talking with other travelers and locals. Meeting great people often end up as some of the best travel memories.

Extrovert people usually make contact with others easily. As an introvert person you can benefit from that and enjoy the talks, you can get annoyed or tired from all the talking and social events at some point, or a possibly combination? I love traveling with my friends who work in the hospitality business. They are so easy going and social; smiling and friendly to strangers, making contact with others easily. Not in a naïve but in a fun and sincere interested kind of way. I would travel around again with those friends any day!

Social people can be a lot of fun. If you are on an island like Ibiza and you want to go out to a party, while all your travel companion wants is relax and stay in? That can be quite a setback. Also, social people like sharing things, such as a snacks, or ask you to taste their cocktail. I love social people.

What are considered good manners is definitely influenced by culture, upbringing, etc. It is great if both you and your travel companion respect the local culture and behaves appropriately. For example dress appropriately when visiting a religious sight, not wear a T-shirt with an offensive image and/or text, not smoke where it is not allowed, etc.

When you travel with someone, you get to know their eating habits and behaviors. What or normal and acceptable for you, is very personal. Stand up eating, elbows on the table, talking while eating, not using a fork and knife, there are a lot of table and eating manners that are cultural related. Cleaning out a table while some of the people on that table are still eating is considered rude in Western Europe, while in the US that is considered good service. And what if you are a carnivore and your travel companion only wants to go to vegan places?

Personally I can get awfully annoyed by eating noises. Champing, slurping or other forms of noisy sipping, chewing or swallowing, the repetitive sound of a fork against someone’s front teeth, etc. Having a mild form of misophonia, I can be quickly annoyed by all kinds of noise actually, repetitive sounds and movements such as wobbly legs flickering light in the corner of my eye. Especially when I am tired and/or stressed. In addition, clicking with a pen or bubble gum for example. And I am not alone in this, I know several people who have misophonia symptoms too. A travel companion who takes that into account is essential for a pleasant holiday.

And what about snoring? Dorm rooms are soooo not my thing! I would not be able to sleep at all. Or a camping neighbor who has their TV or music speaker out loud all the time for example. When someone is so generous to allow you to spend several nights at their place, wouldn’t it be social to offer some help making food, do the dishes or make up the beds?

6. Together apart

In The Netherlands we have this expression: out together, home together. When traveling, that means that for example if you go out for a drink together, you also make sure that you all get back to your accommodation together. Taking care of each other, watch each other’s back, make sure the other(s) get(s) home safely. You will never forgive yourself if something happens to the other person because you wanted to stay at the club for a few more drinks. I know the stories, it happens.

However, that does not mean you have to do everything together on a trip, not as a couple either. You cannot like everything the same. Let’s say you have a different level of fitness. Quite a determining factor when traveling together. One may dream about walking the Tongariro Crossing in New Zealand , while the other thinks it is a bit too much for him/herself and prefers to go horse riding instead. Or one person wants to see some more temples in Bangkok, while the other is not interested and prefers to sleep in for once. No problem, just do something separately, as long as it is safe and in balance.

So I arranged a couple of people who wanted to join my boyfriend to do the walk, dropped them off at the starting point, went horse riding in the meantime, and picked them up when they were finished in the afternoon. We both had fun that day, on our own way, totally fine! Your travel buddy wants to go to the market with some other group members, while you want to relax a bit at the pool? Cool, just give each other some space, enjoy yourself, and meet again for dinner for example. Especially on a longer trip this is fine. When looking for travel companion, check each other’s condition and interests. If one wants to party all the time while the other has a list of museums to check, this may lead to conflict.

7. Fair share

When it comes to money and travel, it is important that you agree in advance how things will be paid by whom. To me, 50/50 is the norm, but for example with couples where one partner makes no or a lot less money than the other, I can imagine the contributions are different. At least talk about it, to avoid unpleasant surprises. The bigger the group and the less well you know each other, the bigger the chance money-wise things may go wrong, from misinterpretation to misunderstanding to miscommunication, or worse. Money can do strange things to people and lead to undesirable, awkward situations or even break ups, I know from personal experience.

Set your fears aside quickly and talk about it when planning a trip. Who will pay for what and how? What can be paid from the joint cash pot? There are apps that can be helpful to keep track of expenses or quickly transfer money to someone else. Having a similar level of spending and budget is definitely earlier and helpful to avoid such financial crises. As a woman, it is nice if your boyfriend or husband treats you for dinner, but do you want him to do that every night? That does not sound fair to me, but hey, I am Dutch; Dutch women like to be independent. Generosity is a lovely characteristic but it’s not cool to make advantage of that. Be careful when considering a trip with someone who has a lot lower budget than you.

Sure, when you are lovers or good friends, you are not going to be difficult about every penny. It is definitely no fun to hang around on holidays with a Scrooge. If someone is not willing to pay for a pricey cocktail on a rooftop to enjoy the view, that can be a real disappointment and spoil the fun for you. That can happen on a night during a longer trip, but if every night one wants to get a salad at the supermarket to save money, while the other prefers steak or a fancy restaurant, this can become a real deal breaker.

Try to spend a similar amount of money during the trip, for example by getting the same amount of cash from the ATM every time for a joint cash pot. One evening you pay dinner, another evening the other pays for dinner. But what if the bills were very different on several nights, would you calculate back who paid how much in total at the end of the trip? One time this has made a huge dent in a friendship, as I paid thousands of euro more than my friend and she lied about paying back. The dark side of a memorable holiday you do not get to see on the pictures.

8. Complimentary

Everyone brightens up with a nice compliment. For some people this seems to be very difficult, to give or receive a compliment, but this is something everyone should have on their to-do list every day. I believe real friends give each other sincere compliments. Wouldn’t it be nice if your travel companion would compliment you, if you made an effort to get yourself a nice new dress for this trip, or bought new sunglasses? Or if your hair is looks lovely that day? It can be small things, obviously it does not have to be anything in appearance or materialistic.

For instance saying thank you after he/she made a nice photo of you. Or when you picked a nice restaurant. Or to the restaurant itself. Traveling with a jealous whiner who can only nag about everything is no fun at all. Thankful people who frequently make sincere compliments to others are better companion. Positives vibes!

If friends do not live close to each other, they have to make an effort to see each other. This should come from both sides. The same counts for travel buddies. Both should make an effort to keep the trip fun. Naturally there is usually one person who is the planner and the other(s) is/are more like a follower. That’s fine because two captains on one ship usually does not work. Be thankful for the efforts the planner/organizer makes. Planning and organizing a trip can be a very time consuming task. Try to take some initiative yourself as well, such as finding a nice place to eat that evening on Tripadvisor or Google.

I love going on trips with a travel buddy who is into photography. Or at least someone who (does not mind) to make an effort of taking a nice photo of you. If your travel buddy hates taking photos, or determines one careless shot should be enough, this can become an issue. Sure, you should not make a photoshoot out of every spot; that would be ridiculous. But I love my friends and I want them to look good on a photo, so I make an effort to get a favorable shot, want to see them happy. Nice pictures are a memorable, free souvenir.

Also towards people on a group trip; after a few days they usually know who to ask to take their photo. I remember one of my friends said to me on Bali: “It is such a relief to finally travel with someone who does not get annoyed when I want to stop somewhere and take some time to shoot a short video”. Obviously, when both of you do not care about photography, fine, hopefully you share other common interests. That’s always good for bonding.

10. Adaptability

Slightly touched already under Patience and Humor for example, but find this one so important that I wanted to mention it separately. When people travel together, you have to get used to each other and adapt. From eating habits to travel pace. When you do not know someone well and you consider him/her as travel companion, sort out what this person’s day rhythm looks-like. Is he/she a morning or an evening person? Does he/she mind crowds or rather get up early to avoid crowds? Try to gather some examples on how this person handles situations in which something goes differently than initially planned? In other words: how flexible is this person and is he/she willing to adapt?

Nothing worse than traveling with an ego-centric selfish person who has a “my way or the high way” kind of attitude. The more easy going someone is, usually the better it is, preferably adding some humor to release some tension when needed. If both of you are determined to see everything everywhere, no problem, go ahead. But if the other does not, you will have to compromise and adapt your plans a little bit so it stays fun for both. Making drama or a battlefield out of everything will be exhausting. That is not what a holiday is supposed to feel like, right? Try to lower your expectations, seek common decisions and please go with the flow once and awhile.

Do you have any characteristics or behaviors desirable for travel companion to add? Please feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this article.

Undesirable

Contrary, there are characteristics and behaviors that are not desirable with travel companion. Throughout the above, I mentioned a few already, but just to give you some examples of what characteristics and behaviors to avoid like the plague: ego-centrism, anti-social, arrogance, inflexibility, disrespectful and mean. Sure, what one finds annoying or unacceptable may be fine to someone else. Nobody is perfect, including myself. But as long as you treat others the way you would like to be treated yourself, at least you make an effort to make it work and keep it fun for both.

The dilemma

Should you have the desire to travel yet no-one you know can or wants to join? Ask around with friends and family members whether they know someone else looking for a travel buddy? Alternatively, you could go solo (which I can highly recommend) or join a guided group trip (which I can also recommend, especially for ’trickier countries’). Some thoughts:

• When you travel solo and stay in hostels and/or join group tours, it is very common to meet new people along the way and ending up spending days or weeks with them.
• Join day tours booked via for example Viator or GetYourGuide . I met lovely people that way.
• Look online for people who are in the same location as you (locals or fellow travelers) to spend a day or so with. Thing about country specific Facebook groups for example, or websites like Localites or Meetup.com that connect solo travelers and locals. Go to a local’s home for dinner via EatWith . Check apps like PartyWith and TravelStoke to find same minded travelers wherever you are. Or for the real adventurers among us: Couchsurfing .
• Guided group round trips can be really nice I discovered in Egypt some years ago. Such group tours can be in your own local language (see my Partners page for several options) or international, like Intrepid and G Adventures . Most groups are pretty generic (like any age, all genders, wide area of interests, individuals and couples, etc.), some more specific (focus interest like photography or hiking, singles, female only, etc.).

Search online for travel buddy

If you have decided that a guided group trip or solo travel is not what you want, then you could try and search online for travel companion. There are websites, apps, forums, Facebook groups, etc. that can be helpful to find a travel buddy.

• Some good examples of international websites and apps that help English speaking people in their search for a travel buddy are: Workaway , TravelSisters , Ga f fl , TripTogether , TripGiraffe , Travello and TourBar . Especially when you are older, you may be interested in looking into Women Welcome Women World Wide (5W) . For Dutch travelers there is Reisgenoot Zoeken . To combine travel and dating, check out Miss Travel .
• Online forums such as Lonely Planet , Travellers Point , Gap Year or TravelGirls (Dutch).
• Facebook groups such as The Solo Female Traveler Network (private), Adventure and Travel Mates (public) and specific travel buddy seeking groups in your own language, in case English is your your native language.

Safety first

Just be careful online. Do not share too many details about yourself online, especially not on public pages. This may create the risk of attracting people with bad intentions, like traffickers. Be aware of the phenomenon called cat fishing, when someone who pretends to be someone online they are not in real-life. Always meet up in a public place first, make sure your family or best friend knows where you are going and who you are going to meet (name, phone number). Be cautious with organizations that promise things that sound good to be true or ask money for volunteer work.

Do not rush into a decision. Listen to your gut feeling and inner voice. Your first impression is often your intuition telling you something. When it does not feel good, walk away, do not be desperate. Safety first. Tell people at home where you are and who you are going to hang out with. I would never promote hitch-hiking as it involves too many risks. Couchsurfing is something that budget travelers may want to try, but as a solo female traveler be extra careful, for instance never stay in a house where are only men, who you never met before. This is asking for trouble .

Question potential travel buddy

When talking face-to-face to anyone who potentially could become your travel buddy, don’t jump on cloud no. 9 out of enthusiasm immediately. This is like dating but then for travel companionship instead of love. Make a serious attempt to find out what this person is really like and how he/she will behave during a trip abroad. What are their travel dreams, wishes and expectations? Ask about their previous trips, how did they go? Some examples of questions you may want to consider discussing with your potential travel buddy:

• Are you a hostel or hotel kind of person? Low budget or luxury lover?
• Which countries are in your top 5 as future travel destinations?
• What is your budget? Did you already save the amount or plan to use your credit card?
• What annoys you about people on holiday? What are your eating habits?
• Can you give me an example of a situation in which you dealt with a setback?
• Do you prefer to travel with a suitcase or backpack? Method of transportation?
• Could you describe your perfect day on holiday? Morning or evening person?
• What are the top 5 of places you want to see and things you want to do in country x?
• Do you prefer to plan everything in advance or to wing it? Planner or follower?
• How do you stay fit? Do you have any active hobbies or do you prefer to relax mostly?

Be open and honest. Not too critical yet realistic. Alarm bells should ring for instance if a potential travel buddy does not have realistic ideas (f.e. wants to stay at 4 or 5 star hotels while he/she is still a student), tells a lot of negative stories about other people such as previous travel buddies, wants to keep things secret, things like that. Try to go on a short, regional trip together first (trial), before planning trips together longer than a week or so abroad.

UPDATE: looking at the world right now, I’d definitely also suggest to ask your potential travel buddy about their opinion on Trump, COVID-19 , vaccination, conspiracy theories, etc. These tear families and friends apart, better check in advance.

Found a travel buddy?

There are several things you will need to agree upon before booking a trip with your travel buddy and actually going. Even if you are friends for years. Talk and share information in advance about for example:

• Make clear, detailed agreements about money : budget, who pays what, joint cash pot, etc.
• Agree where and when to go, how/when things will be planned, accommodation, etc.
• Make sure you have each other’s health and travel insurance details (name company, 24/7 phone number, policy or customer number) and emergency person’s name and phone number in case something happens.
• Visit each other at home and ideally get introduced to each other’s partner, family, etc. first. Update your family and/or partner on your travel plans and share your travel buddy’s details with them.

Yet most of all: have fun! I sincerely hope you will have a wonderful trip, however you decide to travel. Just don’t get your hopes up too high. Realistically speaking, you may have a difference of insights or want something different at some point. No matter how hard you try, one way or another, you will encounter issues or differences along the way. People are never 100% the same (but they can be complimentary to each other).

If your travel buddy is not like what you expected in advance, don’t get depressed. Try to make the best out of it. Talk to each other and see if it can be solved in an adult way. Always stay respectful. Do not let somebody walk all over you. Decide for yourself if it is worth a fight if that’s your sad conclusion on the last day of your trip. Conclude for yourself that he/she is a ‘once but never again’, lesson learned, move on and cherish the good memories. Consider splitting up if there is still a long way to go. It’s not the end of the world. I went on a solo trip to Japan and had a great time.

To conclude

The perfect travel buddy does not exist. However, a proper search and having some basic standards in mind can definitely influence your chance for success. Know yourself, what is important to you? Don’t be too critical yet honest and realistic. There will always be a point where two travelers turn out to be different. And for that reason, before you travel with that person, it is worth reviewing some of the points and questions listed in this article and reach agreement. To avoid unnecessary miscommunication and frustration along the way. Happy travels!

Did you ever travel abroad with someone that turned out to be bad travel companion? Who is your favorite travel buddy? Please feel free to share your personal tips and experiences below.

This article contains affiliate links to support this website. It does not cost you anything extra if you buy something after clicking on one of those links. Partner websites that I am affiliated with , reward me with a small commission for making useful connections between buyers and their service or product. This helps to cover the costs for this website. Consider it as a compliment for my work. For more information click  here .

Don’t want to order anything via these links but would like to support me to continue to create new content ? You can always buy me a glass of wine or take a look at my partner page . Thanks in advance & enjoy your next trip!

Last Updated on 06/24/2022 by Elisa Flitter Fever

Elisa Flitter Fever

Hello, I'm Elisa - travel blogger, passionate about beautiful destinations, writing, wine tasting and animals. Sharing info & tips like I do with my best friends. The travel blog that goes the extra mile. 70 countries & counting!

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This is really awesome article. Thanks for sharing this information.

Thank you. Wish you a great day.

Very nice blog with a pretty beautiful photos. What an inspiring information. Thank you for sharing.

It’s so inspiring.

I liked the way you describe the facts about to be a better travel buddy. The thrill and adventure behind all these would be a good memorable one if you are lucky. But finding travel buddy online is always a bit risky and expectations can not be met all the times is a common thing. Being honest and respectful to others is something which brings us friend. I wish everybody on this earth would be as good as a trusted friend one day! Thanks to Elisa (the Author) for her nice article.

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Solo Traveler

Solo travel tips, destinations, stories... the source for those who travel alone.

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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• Solo Travel Tips

GAFFL connects solo travelers with similar itineraries to explore destinations together. Whether you are backpacking in Asia, road tripping in Australia, or exploring national parks in the US, simply type the destination you are traveling to, find travelers who are going there at the same time as you, connect with them, plan trips, meet, and travel together.

Traveling alone sucks! It’s boring, expensive, and unsafe! At  GAFFL,  our mission is to help our users find a travel buddy no matter where they are traveling. In the last few years, we have worked with users from more than 150 countries. From our understanding, these are the five things you should consider before looking for a travel buddy online.

1. Who are you looking for?

The ‘Who’ is the most important aspect when it comes to finding the right person to travel together. You need to find the type of person you will be comfortable with while traveling together. For multi-day road trips or adventure travel, you might be sharing cars and lodging as well. Are you looking for someone who is like-minded who has a lot of similarities with you? Or, are you looking for someone who is very different than who you are? These should be the first questions you ask yourself.

Then comes the ‘Why’. Are you looking for a travel buddy to splits costs, to have a shared experience, or to make new friends while traveling? You may want to have a shared experience but you do not really care about the budget. You want to stay in   4-star   hotels, but if your travel buddy is only traveling with you to lower costs, they may not want to spend too much money on hotels. There will be a conflict. So, after getting connected to someone, while you are in the planning phase, talk freely about the ‘Why’.

3. Trip Flexibility

Some travelers are super flexible. But, some are not. They may have to catch a   flight   or have a list of places they want to be  at  on   particular dates,   etc . If you are a flexible traveler, you should also look for someone who is just as flexible as you are.

4. Paying costs Upfront?

While planning a trip, before you actually meet up with your travel buddy, you may book hotels or rent cars together. If you had paid for all the expenses upfront, what will you do if your travel buddy for some reason never shows up? To protect users from this ‘no-show’ event,   GAFFL   recently built ‘Splits’.  Before paying all the costs, you can create a Split Request for your travel buddy. Once your travel buddy pays you, the system holds the money until the trip starts. This way you and your travel buddy both are protected economically.

5. Meeting a Real Person

Fake profiles are something we cannot ignore anymore. It’s really important to do your own research. See if your travel buddy has a genuine profile pic, social account verification, and also ID verification if you are concerned. If they have not completed those steps, you should ask them to do so. You should always meet up with your travel buddy in a public location. If you feel unsafe, you can easily say ‘thank you’ and leave. As a solo traveler, trust your gut feelings.

If you want to get started with your travel buddy search, you can browse through the trips and local listings below. 

Join our subscriber list to receive the best tips on solo travel, helpful travel guides, inspirational travel stories, and more. You can unsubscribe anytime with just one click.

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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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Travelling can be an enriching and unforgettable experience, but it can also be lonely for those venturing out alone. That’s where the idea of finding a travel buddy comes in.

A travel companion not only alleviates loneliness but can also provide a sense of safety, share expenses, and help create long-lasting memories. With the rise of technology, finding like-minded individuals who share your passions and travel goals has become more accessible than ever before.

There are numerous websites and apps dedicated to helping travelers connect, while also offering guidance on how to create an appealing profile to attract the right kind of travel partner. Additionally, reaching out to locals at your destination is a great way to make friends and gain valuable insights about the place you are visiting. However, as with any online interaction, it’s essential to prioritize your safety and be diligent about the people you choose to travel with.

Key Takeaways

Importance of finding a travel buddy, creating an appealing profile, meeting locals, find a travel buddy using online platforms, travel buddy safety, dividing expenses and budgeting, choosing the right travel buddies, frequently asked questions.

• Finding a travel buddy can alleviate loneliness, provide safety, and share expenses during your trips.
• Utilize online platforms and local connections to find like-minded travel companions.
• Prioritize safety and choose the right travel partner for a more enjoyable and memorable journey.

Finding a travel buddy can greatly enhance your trip experience, providing numerous benefits that make traveling more enjoyable, safe, and rewarding. A good travel partner can not only help you with planning and organizing your journey, but also offer invaluable advice, guidance, and practical assistance during your trip.

When venturing into unfamiliar territory, a travel buddy can be a source of comfort and companionship. Solo travel may provide growth opportunities and self-discovery, but sharing the experience with a like-minded travel partner can lead to lasting memories and deeper connections. Exploring new destinations together creates a strong bond through shared discoveries, adventures, and meaningful moments.

Traveling with a partner can also contribute to your personal safety, as you watch out for each other in potentially risky situations. In case of emergencies, it is reassuring to have someone by your side who knows your medical and accessibility needs. A travel buddy can serve as a support system, helping you navigate challenging terrain or offering assistance when needed.

In addition, a travel companion can bring a fresh perspective and unique insights to your trip. Drawing upon their own experiences, your travel partner may offer suggestions, recommendations, and tips that you may not have considered. This can lead to novel and enriching travel experiences.

When choosing a travel buddy, it’s important to look for someone who is flexible, adaptable, and open-minded. You should also consider practical factors such as financial compatibility, shared interests, and complementary travel styles. Ultimately, a well-matched travel partner can transform your journey, enhancing your adventures and turning a great trip into an unforgettable experience.

How to Find a Travel Buddy

Finding a suitable travel buddy can greatly enhance your travel experiences. There are several methods available to help you connect with potential travel companions. In this section, we provide some popular and reliable ways to find travel partners.

One popular option is online platforms dedicated to connecting travelers. Websites such as GAFFL and Travel Buddies provide an easy-to-use interface where you can create a profile, set your travel preferences, and search for like-minded individuals. These platforms often allow you to send free messages to other users and exchange travel ideas, making it easier to find a suitable travel partner.

Another useful method is to engage with dedicated traveler communities and forums. Websites such as Workaway and Couchsurfing are excellent places to connect with fellow travelers, as they provide opportunities to share travel plans, ask for advice, and even find people to travel with. Many of these communities also offer free accounts, making them accessible to a wider range of travelers.

Lastly, consider leveraging social media platforms to find a travel buddy. Facebook Groups, for example, offer numerous travel-themed communities where users can post details about upcoming trips and search for travel partners. Creating and sharing a post in a relevant group can help you to connect with other travelers who share your interests and travel plans.

In conclusion, using a combination of dedicated travel platforms, online communities, and social media can help you find the ideal travel partner for your next adventure. Taking the time to create a detailed profile, engage with fellow travelers, and explore various platforms will increase your chances of finding a travel buddy who complements your travel preferences and enriches your overall experience.

When looking for a travel partner, it’s essential to create an appealing and informative profile to attract like-minded travel buddies. A well-structured profile can make it easier for potential friends to understand your interests and preferences, facilitating better connections.

To start, include a clear and recent profile picture that shows your face. This allows potential travel partners to recognize you and helps build trust. Additionally, provide some basic personal information, such as your age, gender, and current location. Sharing these demographics can assist others in determining if they’d be a suitable travel buddy for you.

In the profile description, provide insight into your travel preferences and interests. You can mention whether you prefer budget, mid-range, or luxury travel, as well as your favorite activities or destinations. Providing a variety of interests ensures that you’ll find travel friends with similar tastes, making your trip more enjoyable.

Communication is crucial in finding a travel companion. Including a valid email address or other contact methods, such as social media handles, allows interested individuals to reach out to you. Be sure to keep your contact details up-to-date to avoid missed connections.

Lastly, remember to highlight your preferred travel dates and locations. Detailing your itineraries will allow like-minded travelers to join you if their schedules align. This way, your profile becomes focused on targeted information rather than general interests.

By carefully crafting a confident, knowledgeable, and clear profile, finding the right travel companion becomes a more manageable task. Keep these tips in mind when creating your appealing travel buddy profile, and you’ll be one step closer to sharing an unforgettable journey with a new friend.

Meeting locals can be an enriching experience while traveling, as it provides a unique opportunity to learn about the culture, language, and lifestyle of the destination. One way to connect with locals is through social networks and apps that focus on travel companions, such as CouchSurfing and TourBar. These platforms encourage connections between travelers and local communities by offering a space to share interests, travel plans, and even accommodation.

Adventure-seekers can benefit from meeting locals who are familiar with the best spots and hidden gems in their region. They can guide travelers to the most scenic hiking trails, beautiful beaches, and exhilarating outdoor activities that might not be listed in standard travel guides. Additionally, locals can provide insights on cultural nuances and customs, making the travel adventure even more immersive.

Social network apps are not the only method to meet locals during travels; in-person experiences can also be valuable. Participating in local Meetup groups focused on travel, language exchange, or outdoor excursions can be a brilliant way to build connections, especially for solo travelers. These groups organize events and gatherings where travelers can share experiences and ideas with local adventure enthusiasts and make long-lasting friendships.

In conclusion, meeting locals while traveling can lead to more authentic, enjoyable, and culturally enriching experiences. Using social networks and joining local groups can facilitate these connections, enhancing the overall travel adventure and promoting cross-cultural understanding.

Finding a travel buddy has become easier with the help of online platforms catering to travelers aroound the globe. These websites and apps provide a convenient way to connect with like-minded individuals, share itineraries, and split costs, ultimately making your trips more enjoyable and budget-friendly.

One such platform is GAFFL , which allows users to browse through trip listings, locals, and nearby users in a specific location. By connecting with potential travel partners, users can chat, share their itineraries and plan trips together. An added feature is the ability to meet up at a pre-decided public place, ensuring a safe environment for travelers.

Another popular option is JoinMyTrip . This travel platform enables users to lead or join trips to destinations across the globe. By connecting with fellow travel enthusiasts, one can share unforgettable memories, build friendships and explore new places in a group setting.

TripTogether is also a known platform where people can sign up, create profiles, and reach out to others who share their travel interests. The website allows users to search for travel partners based on location, age, gender, and travel preferences, enabling travelers to find a partner that suits their needs.

Not to be left out, social media platforms such as Facebook and Reddit have dedicated groups or subreddits for travelers seeking companionship. Facebook groups like “Travel Buddies” or “Backpackers” zone in on particular trip styles, while Reddit users can subscribe to communities such as /r/travelpartners to find like-minded individuals.

Using these online platforms requires users to create an account and log in, ensuring that there is some level of accountability when making connections. Always exercise caution and use your best judgment when contacting potential travel partners to ensure safety and a pleasant travel experience. With the variety of options available, finding the perfect travel buddy has never been easier.

When searching for a travel buddy, safety should be a top priority. It’s crucial to choose someone trustworthy and reliable to ensure a pleasant and secure journey. Here are some practical tips and advice to help you find the right travel companion and ensure your safety during your adventures.

First, consider asking your friends or family members for recommendations. A warm introduction from someone you trust is often a safer option than searching for a companion online. This way, you have a better chance of traveling with someone your friends or family trust and have confidence in source.

In case you do opt for online platforms to find a travel buddy, choose reputable websites that offer a thorough verification process for their users. Sites such as JoinMyTrip or GAFFL connect travelers who share similar interests while ensuring their profiles undergo verification. The use of trustworthy websites minimizes the risk of meeting unscrupulous individuals during your journey.

When you’ve found a potential travel buddy, it’s essential to communicate openly about your travel preferences, interests, and boundaries. Be sure to discuss topics such as budget, accommodations, and the desired pace of travel to ensure compatibility. Clear and honest communication helps to prevent misunderstandings and disagreements during the trip.

Moreover, it’s wise to meet your travel companion in person before committing to the trip. Meeting in a public place, like a café or a park, allows you to assess whether you feel comfortable with them and can trust them during your journey. If you cannot meet in person, consider having a video call to better gauge their personality and intentions.

Lastly, while traveling, always trust your instincts, and prioritize your safety and well-being. Should you feel uncomfortable or unsafe with your travel buddy, don’t hesitate to make alternative arrangements or seek assistance from local authorities or your embassy.

In conclusion, finding a travel buddy can enhance your travel experience, but it’s essential to prioritize safety. By following the advice mentioned above, you can confidently embark on an enjoyable adventure with your chosen travel companion.

When planning a trip with travel buddies, it’s important to discuss and agree on how to divide expenses and create a budget. A clear understanding of shared costs can make the trip more enjoyable and stress-free for everyone involved. Here are a few guidelines to help manage expenses efficiently:

Firstly, determine the major expenses, such as accommodation, transportation, and guided tours. It’s crucial to decide whether to book individual or shared hotel rooms, as this will significantly impact the overall budget. If you opt for shared rooms, make sure everyone is comfortable with the arrangement. For transportation expenses, discuss if you prefer a running tab for taxis and tours or pay individually.

Next, create a trip budget that includes all anticipated costs. Be transparent about individual budget preferences and ensure everyone is on the same page. A shared budget spreadsheet can help keep track of expenses and allow everyone to contribute their fair share.

When it comes to daily expenses, such as food, entertainment, and attractions, set boundaries on what will be considered shared costs and what each person will cover individually. Establish a system to track these expenses, either by using an app or keeping a travel expense journal.

One smart technique to avoid confusion and disputes over shared expenses is using a splitting feature in some apps like Airbnb and Uber. This feature lets multiple people pay their portion directly, eliminating the need to reimburse each other later.

Throughout the trip, communicate openly with your travel buddies about expenses. If any unforeseen costs arise, address them in a timely manner and decide how to handle them as a group. This will make the trip smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.

Overall, dividing expenses and budgeting play a vital role in ensuring a successful and stress-free trip with travel buddies. By addressing these matters in advance, you can create a positive experience and lasting memories together.

When embarking on an adventure, finding a compatible travel companion is essential for a successful and enjoyable trip. A crucial consideration is each travel partner’s individual travel style. It’s critical to ensure that your travel preferences align in terms of budget, pace, destination, and interests. Sharing the same priorities can make or break your travel experience together.

Another aspect to contemplate is the gender of your travel partner. Deciding on the basis if you prefer to travel with the same or opposite gender can help you to feel comfortable and secure on your journey. Consider talking openly about your preferences and boundaries, as this will help both of you to create a harmonious environment throughout your trip.

Identifying the perfect travel buddy involves evaluating your personalities, social habits, and communication styles. Open and honest communication between travel partners is vital to express your needs, handle conflicts, and reach compromises. Traveling with someone who shares your adventurous spirit will further enhance your time together. Remember, a considerate and respectful travel companion can make even the most challenging situations more manageable.

In conclusion, to choose the ideal travel partner, evaluate the aspects of travel style, gender, and personalities. Ensuring compatibility in these areas will result in a more enjoyable, relaxing, and rewarding journey. Forge strong connections with your travel buddies, as shared memories can become lifelong friendships. Make informed decisions, and be open to the incredible experiences that await you and your travel companion.

There are numerous websites and platforms where you can find a travel companion online. Some popular options include The Broke Backpacker, Road Affair, and Big Travel Nut. These websites offer tips and resources to connect with potential travel mates who share your interests and travel goals.

Choosing the right travel buddy requires careful consideration. Look for someone with similar interests, travel style, and budget. Communication is key, so ensure you can easily discuss preferences and make compromises. Prioritize safety and trust, as you’ll be spending a significant amount of time together. It’s helpful to go on a short trip or spend time together before committing to a longer journey.

Yes, there are several apps designed to help you connect with fellow travelers. Examples include Travello, Backpackr, and TripTogether. These apps allow you to create profiles, search for travel mates based on preferences, and chat with potential travel mates. Some apps also provide recommendations for activities and destinations based on your interests.

When searching for travel mates, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Stick to well-established platforms such as Couchsurfing, Meetup, and TripTogether. Read user reviews and testimonials to gauge the reliability of the platform. Also, remember to exercise caution when messaging and meeting potential travel buddies, and verify their identities before planning a trip together.

To find a travel partner with similar interests, use platforms that allow you to filter search results based on hobbies, travel style, and destinations. Join online forums and social media groups related to your interests, where you can connect with like-minded individuals. Be open and honest about your preferences and expectations, and communicate these with potential travel mates.

For group trips, platforms such as G Adventures and Intrepid Travel specialize in organizing small-group tours with like-minded travelers. Meetup also offers an array of travel-focused groups where you can join group trips or plan your own with new travel buddies. Additionally, connecting with friends of friends or networking through social media travel groups can lead you to prospective group trip partners.

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How to choose a travel companion: find the perfect adventure buddy

The choice of a travel companion can make or break your trip. Learn how to select the best travel partner with insights from personal experience.

Rachael Let's Grow There

Dec 13, 2023

Want to explore a new destination with a friend instead of traveling by yourself? I love traveling solo , but  exploring a new place with a friend can make your travel experience more fulfilling and fun.  However, not everyone will be the right match for the kind of trip you'd like to take, so it's important to choose your travel companion wisely . 

Choosing a travel companion

It's worth taking  some time to think about who would be the perfect fit for you, your destination, and your itinerary before giving them the green light.  It's important to be on the same page with your travel partner in order to have a good experience and make snap decisions.

If you are lucky enough to be traveling with your significant other or close friends, this might be a breeze for you! There will be times when your friends may not be able to go with you based on their schedules or budget, so finding a travel companion may be more difficult. 

Thankfully there are many great websites out there to meet fellow travelers , coordinate plans, and set out to see the world together! I'll talk about them at the end of this article.

These websites match you up with another globetrotter based on your similarities and interests so that your trip with them will go smoothly. This is the perfect option if you don't want to be alone on your trip or you need help splitting costs for cheaper travel .

If your trip is happening soon and you don't have enough time to find a travel buddy , you can always opt to go alone in the hopes of making friends while with other travelers or locals along the way. 

After all, the people are what make a destination so enchanting in the first place , and making friends while traveling alone has a magic of its own. 

Sometimes the best travel experiences are hidden gems, known only by the locals. Befriending them is the best way to experience something unique and get the perfect trip recommendations.

You might also like to read: Why traveling solo is a social experience

One of my favorite ways to find good travel companions during the trip is by doing a work exchange . That's a type of volunteer program where you exchange a few hours of work for free accommodation and other perks, like meals and tours. 

It's super easy to find and apply for an opportunity in most places around the world through Worldpackers , a platform that was created to match travelers that want to live a cheap and fulfilling experience and hosts who need some kind of help. 

During your work exchange you'll probably meet people you can travel with to other places , and it will be easier to know if they are a good travel companion since you'll have spent some time with them away from home.

Interested? Check out the articles where we explain how Worldpackers works.

Think carefully about who to travel with

Not only is travel a blast, it's a completely eye-opening experience that forces you out of your comfort zone and immerses you in cultures you had previously only dreamed of. World travel captivates and amazes, especially in the online world, but it can also be stressful and full of unforeseen challenges. 

The beauty of traveling with a friend is that you can tackle these challenges with them and put your heads together to come up with a solution. 

Choosing the wrong travel companion, however, can greatly amplify the stress and uncertainty you will feel in your destination of choice.  These tense situations tend to bring out the worst in people.  The last thing you want is to be at odds with your travel companion throughout your trip , followed by a cloud of negativity and general unpleasantness wherever you go. 

Finding someone whose travel philosophy aligns well with yours is essential if you're going to be stuck in a foreign land with someone for an extended period of time!

It's important to remember that just because you've spent a lot of quality time with someone at home, that doesn't mean they will be the same easy-going person on the road when faced with the challenges travelers go through. 

Be sure to spend some time with your travel buddy , perhaps on a weekend getaway or a day trip, before embarking on a big adventure. 

You might be scratching your head right now thinking, " So, what should I look for in a travel partner? " Here are some questions to ask yourself in your quest for the right travel companion.

How to choose the right travel companion

1. what do you have in common.

Consider what activities you and your travel buddy enjoy most. Do you prefer climbing mountains, but your partner is afraid of heights? Would you rather go museum-hopping than explore abandoned landmarks? Are you the type of traveler to enjoy the night in or go partying all night long? 

You don't have to enjoy every little thing together, of course! But setting up expectations helps avoid frustration.

Make sure you know if your travel companion is as outdoorsy, adventurous, artsy, or more into the more touristy sightseeing experiences . This will help you coordinate your itinerary, plan your travel days, and help you be more prepared for each day's new adventure! 

2. What are your differences?

On the other hand, traveling with someone who is too similar to you could cause you to butt heads while making important decisions. Search for a travel companion who is a bit different from you . 

If you're an introvert, find someone who is more of an extrovert. If you're indecisive, choose a partner who knows what they want. If you suck at directions, pick someone who has those skills. Share interests with them, but look for diversity when it comes to personality traits. 

3. Discuss how you want to experience the trip 

The key to having an amazing time immersing yourself in a new culture is balance. Travel burnout is a thing! The last thing you want is to create a schedule that has you running around all day, low on energy from waking up early, only to collapse on your hotel bed at the end of the day wishing you'd taken your sweet time to enjoy the area. 

A good rule of thumb is to alternate your schedule and rythm each day. Sleep in on your first day to adjust to any jet lag you may be experiencing. Make the day one of leisure, traveling slowly and getting a general feel for your new destination. 

Wake up early on your second day to see the sunrise and grab breakfast at the best spot in the city. Then hit all the best museums, sights, and attractions before the afternoon rush! Having a thoughtful itinerary like this will prevent travel burnout and help you explore at a good pace. 

Everyone has their own style of traveling . Some prefer self-guided tours to group tours. Some enjoy lounging by the hotel pool, cocktail in hand, instead of hoofing it everyday to see the sights. Some prefer expanding their minds in museums to paragliding over the ocean.

Discuss what you'd like to get out of the trip with your travel buddy , whether it be to find adventure, discover the best-tasting local dish, or to learn about the culture and have a truly authentic experience. Coordinate your interests and priorities so that no one gets disappointed.

4. Talk about expenditures, budgets, and money-spending habits

Before making reservations, booking accommodation, and planning your itinerary, sit down and have an in-depth discussion about your budget . 

Everyone spends their money differently and values different experiences more than others. Establish a spending plan, both a daily and total budget, what items to splurge on, where you're comfortable staying the night, what kind of transportation you'll use to get around, etc.

5. Are they willing to try anything once?

Whether it be trying savory street food or going cliff diving in paradise, traveling with someone who shares the same love of adventure that you do is a must .  Trying local delicacies  is a big part of every culture, and new experiences that get you out of your comfort zone are what great memories are made of. 

Find a travel companion that isn't afraid to try something new , even if it's just once!

6. Make sure their energy level vibes with yours 

Do you consider yourself to have a more laid back personality, or are you always on the go, ready for the next activity? 

Choosing a travel partner who shares the same energy level with you plays a significant role in how smoothly the trip flows and will tell you how much your partner values slow travel over a crammed itinerary.

7. Do they have a sense of humor?

This is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing your travel buddy! If something goes wrong and you miss your bus, your whole day gets rained out, you forgot to pack something, or you meet someone who is less than friendly, the right thing to do is to shake it off. These things happen, and every trip can't be perfect. Travel is messy.

Choose a travel partner who can laugh about the silly mistakes you make along the way .  Traveling with someone who can't look at the bright side of life will crush your ability to have an enjoyable time and become an unnecessary burden that could ruin your trip altogether. 

This is why it's important to spend some time on the road with your new companion before a big trip comes around.

8. What are their dietary preferences and restrictions?

Some travelers like to plan for everything and will meal plan to account for food costs. Talk to your travel buddy to figure out if they have any food allergies, how agreeable they are with trying street food, if they're vegetarian, if they drink or not, how much of a snacker they are, and so forth. 

9. Are they willing to part ways with you every so often?

Your travel partner should be able to respect your personal space if needed and be able to have the confidence to do some activities on their own. Sometimes you just need time to relax and reflect by yourself, or you'll have different interests and opinions on what to do on a certain day. 

10. Do they have an opinion or are they simply "down for whatever"?

It's always good to travel with someone who speaks their mind about what activities they do and do not like. It helps you narrow down what things you can do by yourself and determine what you need to include to make the trip an equally enjoyable experience for everyone.

However, if they are extremely easy to plan for, you can conveniently add more adventures to your to-do list. It's best to know this about your travel partner beforehand to aid you in the initial trip planning process. 

11.  What is their packing style like?

This isn't a huge deal, but if you're a "carry-on only" type of traveler, you don't want to be stuck checking your friend's luggage under the plane and taking up more precious time at the airport. 

Additionally, if their luggage is way too heavy because they've mistakenly overpacked, it will slow down your trip when you have to help them lug it around everywhere. 

Ensure that you and your travel companion are on the same page about packing  and can help each other pack lighter and smarter before the trip. 

12. Is this person trustworthy?

Would your companion be able to be responsible enough to take care of your belongings while you're away from the hotel, stick with you if they happen to meet an attractive stranger, and avoid wandering away from you in busy crowds? 

Your travel partner should never leave you hanging in a tough situation, leave you stranded, or jeopardize the group's safety . Go with someone you can trust to have your back. 

13. To party or not to party?

The more experienced traveler may enjoy grabbing a bottle of wine and resting their tired feet after a long day of sightseeing. Others might enjoy taking a quick nap to recharge before heading out on the town to party the night away. 

Both are totally fine, but make sure your companion knows which type of traveler you are . If you're more of a relaxed traveler, ensure the other person is aware of this and is able to find friends to party with, and vice versa. 

Check out our article about the   15 best party places in the world .

14. If you are traveling with more than one person, how does each person contribute to the group dynamic?

Traveling with a group can be tricky to coordinate. More people means you need to get along with each person in the party, or else the group could become socially divided. 

If you're in a trio, two of your group members might get along particularly well, and you could wind up feeling left out. Make an effort to hang out with your group before your trip in order to get to know everyone better.

Resources to help you find a travel companion

If you can't find a good travel companion among your friends, you can try finding someone recommended by another friend or family member. That's great because the person who makes the connection knows the both of you and will probably be able to tell if there's a good chance of compatibility. 

In case that doesn't work, there are plenty of websites and apps created for matching solo travelers who are looking for a good travel companion. Check it out:

• TripGiraffe
• Travel Companion Exchange
• TravelBuddies
• Lonely Planet Forums
• Travel Partners (Reddit)
• Challenge Chum
• Flip the Trip
• Trip in Touch

Is it possible to find an ideal travel companion?

The ideal travel companion exists, but you have to be willing to compromise. Everyone explores differently, which makes meshing your personalities, temperaments, and attitudes about travel vital to having a first-rate travel experience. One person may possess certain qualities that greatly benefit your trip, or better yet, they excel in certain areas that you may be lacking in.

Also, make sure you reflect on how you can be a good travel companion yourself. Remember that sharing a trip with someone is different than traveling alone. It's good to try and be flexible, have an open mind and communicate honestly.  

Communication and an open mind are always paramount to connecting with people on a deep and meaningful level. The better the connection, the stronger the bond, which means you'll be in the right headspace to soak up more travel goodness on your awesome adventure.

The right travel companion is so important in order to have rich experiences that aren't flat. So choose wisely, but don't overthink it . Take a chance on someone you think would be a good fit, and see what happens!

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Rachael Grow

Let's Grow There

Over the past five years I have worn many hats as a creative freelancer and have been able to pursue adventures across the globe. To me, travel is more than checking a box or sitting on the perfect beach all day. Travel is about self-discovery, keeping an open mind, and learning through culture immersion. In 2017 I was chosen by one of my favorite travel bloggers, The Blonde Abroad, to attend her first ever blogging retreat in Bali with a handful of other inspiring bloggers. It was truly a dream that taught me so much more than I could imagine. Fast-forward to 2019 when I was given the role of one of the lead English writer for Worldpackers. My in-depth articles touched on subjects like volunteer work, overcoming post-travel blues, outdoorsy tips, and boldly adventuring. Inner growth is my jam.

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Write here your questions and greetings to the author

Aug 08, 2022

This is helpful and accurate explanation. This article covers almost all the main pros and cons. Must read for every aspiring traveller who are feeling nervous / scared / hesitant to take the first step.

Jun 08, 2023

This is a very important issue when traveling, which otherwise has become a key point in people's lives. Thanks for the information

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The Top 7 Websites to Find a Travel Buddy

If you're heading off on a travelling adventure soon and don't want to go alone, check out these seven websites that can help you find a travel buddy.

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.

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Lighten the Load with a Like-Minded Travel Companion

Traveling with kids would be easier if only you had four or five arms. Even simple tasks like holding hands to cross busy streets or checking in at the airport can be overwhelming when you're in charge of kids, luggage and travel documents. That's why some single moms look for travel buddies when they're planning family trips. There are trade-offs involved in this arrangement, but for some solo parents, having the help of a travel buddy is a lifesaver.

What Does a Travel Buddy Do?

Quite simply, a travel buddy is another adult who travels with you. People choose to find a travel buddy for a variety of reasons. Traveling with another person might feel safer, cut individual costs (like on cruise ships where rates are based on double occupancy) or make the trip easier in some way.

Do I Need One?

Maybe! If you're a mom traveling alone with kids, having another adult along can be hugely helpful. She can watch them while you run to the bathroom, or stay with the bags while you take the antsy kids to walk around during a long layover. Having a travel buddy might also help you feel more comfortable traveling as a single woman. There's safety in numbers, after all.

How Do I Find One?

Several travel sites have message boards where women can post their travel plans and buddy requirements. However, arranging for a stranger to join you and your kids on a trip is a major gamble. Your best bet is to find a trusted friend or family member to serve this role.

Who Should I Ask?

Not just any willing pal will make a good travel buddy. Choose someone whose company you genuinely enjoy. The ideal travel buddy has good judgment, a positive attitude, and enough energy to keep up with you and your kids at least some of the time. And because traveling with children doesn't allow for a ton of spontaneity, she should be willing to follow your general travel plan. You don't want to wake up one morning and find that she's decided to branch off on her own for a few days.

The person who fits this bill might be a sibling, cousin, old friend or even one of your parents. If you know any other single parents, it's worth asking if they have any interest in teaming up for a trip together. If all else fails and you can afford it, you might ask your favorite sitter to come along and work a few hours each day in exchange for a free trip.

How Will This Work?

Have a meeting before finalizing travel plans to make sure you're on the same page about itinerary and money. You might offer to pay part of the person's travel costs in exchange for some help with childcare, or let the opportunity to travel be its own reward and ask the person to pay her own way. In that case, you might want to treat her to a special excursion during the trip, pay for a few of her meals or gift her with a spa gift certificate as thanks after returning home.

It's also important to talk about what your hopes and expectations are for the arrangement. Will you just ask the travel buddy to help out on actual travel days and let her have the rest of the time to herself, or do you want to stick together all the time? Are you hoping that she'll watch the kids occasionally so you can have a few hours alone? Ask for her input too, and listen carefully. Clear communication is absolutely crucial to having a smooth and happy trip for everyone involved.

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Cooking, travel and parenting are three of Kathryn Walsh's passions. She makes chicken nuggets during days nannying, whips up vegetarian feasts at night and road trips on weekends. Her work has appeared to The Syracuse Post-Standard and insider magazine. Walsh received a master's degree in journalism from Syracuse University.

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How traveling solo can help you find a travel buddy

What’s the best way to find a travel buddy? Go solo on a guided tour! In addition to visiting your dream destination and enjoying a private room, one of the biggest perks of Solo Tours is sharing your memorable journey with fellow travelers. It’s an easy, natural way to meet others whose travel interests and personalities align with yours. And, perhaps, connect with a travel buddy for your next adventure.

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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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WellwornHeels

Travel Buddy 101: What Makes a Great Travel Buddy

‘Can I be your travel buddy?’ is a question I’ve gotten a lot. Having travelled solo, in small groups, in large groups, with old friends, and with new friends. I’ve travelled with more than 20 different people over the years and the experiences have varied!

“I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.” —Mark Twain

The word ‘hate’ is strong but clearly Mark Twain had something to say about travel buddies too! It’s fair to say that there are different types of travel buddies and I’m sharing six things that make a great travel buddy to help you be one or find one!

1. openNesS to new thingS

No one wants to travel with that one person that doesn’t want to try anything new while on vacation, especially without reason.   Whether its food, drinks, or activities, why leave the comfort of your home if all you want is to do the exact same things. Eliminate those people from your travel buddy list, Stat! A great travel buddy is there for adventure and loves to try new things!

2. a travel buddy that travels light (get it?)

I have travel buddies that are amazing at packing light and looking fabulous. Others pack their existence into suitcases. To each their own so long as everyone can handle what they pack. While travelling light for sure comes in handy, I’m less focused on the literal translation here. One of the lessons I’ve picked up from my travels is that things will go wrong every now and then. Sometimes it’s beyond one’s control, and other times we mess up. While we all need a moment or two to be in our feelings when we miss a flight, or a train, or lose luggage, having someone who chooses to sulk and not move on is the WORST! A great travel buddy is willing to let things go, roll with the punches, focus on solving the problem, or just laughing at the situation.

3. i-n-d-e-p-e-n-d-e-n-c-e

When on group trips, or girls getaways , it’s definitely possible to spend most of the time with one’s travel buddies. However, having a travel buddy that feels more like a travel baby than a partner/co-adventurer can get frustrating. This is especially true if travel buddies have different interests or preferences. It’s okay to make a decision to do different things for a few hours and meet up somewhere later in the day. A travel buddy that needs to be with someone at ALL times is a no-no. If a potential travel buddy comes off as needy, read the signs, and either voice concerns/set expectations or EXIT left!

4. good energy/positive outlook

This doesn’t mean that people are delusional and happy all the time, but it does make a difference to have a buddy or two that say YES to adventure, are flexible with plans, and look at the positive side of things. If you encounter a travel buddy that uses more ‘can’ts’ than ‘can’ or is a Debbie downer in general, don’t expect that to change suddenly while on a trip. Everyone wants a travel buddy that has good energy, positive vibes and is just down for a good time.

5. being on the same page financially

Everyone has different things going on financially – earnings, source of funds for travel, bills, debt, family obligations etc. In my opinion, you don’t have to have the same amount of disposable income as your travel buddy, but it is important to be on the same page as far as budget expectations for the trip. Someone with a $10 per meal budget travelling with someone who only dines at Michelin star restaurants…it won’t work! Have the conversation early so one doesn’t feel bad for not spending more or on the flip side, to avoid travelling with someone who complains about every expense.

6. The 'All Talk, No Action' Travel Buddy

Every travel lover has a few of these ‘travel buddies’! Those that’ll say they want to travel 1 million times but don’t come through. Some have valid reasons and for others, it simply isn’t a priority at the time and that’s okay. I keep these travel buddies abreast of my plans but I wouldn’t put a trip on hold for them because they may never come through. Keep them on what I call the ‘travel buddy bench’ but don’t wait on them. The thing is, a few of these buddies actually come through when you least expect them to! On the flip side, there are those that say yes, and then come through, keep those people around!

7. Bonus: good eye and patience for photos:

This is not a requirement of course, but as a travel blogger, it’s the icing on the cake to have a travel buddy with an eye for good angles, or those that simply see the ‘vision’ once you show/tell them what you want! Shout out to those people in our lives, because the struggle is real J.

What else would you add to this list? What’s the most interesting way you’ve met a travel buddy? Who is on your travel buddy bench? Are you a good travel buddy yourself? 

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Till next time, 

Dee (Ms. Heels)

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13 Comments

#2 and #3 are like biggie for me, but heck this are all important. lol Great list and tips.

Travel with a Pen

Travelling light- figuratively. This is a huge one. Can make or break your holiday. Imagine being stuck with someone who complains all the time over the littlest things! I cannot abeg! haha.

Love buddies who are flexible as well and willing to make compromises here and there. And yes, shout out to the amazing buddies who will take hundreds of the same photos because I didn’t like the way my butt looked in that last one. haha.. just kidding but yeah, they’re the rea MVPs

Yesss, it is the biggest one for me too! Yes o, the photographer buddies are the best!!!!

Olufisayo Adeleke

In addition to all you have listed, one of my criterion for choosing a travel buddy is their level of physical fitness. One of my best ways to see a city is by walking around, not just taxi hopping to specific locations…I am also the one that will want to climb a mountain or zipline across a river with crocodiles in it…so yeah my travel buddy should be fearless and not afraid to die.

Great point, I love my parents but after a little walking they’re done and want to rest. So I’ll go on relaxing trips with them but definitely not the active ones. I hope you have these fearless travel buddies!

Very important and valid points … you need to be of like minds and have the same spirit of adventure I.e.it isn’t a shopping holiday, we are here for the food or here for the culture. Flexible enough to change plans and own up quickly if uninterested. I have one of the greatest travel buddy ( and she is into photography as well), I hope she would still be my travel buddy after our cuba/ Mexico City experience ????. 1207boards

Thanks for the comment Des! Hahahah @ it isn’t a shopping holiday, that’s right!! Owning up quickly if uninterested is so important because so many people keep quiet in a bid to keep the peace and in the end they end up resentful! Ahhh, you lucked out on that travel buddy o!!! Enjoy Cuba/Mexico city!!!! I need one of your boards, I’m still thinking of what I want on it 🙂

Spot on in these!!! I’m laughing a bit at number 7 for reasons you know! I’ll work on my photography abilities…! Honestly can’t think of anything you’ve missed! Great list.

Hahahaha, I know! Your photography skills are great!!! I’m about to unleash your work on instagram this week, watch out world!!! Thanks BLR!

megankulluk

Love this article. It is so true about finding someone you travel well with. It can either make or break your trip.

Totally , Ive been fortunate to mostly have amazing travel buddies but there has been a time or two where … it hasn’t been the best pairing . Thanks for reading

Rachael @ Champagne on Arrival

Who you travel with can make or break a trip, definitely! Number 4 is the most important one for me, I cannot be doing with people moaning all the time! Great post 🙂

I had one experience with a moaner (she was a friend of a friend). I have pretty high tolerance but this was a lot. Never again!

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Description.

Travel Buddy is your beloved Social Travel Network & D2C online travel marketplace - A community platform of 2M+ travelers across the globe - Find a travel partner online without any hassle, and connect with locals with similar interests. Find travel service providers and travel agents on our travel D2C marketplace. This made-in-India travel app will change the way you travel! Download the app to Explore, Connect, Meet and Share your story Travel Buddy is an exclusive travel app designed as a social network that lets you find a travel buddy locally, discover & share interesting itineraries that act as a travel guide and get unbiased location information from local experts, explore hidden destinations and attractions, meet up with friends discover picturesque hotels, fit-for-you tour packages, & earn through the eCommerce marketplace while you do all of this!!! And that’s just the beginning… Introducing a social travel network designed to bring people, their passion for travel, and places together. Whether you are traveling solo, backpacking taking a vacation with family & friends or going on an official trip, this one-of-a-kind social networking app will let you build your own community, arrange local meetup groups, find like-minded travel groups, and even become a travel content creator & travel influencer. Are you a traveler? See how it works! Can’t find someone to tag along with? No worries, find local buddies for your upcoming trip or join a trip with someone else Ask travel queries to make your perfect travel plan by chatting with travelers or travel service providers. Share your travel moments the way you like them! Photos, videos, travel shots (Short Videos), and so much more! You can even start your journey as a content creator and become a travel influencer & start earning! Ask travel queries about any destination and get help from locals, travel experts, and ambassadors across the globe Become a local travel guide to help travelers coming to your hometown and put your city’s hidden treasures on the tourist map of the world and earn along the way Why limit your experience to this? We have something exclusive for passionate travelers like you! Subscribe to use advanced filters to find your travel soulmate, express interest in trips as many times as you want , chat with anyone without any limitation, get to know who visited your profile and so much more! Are you a travel service provider? See how Travel Buddy's marketplace helps you! Jump onto the opportunity to showcase your product or services on the travel app in India Work and connect with the endless pool of travelers or travel group entering your city and convert them into your customers: - Answering travel queries - Offering discounts to cut travel budget - Chat with customers to share information List your services on the marketplace to attract customers We are all about making your travel service provider journey easier! What's more? Subscribe to join our exclusive online travel marketplace and generate leads at 0% Commission! Connect with as many travelers you want, chat without any limitations, and use advanced search filters to generate unlimited leads. Join the Travel Buddy Community Travel Buddy is a 21st-century app for travelers and travel service providers. Whether you are trying to find backpackers online, arranging solo travel meetups or travel groups or family vacationing extravagantly, Travel Buddy’s socio-travel community allows you to relax and enjoy the excursions with yourself or your travel mates without any hassle. Follow @beatravelbuddy on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & LinkedIn. Please send us some positive support by rating and reviewing us in the Appstore.

Version 9.0.3

- Bug fixes and performance improvements

Ratings and Reviews

Might be good but otp doesn’t work for usa.

I tried several time after requesting OtP to register my phone. I do get the code but received following error. “ERROR We could not verify your phone number please try again “

Simple features, easy to navigate and found real & genuine people

Seems like to good app with decent feature

App Privacy

The developer, Saurav Chakraborty , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Not Collected

The developer does not collect any data from this app.

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

• Travel Buddy Subscription $14.99
• Travel Buddy Subscription $99.99
• Travel Buddy Subscription $9.99
• Travel Buddy Subscription $29.99
• TB Pro $17.99
• TB Mini $2.99
• TB Super $34.99
• Developer Website
• App Support
• Privacy Policy

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