for a travel partner

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.

Sharing is caring!

Publisher Janice: info @ solotravelerworld.com

Editor Tracey: tracey @ solotravelerworld.com

Sales Simon: simon @ solotravelerworld.com

Get Solo Travel News & Deals

• Create Your Advertiser Account
• Login to Your Advertiser Account
• Solo Travel Statistics
• Media & Speaking
• Privacy Policy & Disclosure

The content of Solo Traveler and any resources published by Solo Traveler are meant for entertainment and inspiration only. Please note that while we have advertising clients promoting destinations, products, services, trips and tours on Solo Traveler and that we endeavour to only work with companies in which we have confidence, we are not responsible for the delivery or quality of their products or services. Every person and every travel situation is different. Your safety, satisfaction and fun traveling solo are your responsibility alone and not that of Solo Traveler, its publisher, editor and/or writers.

PRIVACY POLICY & DISCLOSURE: In accordance with FTC guidelines, I disclose that I may be compensated if consumers choose to utilize links located throughout the content on this site. Additionally, some posts might be sponsored to support this site. Please do the appropriate research before participating in any third party offers. All opinions are my own. Please read our full Privacy Policy here.

FIND A TRAVEL BUDDY

Going on a trip? Meet people who love to travel. Share your adventures with a travel companion.

* All fields are required

Travel companions and their plans

These members are planning a trip and looking for a travel partner. Get in touch a start discussing your plans.

Mexico Carribean coast

Looking for a companion to Mexico Caribbean coast

Looking for: Any

Type of journey: Backpacking, Beach, Other

Split costs: No

Budget: $1000 - $1500

Uk (Scotland/England) and Europe

I have already visited some of these places but it would be…

Looking for: Female

Type of journey: City break

Split costs: Yes

Malaysia + sri lanka

Not planned yet - Start in Sri lanka, then fly to malaysia.

Type of journey: Backpacking, Beach

Budget: $500 - $1000

Adventure through the Beauty of Egypt

Visiting Two or Three Egyptian Cities on the Way of the Red…

Type of journey: Backpacking, City break, Beach

Budget: $150 - $500

A week trip to Cappadocia. Including hot air balloons,…

Type of journey: Other

Meet travel friends from all around the world

Meet travel mates from all over the world and have fun traveling together. You can find travelers from more than 100 countries at TripGiraffe.

United Kingdom

New Zealand

christiana 39

United States

Naruto61 27

Netherlands

Travel the world together using our website - find your travel partner

How it works.

Create a trip and invite people to join you or join an existing trip. Finding a travel buddy online has never been easier.

Create a Trip

Create a trip and wait for someone to join up or find an existing one that you like the most.

Trip Around Asia!

13. 3. 2019 - 24. 5. 2019 (73 days trip)

by Sophia Jenkins

Vietnam, Cambodia, Turkey, Thailand

Looking for: Male

Invite Travelers

Let travelers know about your plans by inviting them to your trip. You can always wait for someone to join up.

Find a Travel Companion

Approve travel buddies you like and start planning your trip together.

Summer Adventure

Approved buddies

Want to join

Find a trip buddy and make lasting memories

Traveling is more fun when you can share it with someone else.

Find a travel partner and don't travel alone.

South America

North america, popular destinations.

Most travelers go to these destinations. Browse trips and travelers and find your travel buddy today.

Going to Thailand

Going to India

Going to the USA

What makes TripGiraffe the best place to find a travel companion online?

Travelers us!

"Easy to make friends"

Whenever I travelled in the US or abroad I always found someone who joined me on my adventures.

"No Fake accounts"

TripGiraffe might be the only website for finding a travel buddy where you don't get spammed by fake travelers just to get money from you.

"Detailed trips"

Trips created by travelers on TripGiraffe are usually very detailed, so it is easy to find a travel companion with a similar travel style.

Find & meet friends to travel with from all around the world

Already have and account? Login

Select a language

Only registered users can send messages.

Find a Travel Partner

The best way to find travel partners, real & verified travel partners, reviews from our tripmates.

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.

Find A Travel Buddy, Share Costs & Travel Together

How GAFFL Works

Search Destination

Find Travel Partners

Get Connected

Trip Together

• Find a Travel Buddy

What GAFFL Users Are Saying

"It’s really nice to have a platform like GAFFL with lots of travelers wanting to do the same as you, a real beautiful cultural exchange. You can meet people so easily and in a trustful way. We were four girls, from French, German and American backgrounds, without knowing each other from before. We spent an amazing week together, 2000km driving, camping on the way. We saw kangaroos, koalas, penguins and pelicans"

“I have found GAFFL to be an amazing tool for finding similar minded travel partners to embark on an adventure. Through GAFFL, I had organized a trip to Mexico City last month and Quazi joined the trip from Victoria, BC. We spent 14 days of straight exploring, hiking, eating and drinking. Quite an amazing experience - all thanks to GAFFL!”

"I accidentally scrolled across GAFFL and I'm so pleased I did. I met Amaia and immediately decided to road-trip together. We're spending 10 days together and it's great because we have so much in common. Couldn't have done it without GAFFL helping us find one another! It has honestly made NZ so much cheaper to explore as I get to split the costs with someone too​"

Were you looking forward to a trip with your friends, only to find out that they had backed out last minute? Wondering how to find a travel companion online? Even if your family and friends' schedules don't match yours, your vacation doesn't have to be ruined because of it. GAFFL can help you to find the perfect travel companion for your next adventure.

The best way to find a travel buddy on GAFFL is to search for your desired destination and browse through thousands of user-generated trips created by solo travelers around the world.

A good travel companion is someone who has a similar itinerary to you. It's also someone you think you'll get along with.

Every user on GAFFL has a profile where they list their interests. If you and your potential trip mate share some common interests, it’ll make your trip go a lot smoother.

It's also important to have a similar budget in mind. If your travel companion wants to do more activities and eat at expensive restaurants but you can’t afford it, it can lead to an unpleasant trip for the both of you.

When browsing trips on GAFFL, make sure to read through the trip details to learn more about the trip and determine if the activities are something you want to do and can afford.

If you like a trip on GAFFL, simply click 'Connect,' and you'll be able to chat with your travel buddy right away. If you have your own travel plans, you can start your own trip and others can request to connect with you!

Finding the right travel companion online can be difficult for solo travelers. GAFFL, on the other hand, makes it very simple. Use our world-class real-time messaging system to get to know your potential travel partner. Chat with them to see if they'd be a good travel companion for you, and then plan together, meet up with your travel buddy, and start exploring together.

GAFFL is the best website/app for solo travelers looking for travel companions online because we prioritize our travelers' trust and safety. Our multi-step verification process includes social media, phone number, and a valid government ID, so you can be confident in your potential travel companion. With adventurers from over 190 countries, you can connect, chat, and find the perfect travel buddy to meet up with on GAFFL.

I think this is a fabulous idea because the things that can get expensive while solo traveling can usually also be easily split between people. If you aren’t a hostel fan, it would be awesome to have people to split hotels and Airbnb with.

If car rental is the cheapest way to get around a destination, it would be ideal to have others to split the costs with. But most importantly it always makes the experience that much more memorable when you have new friends to share it with.

We truly believe that the best memories and experiences are the ones that are shared with others. It doesn’t matter if you’ve known someone for an hour or your whole life, when you do something badass together it’s sure to be a time you won’t forget.

Making connections and becoming friends with people all over the world is such a powerful tool to have when traveling. One day maybe you’ll visit your new friend in their homeland. Some of the best trips happen when you have a friend playing tour guide in their country.

GAFFL is a really cool opportunity to enrich your travels with like-minded people who will push you to get out of your comfort zone. No matter what type of personality you have, making new friends on the road is easier than ever.

I think GAFFL plays a role by allowing solo travelers to find travel buddies when needed. Though solo travel is a great way to travel, there are some experiences that are better enjoyed with more people (some don’t even allow for solo).

Friends and families are not always available to travel with, and sometimes the interests do not align for travel. Or sometimes you just want to socialize while still being solo most of the time. I think GAFFL helps solve these problems.

One of the things that hold people back is that they don’t have a partner or a best friend to travel with and they feel scared and uncertain to travel alone, especially long-term. GAFFL helps with that!

Another thing that holds people back is the perceived cost of travel. While travel doesn’t have to be expensive, it’s always more affordable when you can share the cost of accommodation and groceries with someone else. Again, GAFFL provides a solution for that!

Solo travel is great. But there are some times that I do not recommend someone travel solo and where I personally try my hardest not to travel solo. Some examples of this relate to safety, like hiking a trail that doesn’t have many people walking it each day, or being in certain destinations where I’ve heard from others that it’s difficult as a solo female.

Other examples relate to expenses, like taking a road trip and renting a car. Situations like these are where I think something like GAFFL is a great idea. With GAFFL, you can find a group to go on that hike with or split that car rental with!

• Join as a Workawayer
• Join as a host
• Buy a gift membership

• Find a travel buddy
• Plan your trip

Thousands of Workaway members are looking for a travel partner. New travel-mates added daily. Lots of opportunities to find exactly the right travel buddy for you. Choose the places you want to visit, write a quick note explaining the type of person you'd like to travel with or what you are intending to do while away. You'll then appear on the list. Other travellers can find you, get in contact and discuss plans.

Sign up to put yourself on this list and find a travel buddy.

People on this list are looking for someone to travel with, you can join them. Send messages to other travelling members and be contacted yourself.

Perfect if you're going to an unfamiliar destination or just fancy some company on a trip.

Forgotten your password?

• let lastPlace = { country: '', countryName: '', isCountry: false }; let addressLevels = { 'locality': 50, 'neighborhood': 50, 'administrative_area_level_5': 80, 'administrative_area_level_4': 100, 'administrative_area_level_3': 150, 'administrative_area_level_2': 200, 'administrative_area_level_1': 250, 'country': '' }; $(function () { if ('undefined' === typeof $window) { window.$window = $(window); } if (window.getRealWidth() Loading results '); $.ajax(aurl, {data: data, method: 'get'}).done(function (responseText) { let response = ajaxWasSuccessful(responseText); if (response) { let objData = { locals: { ajaxfile: '/report_request.php', results: response.results.data, data: { 'currentPage': response.params.Page, 'pagination': response.results.pagination }, totalNum: response.results.totalNum, params: response.params, loggedIn: false, lang: 'en', langtext: { 'delete': 'delete', 'dateformat': 'd/m/Y', 'meetup_linktext_visit_profile': 'Profile', 'meetup_linktext_contact': 'Contact', 'meetup_linktext_add': 'add', 'travelbuddy_no_results': 'We couldn’t find anyone to match that search.', 'travelbuddy_try_searching_country': 'Try searching all travelling to', 'lastLogin': 'Last login', 'travelbuddy_label_destination': 'Destination:', 'travelbuddy_label_dates': 'Dates', 'meetup_title_lastlogin_status_green': 'This Workawayer has been active within the last 7 days', 'meetup_title_lastlogin_status_yellow': 'This Workawayer has been active within the last 30 days', 'meetup_title_lastlogin_status_red': 'This Workawayer has been active within the last 60 days', 'ww_label_last_activity': 'Last activity', 'found': 'found', 'label_showing': 'Showing', 'splr_of': 'of', 'splr_to': 'to', 'travelbuddy_label_show_more': 'show more...', 'popover_signuptocontact_workawayer_guest': '<p><b> <a href="/en/login">Login here</a></b> to start a conversation</p>', 'signup_workawayer_url': '/en/signup/workawayer', 'join_as_workawayer': 'Join as a Workawayer', 'signup_host_url': '/en/signup/host', 'join_as_host': 'Join as a Host', 'profile_verified_popover_title': 'Verified with ID', 'profile_verified_popover_content': 'Member has provided their ID to increase trust in their profile.', }, testversion: false } }; let template = swig.render('{% if data.pagination.pages.length > 1 %}\ {% set addPlusToTotal = \'\' %}\ {% if \'10000+\' == totalNum %}\ {% set totalNum = 10000 %}\ {% set addPlusToTotal = \'+\' %}\ {% endif %}\ \ \ \ \ \ {#\ {% if data.pagination.arrows.first %}\ \ \ \ \

Workaway has committed over $20,000 USD from the Workaway foundation to help refugees from Ukraine.

Upon request all workawayers based in Ukraine will have their accounts extended for free until further notice.

Hosts in Ukraine have been temporarily disabled for safety reasons.

If you are a host and are able to take in refugees please add the information in your account and you will be added to our last minute host list .

Should you wish to donate and help please click here .

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

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

© 2024 Hey Explorer

Stock images by Depositphotos

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Find a travel buddy and meet local singles worldwide!

• No location was found

Meet local singles

Meet local singles in your next travel destination! They will show you their favorite places, the best beaches, the best local clubs, bars and restaurants. Better than just a dating app, better than a free local guide!

Find a travel buddy and plan a trip together!

Make your vacation a fun, exciting and unforgettable experience.

North America

South america, last ads from tourbar users.

• Sightseeing
• Shopping trip

Manali, India

• Beach break

• Concert/festival
• Foodie tour

Phuket, Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand

• Short/weekend break

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Popular destinations.

Meet people traveling in your city and show them around! Connect, take them to your favorite places and maybe next time you will visit them in their hometown or even travel together as travel partners

United States

United kingdom, find a travel buddy with our fun & safe international dating site.

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

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

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

There are several secrets that help while choosing a travel buddy

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

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

Travel Buddy Blog

Tips how to become more attractive, published issue of national geographic traveller, preparation to go on a trip, are you single today is the best day to meet your love, various ways to find the right buddy to travel around the world, top places for european dating, international dating.

Interested in International Dating? Find your soulmate on TourBar!

Russian Dating

Ukrainian dating, asian dating, european dating, latin dating, users’ reviews.

By using this app, I made a lot of friends with people around the whole world. Good app, definitely recommend

As a huge traveler myself, I found this app helpful and engaging. Talking to a few people on there was really an eye opening experience.

I find this application very well, actually admire someone has created such great app, thank for all, wished everyone peace, happy

Excellent travel applications, innovative design, with this application, I can easily find the right travel companion, great!

This app is very useful for search a location travel at weekend. Also shared information for all, good job

Thanks to TourBar I found a group for my trip. I am now busy arranging my trip. Thanks all.

So amazing guys, you can find the best place for travel on weekend. Beside, you can invite your friend to go together to that place. The interface also cute. Thank.

Best social app by far, a great community, respectful people, good vibes, good features, and no agro. Love it 😏

I love the face that this app invites everyone who is interested in traveling to join and help build the greatest travel community. I found it amazing to plan a tour with people having same interests, very nice

Do you want to meet users from other countries?

TourBar: A Far-Reaching Dating Site Appeals to Worldly Travelers Seeking an Adventurous Travel Buddy

The Scoop: TourBar has combined the excitement of traveling with the excitement of dating on a mobile-first platform that pairs up solo travelers and local guides. Since its …

• Verified Users
• Destinations

Select a language

Password assistance, you are almost finished.

An email was sent to with an activation link.

New email has been sent. Check your junk folder.

I haven't received the email. Resend Email

or connect with

Watch our videos

252,000 subscribers

Join the conversation

134,000 followers

Pin our posts

25,000 followers

Get our newsletter

85,640 subscribers

• Hearing-Aids
• Healthy Aging
• Losing Weight
• Medical Issues
• Reducing Stress
• Brain Health
• Solo Travel
• Travel Tips
• Small Business
• Part-time Jobs
• Encore Careers
• Managing Money
• End of Life Planning
• Retirement Tips
• Senior Living
• Journal Writing
• Entertainment
• Inspiration
• Empowerment
• Getting Older
• Reinvention
• Giving Back
• Dating Advice
• Online Dating
• Adult Children
• Grandchildren
• Estrangement
• Arts and Crafts
• Piano Lessons
• Photography

Travel Companions for Seniors – How to Find the Best Travel Partner for You

Many women over 60 love to travel, but don’t want to travel alone. If you’re looking for alternatives to traveling solo, perhaps you would do well to find a good travel partner.

Traveling can be a bit of a stress-test for a friendship – being in new surroundings with a different schedule, different food, and even different customs and languages can present challenges to your friendship if you’re not prepared. Some otherwise wonderful friends are not always the most ideal travel companions.

Before you embark on a long journey, it’s best to think ahead and talk in advance to make sure you and your travel partner are well suited to travel together.

Here are a few tips for how to communicate and plan to find the perfect travel partner:

Discuss Your Goals for the Trip

What do you most want to experience on this trip? Are you hoping for a relaxing visit to the beach, or a bustling sightseeing tour with an action-packed itinerary? Do you want to spend time alone, or stay together most of the time? Do you want to meet new people, or get to know each other better? Do you want to experience serenity or stimulation – do you want to retreat from civilization, or get caught up in the excitement of an urban center?

It’s best to have a sense of what kind of vacation experience you want to get, prior to embarking on the journey. Talk with your travel partner about your hopes and expectations. Even if you don’t agree on absolutely every aspect of the trip, make sure you have enough common ground and can support each other in finding your ideal vacation experiences along the way.

Choose a Good “Roommate”

It’s wonderful to have a travel partner to share the adventure with – but make sure you are compatible. Is your travel partner easy to get along with in close quarters, or do they have a lot of particular needs that make it difficult to share space together? Do you enjoy each other’s company? Can you have fun talking to each other for hours – and more importantly, perhaps, can you enjoy the silence together and share space without constantly having to entertain each other?

Talk About Your Budget

Traveling with a friend is a great way to save money on accommodation and meal expenses, but make sure that you both have the same idea of what you want this vacation to cost.

Will you be splitting the costs of the trip (hotels, restaurant meals, tours, etc.) or each paying your own way separately? Does one of you have more expensive needs than the other – will you both be happy in a no-frills hotel, or do you need a more deluxe set of accommodations?

Talking about these issues in advance can avoid any misunderstandings or hard feelings once you are on vacation.

Take a Short Trip Together First

It’s often best to take a test run with your new travel partner, to make sure you can be a good team on the road. Before you book a round-trip ticket to the far side of the world, consider taking a short weekend trip to stay at a nearby Bed and Breakfast.

Choosing the right travel partner can make your vacations even more enjoyable and often affordable. Just make sure to discuss some expectations upfront to make sure you both can get the vacation experience you were hoping for – without any misunderstandings or disappointments along the way.

Have you ever traveled with a friend? What did you learn from the experience that you can share with the rest of the community? Do you have any other senior travel tips to share? Please join the conversation.

Learn more about traveling and exploring new cultures. Watch my interview with the fabulous and inspirational Evelyn Hannon.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

I’m interested in assisting people who come to Hawaii. I ask a fee and can translate to an intermediate level in Japanese and in Spanish. I am curious if your platform is geared to providing a list of available travel companions. I think it could be fun.

I am looking for a female travel buddy for Europe.

I would love to meet up on Zoom or chat by phone and get to know you better. I taught ESL (English as a Second Language) for business in Japan and in South America for over 15 years… and also instructed in Art. I sometimes was involved in translation and interpreting. I’ve authored and co-authored some bilingual books in both languages + English. My language skills are not at a professional level, but I was able to conduct business and travel for years in both areas of the world and others, occasionally working as a guide. Feel free to contact me if you still need a travel partner and times that are available to you. I live in Hawaii now but am available to travel, depending on the dates.

I am looking for someone who want to travel china or japan

Hi Mr. Geldres,

I would love to meet up on Zoom or chat by phone and get to know you better. I taught ESL (English as a Second Language) for business in Japan for over 15 years and also instructed in Art. I sometimes was involved in translation. Feel free to contact me if you still need a travel partner and times that are available to you. I live in Hawaii now.

Tags Travel Tips and Plans

Margaret Manning

Margaret Manning is the founder of Sixty and Me. She is an entrepreneur, author and speaker. Margaret is passionate about building dynamic and engaged communities that improve lives and change perceptions. Margaret can be contacted at [email protected]

You Might Also Like

6 Unmissable Gastronomic Experiences in Italy

What Travel Essentials Will You Never Leave Home Without?

print this page Print this page

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

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.

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

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.

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

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…

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

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

Heya, Sexylegs.

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!

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

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.

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

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.

Ziggy Samuels

Share or save this post

17 Comments

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

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

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

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

TravBuddy & Thorntree shut down their service.

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

This can be a great addition to this list.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

It doesn't matter where you're going, it's who you have beside you.

Travel the world together., tourlina recommended in the press.

Tourlina recommended by users

Download tourlina app now and find your travel buddy.

With the Tourlina app, women can find interesting and fun travel companions and locals within a safe and trustworthy network.

Download the Tourlina app – find your travel companion  now for free from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Travel Blog - find your next travel companion or travel buddy

8 Inspiration Ideas That Will Have You Booking Your Solo Trip Today

  Solo travel may sound like a crazy concept to some people. They wrinkle up their noses as they spit out the words; a bitter … Read more about 8 Inspiration Ideas That Will Have You Booking Your Solo Trip Today

Sydney – 10 Reasons To Move To

Sydney – 10 Reasons To Move To   The most densely populated Australian city and the capital of New South Wales, Sydney is truly a … Read more about Sydney – 10 Reasons To Move To

South Africa – 10 Best Things To Do

South Africa – 10 Best Things To Do   Zuid Afrika can offer you so much more than you can even imagine. If you’ve read … Read more about South Africa – 10 Best Things To Do

About tourlina - find a travel companion

TOURLINA IS SAFE AND RELIABLE Our team checks each and every new user. Only verified users can chat with others. Tourlina rates quality over quantity if it comes to a travel buddy !

TOURLINA IS FOR WOMEN ONLY Our market research shows that women like to travel and prefer a female travel partner as having a male companion.

TOURLINA MAKES YOU WANT TO TRAVEL You will never travel alone.

ARE YOU IN?

HOW THE TOURLINA APP WORKS: • Enter a trip by country and time • Discover matching travel companions with mutual interests, destination and travel time • Select a travel companion simply by easily swiping left or right • Chat and plan your trip together once you and your travel companions are matching • Find locals and other travelers in your area … chat and meet with them!

WHY YOU SHOULD ALSO USE TOURLINA FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP?

Female users of Tourlina can connect before or while they travel. Tourlina connects women based on their future travel plans. Of course, they can connect as well with other female travelers while they travel, e.g. for one evening in Bangkok or for a part of their trip. Women find more meaningful and long lasting connections with other women and make lifelong friendships as Tourlina connections are based on shared interest in travel and socialising.

MEET FEMALE TRAVELERS – MEETUP WITH LOCALS Find interesting female travelers to travel together! TOURLINA manually verifies each new user if this user is a woman and not a man or fake. This means that Tourlina is able to provide you with a much safer international female travel buddy experience. Be confident when you choose a female travel buddy or look to connect with someone for your trip, because our Tourlistas are manually verified users and are really who they say they are.

MEET LOCALS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN MEETUPS AND ARE INTERESTED IN TRAVELLING Travel with women who are familiar with the city from the inside, because they live there! These women will show you the most interesting places of their city and the best beaches around. Local woman will meetup with you and guide you to the best locations in town.

FIND YOUR FEMALE TRAVEL BUDDY – MEET FEMALE TRAVELLERS WORDLWIDE AND TRAVEL TOGETHER! Wherever you are going as a female traveler, you’ll be able to easily find a female travel buddy or a friendly local female traveler at your current location to go out, eat, explore beaches or nature, or just hang out with terrific people and a great new travel buddy – register now and meet travellers (women-only!). Join now and meetup with other female travellers/ backpackers or find a solo traveler/ backpackers for your next trip.

TOURLINA is the first women-only travel app with verified female travelers (e.g. backpackers, luxury travelers) from all over the world. Each day hundrets of new users join Tourlina and become a Tourlista. Tourlina is a great travel app for solo travelers or for women who just would like to meetup with other solo travelers or meet-up with locals who are interested in travelling. Meetup with thousends of solo female travelers from around the world – from countries like: Germany, Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, India, Asia (Thailand, Singapore,…), New Zealand, South America (e.g. Peru, Chile, Argentina,…), Central America (e.g. Mexiko, Guatemala, Honduras,…). Find and meet-up with other girls and have a great time!

TOURLINA – Secure Travel App For Women – Solo Travel App For Girls – Meet Travelers – Meet Backpackers – Travel Meetup App For Solo Travelers – Meet Travellers – Online Meet-up – Find And Meet Fellow Travellers

Find a travel buddy / find a travel companion/ find a local girl from more than 160 countries all over the world:

Currently, you can find locals and female travellers from the following countries: Argentina, solo travel app Australia, Austria Urlaubspartner, Belgium holiday, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Chile chat, Colombia au pair, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic chats, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece travel buddy, Honduras online sites, Hungary, Iceland solo travel, India travel app, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel tralvel sites, Italy meet up travelers, Japan, Kenya travel partner, Laos backpacking, Latvia au pair, Lithuania Backacker Meet-up, Luxembourg Travel Community,  Travel Forum, Malta Travel Meetup, looking for Mexico, Travel Community, Montenegro, Myanmar travel buddies, Nepal backpacker meet up, Netherlands buddies app, New Zealand solo travel meet-up, Nicaragua Forum, Norway vacation mate, Panama chat, find locals in Paraguay, Peru travel meetup, Philippines backpacking partner, Poland au-pair, find locals Portugal, South Korea holiday mate, Moldova blog, Romania, Russia, Saint Lucia, looking for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines vacation mate, find travelers app, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain Reisepartner Forum, Sri Lanka meet travellers, alone in Sudan, Swaziland meet solo travellers, Sweden, Switzerland Reisepartnersuche, Tajikistan, Thailand find fellow travelers, alone in Trinidad and Tobago, How to find solo travelers in Tunisia, Turkey meet backpackers, Ukraine forum, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Tanzania, United States of America USA solo travel app, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam find travelers. 

The Tourlina travel app connects girls who like to travel. Tourlina is the first women-only app, which brings together female travelers who have the same interests and who like traveling or just meetup with like minded girls who love to travel or with local girls around your current location. Tourlina also allows Tourlistas to connect with potential travel buddies from their current location and/ or from their home town.

Join now! Download the Tourlina app and start chatting with like minded female travellers from all over the world – in a secure and trusted network for women-only!

TOURLINA – meet travellers app – travel buddy app – travel with other solo travelers – find solo travelers – meet travelers – solo travellers meetup – travel meetup app – solo travel app – female solo travel meetup

Meet other travelers! Tourlina is a fun travel app to meet others travelling. Do you want it to be easier to meet other backpackers? Tourlina is a backpacker social networking app for any destination. Connect with women looking for backpackers with common interests. Whether you’re travelling solo or in a group, Tourlina is a great way to meet nearby travelers as well as locals! Tourlina app makes it very easy to meet up with other solo female travelers, e.g. adventurer travelers, backpacking travelers, business travelers or solo female travelers who prefer a luxury accommodation. If you’d rather meet up with other female backpackers or travel mates on the road then this travel app is exactly what you´re looking for. Organised activities are also a fantastic way to meet other travelers in every country using a travel app (to find a travel companion, a travel buddy or awesome female travel buddies or even find a local). Buddies, the Tourlina female travel app is for all those solo backpackers and solo travelers who want to go out with other solo travelers, but do not have buddies or a local women to go with. Join Tourlina and get your female travel buddies and explore the world! Tourlina is a secure social network for women who love to travel. Find a travel buddy for your next trip with similar travel plans and similar interests or just meetup with a local woman. Don´t forget to take a latest version of the Lonely Planet on your trip! Tourlina is a available in three languages: English, Deutsch and Español!!! Finde einen Reisepartner! Encontrar un compañero de viaje! Find a travel buddy! Finde weltweit einen Reisepartner! Finde eine Reisepartnerin!

Find and connect with locals and female travelers who live or travel to the many countries. 

The most popular destinations at Tourlina are:

Australia, Thailand (Asia), New Zealand, USA, Canada, Indonesia (Asia), Malaysia (Asia), India, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, South America, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Vietnam.

Finding the right travel partner or the right woman to accompany you on your trip is easy with the Tourlina app – create a trip and enter your travel preferences and Tourlina will show you all suitable travel partners. Chat with potential travel partners for your trip and see who is currently in your area and organize a meeting. Tourlina is the world’s first travel partner exchange just for women who are looking for a travel partner in a secure network. Whether you want to backpack, travel by car, rent a camper van or work and travel Australia, you can find a suitable vacation companion worldwide in the Tourlina app – for your entire trip or an evening in Singapore or Spain or India or Bali and so on. Tourlina is safe and reputable! We check all new profiles! With Tourlina, you are sure to find the right vacation partner for your trip to Asia, USA, Europe, etc..

Some work & travel examples  which Tourlistas had in the past: Working as a snorkeling instructor in Thailand, working as ground crew in Kuala Lumpur, Teaching English in Singapore, Working as an Au Pair in America (Work & Travel), working in Backpackers Hostel in Argentina, voluntary teaching in Vietnam, bar maid in Bogota (work & travel job), watersports instructor in Costa Rica, kitchen assistant in Ecuador, bar woman in Buenos Aires (work and travel job), childrens club in Greece, work& travel as housekeeping in Italy, teaching English in Madrid, children’s rep in Barcelona, work & travel as fruit picking in Australia, bar manager in New York (work and travel), barge hostess in Berlin, work & travel as strawberry picking in France, conservation research assistant in Greece.

The Tourlina travel app is like a membership app only for GIRLS who want to find a travel buddy or travel partner or just want to meetup with locals and other travellers nearby . Sign-up to the Tourlina travel app and connect with thousends of like-minded girls around the world. The Tourlina team verfies all girls manually, therefore Tourlina is safe and it is really easy to connect and meetup with like minded girls. Sign up and start exploring the world and find interesting female travel buddies to meet with and travel with all over the the world. Never be lonely while you travel and even find like minded girls in your home town or at other cities.

You are an au pair girl  and stay in a foreign country working for, and living as part of, a host family. You take as an au pairs the family’s responsibility for childcare as well as housework. Have fun and meetup with other au pair girls nearby. Find au pair girls in America (USA), Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Ireland, Netherlands, UK (United Kingdom) and many other countries. Meetup with au pair girls  and exchange about your experience or just do some

• Tourlina helps female travelers to find a female travel buddy  and locals
• With the Tourina app, you can connect and chat with other international female travelers  and you can connect and chat with women who live nearby your home location or at any other location around the world – even before you go to this location
• Tourlina is an international community of female travelers . You can find travelling girls and solo female travelers
• With the Tourlina solo travel app , you can connect with girls who are looking for a travel mate, travel buddy or a travel companion
• Tourlina is the first women-only travel app where female travelers can find international female travel companions, travel mates and travel buddies
• Tourlina allows women to connect and chat in a large and international female travel community and meet travelers  from all over the world. It is an easy and successful way to find solo female travelers  within a large travelling girls community
• Well known companies like New York Times, El Tiempo, Hostelworld, Kayak, Washington Post, Huffington Post, National Geographic and many others recommend Tourlina app for solo female travelers from all over the world
• You should choose a destination where the risk for a woman traveling alone is low. Such countries actually include all countries in Europe as well as many countries in Asia, such as Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Japan and Indonesia (Bali). You should not necessarily travel to India alone as a woman. Muslim countries are also rather difficult for women traveling alone and should be visited by women who already have a lot of experience with traveling alone.
• Plan your vacation carefully and make sure that you always travel during the day and arrive at your next accommodation before dark.
• Share your travel plan with friends and family
• Don’t try to see as much as possible in a short space of time, but take your time traveling and stay in one place for longer.
• Find a travel partner: Use apps like Tourlina and meet locals and other travelers.
• Try to master the important terms and phrases in the language of the country before your trip
• Use social media and solo travel meetings as well as travel apps to find friends, such as the Tourlina app
• Stay overnight in a hostel. You’ll always meet like-minded people there and quickly make new contacts
• Book tours and activities on site to go on an excursion together with others
• Go to cafés and restaurants. Especially in Asia, you will quickly make new contacts over a meal
• Meet new friends, for example if you book a yoga retreat
• Try out a work & travel experience
• You decide what you want to do and when. That’s just great and fun!
• You become braver and braver!
• You have more intense experiences and see more on vacation!
• You get to know yourself better and better!
• You become more and more self-confident!
• A solo trip makes you more relaxed!
• As a solo traveler, you’ll make friends more quickly and meet new people more easily!
• Despite traveling solo, you will find that you are only alone when you really want to be. Otherwise, you’ll be meeting other people all the time!
• Classifieds travel partner wanted
• Travel partner wanted free of charge
• Search for travel partner free of charge
• Vacation partner wanted serious
• Female travel companion wanted
• Travel partner over 20, 30, 40 or over 50 wanted

• EN - English
• PT - Portuguese
• ES - Spanish
• How it works
• Become a Host
• Download the app

Top Destinations

• United States
• United Kingdom

What type of experience are you looking for?

• Non-Profit School
• Permaculture project
• Eco Village
• Holistic Center
• Guest House
• How Worldpackers works

Learn from the most experienced travelers of the community

Traveling with worldpackers, planning and budgeting for travel, make a living while traveling as a lifestyle, travel with worldpackers.

• Using Worldpackers
• Work exchange
• Social impact
• Plan your trip
• Women traveling
• Budget travel
• Solo travel
• Language learning
• Travel tips
• Get inspired
• Digital nomads
• Travel jobs
• Personal development
• Responsible travel
• Connect with nature

Top destinations

• South America
• Central America
• North America
• More destinations
• WP Life WP Life
• Exclusive discounts Discounts

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

Apr 03, 2024

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!

Join the community!

Create a free Worldpackers account to discover volunteer experiences perfect for you and get access to exclusive travel discounts!

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.

Be part of the Worldpackers Community

Already have an account, are you a host, leave your comment here.

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

Choosing a travel companion can greatly enhance the overall experience of your adventure. From sharing memorable moments to navigating challenges together, finding the perfect adventure buddy is key. Whether it's someone with similar interests, a compatible travel style, or a shared sense of spontaneity, the right companion can make all the difference in creating unforgettable memories.

More about this topic

How to find unique accommodation anywhere

15 simple travel safety tips everyone should know

How to choose the best travel backpack

How do Worldpackers trips work?

As a member, you can contact as many hosts and travel safely as many times as you want.

Choose your plan to travel with Worldpackers as many times as you like.

Complete your profile, watch the video lessons in the Academy, and earn certificates to stand out to hosts.

Apply to as many positions as you like, and get in contact with our verified hosts.

If a host thinks you’re a good fit for their position, they’ll pre-approve you.

Get your documents and tickets ready for your volunteer trip.

Confirm your trip to enjoy all of the safety of Worldpackers.

Have a transformative experience and make a positive impact on the world.

If anything doesn’t go as planned with a host, count on the WP Safeguard and our highly responsive support team!

After volunteering, you and your host exchange reviews.

With positive reviews, you’ll stand out to hosts and get even more benefits.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

13 Tips For Finding The Perfect Travel Partner

Barbara Winard

• News and Tips
• Travel Tips

“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, Tom Sawyer Abroad (1894)

I’ve been traveling for more than 50 years. I’ve taken solo journeys as well as trips with my family and with friends. Over the past year, I’ve taken my first group tours. Several of my excursions have had transcendent moments; some had disastrous ones. That’s not only because of travel gone awry but also because of setting off with the wrong travel partner. On the other hand, a number of the loveliest moments I’ve had have been shared with a fellow traveler and have cemented a friendship for life.

Here are some tips on how to find the (nearly) perfect travel partner.

1. Accept The Fact That You’ll Never Find The Perfect Travel Partner

Sorry to disappoint, reader, but no pairing is perfect. The good news is that kindred spirits don’t have to fulfill every item on the checklist. Sometimes there is just an ineffable quality that draws people together, and even people with whom you may not have much in common can make great partners on the road.

And you never know what will and won’t work until you go on a shared journey. In the 1980s, I didn’t want to travel to Tibet alone, although I had dreamed of going there for years. So when a friend of a friend said that she wanted to go, we decided to travel together. The good news: My roommate was tough and could actually push me up hills. So while a partnership may not be perfect, there are some that have succeeded in ways I had never considered.

2. Know Yourself And Be Honest About Who You Are

I’ve found that there are people who can laugh off irritations and move on. I would love to be such a person, but that isn’t me. I take many things personally and am sometimes overly sensitive. On a recent trip, I traveled with an old friend who provided constant advice about how I could do things differently (i.e. better). I still love her, but the experience made me understand that we are not the best travel buddies.

3. Realize That What Made A Good Partner When You Were Younger Might Have Changed

The way in which I travel has changed with age. I know that I am leaning toward slower travel and want to find someone who doesn’t have to see everything in the guidebook or paint the town into the wee hours. Perhaps I have become more set in my ways, also, but I still love to set off for places unknown.

4. Be British About It: Find Someone Who Knows How To Keep Calm And Carry On

Having a companion who soldiers through travel challenges is paramount. Stiff upper lips are surely preferable to a not-so-fine whine. And of course it helps immeasurably for both you and your travel mate to be flexible. The way that travel challenges ebb and flow may necessitate changing course often.

5. Find Someone Who Speaks The Language Of The Country You’re Visiting (Especially If You Don’t)

Even though traveling with a linguist may make it seemingly too easy to depend on another for basic needs, the benefits are immediate. I found that finding transportation, ordering food, getting directions, and keeping out of iffy areas in New Delhi was much easier because my travel partner spoke Hindi. We were both at sea in the south of India, but luckily English and body language got us through.

6. Find Someone Like You (Or Not Like You)

It’s nice to have balance in any relationship. An extrovert and an introvert are made for each other. I recently went on my first group tour ( to Mount Rushmore ), and my favorite travel buddy and I had not a thing in common except that we amused each other. For some journeys, that’s enough. However, I typically prefer to travel with someone who loves art museums (but doesn’t have to visit every single one).

7. Find Someone Independent

My first long trip to Europe in 1970 was a success largely because I was traveling with someone who agreed that it was healthy to split up every once in a while and meet again in a few days, a week, or several weeks. I stayed in southern Spain while she went to Morocco. We were always happy to see each other and catch up.

I also met a terrific travel companion on a ferry in Hong Kong 40 years ago. We started to chat and discovered that we were both flying to Bangkok the next day and were traveling solo. She invited me to share her hotel and we ended up traveling through Thailand together. I visited her a few years ago in California and we happily reminisced about our adventures.

8. Make Sure You Discuss Two Danger Zones: Schedules And Money

It will make you crazy to be with someone who is always late and for whom you’re always waiting. Or if you are a night owl and she is up at the crack of dawn. You must also find out before the trip if your potential partner has the same ideas about budget as you — and the money to afford what you both want to do. Also discuss how to pay for where you stay and eat. Will you split half and half, take turns paying, or add up totals each time you go to a restaurant or cafe? What can you live with?

9. Be Honest About Your Most Personal Habits

Do you snore? Does she? That may be a deal breaker unless you use noise-canceling headphones, which I find a pain to carry but a blessing in many situations. Does your travel mate need to FaceTime or chat on her iPhone to her friends back home all the time? That also may make you crazy. My husband has informed me that there are a few things that I do that make him crazy, so better look within, also.

10. Find Someone With A Sense Of Humor; It Will Make Travel A Joy

Sometimes anything that can go wrong on a trip will go wrong, and laughter may be the only recourse. There was the time in the ruins of Mahabalipuram in India when a small bird relieved itself on me while flying by. My partner waited for me to laugh first (the highest rung of partnership) then yelled “It’s good luck!” We laugh every time we remember it.

11. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate (But Brutal Honesty Has Its Limits)

Talking problems over may clear the air and enable you to continue a trip successfully, but you can never know how someone will take your efforts to say what you are feeling (especially if it includes criticism). And sometimes, even if you do communicate and share a common vision, your pairing just doesn’t work.

12. Know When To Break Up

Find someone with whom you can amicably split instead of suffering through a trip. The initial pain of moving on alone may be wrenching (or a relief), but things seem to look up when you don’t have the cloud of dissension around you. And, of course, if you find yourself uncomfortable talking to someone while planning a trip, follow your gut and try elsewhere.

13. Accept That Sometimes Solo Travel May Be The Right Path

In fact, if you know where you want to go and how and when you want to travel, and you don’t want to compromise your vision, going for it alone can sometimes be the better choice. I’ve traveled solo throughout my life and, while it may have different challenges, higher highs, and lower lows, solo travel has perhaps been the source of my most wondrous and memorable travel moments.

There are joys to be found when sharing an experience and joys when you are solo and don’t have to worry about what someone else thinks or expects. But if you manage to find someone with whom you are in tune — and with whom you can split the costs of the trip — then you’ve hit the jackpot.

Barbara Winard of The Baby Bloomer has earned degrees in English literature, journalism, and, later in life, gerontology. For 25 years, she was a senior editor of two online encyclopedias and wrote thousands of articles about literature, film, the fine and performing arts, and more.

She began her solo travels in college, and after returning from a 6-month trip to Asia, she wandered off the street and was hired by the Asia Society in New York City to produce films and print materials for adults and children about Asian culture. She also worked as a film programmer and traveled to film festivals around the world. Barbara got her start in film production and writing with New York City’s public television station, WNET/13. After writing an article about historic New Castle, Delaware, for TravelAwaits in 2021, she was inspired to move to Delaware several months later.

How to Find a Good Travel Partner (& How to Be One)

Please share if you enjoy this content!

Many people ask me why I enjoy traveling solo, and I have a lot of responses, including that it’s not easy to find a good travel partner. No matter how close of friends you are with someone, it can be difficult to travel together.

This is especially true on an international trip where you don’t speak the local language.

Being a good travel partner isn’t always about compromising, especially if doing so will frustrate you or cause you not to have a good time. It’s about being as considerate of yourself as the person you’re traveling with and ensuring everyone gets most of what they want.

This post includes my thoughts on what makes a good travel companion.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links at no extra cost to you. Please read the  full disclosure  for more information.

1. Reach Agreement Before the Trip

What kind of trip do you expect to go on? Is this going to be a five-star splurge or a bare-bones budget vacation? Are you seeking a relaxing getaway or a jam-packed exploration of a location? City or country?

What is the budget you’re able to spend, and do you both agree? One way to have disagreement and frustration very quickly is if you don’t agree on the kind of vacation you are going on.

Being a good travel partner starts at the beginning of the planning stages. I recommend discussing this when planning the trip to ensure you are on the same page. Then, continue the discussion with the decisions that need to be made.

This dialogue continues until the end of the trip as well. There are a lot of decisions you make while you’re traveling, and it’s important to come to an agreement that you are both ok with.

Areas of Potential Friction

Even amongst the best of friends, you can have very different views about your vacation and your expectations during it. When you start planning your trip, keep these things in mind and discuss any issues throughout.

• Total budget : It’s important to determine an approximate budget before you travel to ensure you’re on the same page about accommodation and activities.
• Priorities : Is cost the driving factor in your decisions or experience? Do you want to be active, see certain things, and connect with people? Knowing your own priorities and those of your travel partner is key to agreeing.
• Where to stay/accommodation : discuss your ideal place to stay before you book, along with your budget. Do you want a hotel or an apartment? Separate bedrooms? What amenities are important?
• Activities : What are the things you most want to do on this trip? Do you enjoy being active, like hiking or biking, or are you more interested in sitting in cafes and watching the world go by?
• Early or late start : Are you more of a morning person or a night owl? Do you take forever to get ready in the morning, or are you in for a quick shower, then you want to dash out the door?
• Downtime : Do you like to go for 12-hour stretches or take breaks during the day, either when you’re out and about or going back to the room to rest?
• Alone time : Are you used to being with someone 24/7, or do you need some “me time.” What does that look like to you: reading a book in quiet, separate rooms, solo time?
• Dining/types of cuisine : Besides the budget, what type of restaurants do you enjoy eating in? Take out, sit down, street vendors? Do you want to dress up or go casual? Local and ethnic or American-style food (or that of your country).

What to Do When You Disagree

You don’t want to get up before 8 a.m., and your travel partner wants to be up and out by then. Or you have simple needs and want to stay at budget accommodation in a safe area, but your travel buddy has loftier expectations.

Take the time to talk through these things and work towards a compromise you can both be happy with.

When I went to Italy, I had a day when I was feeling exhausted. My friend wanted to go to a market, but I was not up for all of the hustle and bustle.

Instead of trying to talk her out of it or her trying to talk me into it, I encouraged her to go and enjoy herself while I took a nap. I was nice and rested when she returned, eager to get back out there to see more.

Alternatively, we could have agreed to go to the market on a different day and do something more chill instead.

Don’t be afraid to do your own thing for a while if something is significant to you. Or if there’s something your friend wants to do that you don’t, maybe you can offer to do something he wants to do for him to come with you for what’s important to you.

Compromise and being considerate of each other are what it’s all about.

2. Share Responsibility and Effort

A lot of work goes into planning a trip, before the trip and during. Vacations are fun, but a lot of work goes into making it that way unless you go on a guided trip where everything is planned for you.

There is research to do before you go, bookings to be made, and decisions to be made before and during the trip. It’s a good idea to expect to share those responsibilities to have a good time on the trip.

Several people I have traveled with assumed that since I travel so much, I love to do all the work. The truth is that I enjoy going on great trips, and I’m willing to do the work needed to achieve the result I want.

So, if you’re not offering to help with the research, then offer to do something else.

Some Examples

For example, on a recent trip I took with a friend to Alaska, I did most of the research before the trip. She did all of the driving.

I was over the moon as I hadn’t driven on the snow and ice for many years and was a little concerned, especially at night (I am NOT a night owl). She took that worry from me, so we both felt it was a great share of work.

Alternatively, I went on a trip to Costa Rica with a friend, which was the opposite experience. I planned everything before the trip and even heard her tell someone that she let me because I love doing it (she never asked if that was the case).

Then, I had to make every decision during the trip. This included when to go places, where to eat, and research restaurants. I tried to go for a walk to get some “me” time, and she insisted on going.

Needless to say, it was a very frustrating trip and not a fun experience for me at all.

3. Talk About Splitting Costs

Talk about how you plan to split costs during your trip before you leave. Do you plan to alternate meals or split the bills? Will you get the rental car, and the other get meals?

Or will one person pay for everything, and the other will pay after the trip? However you do it, make sure you agree and both feel comfortable.

4. Have Patience

Traveling can be stressful, particularly internationally, when you don’t speak the local language. Patience certainly is not one of my virtues, but when traveling, you have to dig deep to find it where you don’t know you have it.

I remember on my first trip to Asia, after a painfully long and sleepless flight, we arrived at a ridiculously crowded airport. I don’t recall what set my friend off, but it was about figuring out where we had to go.

He had a bit of a meltdown at the airport. That was ok—I was on it. I suggested he sit down and watch our bags, and I’d head out to figure things out.

It could have escalated to an argument since we were exhausted and cranky, but it didn’t. Don’t worry; I paid him back later in the trip with my meltdown.

He was equally patient with me and cared while I cooled off. Travel is all about teamwork when you travel with others.

5. Consideration and Compromise

No matter how close of friends you may be with your travel companion, you will have differences of opinion on things during the trip. How you handle it is essential to make for a great time on vacation.

Do you want to see something your friend doesn’t? Or does your travel partner want to stay in, but you want to go out? Take turns with the decision-making; remember, it’s ok to do things independently.

6. Communication Before & During the Trip

It is crucial that you express your needs and wants during a trip. Of course, this is important at any time in any relationship. When you are traveling with a person, it’s essential.

Say what you want or what you need, and listen when the other person does the same. Although you may be friends, hanging out together and living together, even for a week or two, is very different.

Ask questions instead of assuming. Is your friend in a bad mood or angry with you? Ask the question so you can handle it so it doesn’t fester on the trip. I didn’t heed this advice once, and it strained a friendship.

I got angry and didn’t want to start a fight, so I didn’t talk to my travel partner for a couple of days on the trip. Talk about uncomfortable and awkward! It’s a shame, too, as we had a good time before then.

How to Find a Good Travel Partner

Finding a travel buddy can be challenging, and finding a good one is even more challenging. Before you consider joining a person on a trip, it’s essential to consider your wants and expectations.

Talk about them with your potential travel partner to see if you align. When you get frustrated, as you invariably may at some point in the trip, step back and consider if you are a good travel partner.

Think about how you can open a dialogue to work through the issue so you can continue to have fun.

You Might Also Like

• How I Plan My Trip to Travel Internationally
• 11 of the Best Tips for Travel: What I Wish I Knew Earlier
• 10 of the Best Reasons for Traveling

Like it? Pin it!

Sam is a travel-obsessed animal lover on a quest to create a life of travel with her dog. She loves learning new things, snuggling a dog, architecture, hiking, and bold red wine. Join her in creating a life to dream about!

So you’ve traveled with your cousin a few times…how is he as a travel partner? I am thinking he is one of the easiest people to travel with. ????

I’ll let you know the next time we travel together! 😉

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

AFFILIATE NOTICE

This website uses affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through a link. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  Learn more .

• Exciting destinations
• Solo travel
• Travel Tips
• Travel Guides & Itineraries
• Traveling with Pets
• Work with me

Finding Senior Travel Companions

Ariel Skelley / Getty Images

You're an avid traveler, fascinated by unknown places and new experiences. You know where you'd like to travel and have done some trip planning . There's just one stumbling block: You want to find a travel companion, someone who wishes to see the world and has a travel budget similar to yours.

If you're single and retired, it's not necessarily easy to find others to match your travel pace. Thankfully there are more resources now than ever before to connect adults who want to set off and explore together, whether it be a local day trip or a month-long backpacking experience.

Identify Your Vacation Goals and Travel Style

If you want to travel with at least one other person, you will need to spend some time thinking about your travel goals and travel style. If you don't know how you like to travel, you will not be able to explain your travel expectations to potential travel companions, so consider the many travel options trips include before beginning your search.

• Hotel rooms: Do you prefer luxury comfort, mid-range hotel accommodations, or bargain hostels?
• Dining: Do you want to experience Michelin star-level dining, local favorites, chain restaurants, or fast food? Would you prefer to cook your own food in a vacation cottage or efficiency suite?
• Transportation: Are you comfortable taking public transportation or do you prefer to drive your car or travel by taxicab? Are you willing to walk long distances?
• Sightseeing: Which travel activities suit you best? Museums, adventure and outdoor travel, historic sights, guided tours , spas, and shopping excursions are just some of the options you should consider.

It's important to know how you like to travel. Going on a trip with another person is an intimate experience, and you'll want to be sure that all travelers have the same expectations before taking off.

Word of Mouth

One of the best ways to find a like-minded travel companion is to tell everyone you know that you want to travel, but need someone to go with you to keep costs down. Ask friends and family to pass along your contact information if they meet someone who wants to travel and is trustworthy.

Senior Centers

Depending on where you live, your local senior center might be just the place to find a travel companion. Many senior centers offer both day trips and weekend adventures, but even if you don't find those destinations interesting, you can meet people who enjoy traveling at one of the center's other programs. Try an exercise class—you'll want to be as fit as possible for your next trip—or a cultural class, such as music appreciation. You might just bump into someone who could be a future travel companion.

Travel Groups

Travel groups come in all varieties. Sometimes these groups are called travel clubs or vacation clubs because they often have some type of membership requirement, which could include membership fees or dues. You may be able to find a travel group through your church, place of employment, public library, or school alumni association. Once you find a congenial group, you can take trips with the travel group or plan an independent trip with travel companions from that group.

If you are looking at travel groups to join, be sure you understand the difference between a travel group that charges a small amount ($5 to $10) per month for dues and a vacation club that requires a membership fee of several thousand dollars. In 2013, the Better Business Bureau's Dallas and North Texas office published an investigation into travel club selling practices, focusing on the vacation club scheme and the high membership fees some vacation clubs charge.

Online Groups & Meetups

Websites and online communities like Meetup.com , for example, allow members to search for, join, and even start groups dedicated to travel, dining, and almost anything else that interests them. For example, a meetup group called "50+ Singles Travel and Social Group" organizes day trips, social events, cruises , tours, and visits to special events in the Baltimore area.

Always exercise caution when revealing personal information to members of an online group. Never agree to meet an online acquaintance in a private place; always meet in public. Use good judgment and trust your instincts when deciding to participate in a group event. Meet a potential travel companion several times before agreeing to book a trip together.

What Is the Future of Couchsurfing?

How to Make the Most of Solo Travel in the UK

Best Tour Companies for Singles

How to Buy and Use the National Park Pass for Seniors

The Unexpected Perks of Solo Travel

How to Find Senior Discounts for Budget Travel

10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Plan Your UK Trip

Tips for Traveling Solo With a Tour Group

Best Online Travel Agencies

Plan Your All-Inclusive Caribbean Vacation

Why Senior Airfares Have Disappeared

Disney Vacation Club: Is It Worth It?

Saving Money on Your Summer Vacation

Why Timeshares Are Experiencing a Millennial Renaissance

How to Find an Ethical, Authentic Food Tour

How to Get a Free Upgrade From an Airline

I went on one date with a man, and then we decided to travel together indefinitely. It's not as romantic as it seems.

• While traveling full time, I joined a dating app and went on a date; we fell for each other.
• Since we have similar values, we decided to travel together indefinitely. 
• It's been difficult at times, and our future is uncertain, but it's the perfect life for us.

Last year, I finally fulfilled my dream of traveling full time when I got a job aboard a cruise ship. I was loving every moment of my nomadic life. I was too busy enjoying myself to worry about a relationship.

But in my second year of the job and third year of being single, I joined the Nomad Soulmates dating app . I wasn't necessarily looking for my soulmate because travel was my priority for most of my life. But at 32, I knew I had to make a proactive choice to prioritize relationships and dating.

In April 2023, I disembarked the ship in Lisbon and tried out the app. I was skeptical it would lead anywhere because I only had two months off the ship before I had to head to Norway to join my next contract. Plus, I had already scheduled my travel plans for the next two months.

But then I matched with someone that made me rethink everything.

We had an instant connection

I matched with a man who was in Lisbon for the month. He asked me out for Greek food, and I figured it was worth a try. Once again, I didn't imagine it would go anywhere because I planned to stay for only a week before heading to Porto for the weekend and then off to Spain for the next leg of my trip .

Related stories

But our date ended up being so much fun that I was interested in seeing where it could go. He was silly, and that was refreshing. We shared many of the same values and loved traveling, so the conversation never lagged.

I surprised myself when I invited him to stay with me for a few nights in Porto. During our visit to Porto, I canceled my trip to Spain and accepted his invitation to return to Lisbon with him, beginning our partnership.

We decided to keep traveling together

I had to choose between my travel plans and my partner . Having been a solo traveler, giving up my travel plans for something that might not work out wasn't a decision I took lightly.

But I wanted to take a chance as we found ourselves on the same page about everything — especially what we were looking for in a long-term relationship and what we wanted in the future. I never saw myself returning to the US; I wanted to return to Italy or continue traveling full time with my future partner and kids. He also had no plans on returning to his home country of Germany and, having been traveling full time since 2018, was uninterested in stopping. He also wants children and plans to travel with them full time.

I saw that we were on the same page regarding how we wanted to incorporate parenting, traveling, and our careers, so we decided to continue traveling together — which was a decision we made exceptionally quickly.

I was fearful at the beginning of our relationship because I heard horror stories from friends about traveling with partners they just met. Luckily, being seasoned travelers , we face inconveniences quite similarly and calmly. Within the last year, we've dealt with being separated for months at a time and spending every second together for months at a time. We've also experienced missed flights, scooter accidents, cockroach infestations, and a lack of necessities such as hot water. It's not all romance and dreamy vacations.

Like so many other relationships I've had, I thought each new inconvenience would fracture our relationship, causing us to decide that maybe this wasn't the right partnership for us. But it all had the opposite effect, building the foundation of our relationship as we moved into the second year of traveling full time together.

Bound by wanderlust , we aren't sure what our futures hold, but we'll sculpt it with our shared dreams.

Watch: Marriott International's Tina Edmundson tells Insider that the travel mindset has changed since the pandemic

• Main content

Airline Partners and Global Alliances

Alliances built around your needs.

You can earn and use MileagePlus miles on more than 35 airlines worldwide. Select a Star Alliance™ or MileagePlus partner airline below for more information about earning miles on flights operated by that airline.

We give you more globe by aligning with the stars

We're excited to align with the Star Alliance member airlines. Together with our other worldwide and regional partners, plus the Star Alliance network, we keep you connected.

Star Alliance member airlines

Earn and use MileagePlus miles on any Star Alliance member airline. United Club℠ members and customers with qualifying tickets can access eligible airport lounges around the globe. More details about the Star Alliance network .​

Star Alliance members

Other worldwide partners

• Air Dolomiti
• Boutique Air
• Discover Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• Olympic Air
• Silver Airways
• Virgin Australia

Star Alliance connecting partners

All members can earn and redeem MileagePlus miles on eligible connecting partner flights. Premier ® Gold, Platinum and 1K ® customers traveling on a Star Alliance itinerary that includes a flight on a connecting partner will be offered a tailored set of privileges detailed on the specific connecting partner page.​

• Connecting to Star Alliance
• Juneyao Air

MileagePlus rules

The accrual of miles and Premier qualifying credits, redemption of and provision of benefits through the United MileagePlus program, including the Premier Program, are subject to change and are subject to the rules of the MileagePlus program.

* Only available on flights entirely within the 50 United States that are operated by United or United Express.

See the complete rules and details of the MileagePlus program

• HISTORY & CULTURE

Should couples normalize sleeping in separate beds?

If your partner snores, experiences insomnia, or has a different body clock, sleeping apart might offer a solution.

New research from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine reveals that more than a third of Americans choose to “sleep divorce” their partners, reflecting a growing trend among couples, including celebrities such as Cameron Diaz and Carson Daly, to prioritize sleep quality.  

“We’ve been conned by the idea we should sleep together if we’re in a relationship,” says Neil Stanley, coauthor of A Sleep Divorce: How to Sleep Apart, Not Fall Apart .

Sleep divorce involves couples sleeping in separate beds or bedrooms to improve sleep quality. This practice helps avoid common sleep disturbances like snoring, insomnia, differing sleep schedules, and restlessness, which can lead to fatigue and relationship tension. Here’s what you need to know about the trend and its potential benefits for your health.

The fall and rise of separate beds

In ancient Rome, the concept of the marital bed , known as “ lectus genialis ,” was both practical and symbolic. Roman couples often used one bed for intimate conversations and physical intimacy, making it a private space within the home. It was not unusual for them to retire to separate   beds when it was time to sleep.

( These are the mysteries that science is unlocking about sleep .)

However, during the medieval period, the concept of a dedicated marital bed was less distinct due to the communal nature of living spaces. More impoverished families often shared one bed or sleeping area near a heat source, while wealthier families could claim individual rooms since they lived in larger homes.  

The Renaissance saw the emergence of more private sleeping quarters for couples. However, separate bedrooms for husbands and wives, especially among royalty and the nobility, were not uncommon, as depicted in the TV series The Crown   and   Bridgerton .

It became fashionable for couples to sleep together in the Victorian era, but by the late 19th century, medical experts called for a separation once more. In her book, A Cultural History of Twin Beds , Hilary Hinds says that medical professionals of the time considered separate beds the healthiest option. Prominent figures like New York physician William Witty Hall and alternative health practitioner Edwin Bowers emphasized the health benefits of single beds, with Hall advocating for “a single bed in a large, clean, light room” and Bowers arguing that “separate beds for every sleeper are as necessary as separate dishes for every eater.”

( Here are seven science-backed tips for better sleep .)

By the 1920s, twin beds became a symbol of wealth and fashion. However, the 1950s saw a shift back to double beds, as the post-World War II era solidified the master bedroom concept, viewing separate beds as a sign of a failing marriage. Today, as awareness of sleep’s role in overall health grows, the trend of separate sleeping arrangements is making a comeback.

Tips to navigate a “sleep divorce”

Some couples find that sharing a bed enhances their emotional connection and intimacy. For others, not so much.  

Sleep psychologist Dan Ford, the clinical director of the Better Sleep Clinic in New Zealand, says there are an array of reasons couples might feel more comfortable sleeping alone. Your partner could snore, or they could suffer, as one in 10 people do, from chronic insomnia. “Some couples have very different body clocks, leading to different sleep timing preferences, so they find it is easier to sleep in separate beds rather than disturb one another,” Ford says.

A study from the University of Michigan found that sharing a bed can compromise sleep quality, potentially straining relationships. Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, found that following a poor night’s sleep , couples will experience more fights.  

( Are you a lark or an owl? Your body clock holds the answer .)

Tami Shadduck, a teacher from the United States, had many sleepless nights due to her husband’s sleep apnoea. She moved into another room during the pandemic when she had strep throat and never moved back. “Sleep is sleep, and intimacy isn’t built while you’re unconscious,” she says. “Intimacy is created in a million little moments while you are awake.”

Stanley says the key to making sleep divorce work is you shouldn’t call the second room the spare room. “It should be your room,” says Stanley. “You have it the decorated the way you want with the mattress, duvet, and pillows you want.”

While a sleep divorce can improve sleep quality and reduce disturbances, for some couples, it may cause feelings of emotional disconnection and reduce spontaneous intimacy.

( Women are more likely to be sleep deprived. Here’s why that’s so bad .)

Yet, for others, separate rooms can boost a relationship . When Utah-based author Marcella Hill moved into her own room a year ago, she said on TikTok , “It’s pretty sexy to be able to invite each other over. I think this should be the new norm.”

Stanley says that sleeping separately has nothing to do with the strength of your relationship. “It is a perfectly normal thing to do,” he says. “Sleep divorce isn’t a punishment, it is doing the best for each other.”

For Hungry Minds

Related topics.

• MENTAL HEALTH

You May Also Like

The problem with natural sleep aids

Is sleeping on your stomach or back better here are some bedtime myths, debunked.

There’s a better way to wake up. Here’s what experts advise.

Daylight saving time is back. Here are 7 tips for better sleep.

Noise pollution harms more than your hearing

• Paid Content
• Environment
• Photography
• Perpetual Planet

History & Culture

• History & Culture
• History Magazine
• Mind, Body, Wonder
• World Heritage
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• Auto Racing
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Personal finance
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

Travelers cope with crowds and high prices on the busiest day of Memorial Day weekend

Highways and airports are likely to be jammed the next few days as Americans head out for Memorial Day weekend getaways and then return home.

Airports around the country are bracing for the travel rush as Americans head out for Memorial Day weekend. AAA predicts 43.8 million people expected to travel between Thursday and Monday. (AP Video: Tassanee Vejpongsa)

Highways and airports are likely to be jammed this weekend, as Americans head out on Memorial Day weekend getaways. AAA says this will be the busiest start-of-summer weekend in nearly 20 years.

Travelers on Florida’s Turnpike are experiencing relatively light traffic at the start of the Memorial Day weekend, with no major congestion reported, allowing them to focus on their wallets instead of their anxiety about traffic. (AP video by Cody Jackson)

Travelers walk through Salt Lake City International Airport Friday, May 24, 2024, in Salt Lake City. A record number of Americans are expected to travel over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

• Copy Link copied

Travelers move through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ahead of Memorial Day, Friday, May 24, 2024, in Atlanta.(AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Michelle Winters plays the violin as passengers stand in line at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ahead of Memorial Day, Friday, May 24, 2024, in Atlanta.(AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Cars drive through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ahead of Memorial Day, Friday, May 24, 2024, in Atlanta.(AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Gasoline prices are displayed on a sign outside a service station as the Memorial Day holiday travel period kicks off Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Greenwood Village, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Traffic slowly moves along Interstate 405 on Thursday, May 23, 2024, in the Bel Air section of Los Angeles. Highways and airports are likely to be jammed in the coming days as Americans head out on and home from Memorial Day weekend getaways. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Travelers contended with big crowds and flight delays Friday, which was expected to be the busiest day of the Memorial Day weekend.

More than 6,000 U.S. flights were delayed by early evening on the East Coast, continuing a trend that has tested the patience of travelers all week. Cancellations were more modest, at slightly more than 200, according to tracking data from FlightAware.

There were delays on the highways, too.

Along Florida’s Turnpike, Wallis Tinnie said a traffic accident and road work slowed her drive to an African American history commemoration in the Florida Panhandle, the site in 1816 of the first battle of the Seminole Wars.

“But we’re comfortable with it,” the Miami woman said during a stop at Port Saint Lucie. “We left early, and our event is tomorrow. So hopefully — God willing, creek don’t rise — we’ll be there in plenty of time.”

The Transportation Security Administration predicted that Friday would be the busiest day of the holiday weekend for air travel, with nearly 3 million people expected to pass through airport checkpoints . TSA screened just under 2.9 million people Thursday, coming within about 11,000 of breaking the record set on the Sunday after Thanksgiving last year.

Pasha Pidlubniak waits for a domestic flight at Miami International Airport, Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Miami. A record number of Americans are expected to travel over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

“Airports are going to be more packed than we have seen in 20 years,” AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz said.

Highways also are likely to be jammed as motorists head out of town and then return home. AAA predicted this will be the busiest start-of-summer weekend in nearly 20 years, with 43.8 million people expected to roam at least 50 miles from home between Thursday and Monday — 38 million of them taking vehicles.

The annual expression of wanderlust that accompanies the start of the summer travel season is happening at a time when Americans tell pollsters they are worried about the economy and the direction of the country.

“Memorial Day is a holiday weekend. I get to hang with family and friends, so I’d say that’s priceless, right?” Nene Efebo said during a two-hour wait for a delayed flight at Denver International Airport. “Anything to hang out with family and friends.”

Victoria Ramos Valdes of Miami was taking a driving vacation with her husband, Blake, and their children, ages 3 and 4 months old.

“We said, hey, we’re going to go for a $300 budget, and the hotel is around $150,” she said, but it has a water slide, providing plenty of entertainment. “We’re taking a nice family trip and doing our best to have the best Memorial Day weekend possible.”

Some travelers reported experiencing sticker shock when they booked their trips. Upon arriving at Philadelphia International Airport, Ciarra Marsh said the city “was not our original destination, but we chose here because it was cheaper.”

At Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, Larisa Latimer of New Lenox, Illinois, said her airfare was reasonable but other expenses for a getaway to New Orleans were not.

Motorists travel along Interstate 24 near the Interstate 40 interchange Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. A record number of Americans are expected to hit the pavement over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

“I just have to make the accommodation,” she said. “The rental car is up ... this year, the hotel accommodations were very unusually expensive.”

Kathy Larko of Fort Myers, Florida, used frequent-flyer miles — and some flexible scheduling — to pay for her trip to Chicago.

Travelers wait at a TSA checkpoint at the Los Angeles International Airport, Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Los Angeles. A record number of Americans are expected to travel over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

“I’m really conscious of looking at the cost of the entire trip. We’re staying a little farther out than we normally would” to get a lower hotel rate, she said. “We’re also flying back a day later, because we could get cheaper miles.”

The weekend’s highway traffic and crowded airports could be a sample of what is to come for several more weeks. U.S. airlines expect to carry a record number of passengers this summer. Their trade group estimates that 271 million travelers will fly between June 1 and August 31, breaking the record of 255 million set – you guessed it – last summer .

George Ridley, 4, left, rides on a suitcase as he and his father Chris Ridley make their way through the Nashville international Airport, Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. A record number of Americans are expected to travel over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

This story was previously updated to correct the spelling Fort Myers, Florida.

Cody Jackson in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, Melissa Perez Winder in Chicago and Shelley Adler in Washington contributed to this report.

• Community News
• On The Campaign Trail
• Hawaii News
• National News
• International News
• Local Sports
• Sports Spotlight
• Hawaii Sports
• National Sports
• As Maui Dines
• Bald-Headed Truth
• Letters to the Editor
• Home and Garden
• Classifieds
• Print Ad Directory
• Browse notices
• Place a notice
• Statement of Values
• Terms of Service
• Submit News

• Today's Paper

Governor, Alaska Airlines, and partners offer travel gift program for Maui wildfire victims

Alaska Airlines, Hawaii Governor Josh Green, and community members announced an offer Friday in Lahaina that 180 roundtrip tickets airline tickets per month from August 2024 through December 2025 will be given to victims of the Maui 2023 wildfires. Photo courtesy Office of the Governor

The Maui News

KAHULUI – Hawaii Governor Josh Green, Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci, and community leaders announced the launch of Maui CARE Flights, a partnership to give more than 3,000 roundtrip Alaska Airlines flights to Maui families impacted by the August 8, 2023 wildfires.

To kick off this effort, Alaska Airlines will sponsor a special charter flight for impacted Maui families to visit Disneyland from July 11-14, 2024. Hotel stays for the Disneyland trip are being provided by Marriott International and Disneyland Resort is assisting to make this visit possible.

Following the special charter flight, Alaska Airlines will donate up to 180 roundtrip tickets (equivalent to one airplane) per month from August 2024 through December 2025. This will provide opportunities for over 3,000 impacted Maui residents to take a trip at their convenience anywhere Alaska flies.

“The ability to travel is important to Hawaii residents–travel connects us. It has continuously afforded me the opportunity to travel to Maui to grieve with wildfire survivors and provide them support,” said Governor Green. “Yet the Maui CARE Flights program is about more than travel–it’s about healing. By giving our wildfire-impacted families opportunities to joyfully bond through these shared experiences together, we’re fostering recovery and resilience. This initiative, made possible by the generosity of Alaska Airlines and our partners, embodies the spirit of aloha and our commitment to supporting the well-being of our community.”

“This gift of travel will give our survivors, who have gone through so much, a chance to reconnect with loved ones, see new places and create new memories together,” said Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen. “The generosity of Alaska Airlines and partners is a wonderful example of the compassion that our residents need as they continue to recover from the devastation of the wildfires.”

“The resilience of the Maui community since last year’s wildfires has truly been inspiring,” said Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci.

“All of us at Alaska Airlines are humbled to continue building on our support for the people of Maui with this new Maui CARE Flights program. Alaska is all about people and care, and we know that travel can offer a break from the mental toll of recovery. We hope that this gift of flight provides a bright spot for Maui families as they navigate the rebuilding of this incredible community.”

“The Alaska Airlines program exemplifies the spirit of aloha, a key component of conducting business in Hawai’i,” said Kuhio Lewis, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) Chief Executive Officer. “CNHA is eager to contribute to bringing relief and joy to a resilient community that has faced significant hardships.”

CNHA will manage the intake process. Interested individuals and families can fill out a short application form online at www.helpingmaui.org or in person at CNHA’s Kako’o Maui Resource Center. Applicants will need to provide their FEMA assistance number and pre-wildfire address. Those who do not have a FEMA assistance number can verify eligibility through other methods.

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

• Daily Newsletter
• Breaking News

Hawaii Residents Overwhelmingly Support More Renewable Energy with Electricity Costs Being the Main Factor

By The Maui News KAHULUI – On Thursday at the 11th Annual Hawaii Energy Conference on Maui, Ulupono Initiative ...

BE FAST for Stroke Awareness – May No Ka Oi Health

May is Stroke Awareness Month. This article aims to raise awareness about stroke and the signs and symptoms that ...

DOH Releases Findings of Independent Forensic Investigation of Navy Water System

By The Maui News KAHULUI – An independent investigation by the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH), confirmed that ...

Three neighborhood planning workshops set for June

By The Maui News KAHULUI - The County of Maui Office of Recovery and Department of Planning will hold three ...

Bank of Hawaii recognized with retail merchants of Hawaii’s “Non-Retail Community Team of the Year” Award

New Orleans legend plays Storyville Sessions at Kihei’s ProArts Playhouse

Only $99/year, subscribe today.