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Home » Budget Travel » How to Find a Travel Buddy: Travelling with a Friend 101

How to Find a Travel Buddy: Travelling with a Friend 101

There’s a certain romanticism in the life of an intrepid solo traveller—solitary and stoic—braving venturing unto new frontiers. But do you want to know the truth?

Some of my warmest, happiest, and most sincere memories from the road are of experiences shared travelling with a friend.

Now, that’s not necessarily to say a friend  from home.  No, rather, a travel buddy that I met on the road. People that, astonishingly quickly, became treasured friends and companions.

Because that’s the underlying magic of finding a travel buddy: it’s a shared experience, and that makes it more real. Suddenly, there’s someone to tell that story with—someone to reminisce with. At the one-year reunion, the two-year reunion, or, hell, maybe (if you’re lucky enough), then when you’re old and grey and still complaining about the price of cigarettes together.

And that’s exactly why I want to teach you how to find a travel buddy! Because remembering and sharing those stories together… that’s more special than the travels themself.

We’ll be covering the basics today, i.e. how to make a friend (in case you missed that 101). But also the peripherals: how to find a travel buddy online AND offline, the (more practical) benefits of travelling with friends, and even the stampeding elephant in the room that is the variable of gender.

Why Travel with a Stranger?

How to find a travel buddy online, how to find a travel buddy offline, the ins-and-outs of travelling with a buddy.

Ok, so ‘stranger’ is a bit rough. Sure, when you first meet a travel buddy they’ll be a stranger, but that’s the beauty of travel relationships: they get real deep real fast.

Imagine a friend that you see every day of your life, be it for 3 days or 3 months. Every decision is shared, resources are shared, stories—new and old—are shared. Rapidly, this person becomes a staple and constant in your life.

It sounds almost like a… real relationship , right?

But it is, essentially, albeit platonically (most of the time).

If the idea that you won’t find a travel partner is holding you back from travelling, that’s daft. There are incredible places to travel alone in the world.

Short of disappearing into the frozen expanses of the Alaskan tundra, you will never be alone. Often, alone time can almost be like black gold for a traveller.

The world is a big place, and no matter how hard you try, you’re never really alone.

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The Benefits of Travelling with a Friend

Outside of all the esoteric mumbo-jumbo about meeting people to travel with and forming lifelong kinships of an almost spiritual substance, there are heaps of logistical reasons to travel with someone!

• Saving money – Duh— budget backpacking 101 ! Someone to split costs with means spending less money overall.
• Taking nicer rooms – Kind of an offshoot of the last point but think about all the private room options that will open up if you’re sharing. You can take swanky Airbnbs at a steal or share grimy single rooms (with one person on the floor) for a pittance!
• Sharing resources – “Hey, dude, got any mozzie spray?”
• Someone to watch your back – Safety in numbers, naturally, but not just that. You’ve got someone to watch your stuff when you wander off for a piss or to talk to on the long train rides. It’s the little things.
• They might not finish their meal – Cha-ching!
• Photo-ops – You’re gonna be featured in way more Insta-basic-beach-poser shots with someone around to take them.

Travelling with a Friend from Home

Personally, I’m not a fan of the ‘bring a friend’ method. You know how sometimes friends choose to live together and then they discover they’re shit housemates and it gets petty and causes schisms within the whole friendship group? (No, you’re a projection!)

I know the dream is to have your mates from home tag along for the adventure, but a dream can quickly turn to a lucid nightmare. Once you’re travelling—solo or with a travel buddy—you’ll discover the glory of freedom. Both the freedom of the road and freedom from home.

Travel is a chance to be free of the perceptions of who you are held by the people closest to you. It’s a chance to grow, develop, and learn about yourself, with yourself, in brand new and unprecedented scenarios. Bringing a friend from home along to that experience is like sneaking a flask into an AA meeting.

I wouldn’t say doggedly avoid travelling with a friend from home. I would, however, suggest to experience travel in its fullest before you bring that home-friend.

A home-friend, or, yes, a partner, is—to be blunt—a ball-and-chain. A travelling friend is someone you meet on the road. You have no unspoken contract to uphold; if it goes south, then so do you (while they go north).

A friend you travel with , however, has all sorts of potential to get messy, and it’s not a good first-time introduction into the backpack-o-sphere. It’s a commitment and one that works counter-intuitively to the freedom of travel.

It can be a real restriction.

Will here again!

While planning an entire backpacking trip with a friend (or friends) can lead to surefire disaster, a short stint through the crazies of Asia or clubs of Europe is a blast!

When it comes to getting my friends to come out and travel with me for a bit, I am absolutely a convincing bastard! What I like to do on longer trips is to make a Facebook group, add my favourite homies, and then post my—extremely rough—itinerary and any general directional updates. That way, people can work out where I’m heading and decide if they’d like to swing by for an interlude.

I tend to much prefer to go my own way during the adventures, but seeing the peeps from back home is always such a heartwarming experience, especially in the reaches of some far-flung land. It may just take some persistence to convince them. 😉

Travel Alone or with Someone: Shoulda Put a Ring on It

While travelling with a friend may be the dream, solo travel is the real journey. If you find a travel buddy, you’re not solo travelling, and that, simply by nature, is restricting.

As a solo traveller, you’re living on a whim. Anywhere you go is entirely in your hands. And experiences come a lot more frequently as a result of your solitude.

• Hitchhiking alone is easier.
• Meeting locals is easier.
• Having someone host you is easier.

That’s not to say that this stuff doesn’t happen when travelling with someone. Only, it’s more restrictive.

A pair of exotic foreigners is a lot more daunting to approach than a single dazed soul. And you haven’t got to hash out decisions with someone either before you do something crazy in the spur of the moment. You do you.

However, you do lose a lot too. Travel isn’t about being alone: it’s about all the people you meet. It’s about all the things that they teach you, and all the things that you learn together. Meeting a travel buddy and earning a travel companion is a natural extension of that.

What I’m trying to say is that sometimes you just wanna smoke a joint by yourself. I get that—we all do. But, at the end of the day…

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It’s the 21st-century. Of course, we’re doing this digitally! Isn’t the main reason to travel to be looking at your phone more?

Ok, so finding a travel buddy online may not be my favourite flavour, but it does work. There are no shortage of travel companion sites and ‘find a travel buddy’ apps fit for the purpose of hooking you up with some loose cannon through cyberspace.

The most obvious is social media and this does work:

• Facebook – Is the no brainer. Check general backpacking groups, backpacking groups for the country you’re in, groups for specific hobbies (hiking, climbing, etc.), or even ride offering/asking groups in the famous road trip countries (Australia/New Zealand/etc.).
• Instagram – Yeah, Insta does have its purposes ; try posting a photo or story showcasing where you’re at now. Chances are someone you met on the road before will hit you up.
• Twitter – I’m not even going to pretend to be an expert on Twitter, but if you’re already an avid tweeter of twits, then I’m sure you know how to utilise it. I have heard success stories!

Your socials are already covering a lot of ground given that so many people—and travellers—are active users. But your also looking at a huge gene pool of many splendid examples of the lowest common denominator. There are no referrals, no rating system, and no barrier of entry.

They definitely have their uses, but there are plenty of much more nuanced travel friend apps and sites to find people to travel with.

Best Travel Buddy Apps and Sites

• GAFFL – On the reverse end of social media’s low threshold to sign up is GAFFL with its 4-step verification process—yikes! There’s a site with a yummy UX and an accompanying travel buddy app, plus you get some extra bonus features for planning the trip itinerary and securely splitting the costs even prior to the trip.
• Travel Buddies – Well the name certainly fits! It’s kinda like a social media platform with the explicit purpose of advertising your upcoming trips and seeing other peoples’. It’s pretty straightforward to contact people and overall a pretty clearcut travel buddy site.
• Meetup – It’s not actually a site for finding a travel companion but rather a site for group meetups and events—hiking, pub drinks, Taco Tuesdays, LGBTQ Taco Tuesdays. You may never meet a travel buddy through meetup, but you’ll definitely meet some friends!
• Tinder – I know, I know. But, using Tinder while travelling does have its uses.
• Backpackr – Just a straight app without a website. You can browse people’s profiles (so, yeah, it’s a bit dating-ish) and a ‘Common Room’ for asking questions, getting tips, and screaming into the void.
• 5W: Women Welcome Women Worldwide – I wanted to throw a ladies-only choice in, and this one is more like a worldwide network than just an app for meeting travellers. 5W is a non-profit that’s been around since 1984. You’ll have to complete an application process first to ensure you meet the prerequisites (i.e. having a vagina), but once you do, you’ll be given the keys to the kingdom: the members list with plenty of opportunities for attending gatherings or organising one-on-one meetings.

Then there are Traveller forums. They’re a dime a dozen for both seeking tips and finding travel buddies. If you’re not a massive fan of apps, these are the major players you should look at:

• Tripadvisor forums – People ask a lot of questions over there too.
• Reddit –  There are endless subreddits divided by different destinations, communities, and hobbies. Check out the Travel Partners and Solo Travel boards particularly.

Couchsurfing – A Broke Backpacker’s Secret Weapon

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While the above apps certainly serve the cause, there’s only one platform that I believe takes the true crowning jewel of being the best app to find a travel buddy—Couchsurfing! I have Couchsurfed in all manner of weird and wonderful locales—Iran, Venezuela, and Jordan just to name a few—and I have always found the Couchsurfing community to be absolute gems.

As well as being a fantastic platform for finding free accommodation and meeting locals, Couchsurfing is also a great site and app for making travel friends. I have found numerous people through Couchsurfing’s groups who I have travelled with, and I’ve won some truly treasured friendships as a result.

The best group to look in is either the ‘Backpacker’ group or the ‘Travel Buddies’ group as well as checking out the specific group for whichever country or region you are travelling and Couchsurfing in. Often, people will post in country or city groups asking if other CSers are around for drinks, an adventure, or to see if anybody else is trying to find a travel mate. It’s also definitely worth heading to any local Couchsurfing meetups in your area too!

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Look, I’m old fashioned. I don’t like Tinder. I prefer paying in cash, and I do enjoy popping the odd Werther’s Original. Finding someone to travel with offline is my jam.

You’re going to meet travel companions organically as you travel alone (assuming you’re lovable with a winning smile). It’ll be in any number of differing formats too. They could be a:

• Solo human with an equally unquenchable thirst for the world’s most adventurous places .
• Pair of humans who are either previous friends or also travel buddies.
• Group of any size and connecting factor (though a group of all solo travellers is always madness of the finest calibre).
• Romantic pair of humans. This actually happens more often then you might think and is more-often-than-not excellent fun! Bonus points to the travelling couples who argue in their native tongue for the sake of politeness.

There are probably other formats than this, but that’s the basics. And again, it will happen organically , even if you’re not lovable with a winning smile. (Unless, of course, you’re a total prick, but then you have bigger issues).

Meet Other Travellers (But Never Settle for Second-Best)

Do let it be organic. You’re a solo traveller! Be the badass motherfucking homeless-hero thou most certainly art.

Go and solo travel. Brave new ventures, be lonely sometimes, and make many, many new friends. When the right companion to travel with comes along, you’ll know it. Forcing this issue is just like forcing relationships – it doesn’t work out very well!

Usually, finding a travel buddy (or buddies) is a matter of something shared; it is a core value of The Broke Backpacker Manifesto . A shared desire for the same off-beat adventure. Or it could be a shared matter of convenience— we were both going to the same place, but then we stayed together.

Often, for me, it’s just a shared love for the same simplicities in life: living cheap, travelling without money , eating local, smoking the finest dankeries, and, sometimes, sleeping under the stars. The dirtbag life.

My point is, don’t settle for mediocrity! You’re way too good for that. Wait until you meet travel buddies that truly deserve you.

Just do you, soak up the journey, and let the opportunity come to you. Ultimately, it’s gotta flow.

Places to Find a Travel Buddy Offline

If you’re steering clear of the apps and socials in your travels (or are just terrible at using them), then there are still some classic meeting points to find a travel mate:

• Hostels – Staying in backpacker hostels is the tried-and-true classical method to meet travellers and find someone to travel with. But remember to pick hostels that match your vibe.
• Work Exchange Programs – Absolutely! Things like Workaway, WWOOF, Worldpackers, HelpX, etc… these types of travel jobs are tops places for meeting travellers. Particularly solo and long-term travellers.
• Public Transport – If you’re carving a typical backpacking route for any given place—say the Banana Pancake Trail in Southeast Asia —then you’ll always encounter travellers en route between the major destinations.
• On the Plane – You can find a travel buddy before you even leave the airport! Scout the plane and passengers (at the baggage claim is also a smart spot) for any smelly backpacker vagrant types, and ask them if they’d like to share a taxi to the nearest backpacker hub of whatever city you’ve landed in. A general rule: the cheaper the flight , the more likely you’ll walk into some fellow broke backpackers!
• Declaring a Grand Adventure – It’s happened to me no short number of times. You declare with great intention (no bluffing allowed) about some grand adventure you’re planning—say, hitchhiking across India or finding some legendary hidden mountain village. If the chances of death are still low enough, people are always gonna want to tag along.

Often, if the flow is right, someone that you met as a short-term travel buddy (say, on the bus) can end up being someone you travel with for a while. Sometimes, it can be a long while.

Seriously, work exchange programs are a brilliant method to meet other travellers. Given that the people you meet—not even counting the local friends that you’ll make—are more than likely going to be dedicated to the slow travel life (and to exploring a country away from the tourist bubbles), forming substantial friendships is just a matter of being in the right place at the right time.

It also helps to know your way around the voluntourism sector, and how to choose worthwhile programs (ideally, with a steady influx of travellers). Worldpackers and Workaway —two esteemed platforms for volunteering abroad—are good places to look too.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

Nobody said it was easy. No one ever said it would be this hard.

Yes, indeed, the man known as ‘Coldplay’ was correct. While sometimes it flows effortlessly, sometimes it is hard.

They’re not a true friend until you’ve seen them at their worst. They’re not a true friend until you’ve considered throwing them out of a 6-storey window.

If you’re going to choose to travel with a stranger, you’ve got to be prepared for some strangeness. Sometimes it gets tense. Sometimes it gets uneasy.

Finding a travel partner is only half the journey.

Oh Boy, We’re Discussing Genders

Yay for minefields! I really wanted to avoid this topic because finding a travel buddy should never be about the potential to get inside another traveller’s Thailand Elephant Pants. However, we can’t honestly pretend that gender isn’t an influencing factor and so… it’s into the abyss we go!

Yes, finding travel companions for singles, as a single, is definitely a thing. Finding love and sex while backpacking is a potential natural conclusion of this. Fairly often, it ends poorly once the honeymoon bubble of travelling together wears off; but it does work out too… sometimes.

BUT, it’s more important to shift your thinking away from that and to more consider the variable of gender , i.e. how gender affects travel.

I remember travelling with a friend—female and very much treasured—in Sri Lanka. She cracked the shits at me one night after dinner because I failed to see the host was ignoring her and taking executive decisions on the meal order from me: the man. Truthfully, I was completely oblivious; I was just pumped for dinner.

However, having a female travel companion does help create insight. Many parts of the world are substantially more difficult for a girl to travel in solo or otherwise (though certainly not impossible)…

The Arab World is tricky. South Asia is not the best either? South America is… mmm .

Being a female looking for a male travel partner in these parts of the world—while not a necessity—is smart. It does mitigate the intensity. With a couple of fake wedding rings thrown in, you’ll be coastin’.

If you do end up travelling with someone of the preferred gender and orientation you most enjoy diddling, again, you guys do you. Just remember the variable.

Dudes, stay aware of your female travel companions. Just stand a bit tighter in the surge of a crowded bazaar, or keep an eye on her drinks during a psy-banger in Goa. Remember that her experience will always be different.

As for the Mademoiselles travelling with a guy friend, just keep communicating: be chill, girl-bros. If you’re gonna crack the shits, do so gently. Sometimes, we’re just not paying attention.

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How to Travel with a Friend: On Fights

Yeah, arguments do happen on the road. Travel with a friend long enough, and, eventually, it’ll happen.

The first time I had an argument with a travel buddy, it got ferocious. Imagine two colourfully dressed hippies shoeless on the side of a New Zealand road screaming and cussing each other out—one in broad Australian, one in angry Japanese. That wasn’t our last argument either.

The next time I hitched long distance with someone, I warned him:

“Alright, dude. At some point, we’re gonna fight. We need to decide now, what we’ll do then.”

He thought I was joking.

“Oh, yeah, well how about we roll a joint on it.”

Several days later while being held semi-captive in a buttfuck-nowhere Indian village, we had our first fight, and that’s exactly what we did.

Assume it’ll happen, make the necessary plans in your head, and communicate well. When you find a travel companion, you’re gonna see that person every day. Often, for every meal.

Travelling relationships can be every bit as intense as romantic ones. The only difference is you don’t get the catharsis of a make-up bang afterwards.

How to Travel with Someone – Tips and Pointers

• Talk – And communicate; if you’re having an off-day—a case of the traveller blues—mention it. Talking is important, especially if it’s about something that affects the team.
• Share – If you’re both giving and taking fairly, you’ll end up a stronger team for it. Pool your resources!
• Don’t be an accountant –  For big sums of money, sure, but keeping track of the little things is going to wear very thin. Often, it’s easier just to go 1:1 on buying each other chai, meals, bus fares, and whatever else.
• Take Space – When you feel you need it, and sometimes when you don’t too. Timeout is rarely the wrong choice.
• Compromise – You ain’t solo travelling anymore which means sometimes you’ll need to make concessions! Somedays, you’re just not going want to do the same thing.

And remember that word— team.  Because that’s what you are. You’re a team working together towards a shared goal.

You gotta function as a unit.

Travel Alone or with Someone, but Get Insurance!

I once had a friend spot his travel buddy several grand when she got herself into a medical mess in Nepal (which is yet to be returned, to the best of my knowledge). Now, granted, he’s self-sacrificing to a fault, however, it’s a picture-perfect example of exactly why you should have travel insurance.

Because it ain’t you who’ll be cleaning up your mess.

All kinds of things can happen when you travel, and they do happen. Be sure to consider some quality travel insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

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

And Now You Know How to Find a Travel Buddy!

And how to travel with them. It’s kinda cool, right?

Ding-dong—I’m a solo traveler!

For me, one of the greatest thrills of backpacking is to rock up somewhere completely new and meet a whole new crowd of people, travellers and locals alike. I have done a huge amount of solo, partnered, and group travel, and I highly recommend you have a crack at all of them.

Moreso, I can’t stress enough that if the fear of being alone is holding you back from travelling, it shouldn’t. One of the main reasons some would-be vagabonds never leave home is because they’re worried they won’t meet anyone and will be lonely. One of the lessons you’ll learn travelling is that that’s simply never going to happen.

The backpacker community is awesome; everybody is extremely friendly and, in general, people just want to meet-and-greet (the same as you). It’s really quite easy to find people to travel with. And the times that you are, you’ll still be having a damn good time!

It’s something someone said to me a long time ago: some things you can only learn in a relationship, and some things you can only learn on your own. I think the same is true of travel.

Travelling solo is only one part of travel as is travelling with a friend , buddy, stranger, partner, or even in a group. Don’t find a travel buddy because you’re scared. Be scared and be awesome, because the two aren’t mutually exclusive.

Travel in all ways, experience it in all forms, and when you do find travel buddies, experience that too. Because many of those shared stories—and those shared photos—will be the ones that inspire your kids to travel.

1+1=3… which is to say that a unit is greater than the sum of its parts. A team, a friendship, and travel buddies—when it’s right—are stronger together than they are apart. And the end results?

They’re worth all the stupid fights.

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

Ziggy Samuels

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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.

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12 Sites That Will Help You Find A Travel Buddy

Meeting new people is one of the best parts of traveling.

Hopefully, you found some cool solo travel groups in our blog post, 10 Different Types of Solo Travel Groups . But there are also times when you might want to find a travel buddy, one other person to travel with, on your own trip.

Here are 11 sites that will help you find a travel buddy:

Search a destination, find travel partners, get connected, and trip together! It’s as easy as that. You can rest easy knowing that GAFFL uses a strict verification process so you can feel safe about your travel partner. Start your search here !

2. Utilize Social Media Groups

There are many Facebook groups and pages that you can follow and join to meet people with similar interests as you. Search for things like “travel” or “travel buddy” and you will find groups like Female Travel Buddies, Travel Buddies, and Travel Friends Finder that you can join.

I have been a part of a Facebook group called Women Who Travel , and it has been very helpful to me. Not only do these women post when they need travel companions, but they post tips for each other too. Other sites like Reddit utilize forums and feeds to connect people. All worth a look!

Check out Women Who Travel’s podcast  too!

3. Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a service that allows you to connect to a worldwide community of travelers. It is a great place to somewhere to stay or to share your home with travelers.

As with any online interaction, you need to make sure you do your due diligence. Using trusted sources for finding couches to key to couch surfing safely .

This website is super cool because it’s simpler than the rest. On Meetup , you can search for events in the area or wherever you will be, and see who is attending. You can even contact those people through Meetup too!

Working with Meetup will be a little different than other sites when looking for a travel companion. You might not meet your travel companion until you go to an event or two. It is more of a free-flowing way to meet people in the area you are in.

5. TripGiraffe

TripGiraffe is really easy to use. It offers the options of finding a travel buddy, exploring all travelers on the site, and looking for meetups. You can search for trips coming up soon as well as create your own.

Each mini-profile is straightforward listing the exact places you will be going, the dates you will be traveling, your gender and age, as well as the type of trip and budget.

Check out some of the profiles before you build your own – you might just want to hop on someone else’s trip!

6.  Trip in Touch

How about a new site called Trip in Touch . “Same place. Same time. Same interests. Trip in Touch – find your next Travel Buddy!”

The app is on its way, for now, you can subscribe and join their Facebook groups to connect with other travelers.

7. Intrepid Travel

If you’ve got the urge to travel but no one to do it with you can stop worrying because Intrepid has got you covered. Join one of their small group tours and find ready-made friends who are itching to explore just like you are.

8. Flexible Guided Travel

If you book daily tours in each place you stay, you are sure to make friends that might be on the same schedule as you! Give it a chance.

In New Zealand, you can pay for guided but flexible travel with the Kiwi Experience . The Kiwi Experience is a bus that travels around New Zealand making stops and bringing you from Point A to Point B. But it’s your choice how often you want to stay on the bus or on the journey! Completely flexible!

This would be a great way to meet people while you’re in the country and possibly grab a travel companion while you’re there.

9.  Travello

Travello is an app designed to make travel social. Known for where travelers connect, Travello asks you what you are interested in and then helps you to connect with other travelers nearby.

This is an excellent way to meet a travel buddy, whether you’re at home before the trip takes place or on the actual trip!

If you meet someone at home with similar interests and who loves to travel, chances are it could be a good match! This also eliminates traveling far to meet up before the trip.

10. Tourlina

Tourlina is specifically for females looking for female travel buddies. Another option to browse other trips, create your own, and speak with other females about their trips too!

The app promises a trusted and secure network of individuals.

11. Join My Trip

Choose the destination, the group size, and the experience that is right for you and Join My Trip will find the trip mates.

Whether you are looking for a simple weekend getaway or the trip of a lifetime, this is a great way to find new friends, share costs, and make memories that will last forever.

12. DePassport

DePassport can be the premier destination for you to find adventure buddies and a perfect travel companion. And for a surprise, this app lets you find not just a partner, but someone whom you will truly vibe with. The platform uses an AI-powered matching algorithm to connect you with people who match your values, and interests. 

You can connect with people from around the world, and plan your travels easily.

44 Responses

You need to add http://www.gogaffl.com to this list!

Thanks for the tip!

Very good information regarding travel

Thanks so much, Prakash!

Hi Erica, Absolutely awesome article. Btw, you are missing two big ones. CouchSurfing and GAFFL. I have always used CS before and recently used GAFFL in Australia. It was awesome. It connects people based on trips. You can start a trip or join trips. I think you can mention them in your list too.

Will do, thanks Ed!

I love Wandure app! They have amazing experiences created by awesome locals.

We love it too Lina!

Finding a perfect travel buddy is always difficult. But, having a travel buddy can make the trip more enjoyable and less lonely. It helps to have someone to split the expenses with, so you can save up for your next trip. A travel partner also minimizes risks associated with traveling alone. GAFFL (www.gogaffl.com) can be a great addition to this list. It matches up travelers with similar travel plans and ensures the safety of travelers through their well-built verification process.

Thanks for the tip, Abrar!

Are you a solo traveller? I am an Indian n Canadian citizen retired 60+ age group in n good shape to travel. Can you suggest some dependable solo travel groups. Pls email your response to [email protected] thanks

Hi Peter, check out Eldertreks, Adventures Abroad, Road Scholar, Walking the World!

Yes! I love it

Thanks Sarah!

Ms.Erika Szumel, Really Thank you for the information. Can you please rank them according to your knowledge and experience? is it possible to know which are all providing paid and which are all free in 2020?

Hi Siva, thanks for reading! Most of these are free or offer free basic memberships. Click on the links to get an idea of which fits best!

Thanks for sharing this info..

Really nice post. Thanks for sharing with us..

Thanks for reading, Suvajit!

Great Blog.It is very useful.Thanks….

Thanks for this lovely info.

Thanks for reading, Pradyut!

Great post!! Thank you very much for sharing.

Glad you enjoyed it, Ujjal!

Hi, maybe you should add https://backpackingtribe.com/ to this list. It’s a platform where you can find not just a buddy, but an entire group to backpack together with! It’s amazing!

Thanks for the tip, Wijnand!

Hey Erika, You should think about adding Share Bus to this list – if you’re travelling in Aus! Its a shared rental of a minibus, trailer and camping equipment. They find the travel mates (other backpackers) for you. It’s totally flexible and self guided – you just join on the trip/date you want to do (i.e. Perth to Broome) and you can make your own adventure.

Hey Jade, thanks for the tip!

This is such a great list! It’s got everything except https://www.fairytrail.app , a dating app for people with a passion for adventure and can work anywhere (one can look for friendships too). You should check it out and review it 😉

The most interesting list is here to find a travel buddy. Travelling with someone is fun. And these days finding a perfect travel partner is tough task, but your list has made it bit easy.

Great post! thank you so much for sharing

Thanks, Shawn!

Great content. You can also add https://cogofly.com to this list. It is a travel social networking site that helps travellers connect with other travellers around the world. As well as with its advanced search filter, anyone can find the perfect travel buddy match.

Thanks for the tip, Sameena!

You need to add http://www.joinmytrip.com to this list for sure!

Thanks for the tip, Prasanna!

great post … full of knowledge ,i am inviting you to India if you think so it will be a great pleasure for me to hosting you

Are there any sites for older people? Most of these sound like they are for younger folks. Thanks for any referrals.

Check out Walking The World, Eldertreks, Adventures Abroad, Intrepid!

Hello, I am 61 yr old female looking to travel solo but would like to join a group to travel to St Martin in the spring 2023. Do you have any recommendations.

Hi Valerie, check out some of the sites listed above! We know there are specific age groups that you can book with.

I think you have missed http://www.connectingtraveller.com as well.

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6 sites to help you find a travel buddy for your next trip

While traveling solo has its benefits, it's nice to have someone with whom to explore a new place. The following apps and platforms help you find the perfect travel buddy — just make sure to ask these 20 important questions before hitting the road, or risk being struck with an awful travel companion .

1. Penroads .  Penroads is a free service that connects travelers before they hit the road. Once you sign up, you'll create a profile, including details about your trip for other travelers to browse. The platform allows you to search by destination, helping you to quickly narrow down pertinent matches.

2. Reddit.  There's a good chance you already use Reddit to find interesting stories; however, Reddit's  Travel Partners message board allows travelers to post trips and ask others to join. If you're traveling alone, the  SoloTravel subreddit is a good place to find potential travel partners and seek advice.

3. HereToMeet.com .  Just launched in March, HereToMeet.com is a social networking site for travelers. After inputting your travel destination, dates and interests, the platform matches like-minded travelers with similar itineraries, also providing event ideas via EventBrite . Before meeting in person, users can exchange messages and media and live chat through website. Because the website is so new,  you may not find a ton of users yet, however, it's worth keeping an eye on, especially with an app set to launch at the end of summer.

4. HelloTel App .  The HelloTel app (iOS & Android, free) is a social network with over 150,000 users connecting travelers at the same hotel or nearby. There's a lot of functionality — the ability to add photos, comments, ask for local recommendations, plan meetups and post questions in your social feed — and it's a good choice for solo travelers who sometimes want to interact with others.

5. Tour groups for solo travelers.  To guarantee you won't be alone on a trip you booked solo, join a tour group. While all will ensure interaction, companies like Solos , Exodus (which has a specified Solo Travellers Holidays ) and Singles in Paradise (geared toward single travelers) ensure you won't be stuck in group of couples and friend cliques.

6. Wingman .  I mentioned Wingman, an app that helps you "meet people at the airport, on your flight, and at your destination" in my article on networking in the sky with a bit of sarcasm; however, the site seems to have changed its wording around. While at first it billed itself, more or less, as the Tinder of the skies, it now seems that not just "attractive people" will find this app useful. I guess we'll see once the app officially launch this summer.

With myriad new travel apps and platforms being launched each week — not to mention a growing traveler desire to connect with others around the world — these are far from your only options. A few others to check out: Globetrooper , TripTogether and Tripstir , launching this month.

Jessica Festa is the founder on the solo and offbeat travel blog, Jessie on a Journey , and the online responsible tourism and culture magazine, Epicure & Culture . She's constantly searching for local experiences beyond the guidebook. You can follow her travels on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .

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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.

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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

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9 Best Apps to Meet People While Traveling

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Traveling solo gives time to understand things, embrace the moment, learn about yourself and the World. However, it would be nothing without people, we meet on the way and friendships, we collect along the path.

There are moments that we want to share with other, like-minded people. meeting other fellow travelers and locals in a new country is a great opportunity to go off the beaten track and experience something authentically., the easiest way to get in touch with other travel buddies is to simply start talking to them, but sometimes it isn’t as easy as it seems to be. so that’s where awesome apps and groups come in. i would like to share with you my top 9 best applications to help you meet people while traveling, 1. couchsurfing, this amazing idea gives you the opportunity to stay with locals and sleep for free. the community counts over 14 million people in more that 200,000 cities. this is all about culture, exchange and friendship. remember to chat a little bit with your future host before you arrive to be sure that this is the right person., t here are no strangers here. only friends you haven’t yet met., 2. travel pal, travel pal connects over 1,5 million hosts and travelers in more than 150 countries. it is based on the concept of couchsurfing to help you find the right place to stay in a new city. while you are traveling, you can search for a local/host around your area who offers free accommodation. in addition, you can learn about culture, local cuisine or custom from the best source – a local, meetup connects adventure lovers and open-minded people to share, explore and learn things that make them feel alive. the app helps to join local, authentic events and meet interesting people from all over the world. check your meetup schedule and find plenty of upcoming events in your city there is also a messaging feature that allows you to contact with other members of the group., 4. flipthetrip, this great app runs in over 4500 cities and connects 19 000 locals and travelers. the main idea of this platform is to find fellow travelers or locals, who are currently at the same place as you. users can get in touch with fellow buddies for sightseeing or to have a  good conversation  over a cup of coffee . there is also an option to connect and chat with future travel partners before your holiday., 5. join facebook travel groups, if you love traveling and meeting new people around the world, i recommend to join awesome travel groups on facebook. there are thousands of members, who share the same interest, help each other and connect also in real-life. it is a great opportunity to find a perfect companion to travel with or meet locals wherever you are. for example, you post a short message that you are currently in barcelona and you want to meet with some like-minded people, have a drink or dinner. believe me, there are hundreds of travelers, like you. the biggest and my favorite travel groups on facebook are girls vs globe , go wonder – women travel , girls love travel and backpacking ., the platform helps you to discover all upcoming events in your city from more than 20 million events worldwide. it is a great way to know what is happening around you and to attend the best entertainment, like live music shows, classes, networking events, festivals, workshops or any other trending shows. you can even invite your friends, share events with your groups or search for events according to your interest., 7. world packers, worldpackers platform helps to plan your dream holiday, meet other travelers, improve your skills or even learn a new language. it gives you an opportunity to discover new places and improve your skills at the same time. you can use your experience and education to help out hosts in over 100 countries all over the world. in addition, the worldpackers global community is a great source of tips and recommendation for your next trip. join over 300,000 worldpackers community and meet awesome people today, get $20 discount to become a verified member of worldpackers, 8. showaround, the showaround app helps to find locals around the world and discover the true beauty of the city from an insider’s perspective. it is an amazing way to discover a new country like a local, more authentic and deeper. showaround gives you a chance to not only meet locals but also have a personal guide to show you around. you can select your travel guide, specifying your expectations and destinations. plan a perfect time for yourself, 9. fairytrail, meet someone who loves exploring as much as you, fairytrail is a dating app that makes meeting up much safer for single travelers. how does it work you create an account on fairytrail and match with someone who loves to travel as well. a match unlocks recommended  group travel adventures  that you can book together. by using this simple app, you are able to safely meet someone you like on your dream vacation.

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Let yourself to be a part of awesome communities and make your holiday unforgettable. Remember, that you can also be a host in your city and an expert traveler, who helps others to experience the best of your country!

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If you’re going to Hostels, also try out hostellers, it’s pretty nice

John! Thank you for your recommendation. I will definitely check it out!

Great article. Extremely useful for those who love traveling in a group.

You can include GAFFL in this list. This connects travelers with similar itineraries to share costs and experiences.

So for example, if you are planning on going to San Francisco next month, you can find others who are going there at the same time as you, connect, share costs and travel together.

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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.

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• 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 %}\ \ \ \ \

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How to Find Friends to Travel with

Last Updated: March 16, 2020 References

This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff . Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 3,610 times.

If going solo isn’t your thing, meeting travel buddies is a great way to enjoy a shared adventure. Social networks and online platforms are the easiest ways to find friends before your trip. Once you’re there, meeting people can be as easy as taking public tours or just going out alone and striking up a conversation. Look for certain traits in a travel buddy so you know you’ll both have a great time exploring a new place together.

Finding Travel Buddies Online

• Be sure to include the dates of your trip, the destination, and some info about what you’d like to see and do.
• Encourage friends to tag other people who might be interested in the comments section.
• You can also search for existing travel groups on Facebook to see if anyone is up for an adventure.

• If you’re going someplace close to where an extended family member lives, you might consider planning a day to go see them or, if it’s not a hassle for them, extending an invitation for them to join you.

• GAFFL connects you with potential travel buddies who share a similar itinerary with similar costs and experiences.
• TripTogether allows you to find travel buddies based on your itinerary and meet locals at your destination.
• Trip Giraffe is a website and app that lets you search for travel buddies by gender, age, destination, and dates and filter the results by interests.
• TravelSisters is a female-only platform that connects you to other female travelers who share the same interests.

• It's free to book a greeter—they're excited to show off the hidden gems of the city!
• You'll need to book a greeter at least 14 days in advance.

• You can also search for meetup groups to find people to go out to dinner or drinks with. For instance, if you're vegan but don't know the plant-based spots in Montreal, join a vegan dining group based in Montreal.

• If you discover you have lots of shared friends with some of the people going, don’t be afraid to reach out to them.

• Be sure to read the host’s description on the listing to see if they’re the type of person you’d like to spend time with on your trip.

Meeting People at Your Destination

• Don't be shy about greeting others on the tour.
• Asking someone to take a photo of you or offering to take their photo is a great opener.
• It’s easier to meet more people on a tour that involves some type of physical movement because you aren’t limited to talking to the few people sitting around you.

• Ask others about what activities they plan on doing, if they know about any local events, or just make small talk. This is a great way to make lifelong friends while on a trip!
• Some hostels have event calendars posted about movie nights, pub crawls, and site tours too!

• To find free walking tours, go to freetoursbyfoot.com.

• Dance, photography, cooking, and language classes will also give you a more intimate experience with a city's unique culture.
• If you're staying at a hotel or hostel, ask someone at the front desk where you should look for classes or if they know of any classes.

• You might also consider booking your trip with a travel organization that offers volunteer trips (most also incorporate leisure days).
• If you have special expertise in particular fields (like nursing, teaching, cooking, or engineering) tailor your search to those topics.

• Be cautious and wise about who you approach or who approaches you in particular areas or at particular times of the day. For instance, if a seemingly inebriated man approaches you in a seedy area of town and offers to squire you about, think twice before continuing the conversation.

Ensuring a Good Match

• It's okay for you to not share all the same interests. For example, if they don't want to go on a walking tour with you, let them know it's cool for them to do their own thing and you can meet up later.

• Do you get stressed out if you miss a train or do you laugh and enjoy the wait?
• Do you like to plan out your days or do you prefer to walk around and see what happens?
• If we meet a local, are you cool with joining up with them or would you rather keep to yourself?
• Do you like to stay out late or do you prefer to wake up with the sunrise?

• Start by comparing the details of your trip that are not able to be changed easily, such as arrival and departure dates and times, check-in and check-out times, and any activities that you had to book in advance for.

• It's ideal to split everything evenly or work out your finances before the trip.

• Be open and honest and practice active listening when talking through disagreements.

Expert Q&A

• Be considerate of your travel buddy’s routines and express that they respect yours. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Do an equal amount of legwork when it comes to finding the cost and schedules for certain activities; don’t monopolize the program or rely on your travel buddy to do all the planning. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Be clear about your personal boundaries with a travel buddy to avoid uncomfortable conversations. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://spotahome.com/blog/how-to-find-a-travel-buddy/
• ↑ http://bigtravelnut.com/finding-travel-buddies-online/
• ↑ https://globalgreeternetwork.info/home/
• ↑ https://travelhappy.info/travel-tips/how-to-find-travel-friends-online/
• ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/16/travel/how-to-make-friends-while-traveling-solo.html
• ↑ https://independenttravelhelp.com/2014/08/9-benefits-staying-hostels/
• ↑ https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/solo-travel/meet-people-when-solo
• ↑ https://www.gooverseas.com/blog/make-friends-volunteering-abroad
• ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/278691
• ↑ https://exploringyourmind.com/traits-of-a-good-travel-buddy/
• ↑ https://www.thisbigwildworld.com/travel-companion-qualities-to-avoid/

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5 best apps to find travel buddies instantly

There are moments that we want to share with other like-minded people. It's a great opportunity to meet other travellers and locals in a new country, get out of the box and experience something authentically. This is where great apps and groups come in. Let me introduce you to the best apps to find travel buddies where you can meet people during or even before your travel!

Best apps to find travel buddies

• Couchsurfing
• Worldpackers
• Travel Buddy

Here are the 5 best apps to find travel buddies:

1. couchsurfing .

CouchSurfing is a worldwide known travel network app for facilitating connections between travellers and local communities. Exploring a foreign city with experienced CouchSurfers is the perfect way to enjoy a trip, isn't it? The CouchSurfing app is free of charge. However, you can increase your chances of finding a host by upgrading your account to premium. You can download it on the Play Store and Apple Store for finding your future travel friend.

UNBLND is a recently launched social network app that connects strangers and turns them into a group of friends. This app instantly puts you in touch with like-minded people by getting you into relevant groups, such as travelling. Sounds fun, right? It had never been easier to find a travel friend. The recent update gives the possibility to create breakouts which means you can create a new group based on your interests inside the existing group. You can download it from Apple Store or Google Play . Are you wondering how you can join the travel group on UNBLND?

You can simply scan the QR code below. If you already have an account, you will be redirected to this adventurous group right away.

You can also use free video chat to communicate with group members. That is possible with meet@unblnd . You can download it on your phone or create a meeting directly from your computer and start chatting with your new travel friends.

3. Travello

Travello is a free app that describes itself as "a social network for travellers" . Its main purpose is to help you meet other travellers with similar interests close to you, whether you are currently travelling or not. This app also offers you special interest groups such as solo travellers, female travellers, photographers that you can join to communicate with their members. In addition, you can access location-based travel discounts, local get-togethers and free WiFi spots by clicking the “explore” tab within the app. You can download Travello on Apple Store .

4. Worldpackers

WorldPackers is a travel app that allows you to plan your dream vacation, meet other travellers, develop your skills or even learn a new language. You can use your experience and education to help out hosts in more than 100 countries around the World. Wondering how it works? When you sign up, all you have to do is to choose a destination and specify which tasks you would do well. You can perform a variety of tasks such as teaching a language, cleaning or even preparing cocktails, etc.

Then, this social network will connect you to the hostels that match your profile the most. If you decide to stay, a small fee will be paid to the platform's service at the end. WorldPackers global community is also a great source of tips and recommendations for your next journey. To join this community you can download Worldpackers from Play Store and Apple Store for free.

5. Travel Buddy

Travel Buddy is another great travel app where you can meet local travellers from your desired destination, chat with them to learn about places and plan unique trips. To find your buddy, you only need to enter your destination, choose a preferred gender for your travel buddy and finally add your travel dates. Travel Buddy is also a great alternative to ask locals questions about your planned destination. You can download Travel Buddy on Play Store and Apple Store for free to find your local travel friend.

Bonus before you start traveling

Travelling causes some administrative hassle. For your specific destination you might need extra necessities. Before traveling you can also start making international friend by using our first choice: UNBLND .

There are a number of fantastic apps that can help you find travel buddies, and there is definitely one that suits you!

“Live with no excuses and travel with no regrets” - Oscar Wilde!

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6 Apps to Meet Fellow Travelers

Is there anything more freeing or empowering than traveling alone to a new place?

While solo trips are wonderful ways to spend some quality time alone, they’re also ideal for making new friends .

Thanks to modern technology, we can use apps to meet other travelers while traveling solo.

To give you a leg up, I’ve compiled six of the best apps for meeting other travelers when you’re on the road, including where to get them, best features and the pros and cons of each app.

Couchsurfing

Facebook groups, other ways to meet travelers abroad, learn the local language, keep an open mind, find tours about what you love, stay in hostels (and join the parties).

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

Website | iOS

Summary:  Easy to use app to find food experiences and people to share them with.

Eatwith provides an incredible opportunity to meet people who share the most delicious passion out there: food!  In other words, if you’re a traveling foodie, this is the app for you.

Not only can you browse food and eating experiences in the app, you can search for others (both locals and fellow travelers) to eat with.

You simply add the city and food experience that you want to have, and if you’re lucky, you’ll have a great partner for poking around a Guatemala market, trying tapas in Barcelona or eating a guinea pig in Peru (yes, this is common!).

I tried this app once and was invited to dinner at a Greek grandmother’s little beach house. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.

The downside of this app is that sometimes there aren’t that many experiences listed, so it works best in peak travel seasons.

With a pleasing design and an easy-to-use interface, Backpackr is the premiere website to meet travel buddies and connect with other like-minded travelers around the world.

You can use the site before your trip (say, to find someone to travel with), but it also works well on the road, with thousands of users, active message boards and a common room, where you can ask for advice and recommendations.

The site excels at using the format of social media, but for people who are traveling, or will travel soon. I’ve used the app and I ended up with some fun travel buddies that accompanied me from Crete all the way to Turkey.

The site even sends push notifications when someone is en route to your destination so you can check them out or message them.

The downside of Backpackr is that there is no Android app, so you need a laptop to access it.

Website | Android

Summary:  Long-lived and well-liked app to help you find a place to sleep with a local.

Use Couchsurfing to find locals whose couch you can sleep on. For free! 

The Couchsurfing community connects you with people who have free space in their house and are willing to offer it to like-minded people.

But even if you’d rather stay in a hotel or hostel, Couchsurfing can still be a great tool for meeting new people.

First, you can create a profile and select that you’d like to grab a beer or coffee with people, not necessarily stay in their homes.

Second, there’s a feature that lets you post what you’re planning to do that day. People can join your group to participate in your plans. Locals and travelers alike can get together to have some fun!

Couchsurfing is by far one of the most popular communities of like-minded people who are passionate about traveling, meeting new people and making friends.

The only downside of Couchsurfing is that you don’t know anything about the “couch” (which can also be a bed) until you arrive at the house, so picky travelers may want to avoid it.

Website | iOS | Android

Summary:  Well used app that helps you meet people for almost any reason you can think of.

If meeting people with similar interests is your idea of a good time, then Meetup is the app for you.

This app connects people who share passions and hobbies. 

From training for a marathon, to practicing a l anguage , to having deep conversations about philosophy, Meetup is one of the most incredible tools for people looking for friends in a new area. Especially in big cities like Berlin, London and Tokyo! You could join a different Meetup every single day of the week.

Women who code? Yep.

Solo travelers in Amsterdam? For sure.

Fellow travel photographers ? Absolutely. It’s all there!

Make sure you read the description of each Meetup group before you join. Some of them require you to bring an item, pay a fee or just read something beforehand.

The only downside here is that it’s not geared specifically for travelers, so you’re most likely to meet locals here.

Summary:  Easy to use app for women travelers to connect with other women on the road.

This app is reserved for female travelers, so it can provide a safe way to meet other female travelers with on the road. It’s worth knowing that the app verifies the users to increase safety. 

Once you download the app, you create a profile, list a destination and then start making connections with other women. 

You can use the app before you leave or while you’re in the middle of an epic backpacking trip.

I’ve heard from friends that sometimes, the number of people using the app can be low in the off season, so it’s probably better to use it in the high season.

Summary:  Trusted groups for locating fellow travelers and travel advice.

Initially, the Facebook app may seem more suited to staying in touch with loved ones back home than to making friends in new cities.

But Facebook Groups are incredible tools for meeting people around the world.

Before hopping on a plane, find a Facebook group targeted toward travelers with your needs and interests.

For example, if you’re a solo female traveler, join Girls LOVE Travel® and meet other women who will be traveling to the same location.

Want to get even more specific? Try Facebook groups such as South America Travel with Kids or Chat food travel in TW (Taiwan) .

Facebook groups are incredible assets for meeting people in different cities. These groups are filled with posts and invitations to local events, where you can meet tons of fellow explorers.

Here are some other popular Facebook groups to check out before (or while) you travel:

• Ultimate Travel Group : a large community for travelers and travel bloggers
• Explorer by Nomads : an expansive travel group that emphasizes digital work
• Travel Community : almost 200,000 members coming together for travel advice and connections
• Photographers & Travel Nomads : travel group focusing on making connections between travel photographs and digital nomads
• Backpacking Europe : if you’re backpacking around Europe, join this group to meet others who are, too
• Southeast Asia Backpacker Community : if you’re backpacking around Southeast Asia, this is a very effective group for meeting other travelers
• Backpacking South America : this group is the same as the previous two, but for South America
• Solo Female Travelers : just like the name implies, solo women travelers can connect with others easily in this group

If you don’t feel like downloading a bunch of apps, don’t worry! There are lots of other ways you can meet fellow travelers.

It may seem like common sense, but if you want to meet locals, it helps to know their language. Sure, wherever you go you may find people who know some English. But if you really want to interact with locals as you travel, learn the local language.

You might find yourself picking up the language through sheer immersion—that is, just by being surrounded by the language.

Give yourself a boost with a language learning program like FluentU . This immersion program will prepare you for real spoken languages since it teaches through authentic videos like movie clips, music videos, vlogs and more.

Watch videos to pick up on vocabulary that you might encounter on your travels like food and local customs. You can save vocabulary directly from videos and study them through personalized quizzes that also let you practice pronunciation with speaking questions.

FluentU is available in 10 languages, and has an iOS and Android app, so it can come on your travels with you.

Keep an open mind when you meet people abroad. Don’t judge them based on your preconceptions of their culture, race or gender. The entire point of traveling is to open your mind, right?

The best thing about meeting people abroad is that you probably wouldn’t have met anyone like them back home. Differences in age, style, music preferences and many other tiny details are easily forgotten when you both share a passion for traveling and experience adventures together.

There are interesting people in hostels, cafes, stores and shopping malls. Make sure you keep an open mind so you can spot them.

Going on guided tours is a great way to both learn about the culture and meet fellow travelers. And since those travelers on the same tour you are, they probably have similar interests! That makes tours a convenient way to meet people.

Take a food market tour in Taiwan . Or a walking tour of historic Sydney. Or a bike tour around New York City.

Mutual interests are the glue of new friendships.

There’s something magical about the common area of a nice hostel.

Everyone there is open to making new friends. You all always have something in common, even if it’s just that you’re travelers to this new city. Because of this connection, small parties and hang-outs often form in the common area.

And more often than not, hanging out in the common room leads to an adventure. It’s not unusual for groups to end up going out together, experiencing the city as new friends.

Even if staying in a shared room isn’t your taste, you can still look for private rooms in a hostel. In the end, you can have the best of both worlds: the privacy of a solo room and the social aspect of the common area.

Meeting people around the world with similar interests has never been easier, thanks for these apps and recommendations.

You won’t just finish your trip with new friends. You’ll also have new experiences and a ton of stories to share.

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10 Best Sites To Find Travel Friends

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Traveling the world is something that many of us want to do at some point in our lives.

We all want to get away from the daily grind, but the thought of traveling solo can be daunting for some.

That’s why it’s great to have travel friends who love to explore new places as much as you do!

But if your friends aren’t up for an adventure, you might find yourself with no one to go on vacation with.

Don’t worry!

This isn’t the end of the world, and there are plenty of ways to find travel friends who want to check out a new city, country, or continent.

Today we’ll look at some tips for finding friends who you can share your love for traveling.

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Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will make a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Table of Contents

Why do you Need Travel Friends?

Having friends who love to go on adventures is a huge benefit.

First of all, it’s easier to feel comfortable exploring a new city or country with someone you know and trust at your side.

Another great benefit of having travel friends is that you’re able to split costs.

You don’t have to worry too much about paying for transportation or your accommodations because you can split the costs with your friends, saving yourself some money.

Having a buddy also makes it easier to explore a new place.

For example, if you’re in Rome and want to go on a day trip to the nearby city of Pompeii, having at least one friend who wants to come makes it easier for you to find transportation and pay for entrance fees.

And don’t forget about fun!

Traveling is more fun when you have someone to share your experiences with.

Disadvantages of Having Travel Buddies

There are plenty of benefits to having travel friends, but there are also some challenges you might face.

The biggest challenge is not getting along with your travel companion.

It’s important to choose your friends carefully and make sure you and your potential travel pals share similar interests in terms of exploring new places and activities in general.

Another challenge is that you might run into problems finding people who want to go on an adventure at the same time as you.

It’s easy enough to find friends who are free during the month of September.

But it might be harder to find someone who can afford to travel in December when the holidays are approaching.

Of course, it’s also beneficial to have time alone when you’re traveling.  

That way you can enjoy your surroundings without having to worry about what your friends are doing or saying.

10 Best Sites to find Travel Friends

Now that you know why it’s so beneficial to have travel friends, let’s look at some of the best websites you can use to find people who are interested in joining your next adventure.

Below are 10 sites where you can find reliable and like-minded travel buddies for your next trip:

Meetup is one of the best ways to find a travel partner.

You can find meetups based on your interests, whether you like exploring new cultures or visiting local breweries.  

Not only does Meetup make it easy to meet like-minded people who share your interest in traveling.

But you’ll also be able to meet people in your city who love to go on adventures.

To check out what Meetups are happening in your area, click here .

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a website that connects travelers and locals.

You’ll find hosts all over the world eager to welcome you into their home and show you around their city or country.

Another great thing about Couchsurfing is that not only will you get to meet your potential travel buddies, but once you’re in their city, you can ask for tips on the best places to go.

Click here to check out Couchsurfing and create a profile.

Airbnb is another website where hosts are eager to welcome travelers into their homes or apartment.

Since there are hosts all over the world on this site, you’ll have a lot of potential destinations.

And you can make friends with your hosts and even see if they would show you around the area.

Another great option on the app is Airbnb Experiences.

Airbnb offers a variety of activities you can sign up for, from surfing lessons to cooking classes.

This is another great way to explore a new place by making travel friends and doing something fun together.

To find your new travel buddies on Airbnb, click here .

Girls Love Travel

Girls Love Travel is a Facebook group that was created to help female travelers connect with each other.

It has over 1 million members from all around the world, making it one of the easiest ways to find a new travel partner.

If you are looking for travel friends, this is one of the best and safest places to find them.

And the founder also hosts new travel destination getaways that you can join.

Click here to join the Girls Love Travel community!

Workaway is another great website to find a travel partner but also earn some money when exploring a new place.

It’s a site where you can find different work opportunities with hosts all over the world.

They even have a dedicated section on their site where you can find a travel buddy to join you on your journey.

To find a travel buddy and new destinations on Workaway, click here .

Reddit is a great discussion forum where you can find topics that might interest you.

You can join different subreddits and find travel buddies through them.

One message board where you can post queries to find the perfect partner for travel is the Travel Partners subreddit.

Here you can find people who share your interests and are looking for travel friends.

International Greeter Association

If you want to visit a new city all by yourself but would love some local guidance, there is no better way than to join the International Greeter Association.

They have volunteer locals who greet visitors and give them insider information on the best places to go in their area.

So whether you are interested in exploring New York or Melbourne, you’ll find a local that will welcome you.

Click here to join the International Greeter Association.

Intrepid has been leading small group adventure tours for over 30 years.

They have a dedicated section on their website where you can apply to join a tour with them and other travelers.

If you want to explore a new destination with an experienced leader, this is one of the best ways to do it.

Click here to search for Intrepid Group tours across the world.

Go GAFFL is a website that was created to connect people who want to travel together.

You can find your ideal travel partner by specifying what type of traveler you are and where you want to go.

This way, you’ll know within seconds whether or not there’s someone out there who shares the same interests as you.

Click here to find the perfect travel buddy on Go GAFFL.

Fairy Trail Dating

If you’ve always dreamed of meeting your other half while traveling, Fairy Trail Dating is the website for you.

It’s a site where solo travelers can find their perfect travel companion.

With over 30,000 members worldwide, you’ll have no problem finding your ideal travel buddies.

Click here to join Fairy Trail Dating now!

So there you have it, the 10 best websites where you can meet travel a partner who can join you on your next trip.

Other Ways to find Travel Friends Online

There are tons of other ways to make new friends and experience a destination from a local’s perspective.

Here are just a few of them:

Ask friends and family to recommend a good travel buddy.

One of the easiest ways to find new travel buddies is by asking the people who know you best.

If you have friends or family that love to travel, just ask for their advice and recommendations on where they’ve found the best travel companions.

Or if they know someone who would be interested in joining you, chances are that they’ll be able to connect you both.

Join Facebook groups.

There are tons of Facebook groups dedicated to people who share your interests.

Whether it’s cooking or traveling, there is sure to be a group for you.

Just search for a topic that interests you on Facebook and join a group of like-minded people.

You can then post a query about your travel plans and see if anyone can join you on your adventure.

But make sure not to share any personal information until you get to know people better.

Go on an organized tour.

If you are not the type of person to travel alone, there are plenty of tour operators where you can join with other travelers.

This way, you’ll always have companions on your journey and there won’t be any risk of getting lost along the way.

Tips for Finding the Best Travel Friends

Now that you know where to look for the best travel buddies, here are some of the basics you should consider when trying to find companions for your next adventure.

Make sure you’re compatible.

Just because someone is your travel friend, that doesn’t mean you should trust them blindly.

Make sure they share the same interests as you and if possible, find out how well you work together before heading out on a long trip.

Trust your gut instinct.

If something seems off or weird, it probably isn’t the best idea to stick around with that person.

Make sure they are genuine and you won’t have any problems on your trip together.

Be clear about what you want.

Don’t go into a traveling friendship with unrealistic expectations.

So make sure to set guidelines on how often you’re willing to travel together and agree on what the expectations are.

Share responsibilities.

It’s always a good idea to share the cost of your trip so that everything is fair and there won’t be any issues later down the road.

So before embarking on your adventure, make sure you agree on how much you’ll be spending and on what.

Because it is better to be safe than sorry, so make sure there are no financial misunderstandings that may arise later on.

Be flexible and have fun!

Even if you don’t click with someone as a travel friend, make sure you still enjoy your time together.

Don’t take everything too seriously and keep an open mind when traveling with other people.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to find travel buddies that will share the same interests as you with little to no problems along the way.

Now that you know where and how to look for travel partners, it’s time to get out there and explore!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re traveling alone or in a group, there are plenty of people out there who can make your trip even better.  

All you have to do is find them!

Even if you consider yourself an introvert and having friends while traveling isn’t that important to you, it’s still nice to share an adventure with someone who understands the ins and outs of the country you’re visiting.

Because there’s always something to learn from other people, whether it’s where to eat or what not to do.

So go out there and make your next adventure even better by finding travel friends who can join you on your journey!

And try one or more of the websites listed above.

Who knows, you might make a new friend for life!

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My name is Debbie and I'm here to help you navigate your way into a location independent lifestyle. Confused where to start? Listen to The Offbeat Life podcast and read our blog! Still got questions you need answered? Feel free to connect with me anytime. xoxo

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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.

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!

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 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.

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!

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.

14 Important Considerations Before You Travel With Friends

By: Author Aly Smalls

Posted on Published: July 25, 2019  - Last updated: October 23, 2021

Share with your friends!

Mark Twain said it best when he said: “ 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 .” With solo travel becoming so popular these days, I wanted to share some insight about how to travel with friends the right way.

I’ve heard my share of nightmare stories from others about how both vacations and lengthy friendships have been ruined because of a trip together . That being said, I’m still a huge advocate of traveling with your besties!

Whether it’s the 5 week trip I took through southeast asia with my best friend or the numerous voyages with other couples, I’ve had a lot of great experiences.

I’ve done Mexico all-inclusive resort vacations with both family and friends a few times, friends ski trips to the mountains and most recently, I organized a 10 person friends trip to Las Vegas. 

A lifetime of awesome memories have been made by sharing my travel experiences with the people I love .

However, I won’t lie; each of these trips have come with their own unique hiccups and challenges from traveling with others. But, I’ve learned a lot from these experiences. 

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that when it comes to traveling with friends, I approach it from the perspective of vacation versus travel .

There is a difference.

I will go on and enjoy a vacation with friends, but usually only travel with my partner. It’s a lot easier to be less stressed and worried about doing and seeing everything if you consider it more of a vacation style trip instead of an immersive travel experience.

Let’s get into the reasons why you should travel with friends, things to consider and tips to make sure everything goes smoothly!

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links. Meaning, on certain links I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase. I only share products and services that I know, love and trust.

The Pros of Travel with Friends

There are so many great reasons why I still love traveling with a group of friends. Here they are:

It’s Cheaper! 

You can share rooms, taxis, ubers, rental cars, everything. For example, when I was traveling in Vietnam with my girlfriend, it was cheaper for us to get our own nice room and share a king size bed than to each pay separately for a hostel bed in a room with 8 other beds. 

Adding to my above point, you also open up the possibility of more accommodation options .

If you’re traveling in a larger group, you now open up the option of renting a house or a 2-bedroom condo with full kitchens and maybe your own pool. When it’s just 2 people it’s hard to justify the costs of getting something bigger. 

And if you’re afraid of Airbnb rental nightmares, I’ve got 12 essential tips to finding the perfect Airbnb (or other vacation home rental) every time.

New Places and Experiences

When you travel with friends, it opens up your possibilities to go somewhere you might never visit. I once spent a week in Louisiana and Alabama with some friends.

These southern states had originally been far down on my travel bucket list. But we were invited by some friends who were headed down for a BBQ competition.

Knowing we could split accommodation and rental car costs made it a great value proposition. So we kept our eyes out for a great flight deal and made the trek down south.

Quick Travel Pro Tip : My go-to flight deal site is Skyscanner . I love using this site because it finds and compares all the best flight prices. It provides suggestions about where you can save money if you’re flexible with your schedule.

You or your spouse might get to try things on vacation that you would never otherwise get the chance to do .

For example, if you’re an avid skier or snowboarder and your spouse isn’t, you may never go on a ski trip together when it’s just the two of you.

But with friends, it’s a lot easier to split up during the day and still do the things you each want to do. Like one of you goes skiing with the others, and one of you does a spa day with the non-skiers. 

Also, when you travel with friends, you’re more likely to go to restaurants that you wouldn’t normally try if your spouse is usually a picky eater.

For instance, my friend’s husband isn’t very adventurous when it comes to food, but she knew that I was. On a trip to New Orleans we picked a restaurant that served the famous Alligator Cheesecake .

Because my friend knew I would split it with her, it wouldn’t be a waste of an order. Plus, when there’s a group of you, you get the opportunity to try more items off the menu.

Built-in Photographers

One of the things that sucks about traveling as a couple is that it’s hard to get nice couple photos. You’re limited to selfies or asking a stranger to take a blurry photo of the two of you.

Some people feel awkward asking for a photo. Some are afraid that their camera will get stolen or that they’ll get a mediocre photo at best. By contrast, when you’re with your friends, they can snap photos from every angle.

Plus, you won’t feel like a princess for asking them to do a re-take. Do it for the ‘Gram am I right?

Plus, you know when you’re back home from your vacation and you realize that you didn’t get a picture of ‘X’? There’s a chance your friends may have snapped a photo and you can swap pics and have double the photos and double the memories! 

You Become Closer

Contrary to some of the horror stories I’ve heard from others, you actually can become closer and better friends!

Traveling with friends not only encourages you to spend long quantities of time together, but you’re doing it in a fun and relaxing (mostly) atmosphere where you’re experiencing new things together.

I mean, nothing brings friends closer together than cheering each other on to eat a chocolate covered scorpion on the streets of Bangkok or getting an impulsive matching tattoo in Phuket! 

The Cons of Travel With Friends

While taking a vacation with your besties can make for some awesome memories, there are a few perils of adventures with your amigos . 

One of the biggest downsides is that you might not get to do everything you want. When you’re with a group, it’s hard to keep everyone on the same schedule, same budget and same itinerary.

Some people want to sleep in, others want to be out of the house at the crack of dawn. And the larger the group the harder this becomes. 

This makes it harder to plan your trip to satisfy everyone’s interests. Things get a little more complicated when you travel with friends, especially if it’s a large group. Dinner reservations become essential when you’re with a group of 10 versus just you and your travel companion. 

And yes, while vacations with your pals can bring you closer together, you can definitely become sick of each other and get into situations that ruin friendships.

You Might Also Like: Ideas for Throwing an Epic Combined Bachelor and Bachelorette Party

My Best Advice and Tips About How to Travel With Friends and Make the Best of Your Vacation 

All that being said, I’ve learned a lot on my trips with friends over the last few years. Here are the most important things to consider when you’re planning to travel with friends.  

Bring things up with them before your trip. If there are certain quirks, qualities or characteristic traits about your friend(s) that you find a little annoying, it will be worse on the trip. Address it first.

Build your itinerary before you go. Make it fun, go out for dinner or drinks and get excited about the trip together!

I wrote a comprehensive post about all the great tips, tools and resources I love to use to keep myself organized when planning any trip . It will help you stay organized and avoid going insane! 

Consider testing out a short weekend getaway to make sure you’re compatible travel partners.

The Calculated Traveller suggests a trial run and other tips here .

Set up a group chat before you leave or as soon as you arrive. This way when people get separated it’s easy to communicate with the whole group .

Phones always seem to die when there’s only one or 2 people who have the numbers of everyone in the group. Set Up a group chat and commit to using it while you’re on your trip.

It’s great for when you’re staying in different hotel rooms and you want to let people know when you’re headed down for breakfast or to the pool.

One of the most common things that causes stress when traveling with a group of people is when one person gets left out from a plan because they weren’t part of a conversation . Include everyone in the chat so everyone gets the same messages. 

Book services like hotels and car rentals before you go. This outlines the biggest costs up front so that everyone knows what to expect.

When booking your accommodations, VRBO is one of the best platforms to use when you’re traveling with a group of friends .  With VRBO you can save travel boards and ideas easily with the others who will be traveling with you.

And B ooking.com now has a huge inventory of guest houses, villas and resorts that are perfectly suited for a group trip.

Manage Expectations

It’s important to identify everyone’s must do’s and then leave the rest of the itinerary plans as options. This will eliminate or minimize negativity on the trip if someone doesn’t get to do something they wanted.

And this will also help avoid getting sucked into something you didn’t really plan on doing. 

Schedule Your Own Time

Build in alone time on the trip away from the other couples or friends. If you’re traveling as a couple with other couples, you’ll definitely want your own time together.

If you’re solo with a few friends, it’s equally as important to schedule alone time with yourself away from others. It helps keep the peace. 

You Might Also Be Interested in: How to Tackle Your Pre-Travel Anxiety and Make the Most of Your Trip

Choose Wisely

Try to travel with couples who have already traveled together. If you’re traveling with a new couple that hasn’t taken a lengthy trip or vacation together yet…abort!

This is almost always disastrous . We all know that traveling with your spouse can be much different than your everyday life at home; this is something many couples don’t realize until they actually go on a trip together. 

Determine Budgets

You’d be very surprised to find out how cheap frugal people are until you travel together! Decide how you’ll be splitting costs before you travel. It’s a lot easier to have everyone on the same page before you leave.

It can be awkward asking for someone’s half of the money after the trip . Especially if you do happen to become sick of each other after you return home. 

Know Your Travel style

It’s important to figure out what style of travelers each of you are. Some are more adventurous and outdoorsy, some will only stay in a 5 star hotel. Never assume someone’s travel style based on their lifestyle.

These can be quite different! When you travel with friends this will become apparent early on in your trip. So, it’s best to make sure you’re all relatively close in your travel styles. 

The Power of Snacks

Usually when you’re travelling as a group, you want to see and do as much as possible. Or, it might a busier trip than normal because there’s more of you to do more things.

Keep snacks with you, because chances are, there’s going to be at least one of you who gets hangry . Bring snacks, and plan food stops, because people will get hungry at different times.  

Speak Up When You Need To

Don’t be afraid to speak up and say something if you’re not feeling well or if you’re uncomfortable about something. On a group trip, you may not want to seem like you’re a party pooper.

But don’t be afraid to tell the group. The good news is that if your spouse still wants to do the activity, they can still go while you relax back at the hotel or on the beach. 

Technology is Your Friend

Chances are high that you’re going to be using Uber or Lyft as your main sources of transportation. Make sure everyone has the app(s) downloaded and ready to use so that you can split fares easily.

It’s a good idea to do this before the trip, in case yourself without WiFi and can’t download it. Or if someone’s phone dies you can still grab a ride without delay! 

And if you want to guarantee WiFi anywhere you are at all times, consider buying or renting a pocket WiFi device like Skyroam .

It’s perfect for situations when the airport WiFi sucks or when you’re on a road trip trying to make travel plans.

Take advantage of apps to make your life easier. For instance, you can use Travelchime when you’re planning your itinerary together. This platform allows you to collaborate in real time with your friends.

You can leave notes or updated information so that the entire group has access to it. 

That’s it, amigos! Grab your pals, book a trip, head out on an adventure and have the time of your life. Because:

In life, it is not where you go, but who you travel with Charles Shultz

Liked this post? Share and save to your travel boards!

Johny Marks

Thursday 17th of October 2019

Hey Alyssa, I guess while travelling with friends renting a car with more than 7 seats is the best option. You will save on fuel and logistics if you rent one car instead of driving two or three. And you will have the chance of joking and laughing all together while you are travelling. Great Post.

Thomas Peterson

Thursday 5th of September 2019

I like the tip you made about travelling in a group for better accommodation benefits. I've been wanting to go on a trip before the end of this year. Maybe I should invite some friends and help pay for a much fancier stay.

It really does help open up your options for a nicer or bigger place. I hope you can get some friends together and make some memories!

Emily Adams

Saturday 17th of August 2019

It's so nice when you're able to find compatible travel friends - I have only one or two that I can go on long trips without getting too irritable. These are great things for everyone to consider!

Monday 19th of August 2019

Thanks for reading! It's definitely a challenge to find people you can travel with long term, but when you do, it's pretty awesome :)

Travel Happy

How To Find Travel Friends Online

If you’re going travelling solo, you can find likeminded travel companions online to either meet at your travel destination or even travel there together to begin with

I wrote in my previous article Seven Reasons To Go Travelling Solo about how easy it is to strike out on your own and meet people along the way. But there’s no reason why you can’t find some likeminded people online to meet up with when you’re travelling before you leave home.

Indeed, you can meet people who live in the country you’re visiting, who can show you the local view of your chosen destination. This is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding ways to spend your time aboard, especially if you don’t speak the local language. Making connections with travel friends is also a good way of giving yourself some psychological reassurance that you’re not plunging wholly into the unknown.

This sort of travel social networking has flourished in the last couple of years and it costs you little in terms of time and effort to set up a few profiles on different websites and then start locating likeminded users of the same site. Give as much information as you can on your profile about yourself and what you want to do – don’t just say “Want to see the tourist sights of X”. Have a purpose that other people will want to help you with, however trivial it may seem, like “I want to learn to learn to scuba dive on Koh Tao “. The more specific you are, the more you can engage with those reading your profile. Also, think of it from your host’s perspective – if you want to do something a little unusual, it will be more fun for them.

Here, then, are some of the most useful websites to help find travel friends:

1) Couchsurfing The granddaddy of travel networking sites and a fantastically good idea that keep growing, despite their website meltdown earlier this year. CouchSurfing has hundreds of members all over the world who offer a place to stay for other CS members – maybe just a night or several days. You simply have to get in contact, talk to each other and if you get on, arrange when you can visit. Obviously this is a system that requires a huge amount of trust, and there seems to be a few people that think of CS as a dating system, but by and large it works. There are scores of testimonials on the site as to how well people have got on. CouchSurfing is free for people to join and use. It’s also worth checking out Hospitality Club and Global Freeloaders which run on similar lines to CouchSurfing.

2) Facebook Facebook has several groups for finding travel friends like Find A Travel Buddy that are very active. It’s worth searchin around on Facebook for other travel groups about your specific destination as you may find active expat groups where you can join activities and so on. For better or worse, Facebook has taken over most of the discussion that used to happen on online travel forums.

3) G Adventures and Intrepid Travel Small group travel companies are an ideal way of making connections easily – and getting stuck into your travelling straightaway too. With a group of around 10 on each trip together for a week or more, there’s plenty of time to get to know everyone and there’s also a mutual interest in striking up friendships as everyone tends to be more receptive in these kinds of situations. If you want to begin a trip with the safety net of being on an organised trip which then might lead on to travelling solo with the new friends you make, one of these companies is a great way to go.

4) Travelfish check out the Travelfish forum if you’re going to be travelling in South East Asia – they have a dedicated Companions board.

5) TravellersPoint Travellers Point is another huge travel site with a very active Travel Companions forum, which is worth cross-checking with other forums and becoming part of the community if you want to make useful connections

6) Twitter Twitter has proved a great way to find people in particular cities, some of which have regular TweetUps, where Twitter people get together in real life. It varies from place to place about how active local Tweeters are about meeting up, but if there’s an enthusiastic enough community it can be a blast. Even if you don’t get to meet anyone in person, following people tweeting from the city you’re in can be a useful way of picking up travel intel as well.

7) MeetUp.com This is a great site for finding activity groups in different cities all over the world. Bangkok for example has some very active wine tasting, photography and cinema groups amongst others – this is a perfect way to meet some locals and make new friends.

When meeting anyone for the first time, however safe they seem, meet in a well-lit, public place and spend some time there before going anywhere else with them. If anything seems wrong, then gracefully withdraw from the situation and book a hotel instead. It is a little bit like a blind date, and you need to follow the same common sense rules for personal safety. In other words – try not to get falling down drunk on your first night out together…

I’ve had some memorable experiences meeting up with people online to go travelling. Back in 1997 I hitched a lift from San Francisco to Nevada’s Black Rock Desert to the Burning Man festival via Burning Man’s website forum, managing to organise my entire ride online from London with the lovely Patty. It seems trivial now, but back then it seemed like a real big deal. Everyone at home thought I’d get axed to death in the desert. (Or, at least, were secretly hoping…). I had a real blast at Burning Man – I wrote my account of it here – in part because it seemed so unlikely that a British bloke who couldn’t drive and had no real idea where it was would ever actually get to Burning Man…

I digress. Any comments on the sites above and suggestions for better ones, plus recounting of experiences, good and bad, all gratefully received. Have fun.

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I Want To Travel, But Have No Friends To Travel With

You found this article because you want to travel, but have no one to go with. I know exactly how it feels because I spent YEARS thinking: “ I want to travel, but I have no friends to travel with .”

I felt stuck just repeating over and over again how I want to travel, but not alone! Why none of my friends want to travel?

Turns out, there are so many different ways to travel when your friends are not really into it, and going solo is not the only option!

In this solo female travel guide, I will show you exactly how to travel when your friends do not want to travel. 

Keep reading to find out what to do when you want to travel, but no one to go with.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. I hope you find the information here helpful!

You Want To Travel but have no one to travel with

1. think about how to find friends to travel with.

If your friends don’t want to travel, think about whether you’re in the right friend group. If the answer is no, where can you find people who want to travel?

Your friend group might be great, despite them not wanting to travel. This does not mean that you need to get rid of all of your friends and find new ones. You just need to enrich your social circle.

If you stay in the same friend group and never step outside of your comfort zone you are missing out on potential friendships with people who share your interests. 

2. Try making new friends in your town

If you are still in high school or the early years of university, this is your sign to be yourself .

Join the clubs that interest you without thinking about what other people would say. That way you can meet people who share your interests, including travel. 

Try to expand your friend group.

Be open to making connections with people you do not usually talk to at school or university. These are the most effortless years to make friends because lots of people constantly surround you.

Do not be embarrassed to start talking about your interests with other people. That way you can see if somebody will agree with you, and you can find out that people share your interests, but they were uncomfortable talking about them! 

3. Sign up for a study abroad semester

Study abroad programs are an amazing opportunity to find travel friends!

Do you know why? Because all of the people you’ll meet already stepped out of their comfort zone and traveled to a new country to spend one semester, or a year, at their exchange university!

Again, people from different backgrounds have different opinions on traveling.

While people in your home country might find it interesting, others will!

When went backpacking Thailand for 2 months, I met just one other Croatian traveler and hundreds and hundreds of British and Dutch travelers!

If you are still in University, inquire about your study abroad options!

European students can apply for study abroad with Erasmus +. The program also covers traineeships!

American universities probably have a similar program as well, but from my understanding, it depends on your university.

I studied for 5 months in Leuven, Belgium on the Erasmus+ exchange program. And that is exactly where I found my future travel buddy! So this one comes from personal experience.

4. Join a work exchange program

If you are no longer in school and studying abroad is not an option, working abroad might be!

There are so many different work abroad programs out there!

Work and Travel USA is a hugely popular way to visit the United States, and actually earn some money to enjoy your trip along the way.

If you are lucky enough that your country is eligible for a Work and Holiday Visa in Australia , it allows you to work and travel Australia for 12 months.

If you’re not eligible for none of the above-mentioned programs (hello friends with weak passports) you can look into work exchange programs!

Worldpackers is one of the best platforms out there to find reliable volunteer abroad opportunities.

Browse their offers, read the reviews, and apply for the ones that accept multiple volunteers so you make some friends along the way!

5. Join Group Tours If You Have No Friends To Travel With

If it is your first time traveling, and you are scared to go alone or overwhelmed by having to plan the whole trip – How about somebody else who does all the hard work for you?

That is what group tours are for!

They connect solo travelers from all over the world who want to visit the same destination and give them an organized trip and instant friends.

Group tours came a long way from bus tours rushing retirees from one hot spot to another.

Nowadays, many group travel companies are geared toward young travelers looking for active adventures!

You can find almost every destination you would be interested in visiting as a group tour. You can even travel with your favorite Instagram Content Creators!

There are many advantages to booking a group tour !

• Your trip will be organized, and all you have to do is enjoy it.
• You do not need to worry about the logistics.
• You do not need to worry about missing out on important landmarks or creating your travel itinerary
• Finally, the biggest advantage is that you will not be alone!

You will be grouped with like-minded people who love traveling and want to explore the world.

It is a fantastic opportunity to make great friendships with people that you can later plan solo trips with!

What tour company to pick as a solo traveler?

Some of the best Group tour companies for young people that I found are:

• Contiki – They specialize in social travel for 18-35-year-olds, and they have tour options worldwide. 
• Trutravels – They take pride in creating life-changing experiences. And that is exactly what their trips look like! They have options for different types of travellers, while all share the same social adventure vibe.
• G Adventures – They have tour options for all types of travelers. They have a wide selection of trips for people under 30 years old and others geared towards travelers looking for Wellness and relaxation, trekking, and family tours. 

Whichever company you choose to go for, read through reviews and pick a trip for your style of travel.

There are fantastic tour companies, and there are bad companies.

If you have had a bad experience before, do not let that deter you from trying one of the companies recommended above! 

6. Look For Travel Buddies Online

If you can’t find a group tour suited to your needs, or you’re trying to stay on a budget – you can look for a travel buddy online!

There are a lot of sites online to look for travel buddies, and they are excellent places to meet people to travel with!

You can join female travel buddies’ Facebook groups, or there might be a local website that connects travelers in your region. I met some wonderful girls in France using Facebook expat and travel groups!

For example, in Croatia, we have a website Putoholicari which has a travel buddies section that works pretty well! There is probably a similar concept in your country as well.

What you need to do is post that you’re looking for friends to travel with , and see who answers your query.

As far as Facebook groups go, I saw a lot of success stories in Host a sister and Female travel buddies groups. But there are many others!

You can look for the groups in your region. That way you can meet up with your new travel buddy before the trip. 

Please be safe and use common sense when using these options. I like to be positive, but the world is a scary place.

Make sure that you are confident about who you are talking to, and Facetime your potential travel buddy.

7. Try Solo Travel

Finally, the best thing you can do when your friends are not interested in traveling is to travel alone!

Solo traveling might seem intimidating at first. However, just because you are starting solo does not mean that you will be alone all the time! 

There are some challenges you will face as a solo traveler. You will be the only one responsible for your trip, and you will have to learn to depend on yourself and take responsibility for yourself.

At the same time, there will be so many advantages!

You are the one who decides what are you going to do and when. Because you are alone, you can easily join other people you meet if you like their plans.

Also, if you do not like what your new friends are doing, there will be no hard feelings if you decide to leave.

You do not have to wait on other people or visit sights you are not interested in, you are in complete control of your whole trip. 

• If you are planning your first solo trip, check out my Solo female travel guide for an in-depth step-by-step approach to planning your first solo trip.

How to make friends on the road?

If you want to make friends when traveling , first research if your destination is a popular backpacking destination.

Because many people backpacking are solo travelers, and usually there is a beaten path to follow!

If you are backpacking in Europe, there are many different backpacking Europe routes . On the other hand, most people backpacking SE Asia, follow the same route!

When everybody around you is also a solo traveler it is easy to make friends. Especially once you notice you keep running into the same people.

One of the best things about solo travel is all the people you will meet along the way! Some people you meet might become your future travel buddies.

The easiest way to make new friends is to stay in hostels and join the activities they organize.

Making friends in hostels is the most common way people make friends when traveling solo.

Most hostels also have private rooms if sharing a dorm room does not appeal to you. That way you can still enjoy the social aspect of a hostel while keeping your privacy.

Staying in hostels is also a great way to save money on your trip as well!

Summary: Want to travel but no one to go with

And that is it, girls! I felt like I had no one to travel with for years.

However, once I left my hometown and made friends with similar interests I finally found my travel buddies.

Also, I found out I love solo travel. You can compare solo travel and travel with friends , and see which one is for you!

Even as a complete introvert, I made so many friends traveling solo who I could travel with.

Now that you know exactly what steps to take to find people who want to travel , here are the best winter experiences in Europe to add to your Europe travel bucket list to inspire your next adventure!

Natali is the founder of She's Abroad Again. She is a solo female travel and backpacking expert who traveled to more than 30 country over 3 continents, mostly solo and on a budget! She is a lawyer turned travel blogger as she traded long office hours in Croatia for a digital nomad life and currenly calls France her home.

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Helpful Tips On The Best Way To Travel With Friends Of Different Incomes

B ack in college, we were all poor. We had student loans up to our ears and fueled ourselves on instant ramen -- maybe with some added Sriracha sauce when we were feeling fancy. Travel was easy because everyone was more or less in the same boat, financially speaking, so we pooled together pennies from our summer jobs and Federal Student Aid loans to go abroad. But then we graduated and got real jobs, and thus began the income insecurity.

The "rich" friend, "poor" friend dynamic has always been a perennially awkward one, a wealth gap capable of hewing any long-standing relationships in twain. The data bear this out; one survey concluded that money is the very, very last thing friends will discuss amongst themselves. Or take findings by Merrill Lynch and Age Wave , suggesting more than half of women would prefer to talk about their own death before divulging the state of their pocketbooks.

Planning a trip amongst old pals of varying financial situations is, understandably, precarious. There's a lot of potential for hurt feelings, misunderstandings, and awkward conversations about expenses. People can feel pressured, left out, or shamed when ends don't meet for that group reunion in Cancún. It doesn't have to be this way. Let's look at a few tips for making travel plans work when your salaries aren't quite in alignment.

Read more: This Is What You Should Never Do When You Travel

Be Inclusive

The number one tip here is to never assume and never exclude. It's a knee-jerk reaction to, after hearing whisperings of a friend's financial troubles, avoid embarrassing them by leaving them out of the travel conversation entirely. This is a surefire way to bruise even the most solid relationships when they accidentally learn about a trip in the offing -- or worse, spot your beach photos on social media after the fact and ask for an explanation.

The solution? Always invite friends -- finances be damned -- regardless of where you're going or how long. Make it an open invitation without forcing their hand to commit or not. This gives them a graceful way to bow out without inviting questions about the number in their bank account. There's no need to investigate; people will think up the requisite excuses regardless of why they decide not to come, letting them save face in the process.

Be Transparent

The worst possible thing for a person on a tight budget is an unexpected expense. In group planning situations, these are all too common. Everyone wants different things, so each person mentally plans their version of the trip -- or makes plans with another friend. Then suddenly, the budget-focused person finds out everyone is renting jet skis for the morning, an expense that leaves them out.

Transparency needs to be the operative word from day one. Get the whole gang together, or start a group chat, and be brutally honest about every aspect of the trip. Are you going to fly in together? How long will you stay? What's the itinerary from day to day? Make sure you include the "maybes" on the docket, too, and the projected costs for them if plans change.

Account for emergencies, and figure out how you'll deal with contingencies that force you to throw out your plans altogether. The more open everyone is, the easier it will be to maximize your budget while traveling . This gives the person whose wallet is on a tight leash a chance to make their own plans for those travel vagaries.

Talk In Terms Of Budget, Not Income

While we might be slowly chipping away at the foundations of the taboo on discussing finances, it's still very much a faux pas in Western culture to inquire about someone's earnings. Planning a trip, unfortunately, encourages questions of this forbidden nature. Change the paradigm by tweaking the vocabulary. Ask people what their anticipated budget is rather than awkwardly whispering behind their backs: "Can so-and-so afford it?"

Budgets are great because even those flush with cash can have a limited budget. There could be so many reasons behind a budget that financial insecurity won't necessarily be the first suspicion on everyone's mind. Someone might have just signed a mortgage or have a bigger family trip planned later in the year. If something on the checklist is too expensive, all a person needs to say is, "That's out of my budget," and that's that. No further discussion is required. Even so, you get a realistic, workable idea of what everyone can and cannot afford without economic squeamishness.

Assign A Lead Travel Planner

Some people love planning, so much so that they get a thrill out of the prospect of designing a trip from beginning to end for their friend group. If you've got that type of friend, give them the reins -- but while you're at it, have them craft the trip to be as budget-friendly as possible. Then, there's never any awkward discussion where any one friend has to keep clearing their throat and reminding everyone that they can't do XYZ activity, either.

This works best if the trip planner functions as a proxy to buy all the tickets, accommodations, and tours and then gives each group member their "bill." This creates some budget anonymity where each friend individually pays the planner their share. It also makes it possible (should higher-income friends so desire) to offset the cost of a lower-income friend's share by paying more, resulting in a smaller bill that's more manageable for them.

Generosity Is Okay, But Keep It Reasonable

There are plenty of tight-knit groups out there where everyone's willing to pitch in to make sure that one friend doesn't miss out on the big yearly reunion. On the one hand, this is great. It's a testament to how close you all are and ensures no one gets left out of the fun -- after all, low wages and high inflation don't look to be changing anytime soon. If everyone's on board, then why not?

On the other hand, be cautious here. This can create an awkward power dynamic between someone with a higher income and someone who earns significantly less. Some people derive a great sense of pride from their ability to pay for themselves, so gifting them some or all of a vacation can be shameful and create a sense of financial impotence. Conversely, it can create pressure on friends who are flush to make up the difference, intensifying the suspicion many well-off individuals have that their lower-income friends just use them for money. Wherever you sit in this exchange, walk on eggshells.

Avoid IOUs Like The Plague

IOUs (an "I owe you" or an unpaid debt from lending money) are a battering ram to most friendships, as anyone who has lent money can attest to. Even borrowing a measly $20 creates a persistent sense of indebtedness and urgency, one that lingers in the room between the debtor and the lender until the debt is paid. Even afterward -- and even if you did pay them back in full -- it can create silent resentment if you took too long or that friend had to pester you about it. Friendships have ended in messy fallingouts for far, far less.

As much as is reasonably possible, don't lend money -- nor borrow it -- from friends, especially when it comes to costly trips. It's just not worth the drama it could potentially create. Helping someone out without the expectation of repayment is one thing (as mentioned in the previous tip), but bad feelings can stick around for years after an IOU. Leave lending to the banks.

Create Flexible Itineraries

It is important to plan a trip that's forgiving to the lowest budget, make no mistake, but there's no shame if one friend wants to do a more expensive activity -- say, they want to swim with the pigs while planning a Caribbean vacation . On that same trip, someone else might prefer sitting on the beach for free. Rather than make the former the default planned group activity, provide extra options. While one group is island-hopping on a private boat, another could try their hands at surfing. Then, you reconvene later and dovetail your travel plans as if you were never apart. Varied plans make for great conversation when you regale each other about what the others missed.

In particular, create lower-cost or free alternatives to all the plans that require money. Regardless of where you are in the world, there are a ton of cheap or free things you can do . Never make the mistake of assuming good memories need money to create them. As the Ray Henderson song goes, "The best things in life are free."

Account For Independent Traveling

Following off the previous point, it's key that your plans give space for independent traveling -- that is when the group "parts ways" to go off and do their own thing. This is a rock-solid solution to avoid compromises and allot everyone a few hours of breathing space to do what they will. Think of this as an "escape hatch," so friends who feel boxed in by expensive -- or undesirable -- travel plans have a way out. It's time they can use as they please, whether to take a nap or do that thing that no one else wants to.

As a general principle, it's a good idea to include plenty of free time when group traveling. People get tired and need a moment or two alone. The last thing you want is an argument brought on by weary, hangry travelers. A few breaths apart helps to reset and recharge everyone for another day of fun-filled traveling together and gives space for those whose budgets cannot cope.

Split Costs In A Way That Makes Sense

Splitting costs makes sense for things of equal value, like airplane tickets of the same class booked as a group, shared hotel accommodations, and anything where per-person prices would be identical. In other situations, such as a group dinner at a restaurant, splitting is nonsensical. Why should the person who filled up on free garlic bread subsidize another's fresh lobster? Adopt a "pay for what you get" rule and don't do bill splitting for unequal costs; as with avoiding IOUs, it prevents arguments and hard feelings.

Go a step further and make sure everyone knows they're equal with splitting apps, such as Splitwise . This lets you break up a payment among friends, showing clearly how much each person is responsible for and holding them accountable for paying it. If struggling budgets are preventing certain friends from traveling, then consider splitting the overall cost by category. In other words, one higher-income friend handles the flights, one handles the accommodations, and others who don't earn as much split other expenses. This method still feels fair, like people are pulling their own weight, even if some spent less than others.

Try A You Pick, You Pay Approach

Maybe there's one friend who's absolutely dying to watch the sunset over San Diego Bay on a sailboat, but no one else is quite as gung ho -- and, more to the point, able to cough up enough dough. Assuming they've got the cash to spare, they could (if they're fully onboard, no pun intended) treat everyone else by paying for the whole thing. It lets the friend in question get their dream sunset sail tour, and those whose budgets are less accommodating enjoy something they might not have been able to afford.

Of course, we recommend trying this out mostly for things that are on the smaller side, such as food and drink stops. If you do try out this strategy, though, it creates a sense of fairness -- similar to how you wouldn't feel indebted if a friend invited you over for dinner. If you pick, you pay. Simple.

Don't Go Into Debt For Your Friends

Do you have that one extravagant friend who throws around money like they're Jordan Belfort in "The Wolf of Wall Street?" One whose opulent weekend escapades are the bane of your credit card statement? You're not alone. 88% of millennials end up in some kind of debt because of that kind of friend, according to CreditKarma .

National Debt Relief reiterates that one of the most common reasons people stay in debt is out-of-control credit card spending. Despite this, many get locked into a FOMO mentality around their friends and a fear that they need to spend to "keep up with the Joneses," as it were. Anyone who's been in debt knows that it feels like bailing out a boat that's taking on more water than you can dump back out.

You can probably see where this is going. If your friends are planning a bombastic vacation (or successive, too-frequent vacations) that might require a second mortgage, just skip out on the trip -- whether they can afford that trip themselves or not. This might be prime time for a heart-to-heart conversation on money habits, just so that you avoid the impression that you're flaking out for other reasons.

Grab Group Discounts

Always look for group discounts. Yes, they do still exist, even if industry leaders like Groupon have veered more toward general discounts than things people can do together. Said discounts are most common when it comes to informal, off-the-books prices you would negotiate, such as hiring a private driver or a tour guide. Travel agents can work to secure private deals directly that net you more advantageous discounts than if you were to book the conventional way.

You can still find group discounts in a number of other ways on your own. Airlines sometimes offer up to 10% off provided you have a large enough group -- say, 10 people or more. The same may apply to hotels as long as you book a certain number of rooms. That said, many of these discounts are the sort you would get by haggling with airlines and hotel chains directly via their hotlines -- though keep in mind that you may be on the hook for non-refundable deposits and minimum stay requirements. Some businesses may give you further discounts if you categorize your trip as a retreat or a special event of some kind. It never hurts to ask, and the worst that can happen is the request is denied.

Cook Your Meals Together

It doesn't take an accountant wunderkind to understand that eating out will always be more expensive than cooking at home. Getting a decent burger in a restaurant  costs exponentially more than if you'd made it with your own two hands. Now multiply that by a dozen people and add a 20% gratuity. Goodbye, budget.

Look, we get it. No one likes the idea of cooking for themselves on a vacation. You're away from home and all your beloved cooking implements, so, you reason, you have a good excuse for racking up a ton of restaurant charges. For friends with varying incomes, though, this can quickly become a pain point. One man's McDonalds is another man's Guy Savoy.

Instead, take a trip to a local grocery store and buy enough to make a few meals -- or all of them for your trip's duration. Plenty of vacation rentals and Airbnbs come with fully functional kitchens. There's a good chance at least one of your friends is a maestro behind the saucepan, so you won't have to subsist on rice and salt. Plus, it doubles as an unforgettable group activity. Cooking together strengthens bonds and is arguably far more exciting than sitting around in a cramped, crowded restaurant where the food could be a total -- and expensive -- bust.

Consider Point Sharing

Credit cards are a no-brainer for the avid traveler, provided you've got a firm hand on excess spending. You accumulate points for any purchases you make, and those points convert into, effectively, free money when you redeem eligible purchases. Unless you've been institutionalized for uncontrollable spending, it's hard not to recommend a card that covers travel purchases.

One technique some friends have tried out is "point sharing." This is where you "gift" a vacation to a friend using your credit card points. Or, you subsidize a portion of the getaway and let them pay the remainder. It's a no-cost, minimum-guilt way to help a friend enjoy a vacation they can't afford. Some people have more points than they know what to do with, so it's better to put them to use than let them gather dust.

You can do the same with points for airlines and hotels. The only downside is that you can't literally gift your points to them. You'd need to make the purchase in their name and have them transfer you the difference.

Book Hostels

Your perspective on a hostel will vary wildly from that of the next person. For some, hostels are strictly the domain of backpackers headed across Europe with only a small wad of euros in their pockets. For others, they're a fun way to mingle with fellow travelers. And for the paranoid, they're a place rife with crime or an ideal setting for a horror movie. One thing they are, without a doubt, is cheap. There are some incredible hostels to stay in around the world , many costing less than $50 per night per person. If you can hold your nose at the idea of sleeping in the same room as some strangers, this is a bargain of an idea.

Many hostels offer cozy common areas perfect for enjoying your morning coffee or reading a book before turning in for the night. Some include great amenities such as pools, gyms, and restaurants, things that would make the average hotel skyrocket in price. Many even have chill backpacker bars for drinks and conversation. Plus, the floorplan of many hostels could allow your group to get a room to itself, one with a lock and key so you can leave your belongings behind safely when you go out for the day. There's also a good chance you'll run into budget-conscious people with their own travel secrets to share -- ones that will save your group even more money.

Read the original article on Explore .

The 9 best destinations to make your group trip a reality

Apr 26, 2024 • 6 min read

Take a day trip to Florence while exploring Tuscany with your crew © Gabi Bucataru / Stocksy United

Organizing a group trip can be a daunting task. Deciding where to go, what to do and where you'll stay with a group of people  — who all have their own opinions  — can be challenging enough to nearly convince you not to go.

But certain destinations are decidedly worth the hassle. Whether you are traveling with friends or with family, here are nine places that are perfect for your next group adventure. 

Great Barrington, The Berkshires, USA

The Berkshires in Massachusetts is a popular escape for many East Coast city dwellers due to the region's fall foliage and charming towns. Basing yourself in Great Barrington offers a wholesome oasis for any type of big group. Rent a house, preferably on a lake, and sit back and enjoy the long weekend. Great Barrington's quaint main street is worth an afternoon excursion. Flip through vinyl at Rob's Records , find your next favorite side table at The Berkshire Galleries of Great Barrington and round the day off with dinner at Prarie Whale . 

For literature fans, The Berkshires were once home to many writers, including Edith Wharton. Take a day trip to visit her estate,  The Mount , for history, culture and stunning architecture. And when all that relaxing starts to feel dull, break a sweat with a hike to the largest waterfall in Massachusetts, Bash Bish Falls .

Is your group looking for an unforgettable adventure?  Tanzania  offers a wealth of group-centered activities, primarily in the bush. If it's always been your dream to catch a glimpse of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), pack your friends or family into a Land Rover and head to the Serengeti . Spend your days cruising through the  Ngorongoro Crater , enjoying cocktails under the stars, and getting a front-row seat to some of Earth's most fascinating creatures. 

Want to leave the planning to a local expert? Check out Elsewhere's Tanzania trips

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

At its very core, Las Vegas is an adult playground. Whether you come for a bachelor party, girls’ trip or family adventure, there is no shortage of fun. Here, you can catch a water-inspired  Cirque du Soleil  show at the  Bellagio , enjoy a sunset meal in the exclusive seats of the  Eiffel Tower Restaurant , hit  Encore Beach Club  for a rowdy pool party or try your luck at one of the countless poker tables. 

Later, stop by the  Mob Museum  for a look at the nitty-gritty side of the USA. And if you get the urge, tie the knot at the kitschy yet playful  Viva Las Vegas Chapel  – everyone knows the best marriages start with an Elvis serenade. 

Miami, Florida, USA

Playful and glamorous, Miami is a certified group trip destination. Everything about Miami screams, “Grab your friends and have some fun.” Head to  South Beach  if you crave the classic Miami experience, but you don't necessarily have to focus on beaches and nightlife. Leave the golden sand behind for a day and explore Little Havana, eat traditional, mouthwatering Cuban food at  Versailles , and spend an afternoon in the  Art District  of the neighborhood, which features a handful of stellar galleries. 

Head to  Wynwood , where art has taken over the street with mesmerizing murals around every corner. Afterward, catch some live music at  Lagniappe , a sultry club that brings a New Orleans flair to Miami. With art, good food, and seemingly endless nightlife, there are plenty of things to do. 

Chianti, Tuscany, Italy

What could go wrong with a group of friends in wine country? Nothing when it's in Tuscany . Head to  Chianti , the birthplace of one of Italy's most beloved wines, for stunning landscapes and endless tastings. Many vineyards in Tuscany offer exceptional lodging, such as  Castello di Ama , where everything is accessible, the tastings are just a stroll away, and romance is in the air.

And when you have nursed too many hangovers, truffling hunting, pasta making and olive oil tasting are there to step in. If you prefer a less structured environment, rent a villa, relax by the pool, ride bicycles through the vineyards and cook lavish dinners to enjoy in the garden. When the countryside begins to feel a bit slow, head to  Florence  or  Venice  for a little city action before you head home.

Mallorca, Spain

Sometimes the best thing you can do is escape to an island. Mallorca is a destination for all ages, and whether you are craving a trip with friends or looking for a winter getaway with your kids, there's no better place to relax, recover and enjoy a beachy retreat. 

Let the crystal-clear water and soothing ocean breeze wash over you at  Platja des Coll Baix , one of the island's most beloved beaches. Take a steep hike to  Santuari de la Mare de Déu des Puig,  a 14th-century nunnery that sits atop a towering hill, or spend the afternoon exploring some of the island's most mesmerizing caves at  Coves del Drac . With no lack of beaches, sun, and activities, expect to leave rested and glowing.

Whistler, Canada

Is your group ready to hit the slopes? Whistler is an amazing destination that will offer something even for those who prefer to hang out in the chalet. Not only are the courses varied and the hills steep, but the area is beautiful too. The picturesque village, with its alpine-style architecture and towering mountains in the background, is worth marveling at. There's even the chance for a bit of culture while you're here with Whistler's developing art scene. 

Ride the  Peak 2 Peak Gondola , which offers magical views and a quick journey between Whistler and Blackcomb. If you have had enough time in the cold, stop in at  Whistler Brewing Company  for a pint or a tour and tasting at one of BC's oldest microbreweries. Wrap up the trip with a visit to the  Audain Art Museum  for Indigenous and British Columbian artwork.

With its greenery, historic temples and seriously good food, it's no wonder Thailand  makes a fabulous group-trip option for those looking for some adventure. 

Begin your exploration of Thailand by diving head-first into the cuisine. Branch out beyond  pad thai  with a steaming bowl of  khao soi  before eating your way through the rest of Thailand's  delicious dishes . Take a refreshing dip at  Erawan National Park , but beware of the monkeys; they are known to sometimes snatch items from visitors. Take home handmade souvenirs with a visit to  Cicada Market . This night-time shopping experience will give you a taste of the local way of life. Before you depart, take the opportunity to marvel at Thailand's ornate architecture by visiting  Wat Phra Kaew  and  Wat Traimit .

Prague, Czech Republic

Does your group prefer a little more history alongside your adventure? Prague is the answer. Relatively affordable compared to many of its European neighbors, Prague is an excellent option for larger groups looking to keep expenses on the lower end and families wanting to switch it up for their annual vacation.

The architecture of the city is unforgettable. Watch the  Astronomical Clock  hit the hour and enjoy its short but beautiful show before wandering the narrow, lively streets. Cross the iconic  Charles Bridge  and see the city stretch out before you. Head to  St Vitus Cathedral  for its Gothic, eye-catching exterior and the centuries-old treasures that lie inside. Relax within the peaceful  Wallenstein Garden , once fit for a duke. There is simply so much to uncover in this complex city.

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Americans who have traveled internationally stand out in their views and knowledge of foreign affairs

Do people who travel think differently about the world? A new Pew Research Center survey suggests they do.

Americans who have traveled internationally are more interested in and knowledgeable about foreign affairs, feel closer to others around the world, and favor a more active foreign policy, according to the survey of 3,576 U.S. adults conducted in spring 2023. We also surveyed people in 23 other countries about their international travel habits.

This analysis examines international travel with a focus on Americans’ travel, including which Americans travel abroad and how their interest in the world and views of international affairs differ from others.

For this analysis, we surveyed 3,576 U.S. adults from March 20 to March 26, 2023; 3,581 U.S. adults from March 21 to March 27, 2022; and 10,606 U.S. adults from June 14 to June 27, 2021. Everyone who took part in these surveys is a member of the Center’s American Trends Panel (ATP), an online survey panel that is recruited through national, random sampling of residential addresses. This way nearly all U.S. adults have a chance of selection. The survey is weighted to be representative of the U.S. adult population by gender, race, ethnicity, partisan affiliation, education and other categories. Read more about the ATP’s methodology .

For non-U.S. data, this report draws on nationally representative surveys of 27,285 adults conducted from Feb. 20 to May 22, 2023. All surveys were conducted over the phone with adults in Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, South Korea, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Surveys were conducted face-to-face in Hungary, Poland, India, Indonesia, Israel, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil and Mexico. In Australia, we used a mixed-mode probability-based online panel.

Here are the June 2021 survey questions and responses used in this analysis. Those for the March 2022 survey may be found here , as well as those for the March 2023 survey .

How many Americans have traveled internationally?

Roughly three-quarters of Americans (76%) have visited at least one other country, including 26% who have been to five or more. About a quarter (23%) have not traveled internationally, though most in this group say they would if they had the opportunity.

Related:  How experience with international travel varies across 24 countries

To analyze how Americans’ travel experiences relate to their attitudes on other questions, we placed people into three categories:

• Globe-trotters have traveled to at least five other countries. About a quarter of the U.S. public (26%) falls into this category.
• Casual travelers have traveled to between one and four other countries. Half of Americans fall into this category.
• Nontravelers have never left the United States. This category includes 23% of Americans.

Compared with Americans, people in many European nations are more likely to have traveled to five or more other countries. For instance, 88% of Swedes have done so.

However, international travel is much less common in many middle-income nations. It is strongly correlated with a nation’s gross domestic product per capita. (For more on international travel and views about global engagement, read “Attitudes on an Interconnected World.” )

Who travels internationally?

Perhaps unsurprisingly, older people are more likely than younger people to have traveled internationally. Americans ages 65 and older are more than twice as likely as adults under 30 to fall into our globe-trotter category (37% vs. 17%).

Income is even more strongly related to travel than age. Two-thirds of upper-income Americans have traveled to at least five countries, compared with 9% of Americans with lower incomes.

Similarly, Americans with a postgraduate degree are far more likely to be globe-trotters than those with a high school education or less (59% vs. 10%).

Residents of suburban and urban areas generally have more international travel experience than people who live in rural areas.

There are no significant partisan differences when it comes to international travel: 26% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents qualify as globe-trotters, as do 28% of Republicans and GOP leaners.

Do travelers know more about the world?

Globe-trotters are especially likely to say they are interested in foreign affairs and follow international news. Casual travelers, in turn, are more likely than nontravelers to do so.

Globe-trotters are also the most knowledgeable about international affairs. In 2022, we conducted an international affairs quiz , asking Americans 12 questions related to international news. On average, globe-trotters got 8.2 of the 12 questions correct, compared with 6.4 for casual travelers and 4.2 for nontravelers.

Is international travel related to views of global engagement?

International travel experience is also linked to Americans’ views about international affairs and their feelings of connection to other people around the world.

When asked which comes closest to their view, 57% of globe-trotters say the U.S. should be active in world affairs, while 43% say the U.S. should pay less attention to problems in other countries and concentrate on problems at home. In contrast, most casual travelers and nontravelers say the U.S. should focus on problems at home.

In all three groups, at least half of respondents say that when the U.S. is making foreign policy, it should take other countries’ interests into account – even if that means making compromises. But globe-trotters are especially likely to hold that view.

Globe-trotters are also particularly likely to say they feel close to people around the world, with 42% saying so. By comparison, 34% of casual travelers and 30% of nontravelers say this.

• International Affairs

Richard Wike is director of global attitudes research at Pew Research Center

Janell Fetterolf is a senior researcher focusing on global attitudes at Pew Research Center

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Why this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect sense

The orphaned youngsters Daisy and Modjadji have more in common than you might think.

Whether playing ball, chasing and racing, or snuggling up together at night, Daisy the baby white rhinoceros and Modjadji the plains zebra are often inseparable at the Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary in South Africa where they were rehabilitated. “You cannot believe how adorable these guys are,” says sanctuary founder Petronel Nieuwoudt of the two young animals she helped raise.

Modjadji, named after the local rain goddess, was found alone and suffering from tick-borne anemia in Kruger National Park after a heavy rainstorm. A few days later, rangers found Daisy. She was only about 12 hours old and still had her umbilical cord attached; she was also sick with an infection. Her mother was likely poached for her horn.

Left alone, these animals likely wouldn’t have survived. But paired together—and with the help of conservationists—the unlikely friends have a chance to return to the wild.

Young friends

Both species are able to stand within an hour of birth, but both white rhinos and plains zebras still require parental investment. Rhino calves stay with their mothers for two to three years, while zebras can reach independence after one year. In that time, the youngsters rely on their mothers for food, protection, and socialization.

Although these species don’t closely interact in the wild, Nieuwoudt placed the two orphans together so that they would receive the comfort they were missing from their mothers. She says the pair especially loved to touch each other while they slept. “It’s the feeling of, ‘Oh there’s another little breath next to me and another little heartbeat next to me,’” Nieuwoudt says.

Plus, the youngsters could teach each other how to play. “Play behavior is very important for building social skills, learning boundaries, and becoming physically competent,” says Terri Roth , a rhino scientist at the Cincinnati Zoo. Socialization with another animal at a young age “makes for a much more adapted animal as they become an adult.”

Protecting these peers on the plains

In the wild, rhinos’ and zebras’ territories overlap—both are herbivores that often chow on grass. “The use of the savannas by the white rhinos and the zebras is pretty similar,” Roth says. And these animals are both perissodactyls , a group of hoofed herbivores that includes horses and donkeys. “They are taxonomically more closely related than anything else.” This may explain why a rhino would serve as a surrogate buddy for a zebra, she says.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the plains zebras as near threatened , and their population is decreasing. Climate change is causing extensive droughts which make food and water less available to zebras, and they’re being pushed from their habitat as people farm the land.

White rhinos were once thought to be extinct, but they’re now listed as near threatened thanks to conservation efforts. The main threat are poachers seeking rhino horns. Made of the same material that makes up fingernails, horns are still used in some cultures as traditional medicine or for carvings. And though there are laws prohibiting poaching, they aren’t always enforced.

See you later

There are some skills both pals can only learn from their species. Roth explains that while a rhino will instinctively roll in the mud to get relief from biting flies, finding the locations of mud wallows and water sources is a skill learned from the mother. Daisy will need to learn this from other rhinos.

Modjadji will need to learn about herd hierarchy with other zebras, says wildlife veterinarian and Nat Geo Explorer Shaleen Angwenyi . These animals live in permanent groups with one male, up to six females, and their foals. They often travel in a line led by the dominant female and the rest following according to rank.

As they grow, Modjadji is spending less time with Daisy and more with her fellow zebras in a protected area. Nieuwoudt often spots her hanging out near the adult rhinos in the area, but Modjadji still sometimes comes back to the center for a quick nap with Daisy.

Meanwhile, Daisy continues to live at the sanctuary where they’re working to help her grow—she now weighs over a thousand pounds—and learn how to interact with other orphaned rhinos. Nieuwoudt hopes that someday both Daisy and Modjadji will be wild again, perhaps grazing close to each other.

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• PLAINS ZEBRAS
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• ANIMAL REHABILITATION
• WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
• ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION
• WILDLIFE REFUGES
• WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

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