Travelling is all about new experiences and meeting interesting people. Going solo may seem scary but it is often the more appealing option, over travelling in a group. It gives you the freedom to do what you want, when you want and where you want. Whilst travelling solo has its advantages, its always nice to meet friendly faces along the way. But how to find like-minded people?
We’ve done a round-up of the best websites and apps that will connect you to other like-minded travellers in order to make your trip one to remember:
1. Travel Buddies
Looking to find a travel companion for your next trip, long or short? Or maybe you want to meet people who are travelling near your hometown? Travel Buddies will show you which other members are near you through its Members Nearby feature – users who are closest to you will appear at the top of your search. It’s easy and unobtrusive, you can get in touch via email or instant chat to see if they fancy meeting up.
2. Globetrooper
Globetrooper is a tool to help you find travel partners for group trips and world adventures. More specifically, it is a tool for adventurous travellers to create trips and invite people from all over the world to join them. Sound good? The Globetrooper website also contains detailed information about regions, adventures and personal experiences.
3. Backpackr
Whether you’re travelling solo or in a group, Backpackr is a great way to meet nearby travellers. Browse through numerous profiles and message the people you want to meet. Results can be filtered by age, sex and location. Instantly see if they are a traveller or a local just by looking at their flag icon.
4. Tripr
The Tripr app seamlessly connects people across the globe with shared trip destinations and interests. Tripr users input their upcoming trips to seek out like-minded travellers – whether they are heading to a weekend at Dimensions festival, a yoga retreat in Goa, a business trip to Berlin or a foreign exchange in Beijing. The more you use the app, the higher you’ll rank in community searches.
5. WAYN
With over 20 million members across nearly 200 countries, WAYN aims to inspire, inform and connect travellers around the world. The service can be accessed via website or app and it clear and easy to use, perfect for anyone looking for practicality and reliability.
6. Thelma & Louise
This ladies only site aims to be the best online community and travel resource design to help women share experiences, be inspired and connect with friends and travel buddies both online and in the real world. Built around a passionate belief in the life-enriching value of travel and friendship, Thelma & Louise are inclusive and open to all women, regardless of age, interest, travel experience, personal goals or life situation.
7. City Socializer
Less about linking travellers and more about connection like-minded people in the same city, City Socializer is a well know and respected platform where you are sure to meet to meet friends for life.
One to watch: Tripwire
If you’ve got an exciting trip in 2016, our money’s on Tripwire, a new social network for travellers. A community for travellers to connect, re-connect and to use as a tool for discovery. You’ll be able to gain insight from other users’ experiences and recommendations; and build up your own profile as a seasoned ‘Tripper’. Tripwire is a free, beautifully designed, app and is set to launch at the beginning of 2016. To be at the front of the queue – register for the first release at www.ontripwire.com.
Speaking of apps, have you downloaded the Cheapflights app yet? It offers a quick and easy way to search for and book flights from your iPhone, android or tablet.
