By Devon James — Social Wellness Coach for Solopreneurs, Remote Workers & Solo Travelers.
✈️ The Journey Inward (and Outward)
When I first booked a solo flight across the world, I thought I was chasing freedom. What I found instead was something more valuable: the chance to connect. Not just with new people, but with myself.
If you’ve ever:
- Worked remotely from a coffee shop in a foreign city
- Booked a solo trip hoping for both peace, adventure, while developing a deeper knowing of yourself
- Felt a little too quiet while the world bustled around you…
You’re not alone—and you don’t have to feel alone either. You can be Solo, but Not Alone..
🌿 Solo Travel Is Not Meant to Be Lonely
You can be independent and connected.
You can love solitude and crave genuine friendships.
You can book a one-way ticket or ride solo and still build beautiful relationships along the way– some everlasting.
Here’s how I’ve done it, and how I teach others to do the same. And here’s a little e-book I wrote for you below!
P.s If you’re wondering if that guy in the middle is the legendary Saenchai– one of the true GOATS of Muay Thai– yes. Yes it is. I found him 5 minutes from my hotel sitting in the middle of the ring, cross legged– like Yoda– on my first morning in Thailand…
You may not have the same story, but if you put yourself out there– you’ll have some that are just as epic and just as meaningful for you
5 Practical Ways to Make Friends While Traveling Solo
💡 1. Use the Power of Conjugation
Think of conjugation as your “social positioning.” or more simply, where you decide to move yourself to.
It means showing up in places where people who share your values and interests already gather.
While leading and training sales consultant for almost a decade, I learned that comparing sales and marketing is similar to the comparing conjugation and conversation.
To be good in sales is similar to being a good conversationalist. It takes a lot of time, practice, and intiially is very unnatural for most people.
While, to be a good marketer, is simply to situate yourself in a room where people are looking for what you’re offering– this is the art of conjugation, and the first winning strategy for any solo traveler looking to make friends.
Examples:
- Into wellness? → Try yoga classes, cold plunge clubs, or bright local cafés
- Creative soul? → Visit museums, open mic nights, or art workshops
- Fitness-focused? → Martial arts gyms, group hikes, horse-back riding groups, beach workouts– or Muay Thai! (especially if you’re in Thailand as per above)
- Entrepreneurial? → Check out co-working hubs, local founder meetups, or again– well lit cafe’s (preferably where people take breaks to eat and have books beside their screens..)
→ Want more? This is one of my favorite tips in my free guide Solo, Not Alone. If you like these tips, feel free to check out my other free e-books here! My little gift towards your social wellness and new friendships!
📚 2. Carry Your Conversation Starter
No, I don’t mean a script—I mean something you love.
I’ve made friends just by reading in a café, carrying boxing gloves to class, or wearing my Toronto Raptors cap abroad.
This is not why I read– I love to read– but this is another super-power of books that I’ve realized over time.
The key here? Read real books. Yes, paper. I pray that no matter the advancement in technology and readers– these never go out of style. People who read books, and newspapers– excellent at the art of attracting conversation while bettering themselves.
Try this:
- Bring a physical book instead of reading on your phone
- Wear something that reflects your interests or hometown
- Take breaks from home to go Sketch, journal, check emails, or play yourmusic in public spaces
→ These items signal who you are—and invite connection. Many, many others are searching for connection.. so why not make it a little easier for others to not only say hello, but to say, “I love that book too, what did you think?”, or “that’s my favorite artist!”.
🏡 3. Stay Social—By Design
Want to meet new people? Stay somewhere that makes it easy. Ask for recommendations often. Smile, say hello, and be more impressed then impressive– a great listener over a great talker if you want to make a friend.
Top choices:
- Hostels with shared kitchens or lounges
- Guesthouses with group meals or local tours
- Airbnbs with co-working spaces or friendly hosts
💬 Tip: Go where solo travelers go. They’re often just as open to connection as you are.
💬 4. Say Hello First
[Initially I was going to Phuket for 2 days to check out BangTao, before heading to another gym– another area.. But even the best gyms are easier to come acoss then great friends. I stayed for 5 days eating nearly every meal, sweatin, smiling, and hanging out with these two wonderful souls– my good friends, Alisa & Alex.. I’ll see you both again.]
Simple, powerful, underrated.
Practice smiling and saying hello—yes, even if it feels awkward at first.
Some of my best travel memories started with:
“Hey, where are you from?”
“That’s a great book—how are you liking it?”
“I’m riding solo, are there any cool places you’ve been around here?”
[This is pretty much how I met my new friend Natalie below – after a warm hello, while sipping my coffee and asking where she was from and if she knew any places to venture– turns out she was another solo traveleler looking for the same..
And so for the next day before she left the area, off we went to explore temples and hit the night market in Chiang Mai together (by far the most impressive night market I’ve ever seen, by the way).
It’s not about having the perfect line. It’s about being open.
🙌 Bonus: Download my free guide — “9 Conversation Openers for Everyday Friend-Making”
🤝 5. Offer, Invite, Initiate
Be the one who makes the first move.
- Invite someone to grab food after a tour or group activity
- Offer to take a photo of someone at a viewpoint
- Suggest co-working together the next day
- Recommend your favorite local spots
You don’t need to wait for connection. Create it. Trust me when I say you– and others around you will be thankful you wheny you initiate.
🧳 You’re Not Just a Traveler—You’re a Friend in the Making
Friendships don’t have to be long-term to be meaningful.
Whether it’s one shared sunset, a deep late-night conversation, or a 5-day adventure with a new bestie—you’ll carry those memories forever.
“Solo travel doesn’t mean traveling alone. It means being free to connect with the world on your own terms.”
🧭 Ready to Take Your Social Wellness Further?
If you’re a solopreneur, remote worker, or traveler who wants to build real relationships, feel more confident, and grow into your SuperselfVersion—I’d love to support you.
Rooting for you always, From wherever you are in the world, Devon James
Social Wellness Coach for Solopreneurs, Solo Travelers & Remote Workers @SuperselfVersion
