How to Make Friends Solo Travelling (Even If You Don’t Drink)
Introduction
Making friends while traveling solo can already feel intimidating but when you’re sober, it can seem even more challenging. As someone who travels solo and doesn’t drink, I know firsthand how isolating it can feel when so many social travel scenes revolve around alcohol. But the truth is you don’t need alcohol to have fun, meet amazing people, or create lasting memories while traveling. In this post, I’m sharing my go-to tips on how I make friends while solo travelling as a sober girl. Whether you’re sober, sober-curious, or simply skipping alcohol while abroad, these ideas will help you stay social, confident, and connected on your travels.
Why Solo Travel Without Alcohol Can Feel Tricky
It often feels like the default travel social setting always revolves around drinking. Hostels often boast having lots of social events but more often than not it’s just something along the lines of a pub crawl, beer pong tournament or some other drinking game. As a sober solo traveler it can feel quite isolating at times. But it doesn’t have to be. Creating friendships as a sober traveler can create deeper connections because they require more intention than just being ‘friends’ with somebody just because you both love to drink.
Where to Meet People That Doesn’t Involve Drinking
Yoga Studios and Retreats
I have made such incredible friendships and lifelong connections with people I’ve met taking yoga classes and have met attending yoga retreats. If you are interested in yoga, spirituality or wellness then you’re likely to find like-minded people here.
There are lots of hostels now that offer yoga classes that are usually they are free of charge. This is a nice way to meet people in your hostel who are also interested in yoga. So, when looking for a place to stay see if they offer classes.
You could also join a nearby studio for casual drop-in classes. Lots of studios also offer workshops or community events so check out if they have anything going on while you’ll be there. You can always ask people in your hostel if they want to join you and find people with similar interests that way.
Yoga Retreats are one of my favourite ways to meet people. They last longer than classes so you can really get to know people. Retreats are usually completely alcohol-free so everyone is on the same page about drinking (at least for the time you’re there). I have booked all my yoga retreats through BookYogaRetreats and have always had an incredible time.
Coworking Spaces
If you are a digital nomad or just getting some work done while travelling you can check out some coworking spaces. Some hostels actually have coworking spaces so if you stay there it’s likely to meet other digital nomads. Some coworking spaces even offer social events for finding community and networking. Workfrom.co is a great resource to find coworking spaces near you.
Tours and Group Activities (That Aren’t Pub Crawls)
Walking tours, food tours, cooking classes, and hikes are just some of the many activities that are out there. They’re great for solo travellers to meet other people and I find doing an activity with others can help break the ice. You already have something in common if you both chose to do the same activity! I book most of my tours through GetYourGuide or Viator and have met lots of cool people this way.
How to Start Conversations When You’re Not at the Bar
Hostel Common Area
My biggest tip if you are a sober traveler is to NOT stay at a party hostel. The main reason people are there is to get drunk and party. This is not where you are going to find your people. As mentioned, try to find a hostel that offers some sober activities like yoga, cooking classes or walking tours to meet others staying at your hostel. But, if you aren’t at a hostel with good activities no need to worry because you can initiate convo literally anywhere, in your room, the common room or whatever shared space is available.
Remember lots of people in the hostel are also solo travelers who may be just as nervous as you! And most of them want to meet new people and make new friends too so, don’t be scared to talk to people.
The most basic questions:
Where are you from?
How long are you travelling?
How long have you been here?
Where were you before this?
Where are you headed after?
Any recs for this city?
What’s you plan for the day? I’m doing X want to come?
I’m headed out for dinner. Do you want to join?
It really is that simple. It can feel awkward at the beginning but after some time it will become second nature to just spark up a convo with whoever you meet. And you don’t have to besties with everyone you meet but get out of your comfort zone and strike up conversations you never know who you’ll meet!
Online/Group Chats
Online Facebook groups can be a great way to meet other travellers and make friends before you even get to your destination. You can find a Facebook group for everything but I reccommend ones geared towards female solo travellers, sober travellers, solo travellers, etc. Just remember to be safe when meeting people you’ve only met online.
Hostelworld, the main website/app to book hostels, offer a social feature on their app. You can message people who will be staying at your hostel at the same time as you. This can be a good way to meet some people before you are even there.
Take a Class or Join a Workshop
As I mentioned doing something together helps you connect and shows you have a common interest. Whatever you are doing is an automatic convo starter. Do something you like or try something new and you’ll easily find people you can talk to.
Transit and Travel Days= Connection Time
It’s so weird to say but you can make friends literally anywhere. Buses, trains, even planes can lead to some great chats. It’s all about the similarities of the situation. I met a girl in Thailand headed to the same city as me on a bus and we ended up spending the next day together! I also made a friend in the airport in China because we both had a 10 hour layover. It was such a random but wholesome memory and that’s what travel is all about. I’m not saying you need to be chatting your entire 12 hour flight but keep an open mind and be willing to meet new people anywhere.
How to Politely Say No to Drinking (Without Making It Weird)
If people invite you out for drinks and you genuinely want to go out then do it. But, I like to make it abundantly clear before we go that I do not drink. This just avoids awkward moments and fends off that social pressure if you make your boundaries known before you head out. I make it super clear ‘I’m actually 2 years sober’, ‘I don’t drink’, ‘Yeah, I’d love to join you. But just to let you know I won’t be drinking. It isn’t my thing’. Most people I met were respectful and didn’t care. But there are people who really don’t get it and will care, which just shows those aren’t your people and that’s fine.
Also, same goes for vice versa if somebody invite you out and you really don’t want to go say no. Don’t say maybe and tiptoe around what you aren’t saying. It’s not rude and better for you to be honest than be wishy washy. A simple, ‘Thanks for the invite but I’m actually sober and think I’d prefer to stay in tonight. But have fun!’.
Benefits of Alcohol-Free Friendships While Travelling
Making connections sober can lead to deeper conversations, real friendships, and help create lasting memories. Before I was sober most of my friendships revolved around drinking and going out. But, after getting sober I lost most of those relationships because I realized they were never built on anything real. The friendships and connections I’ve made as a solo sober traveler are so special to me and I never would of gotten those without my sobriety.
Conclusion: You Can Be Sober, Social, and Solo- All at Once
Being sober, social, and solo isn’t just possible, it’s empowering. You don’t need late-night parties or happy hour drinks to create meaningful connections while you travel. By showing up as your real, authentic self and seeking out intentional spaces—like yoga classes, coworking spots, and group experiences—you’ll find friends who vibe with your values and want to connect beyond the party scene.
If you’re newly sober or sober-curious, know this: your sobriety won’t hold you back—it will take you deeper. Some of the most authentic friendships I’ve made happened precisely because I wasn’t drinking. You’ll remember the moments, feel truly present, and walk away with connections that actually matter.
Looking for more support or inspiration? Check out my post: From FOMO to Freedom: How Sobriety Transformed Solo Travelling Experience for more advice on sober solo travel.
