Solo travel tips
Travelling solo gives you the freedom to set your own schedule, change your plans and explore at your own pace. It can also be a chance to meet people, especially when your accommodation and activities make it easy to connect.
Choose accommodation where it’s easy to meet people
Room photos help you judge comfort, but shared spaces can tell you a lot about what a stay will be like.
A communal kitchen, a welcoming lounge or a terrace with tables can make it easier to strike up a conversation. Cooking a meal, asking about a walk or sitting with other guests are simple ways to start meeting people.
Some places also arrange communal dinners, group activities and other social gatherings. Before booking, ask what’s planned for your dates and look for reviews that describe the atmosphere.
A rooftop terrace that welcomes locals as well as guests can add another dimension to your trip. Alongside meeting fellow travellers, you can chat with people who live in the area and discover recommendations you might not find in a guidebook.
Shared dorm or private room?
A shared dorm can make it easier to meet other guests and keep accommodation costs down. But you don’t need to share a bedroom to enjoy a sociable stay.
A private room in a hostel or guesthouse with communal areas gives you somewhere to unwind and the option to join in whenever you feel like it. It can work well if you value quiet or plan to do some remote work during your trip.
Beyond the room type, find out how the place works: are there spaces where guests spend time together? Are activities organised? Can the team help you explore the area?
Meet people through surfing, yoga and cycling
Joining an activity gives you an easy starting point for a conversation. During a surf lesson, there’s always an attempt to catch a wave to talk about or a question to ask. A yoga class or group bike ride can also help you meet people while trying something different.
You don’t need any experience. Look for activities suited to your level and check that you can book as an individual.
Shared meals are another way to connect. A communal dinner can bring people from different backgrounds around the same table, giving you a chance to swap stories and make plans for the following days.
City or beach? You can enjoy both
Take Northern Portugal, for example. Porto is a good choice if you want to visit museums, explore historic sights, discover restaurants and enjoy the city’s culture and nightlife.
Nearby towns offer a quieter pace, time in nature and activities by the sea. Esmoriz is one example: you can combine beach days and surfing with walks around the Barrinha lagoon and through nearby pine forests, while still visiting Porto.
There’s a train connection to the city, and some accommodation offers shared spaces and opportunities to meet other travellers. When planning your journeys, remember to allow time to travel between the station and the beach area.
If you have several days, you could split your stay between Porto and the coast. Alternatively, choose one base and take day trips to the other, depending on your interests and transport options.
Leave room to join in and change your plans
If you arrive ready to meet people, you can start on your first day: join an activity, sign up for dinner or chat in the shared spaces. Ask ahead about what’s available and whether you need to book.
On other days, you might prefer a walk on your own, a book on the beach or some time exploring independently. That freedom is part of solo travel too.
Make a few plans that interest you and leave room for invitations along the way. Staying somewhere with opportunities to socialise makes it easier to find company without planning your whole trip around a group.
