Getting to know people from cultures around the world is one of the best parts of travel, so meeting new people should be a goal for every trip you take. However, meeting people naturally on your travels can be difficult, especially if you aren’t familiar with the local language or if you’re shy in social situations. Luckily, the internet has allowed travelers to find new ways to connect without all the awkwardness. Here are 8 social apps you should check out before your next vacation.
1. All Events in City
Attending an event is a great way to meet people with interests similar to yours. All Events in City allows travelers and locals in approximately 30,000 cities worldwide to find events nearby in categories including parties, music and business. You can also use the app to book tickets and find people to attend an event with, making it perfect for city travelers hoping to get involved with the local culture.
The app is free and available on both iOS and Android.
2. Backpackr
If you want a little company while backpacking across a continent, Backpackr can help you find a traveling buddy compatible with you. All you have to do is enter your trip information, and the app will connect you with others visiting the area. This could be a good choice if you’re not able to converse easily with locals since you can use it to find travelers from your own country.
Backpackr is free on both iOS and Android.
3. HelloTalk
When traveling, it’s polite to try to speak the local language. Learning a second language is rewarding, and it doesn’t have to happen in a classroom.
HelloTalk is a social language-learning app that connects you with native speakers from around the world. It supports more than 150 languages, and its integrated language tools make it easy for users to correct each other’s grammar and pronunciation. If your chatting goes well and you end up making a friend, you can plan to meet up in person!
HelloTalk is free on iOS and Android, though it does offer in-app purchases.
4. BonAppetour
This app is a must-have for world traveling foodies. BonAppetour is a platform that connects travelers with home chefs in locations around the world. Unlike dining in a restaurant, dining with a home chef immerses you in local culture and cuisine and allows you to connect personally with your hosts. The app can even help you find cooking classes, so you can bring a taste of your trip back home.
You can get BonAppetour for free on iOS — sorry, Android users!
5. Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing can help you find a free couch to crash on in countries around the world. Users can sign up to host travelers in their homes or to stay with a local while traveling. Like BonAppetour, Couchsurfing is great because it allows you to connect closely with a local. It’s a convenient way to make friends without having to flag down strangers on the street.
The app is compatible with iOS and Android, and you can download it for free to find a place to stay, host travelers and attend events. You can also pay a $60 one-time verification fee to remove ads and appear higher in search results.
6. PartyWith
Formerly known as Party With a Local, PartyWith is pretty much self-explanatory. The app connects users in more than 150 countries with nearby party lovers. It’s an excellent way to meet people to grab a drink with while traveling, and because the app connects you with locals, the friends you meet will be able to show you destinations that are both safe and fun.
You can get PartyWith for free on Android or for $3.99 on iOS.
7. MeetnGreetMe
MeetnGreetMe is a platform connecting international travelers with locals who act as personal concierges, helping with tasks like arranging entertainment and planning transportation. MeetnGreetMe allows you to hire a service, but the experiences travelers have with their local guides can be as meaningful as with people met at random. If you think you need a little help socializing on your trip, MeetnGreetMe could be a good option for you.
Find the app for free on Android and iOS.
8. Flip the Trip
Flip the Trip is a good app for finding general companionship on your travels. You can use the app to search for users by location and find both locals and fellow travelers to befriend. You can even ask questions, share travel tips and plan to meet up before you start your journey.
It’s available for free on iOS.
With these 8 apps, you can meet locals and fellow travelers easily and start having memorable social experiences as soon as you arrive.
