Solo Travel & Volunteering: How to Make Friends Abroad

Solo travel can be one of the most empowering and transformative experiences of your life. It pushes you out of your comfort zone, opens your mind to new perspectives, and gives you the freedom to go wherever your heart desires. But even the most adventurous solo travellers sometimes worry about one thing: feeling lonely.

That’s where volunteering abroad changes everything.

Volunteering adds purpose to your solo travel journey and gives you a built-in community of like-minded people from around the world. Instead of wandering alone through hostels or sightseeing solo every day, you get to connect with locals, bond with other volunteers, and share meaningful experiences that often lead to lifelong friendships.

Whether you’re an introvert taking your first solo trip or an experienced traveller craving deeper human connection, this guide will help you make friends and find your tribe while volunteering abroad.

Why Solo Travel and Volunteering Are a Perfect Match

Solo travel and volunteering go hand in hand for so many reasons. When you combine the freedom of independent travel with the structure and community of volunteering, you get the best of both worlds.

1. You Instantly Join a Community

When you arrive at your volunteer placement, you’re rarely alone for long. Most projects bring together people from different countries, ages, and backgrounds who all share a similar goal — to make a positive impact. You immediately have something in common, which makes it much easier to connect.

2. Shared Experiences Build Strong Bonds

Whether you’re teaching English to kids, cleaning turtle nesting beaches, or planting trees, volunteering creates shared experiences that foster connection. You’ll laugh together over miscommunications, celebrate small wins, and tackle challenges as a team. These are the kind of memories that turn strangers into friends.

3. Locals Welcome You Into Their World

As a volunteer, you’re not just a tourist passing through. You become part of the local community — working alongside residents, sharing meals, learning their customs, and sometimes even living in their homes. This authentic exchange helps you build genuine friendships that go far beyond surface-level interactions.

4. It’s Easier to Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

Traveling solo can feel intimidating at first, especially if you’re naturally shy. But volunteering gives you a reason to interact with others every day. You’ll be part of group activities, community events, and social gatherings, which naturally make it easier to open up and connect.

Overcoming the Fear of Being Alone

Let’s be honest: the idea of solo travel can be nerve-wracking. You might worry about being lonely, unsafe, or awkward in social situations. But here’s the truth — those feelings are completely normal, and they usually fade quickly once you arrive.

The beauty of solo travel lies in how it teaches you independence, resilience, and self-confidence. And volunteering adds a layer of connection and structure that makes the transition smoother.

Here are a few mindset shifts to help ease those initial fears:

• Remember, you’re never truly alone. You’ll meet people at your project, accommodation, or even while traveling to your placement.
• Everyone else feels the same. Most volunteers arrive knowing no one, so you’re all in the same boat — ready to make friends and create memories.
• Put yourself out there early. A simple “Hey, where are you from?” can open the door to new friendships.
• Focus on the experience, not perfection. You don’t need to be the most outgoing person in the room. Just show up, stay curious, and be kind — the rest happens naturally.

Where You’ll Meet People While Volunteering

Making friends while volunteering abroad often happens organically — you don’t have to force it. But it helps to know where those connections are most likely to start.

1. Your Volunteer Accommodation

Most of IVI’s volunteer projects include shared accommodation — think volunteer houses, dorms, or homestays. You’ll share meals, chores, and downtime, creating endless opportunities for connection. Some of your best friendships might form over breakfast or late-night chats after a long day of volunteering.

2. The Volunteer Project Itself

Working side by side with others creates instant camaraderie. Whether you’re teaching a class, helping with construction, or feeding rescued animals, teamwork brings people together fast. Don’t be surprised if you’re laughing and joking with new friends by day two.

3. Orientation & Group Activities

Most volunteer programs have the opportunity to join cultural orientations, weekend excursions, or group trips to local attractions. These are goldmines for social connection. You can bond while exploring temples in Bali, hiking to waterfalls in Fiji, or cooking traditional meals in Thailand.

4. The Local Community

Building friendships with locals can be just as rewarding as connecting with fellow volunteers. Try chatting with shop owners, joining in on community celebrations, or learning a few phrases in the local language. Locals often appreciate your effort and will happily share their culture with you.

Tips for Making Friends During Solo Travel & Volunteering

You don’t need to be super outgoing to make friends while traveling solo — just open, curious, and friendly. Here are some practical tips that work for everyone:

1. Be Approachable

Smile, make eye contact, and show interest in others. People are much more likely to strike up a conversation if you look open and welcoming. Even a simple “How was your day?” can spark a new friendship.

2. Join In on Group Activities

Whether it’s a beach cleanup, movie night, or weekend trip, say “yes” to group activities. They’re designed to help volunteers bond and have fun together. Even if you’re tired or nervous, pushing yourself to join in is almost always worth it.

3. Share Meals

Food brings people together everywhere in the world. Sit with new people at dinner, try local dishes together, or organize a cooking night. Shared meals are often where the best conversations and laughter happen.

4. Offer to Help

Small acts of kindness go a long way. Offer to help someone with their project task, lend them sunscreen on a hike, or share snacks during travel days. These little gestures make people feel valued and open the door for genuine friendship.

5. Learn People’s Names

It might sound simple, but remembering names shows you care. People warm up faster when they feel seen and respected.

6. Be Curious About Others

Ask questions about where people are from, why they chose this project, or what they love about travel. Most travellers love to share their stories, and curiosity is one of the fastest ways to build connections.

7. Don’t Hide Behind Your Phone

It’s easy to retreat into your phone when you’re feeling awkward or tired, but try not to rely on it too much. Staying present and engaged makes it easier for others to approach you.

8. Stay Positive and Flexible

Not every moment or person will click perfectly — and that’s okay. Keep a positive attitude, stay flexible, and focus on the overall experience rather than individual interactions.

Keeping the Friendships Alive After You Leave

One of the hardest parts about volunteering abroad is saying goodbye. But in the age of social media, staying connected is easier than ever. Many volunteer friendships turn into lifelong connections that stretch across continents.

Here are some ways to keep in touch:

• Exchange contact info early. Add people on WhatsApp, Instagram, or Facebook before you leave.
• Share photos and memories. Tag each other in group pictures or create a shared album to relive the experience.
• Plan future trips. Many volunteers reunite later for new projects or travel adventures together.
• Support each other’s goals. Stay involved in each other’s lives — whether that means cheering on new careers, creative pursuits, or future travels.

You never know — that person you met in a remote village might one day host you in their home country or become your travel buddy for life.

Why Solo Travel Through Volunteering Builds Confidence

There’s something incredibly empowering about traveling solo and thriving in a completely new environment. It teaches you that you can rely on yourself — but also reminds you of the beauty of human connection.

You learn how to navigate challenges, make decisions independently, and adapt to different cultures. You discover that kindness is a universal language, and that people are far more welcoming than you might have imagined.

Volunteering adds even more depth to this journey. You’re not just observing the world – you’re participating in it. You’re learning from locals, contributing to meaningful projects, and forming bonds that make every place feel a little like home.

By the end of your solo travel adventure, you’ll likely find that you’re not just more confident- you’re more compassionate, understanding, and globally aware.

Solo Travel Friendships

Ask anyone who’s volunteered abroad solo, and they’ll tell you: the friendships you make are unlike any others. They’re fast, deep, and genuine — forged through shared challenges, laughter, and a sense of purpose.

You’ll meet people who inspire you, teach you new skills, and broaden your perspective on life. You might even find that you grow into a version of yourself you didn’t know existed – more open, more confident, more connected.

And while you may arrive alone, you’ll almost never leave that way.

Conclusion

Solo travel is a gift – an opportunity to see the world on your own terms, discover who you are, and connect with others in meaningful ways. When you combine it with volunteering, that experience becomes even more powerful.

You’ll step into communities with open arms, meet incredible people who share your values, and form friendships that transcend borders. Sure, you might have moments of loneliness or uncertainty – but those moments are what make the journey real, memorable, and deeply rewarding.

So pack your bag, take a deep breath, and go. The world is full of people waiting to meet you.

Because solo travel doesn’t mean being alone – it means being free to connect with the world in the most authentic way possible.

Ready to start your solo travel adventure?

Join IVI’s volunteer abroad programs across Asia, Africa, and the Pacific. Whether you want to teach, protect wildlife, empower women, or support health initiatives, you’ll be part of a welcoming global community from day one.