One of the questions I often get asked as a solo traveller is: “But don’t you get lonely?”
The truth is, solo travel doesn’t mean being alone all the time. In fact, it often makes you more open to meeting new people because you’re looking for connection, culture and conversation along the way.

For me, food and walking tours, along with cooking classes, are the perfect way to break the ice. They’re interactive, fun and naturally bring people together. And the best part? You don’t have to force the conversation, it happens organically over shared meals, stories, and experiences.

Food Tours: A Feast and Friendship in One

Food tours are one of my go-to ways to meet people. Not only do you get to taste your way through a city, but you also end up bonding with fellow travellers and locals over shared bites.

When I travelled solo to Spain, I joined a food tour of the city and instantly felt welcomed. By the second stop, I was chatting with a lovely group of Americans who embraced me into their circle. The very next day, I signed up for a cooking class with the same company and met some French travellers who were just as warm and open. It turned into a weekend of laughter, new friendships and great food. Exactly what solo travel should feel like.

The beauty of food is that it connects people. A shared table, a glass of wine, or a local specialty can spark conversations that might lead to lasting memories (and even friendships).

Cooking Classes

Cooking classes are another incredible way to meet people. Unlike traditional tours, they’re hands-on, which means you’re immediately interacting with those around you. Rolling dough, chopping vegetables, or stirring a paella side by side creates a natural rhythm of teamwork and conversation.

In Alicante, I joined a Secret Flavours Food and Tapas Tour followed by their cooking class the next day. Not only did I learn how to prepare authentic dishes, but I also left with the memory of laughing, cooking, and sharing wine with strangers who didn’t feel like strangers for long.

Walking Tours: Exploring Together

If food isn’t your first choice, walking tours are another excellent option. They’re casual, informative, and full of opportunities to chat as you move from one stop to the next. Whether it’s exploring historic landmarks, street art, or even a city’s hidden wine bars, these tours naturally create small pockets of conversation and connection.

Why Tours Work So Well for Solo Travellers

The reason tours work so well is simple:

• Shared Experience → Everyone is there for the same reason, which instantly gives you common ground.
• Guided Interaction → A good guide knows how to encourage conversation and make people feel included.
• Safe and Structured → As a solo traveller, you’re in a group setting where it feels comfortable to open up.

By the end, you often walk away with more than just photos and memories. You walk away with new friends.

People Are the Real Souvenirs

When I think back to my travels in Spain, the tapas and paella were unforgettable — but it’s the people I met that made the trip truly special. Those Americans, the French travellers, the market vendors — they’re the connections that stick with you long after the journey ends.

So, if you’re a solo traveller wondering how to meet people without the awkwardness, my advice is simple:
👉 Book that food tour, sign up for a cooking class, or join a walking tour.
You’ll not only discover the heart of a city, but you might just discover a few new friends along the way.

See more about my Alicante adventure here.