Traveling Solo? These Apps Help You Connect

Traveling alone as an older adult can be a liberating experience – until you want a companion to share a meal, exchange stories, or explore a new city. Happily, technology can make solo travel less isolating.

Whether you’re interested in joining a guided group of fellow travelers, mingling with locals, meeting other adventurers along the way, or just enhancing your journey with a bit more social interaction, Senior Planet has identified several apps designed to help connect individuals who are traveling alone.

Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T)

Discover the world with O.A.T., a travel company owned by the Grand Circle Corporation, created by visionary Ethel Andrus, the founder of AARP. Specializing in small group tours and global adventures, O.A.T. caters specifically to travelers aged 50 and above, with an emphasis on solo explorers. AARP noted that O.A.T. offers free or low-cost single supplements—a surcharge that many travel agencies add when clients travel alone.

MeetUp: Free to join

This app has 60 million registered users worldwide. It helps members find and join groups based on their hobbies and interests. Users can connect with locals and other travelers who share their interests in activities such as language learning, hiking, and more.

Going Solo: Free and in-app purchases

With over 100,000 app downloads, GoingSolo provides solo travelers with a way to connect, offering features such as trip planning and finding travel buddies for specific destinations.

NomadHer: Free

This app describes itself as a safe space for female solo travelers to connect, share experiences, and find travel companions. NomadHer also organizes travel camps and meetups. The website boasts it is the number one app for women with a love of travel, with over 300,000 members, 100,000 meetups, and representation from 180 nationalities.

JoinMyTrip: Free

JoinMyTrip elevates group travel, connecting over 170,000 travelers worldwide. Discover a travel buddy who shares your passion for adventure and embark on expertly designed trips together. Each group is kept small, with only three to eight participants. This platform enables users to discover group trips and connect with fellow travelers who share similar interests in destinations or activities.

Eatwith: Free, but there is a cost for the culinary experiences

If you’re a foodie, Eatwith offers an excellent opportunity to join others through shared meals and cooking experiences. The platform brings together guests and hosts for home-cooked communal meals, allowing travelers to experience local culture and cuisine in a more personal and authentic way than traditional restaurant dining.

Travello: Free

Travello is a social network and booking platform designed specifically for seasoned travelers. With Travello, you can create a profile, share your travel plans, and connect with other travelers who are nearby or heading to the same destination. The app features interest-based groups and meetups and even offers local deals and experiences. Whether you’re on a short city stopover or a months-long backpacking journey, Travello makes it easy to find your travel community.

Let Senior Planet be your travel guide! Learn the ins and outs of booking travel online with Senior Planet! Join us to learn about online travel sites on 7/21 (details here) and get a comprehensive introduction to Booking Vacation Stays Online on 7/22 (details here). 

Before you go

Make sure you travel safely; this article summarizes some key tips…and don’t post pix from your trip until you are back at home!

Find practical tips, checklists, videos and more at the Senior Planet Travel page with tech tips to streamline your planning.

Solo travel doesn’t have to be a lonely experience. With the right app on your phone, you can connect with amazing people, create shared memories, and find a lifelong friend while you’re on the go. Whether you’re looking for conversation, adventure, or a glimpse into the local culture, travel apps can turn your trips into shared experiences—on your terms.

So go ahead and brave that single ticket!

Your Turn

Have you vacationed alone?  Have you stayed in touch with your travel companions? What apps did you use, and how did things go? Let us know in the comments!

 

Deborah Reale is a digital marketing and communications consultant specializing in social media, analytics, content writing, and editing. Ms. Reale has written for Business Development Magazine, Construction Industry Today, and quoted in Investor’s Business Daily and the book Social Media in Action. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and a graduate degree in business administration.