7 Solo Travel Destinations for Making Friends in Your Mid-20s

7 Solo Travel Destinations for Making Friends in Your Mid-20s - Bangkok's Khao San Road Hostels

Bangkok's Khao San Road is a magnet for solo travelers, especially in their mid-20s, who want to experience the city's energy and meet new people. A number of hostels cater specifically to this crowd. NapPark's central location makes it easy to jump into the action, and its social atmosphere fosters connections. If you're a female traveler seeking a secure and friendly environment, the LOL Elephant Hostel receives strong praise. Those watching their pennies find Sloth Hostel appealing, with its affordable rates and communal vibe. For those looking for non-stop social interaction, Mad Monkey is a great choice. It consistently receives a lot of positive feedback from solo travelers due to its energetic atmosphere and planned events. A range of options are available on Khao San Road, reflecting the variety of traveler types and tastes. You'll be able to find a hostel that fits your budget and social needs. While some are primarily geared for budget travel and others focus on nightlife, the common denominator remains fostering a sense of community and connection, ideal for meeting like-minded souls.

Bangkok's Khao San Road has become a focal point for budget travelers seeking a vibrant social scene, and its hostel scene reflects that. The sheer density of hostels – over 400 in a relatively small area – is quite striking and certainly caters to the backpacker crowd.

Several hostels stand out in the Khao San Road area for solo travelers, especially those in their mid-20s. NapPark Hostel is frequently recommended for its social atmosphere, comfortable amenities, and central location. If safety and a social scene is top of mind for solo female travelers, LOL Elephant Hostel might be the better choice. For budget-conscious travelers, Sloth Hostel strikes a good balance between affordability and a social setting.

If the noise of Khao San isn't your thing, the AlphaBed Hostel, situated just outside the main drag, is a noticeably quieter and cleaner option. However, if it's high energy you're after, Lub d Bangkok Siam offers a "boujee" experience with a strong social vibe including events and amenities like a donut bar.

Looking for more connection with others while you travel? Here Hostel seems to be specifically oriented to creating social opportunities. Mad Monkey Hostel is also a popular choice known for its active atmosphere and varied social activities. The Yard Bangkok fosters a strong sense of community, potentially appealing to solo travelers seeking a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Khao San Social Capsule Hostel offers a good compromise between the lively nightlife and the need for some rest and relaxation while also being in proximity to Bangkok's street food. Overall, Khao San Road is a buzzing area that's clearly a magnet for budget travelers, specifically those interested in meeting others. It's a place where you're likely to find a lot of young, international travelers.

It's noteworthy that while the area has always been a bit rough around the edges, hostels are increasingly adopting digital platforms to manage events, bookings, and participation. It's an interesting sign of how the old-school backpacker culture is interacting with evolving technologies.

What else is in this post?

1. 7 Solo Travel Destinations for Making Friends in Your Mid-20s - Bangkok's Khao San Road Hostels
2. 7 Solo Travel Destinations for Making Friends in Your Mid-20s - Buenos Aires Tango Classes at La Catedral
3. 7 Solo Travel Destinations for Making Friends in Your Mid-20s - Sri Lanka's Surf Camp in Weligama
4. 7 Solo Travel Destinations for Making Friends in Your Mid-20s - Miami Beach Art Deco Walking Tours
5. 7 Solo Travel Destinations for Making Friends in Your Mid-20s - Laos Tubing Adventure on Nam Song River
6. Laos Tubing Adventure on Nam Song River
7. 7 Solo Travel Destinations for Making Friends in Your Mid-20s - Melbourne's Laneway Street Art Tours
8. 7 Solo Travel Destinations for Making Friends in Your Mid-20s - Couchsurfing Meetups in Chiang Mai

7 Solo Travel Destinations for Making Friends in Your Mid-20s - Buenos Aires Tango Classes at La Catedral

Buenos Aires, the birthplace of tango, offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in this captivating dance and culture. La Catedral, a popular milonga (tango dance hall), provides an authentic and affordable way to experience tango. Classes are relatively inexpensive, around 100 pesos for a 90-minute session, which makes it a budget-friendly choice for those eager to learn. The classes themselves aren't just about instruction, they also promote social interaction. Many group classes include snacks and mate, a traditional Argentinian beverage, creating a friendly atmosphere where you can connect with fellow tango enthusiasts.


One of La Catedral's standout features is its ability to seamlessly blend learning and social dancing. The venue's lively atmosphere extends well into the evening, providing a chance to put your newfound tango skills to the test and dance the night away. It's a great way to fully embrace the local tango culture. The venue itself adds to the appeal with its bohemian vibe and a vegetarian-focused menu that includes popular dishes like empanadas. It's a welcoming and inclusive space for both locals and tourists, and particularly attractive to solo travelers in their mid-20s who are looking to meet new people and experience a different facet of Buenos Aires beyond the usual tourist attractions. For travelers in their mid-20s seeking a social and cultural experience, tango lessons at La Catedral are a genuine and affordable way to connect with the heart of Argentina.

Buenos Aires, widely recognized as the birthplace of tango, offers a vibrant cultural immersion through its tango scene. La Catedral, a bohemian milonga (tango hall), stands out as a particularly interesting spot for travelers seeking tango lessons.

Its character as a former warehouse, now a hub for tango, lends a distinct charm. This unique atmosphere adds to the social buzz of the place, which is conducive to making new connections. The classes themselves are priced attractively at around 100 pesos for a 90-minute session, making it appealing for those wanting to dance without breaking the bank.

One can find a mix of traditional methods with individual instructor styles, appealing to a wide range of learning approaches. The open-door policy of their classes is especially attractive for those new to tango, welcoming all levels of experience. There's a noticeable shift from the more performance-focused environments of other tango schools to La Catedral's emphasis on the social dance aspect.

The venue features a casual vegetarian menu with moderately priced dishes, which is a bonus for many visitors. The tango classes typically include mate, a traditional South American drink, contributing to the social ambiance. This practice of incorporating elements of Argentine culture directly into the class itself adds to the experience.

Beyond the formal classes, La Catedral frequently hosts milongas, providing a relaxed environment for casual dance and socializing. The social aspect of the tango scene, both during the lessons and at the milongas, presents a unique opportunity for travelers to interact with locals and other tango enthusiasts. The city's tango community, welcoming and generally open to outsiders, can lead to valuable cross-cultural exchanges.

Tango's emphasis on nonverbal communication might also translate into broader social skills. The nuanced body language inherent in the dance could provide travelers with new insights into the art of human interaction, a skill that's certainly valuable when you're on the road and eager to meet people. From a social perspective, tango can enhance a traveler's understanding of unspoken communication and social interaction, adding a unique layer to one's travel experience in a city known for its vibrant social scene.

Buenos Aires is rife with tango experiences beyond La Catedral. The dance itself is a pervasive feature of daily life, from impromptu street performances to professional tango shows. Milongas geared for a range of skill levels provide different pathways to dive into the world of tango. However, La Catedral seems particularly suited to travelers looking to immerse themselves in the social aspect of tango and connect with others through a shared cultural experience.

7 Solo Travel Destinations for Making Friends in Your Mid-20s - Sri Lanka's Surf Camp in Weligama

Weligama, nestled along Sri Lanka's southwest coast, is a hidden gem for solo travelers eager to connect with others through the shared passion of surfing. This region boasts gentle waves and surf spots ideal for beginners, making it a great starting point for aspiring surfers. A few surf camps in Weligama, like The Surfer Weligama or Solid Surf and Yoga House, cater to various levels of experience and interests. Some offer affordable, intensive surf lessons, while others blend surfing with activities like yoga for a more holistic approach. The overall atmosphere within these camps is typically quite social, making it easier for solo travelers to meet others and potentially form new friendships. Surfers can also explore nearby surf breaks like Rams or Mirissa Point, adding variety and further opportunities for socializing with other surfers. Overall, it's a relaxing atmosphere where you can easily meet like-minded people while you progress in your surfing skills. Whether you're an experienced wave rider or a complete beginner, Weligama offers a pleasant setting to connect with fellow surfers while enjoying the stunning Sri Lankan coastline.

Weligama, nestled on Sri Lanka's southwest coast, has become a popular surf destination, especially for beginners and longboarders. The relatively shallow waters and consistent swell throughout the year make it an appealing spot to learn surfing or improve existing skills. Several surf camps have popped up to cater to this influx of surfers, with options like The Surfer Weligama, Solid Surf and Yoga House, and Lucky’s Surf Camp each offering varied packages and instruction levels. The Surfer Weligama, one of the original surf camps in the area, focuses on a broader range of surfing packages. Solid Surf and Yoga House is aimed at those looking to combine yoga with their surf sessions. Lucky's is known for its location and the quality of its instruction. If you are looking for a very budget-focused option, Surfers Paradise offers a week's stay, including intensive lessons for under $300, making it an attractive option.


The surfing scene in Weligama is centered around spots like Rams, Lazy Left, Marshmellows, Madiha, and Mirissa Point, all within easy reach of various camps. Layback Sri Lanka Surfing Camp focuses on a well-rounded approach, combining surfing with yoga practices. Surfboard variety is available to meet diverse skill levels, accommodating novices and intermediate surfers. Many surf camps cultivate a social atmosphere that’s attractive to solo travelers.

It's worth noting that the cost of surf lessons is typically between $30 and $50 per session. This includes the use of equipment like surfboards. Sri Lanka's unique culinary scene is a part of the Weligama experience, with many surf camps integrating traditional Sri Lankan meals and cooking classes into their offerings. This adds to the communal feel of the camps. Beyond the surf, Weligama's waters harbor turtles and diverse reef fish, making the experience a bit more exciting. Some of the surf camps are also actively involved in initiatives that give back to the local community, like providing surf scholarships. It's interesting to see these programs and how surfing can positively impact the local community.

Several surf camps organize workshops around surfboard shaping. This might be attractive to those with an engineering or creative background, as they can learn the design aspect of surfboards. The growing popularity of Weligama as a surf spot is also reflected in an increase in travel options. More low-cost airlines now include Colombo, Sri Lanka's main international airport, as a destination, making this a very affordable destination to get to from many parts of Asia. With the increased interest in surfing in Weligama, new camps and hostels have emerged. This has created a vibrant environment for those seeking a social atmosphere and opportunities to connect with people from different backgrounds.


The surfing community in Weligama is influenced by the seasons. The ideal time for beginners is typically from November to April when the water is calmer and the waves smaller, whereas experienced surfers might favor the bigger waves that develop from May to September. It is a dynamic and diverse scene for the surf community.

7 Solo Travel Destinations for Making Friends in Your Mid-20s - Miami Beach Art Deco Walking Tours

Miami Beach's Art Deco walking tours provide a unique way to explore the city's architectural gems, including the Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, and Miami Modern styles that define the Miami Beach Architectural District. These tours, typically lasting between one and two hours, are led by knowledgeable guides associated with the Miami Design Preservation League, an organization that has been instrumental in safeguarding this area since 1976. You'll get a good sense of how the neighborhood developed and the stories of its early inhabitants and Hollywood's role in making it what it is today.

The tours, priced at around $35 for standard admission and $30 for seniors and veterans, often begin at landmarks like the Versace Mansion. While some tours give you access to buildings that are typically off-limits to larger groups, most include a visit to the Art Deco Museum and its gift shop. They are offered in English and several other languages, like French, Italian, and Spanish, broadening accessibility for a diverse group of participants.

While some people prefer the guided experience, others might choose the self-guided audio tours. These are an option for those who prefer to control the pace of their exploration and can be initiated from the Art Deco Welcome Center. Regardless of whether you go with a guide or on your own, you'll gain a better understanding of the preservation efforts in the Art Deco district and its significance to Miami Beach as a whole. Walking tours in Miami Beach are a great way to explore the city and make new friends with other curious travelers.

Miami Beach's Art Deco District holds a fascinating collection of over 800 buildings, primarily constructed between the 1920s and 1940s. The architecture spans a range of styles including Streamline Moderne and Miami Modern, making it one of the world's largest concentrations of Art Deco. It's worth considering the origins of the designs; many buildings were consciously built to cope with the intense Florida sunshine. The use of pastel colors wasn't just for aesthetics, but a practical way to reflect the heat and potentially reduce energy consumption, demonstrating forward-thinking solutions decades ago.

Miami Beach's Art Deco legacy wasn't always a given. It took the effort of individuals like Barbara Baer Capitman to secure its official recognition in 1979. Her tireless dedication in advocating for the area's preservation highlights how much one person can influence city development and the value of historic districts. Since then, the popularity of Art Deco Walking Tours has soared, with the district currently drawing over 30 million visitors annually. It's evident that this architectural legacy significantly contributes to the area's economy and thriving tourism industry.

Interestingly, many of these tours do more than just explore buildings. They also frequently incorporate social components like coffee breaks or ice cream stops, providing a natural setting for conversations and potentially fostering connections between travelers. This can be especially helpful for people traveling solo who are seeking to meet other people. The tour guides frequently weave stories about the past and people who lived in the district, such as famous residents. These tales create a more comprehensive understanding of the area beyond its design, deepening one's appreciation of Miami's history and how the city has changed.

The Art Deco District has also become a magnet for filmmaking, with numerous movies and television shows using its unique structures as a backdrop. Shows like "Miami Vice" undeniably contributed to the popularity of the Art Deco style. The increased exposure through popular culture directly contributes to the appeal of guided tours, which then contributes further to the area's appeal. Another fascinating aspect is that the mild climate of Miami means that Art Deco Tours are available year-round, unlike many tourist destinations that experience seasonal fluctuations. This consistency provides a steady stream of visitors for the area, making it more likely that people traveling alone will run into others in the Art Deco district.

Beyond general tours, there are niche options that focus on things like photography or local history. These specialized tours might allow a traveler to connect with others who share similar interests. While many tours charge a fee, there are also self-guided tour options where you can download maps and audio guides for a more budget-friendly approach. These provide flexibility to set your pace while still enjoying the area's appeal and potentially meeting new people along the way. This combination of historical context, engaging tours, and architectural beauty make Miami Beach's Art Deco district a unique destination worth exploring.

7 Solo Travel Destinations for Making Friends in Your Mid-20s - Laos Tubing Adventure on Nam Song River

The Nam Song River in Laos has evolved from a tranquil tubing experience into a thriving hub for solo travelers in their mid-20s looking for a blend of adventure and social interaction. It's become a popular choice for backpackers drawn to its picturesque limestone karst landscape and the vibrant, somewhat chaotic atmosphere.

Tubing down the river, with its multiple bar stops, creates a social environment where meeting new people is practically unavoidable. The Yellow Tubing Company, which pioneered this activity, maintains its focus on a party-like experience, while operators like Mad Monkey offer more structured tours. Although the core tubing experience typically only takes around two hours, the wider area of Vang Vieng offers more opportunities to socialize. Exploring attractions like the fascinating Lusi Cave, with its lagoon and cave system, provides a different dimension to the journey.

The tubing scene in Vang Vieng may not appeal to everyone, with its focus on socialising. For those seeking a unique experience and a chance to make new connections in a scenic environment, it can be a fun and memorable adventure that leads to forming new friendships. Though it's geared toward a younger crowd, Vang Vieng's tubing adventure remains a relatively affordable way to experience Laos' beauty and meet fellow travelers.

Laos Tubing Adventure on Nam Song River

1. **River's Historical Role:** The Nam Song River has been a vital part of Laos for ages, providing water for farming and serving as a transportation route for locals. Vang Vieng, situated on the river, historically functioned as a hub for moving goods.

2. **River Water Chemistry:** The river's water has a distinct mineral makeup due to the surrounding limestone mountains, creating a very specific environment. The abundance of calcium carbonate is the primary reason for the region's recognizable karst landscapes, a geological wonder that draws many tourists and scientists.

3. **Water Flow Dynamics:** The Nam Song typically flows at roughly 120 cubic meters per second during peak periods. This consistent flow makes it perfect for tubing, offering a fun, yet manageable, current for an enjoyable experience.

4. **A Center for Biological Diversity:** The Nam Song River region is a hotspot for diverse plants and animals. Interestingly, the river is home to unique species like the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin, highlighting the ecological value of this area.

5. **Cultural Encounters:** Tubing on the Nam Song offers chances to see how local people live. While floating along, you can often see traditional fishing methods, providing a glimpse into the local culture and sustainable practices.

6. **Adventure Tourism's Impact:** The growth of tubing on the Nam Song has greatly altered the local economy. Once a quiet location, it's transformed into a flourishing adventure travel destination in recent years. This change exemplifies how economies can shift towards tourism and leisure.

7. **Social Experiences:** Numerous bars and restaurants along the river provide diverse and engaging social experiences like casual mud volleyball games and live local music. These social elements draw in travelers, promoting easy interaction and the building of new connections.

8. **Safety Concerns and Improvements:** Although popular, tubing has, in the past, been associated with accidents. In response, local authorities implemented safety measures and rules to reduce the risk of injury. Now, safety equipment and guidelines are standard at tubing rental locations.

9. **Night Tubing as a Novel Experience:** A unique departure from daytime activities, night tubing is steadily gaining popularity, especially during full moons. The addition of illuminated tubes and riverside music creates a different kind of atmosphere and provides another avenue for socializing and enjoying the surroundings.

10. **Improved Travel Access:** With more budget airlines adding flights to Vientiane, the capital of Laos, reaching Vang Vieng has become easier and more affordable. This makes it simpler for solo travelers to access the tubing experience and connect with others in a culturally vibrant environment.

7 Solo Travel Destinations for Making Friends in Your Mid-20s - Melbourne's Laneway Street Art Tours

Melbourne's laneways offer a unique opportunity for solo travelers to discover the city's vibrant street art scene and potentially meet new people. Guided tours, often limited to small groups, provide an intimate way to experience the city's renowned street art, featuring both well-known and hidden gems. These tours often feature local artists who share insights into their work and techniques, offering a deeper understanding of the art and its context. Many of these tours also incorporate local food and drinks, like specialty coffee or macarons, enhancing the social atmosphere. Beyond the art, these laneway areas boast a variety of charming cafes, shops, and restaurants, creating an ideal environment to socialize and make connections with fellow travelers and locals while exploring the city's unique character. It's a great way to blend artistic exploration with social interaction in a city known for its creative energy. While self-guided walks are available for those who prefer to explore independently, the guided tours can often enrich the experience by providing valuable context and the opportunity to meet others with shared interests. Melbourne's laneways offer an engaging blend of art, food, and social interaction, making it a worthwhile experience for solo travelers looking to discover a different side of the city.

Melbourne's laneways are renowned for their vibrant street art, a defining characteristic that draws many visitors. The city's approach to street art is unique—much of it is legally sanctioned, leading to a blossoming of creative expression in previously overlooked spaces. Melbourne's street art scene has gained global recognition, attracting increasing numbers of tourists seeking out the latest murals and creative installations.

Many of these murals are rooted in social and political messages, often reflecting Melbourne's values and culture, dealing with topics like environmental issues and cultural identities. This makes the art more than mere aesthetics, offering a look into Melbourne's historical and political landscape.

The street art in Melbourne's laneways is constantly evolving, with murals frequently appearing and disappearing as artists create and update their work. This constant evolution keeps the experience fresh and makes street art tours a dynamic way to explore the city's most up-to-date creative expression.

The nature of street art inherently invites conversation among those viewing it. Many guided tours encourage this, leading to more interaction and a sense of community amongst participants. Street art tours have proven to be a boost for the local economy, with cafes, shops, and businesses seeing an increase in visitors as street art's popularity grows. This showcases how art can have a direct impact on the economy.

Melbourne's laneways themselves are notable from an architectural perspective, often reflecting the city's Victorian heritage. Walking through these areas not only provides the opportunity to see the art but also offers a unique window into Melbourne's past. Some tours also offer workshops where participants can learn basic art techniques from local artists, adding another layer of cultural exchange to the experience.

Technological integration has also become a key aspect of some tours, with augmented reality and mobile applications providing a more immersive and educational experience. Beyond street art tours, Melbourne is starting to acknowledge street art through official museum exhibits, bridging the gap between conventional and contemporary art forms. This validates the role of street art in the overall artistic narrative of the city.

Essentially, Melbourne's laneway street art tours have become a unique avenue for cultural exploration, engagement, and social interaction. It's a testament to how a city can embrace creativity, use it to revitalize its urban fabric, and create a more vibrant cultural landscape for its residents and visitors.

7 Solo Travel Destinations for Making Friends in Your Mid-20s - Couchsurfing Meetups in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai offers a fantastic opportunity for solo travelers to connect and enjoy themselves through Couchsurfing meetups, though the size of these gatherings can sometimes be unpredictable. Finding affordable accommodation is easy in Chiang Mai, with budget-friendly hostel dorms starting at remarkably low prices and private rooms in guesthouses available for a reasonable cost. This affordability allows travelers to prioritize socializing and experiencing the city's vibrant culture. Becoming part of the Couchsurfing scene in Chiang Mai helps travelers make local friends, which can lead to discovering unique spots and experiences that often aren't highlighted in travel guides. Shared activities, like exploring the beauty of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep with a sunrise view or immersing yourself in local culture through a Muay Thai class, naturally create conversation and the chance to meet new people. Chiang Mai seems to have a very welcoming and open community, making it a particularly suitable destination for younger travelers looking for social interaction while experiencing the northern Thai heritage.

### Couchsurfing Meetups in Chiang Mai: A Look Beyond the Usual

Chiang Mai, often called the "Rose of the North," is a city steeped in history, founded in 1296 as the Lanna Kingdom's capital. This rich past sets a unique stage for Couchsurfing meetups, where travelers can connect through shared explorations of local traditions and stories.

Chiang Mai's Couchsurfing community is one of the largest in Southeast Asia, with a huge number of registered hosts and travelers. This diverse mix enhances meetups, fostering a vibrant exchange of experiences, cultures, and culinary delights from around the globe. You might find yourself bonding with fellow travelers over shared plates of Khao Soi, a flavorful curry noodle soup, or Sai Oua, a spicy local sausage. Chiang Mai's food scene is undeniably part of its social life.

The city is a hotspot for digital nomads, attracting those seeking a more affordable lifestyle and a connected community. It's common for Couchsurfing meetups to feature discussions on remote work, co-working spaces, and how to network within this community.

It's interesting to note that several Couchsurfing events are interwoven with the culture of budget-focused hostels. This overlap fuels a dynamic social environment, blending hostel guests and Couchsurfing members in shared activities.

This modern era of travel intersects with the older Couchsurfing model, where people rely on digital platforms and social media to organize events and connect. This blend of traditional and technology is fascinating to observe.

The mix of locals and international visitors often leads to spontaneous language exchange opportunities during meetups, resulting in organic cultural learning.

Given the location, it's easy to shift from urban exploration to excursions to nearby gems like Doi Suthep or breathtaking waterfalls. This type of outdoor excursion adds another layer to the social experience, enriching the experience through shared adventures.

Sometimes these meetups evolve into workshops run by local craftspeople. You might learn about Thai cooking or gain insights into traditional craftmaking. These sessions facilitate social interaction while also expanding knowledge.

Interestingly, some Couchsurfing interactions in Chiang Mai go beyond standard hospitality. You might see services being bartered—perhaps yoga lessons for a night of accommodation. This approach promotes a truly collaborative environment.

The Chiang Mai Couchsurfing scene is a complex blend of cultural exchange, modern travel dynamics, and the desire for social interaction. It's a microcosm of how travel is changing, making it a truly captivating space for anyone looking to connect with other people while also gaining a deeper understanding of the local culture.