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Home » Budget Travel » How to Find a Travel Buddy: Travelling with a Friend 101

How to Find a Travel Buddy: Travelling with a Friend 101

There’s a certain romanticism in the life of an intrepid solo traveller—solitary and stoic—braving venturing unto new frontiers. But do you want to know the truth?

Some of my warmest, happiest, and most sincere memories from the road are of experiences shared travelling with a friend.

Now, that’s not necessarily to say a friend  from home.  No, rather, a travel buddy that I met on the road. People that, astonishingly quickly, became treasured friends and companions.

Because that’s the underlying magic of finding a travel buddy: it’s a shared experience, and that makes it more real. Suddenly, there’s someone to tell that story with—someone to reminisce with. At the one-year reunion, the two-year reunion, or, hell, maybe (if you’re lucky enough), then when you’re old and grey and still complaining about the price of cigarettes together.

And that’s exactly why I want to teach you how to find a travel buddy! Because remembering and sharing those stories together… that’s more special than the travels themself.

We’ll be covering the basics today, i.e. how to make a friend (in case you missed that 101). But also the peripherals: how to find a travel buddy online AND offline, the (more practical) benefits of travelling with friends, and even the stampeding elephant in the room that is the variable of gender.

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Why Travel with a Stranger?

How to find a travel buddy online, how to find a travel buddy offline, the ins-and-outs of travelling with a buddy.

Ok, so ‘stranger’ is a bit rough. Sure, when you first meet a travel buddy they’ll be a stranger, but that’s the beauty of travel relationships: they get real deep real fast.

Imagine a friend that you see every day of your life, be it for 3 days or 3 months. Every decision is shared, resources are shared, stories—new and old—are shared. Rapidly, this person becomes a staple and constant in your life.

It sounds almost like a… real relationship , right?

But it is, essentially, albeit platonically (most of the time).

If the idea that you won’t find a travel partner is holding you back from travelling, that’s daft. There are incredible places to travel alone in the world.

Short of disappearing into the frozen expanses of the Alaskan tundra, you will never be alone. Often, alone time can almost be like black gold for a traveller.

The world is a big place, and no matter how hard you try, you’re never really alone.

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The Benefits of Travelling with a Friend

Outside of all the esoteric mumbo-jumbo about meeting people to travel with and forming lifelong kinships of an almost spiritual substance, there are heaps of logistical reasons to travel with someone!

• Saving money – Duh— budget backpacking 101 ! Someone to split costs with means spending less money overall.
• Taking nicer rooms – Kind of an offshoot of the last point but think about all the private room options that will open up if you’re sharing. You can take swanky Airbnbs at a steal or share grimy single rooms (with one person on the floor) for a pittance!
• Sharing resources – “Hey, dude, got any mozzie spray?”
• Someone to watch your back – Safety in numbers, naturally, but not just that. You’ve got someone to watch your stuff when you wander off for a piss or to talk to on the long train rides. It’s the little things.
• They might not finish their meal – Cha-ching!
• Photo-ops – You’re gonna be featured in way more Insta-basic-beach-poser shots with someone around to take them.

Travelling with a Friend from Home

Personally, I’m not a fan of the ‘bring a friend’ method. You know how sometimes friends choose to live together and then they discover they’re shit housemates and it gets petty and causes schisms within the whole friendship group? (No, you’re a projection!)

I know the dream is to have your mates from home tag along for the adventure, but a dream can quickly turn to a lucid nightmare. Once you’re travelling—solo or with a travel buddy—you’ll discover the glory of freedom. Both the freedom of the road and freedom from home.

Travel is a chance to be free of the perceptions of who you are held by the people closest to you. It’s a chance to grow, develop, and learn about yourself, with yourself, in brand new and unprecedented scenarios. Bringing a friend from home along to that experience is like sneaking a flask into an AA meeting.

I wouldn’t say doggedly avoid travelling with a friend from home. I would, however, suggest to experience travel in its fullest before you bring that home-friend.

A home-friend, or, yes, a partner, is—to be blunt—a ball-and-chain. A travelling friend is someone you meet on the road. You have no unspoken contract to uphold; if it goes south, then so do you (while they go north).

A friend you travel with , however, has all sorts of potential to get messy, and it’s not a good first-time introduction into the backpack-o-sphere. It’s a commitment and one that works counter-intuitively to the freedom of travel.

It can be a real restriction.

Will here again!

While planning an entire backpacking trip with a friend (or friends) can lead to surefire disaster, a short stint through the crazies of Asia or clubs of Europe is a blast!

When it comes to getting my friends to come out and travel with me for a bit, I am absolutely a convincing bastard! What I like to do on longer trips is to make a Facebook group, add my favourite homies, and then post my—extremely rough—itinerary and any general directional updates. That way, people can work out where I’m heading and decide if they’d like to swing by for an interlude.

I tend to much prefer to go my own way during the adventures, but seeing the peeps from back home is always such a heartwarming experience, especially in the reaches of some far-flung land. It may just take some persistence to convince them. 😉

Travel Alone or with Someone: Shoulda Put a Ring on It

While travelling with a friend may be the dream, solo travel is the real journey. If you find a travel buddy, you’re not solo travelling, and that, simply by nature, is restricting.

As a solo traveller, you’re living on a whim. Anywhere you go is entirely in your hands. And experiences come a lot more frequently as a result of your solitude.

• Hitchhiking alone is easier.
• Meeting locals is easier.
• Having someone host you is easier.

That’s not to say that this stuff doesn’t happen when travelling with someone. Only, it’s more restrictive.

A pair of exotic foreigners is a lot more daunting to approach than a single dazed soul. And you haven’t got to hash out decisions with someone either before you do something crazy in the spur of the moment. You do you.

However, you do lose a lot too. Travel isn’t about being alone: it’s about all the people you meet. It’s about all the things that they teach you, and all the things that you learn together. Meeting a travel buddy and earning a travel companion is a natural extension of that.

What I’m trying to say is that sometimes you just wanna smoke a joint by yourself. I get that—we all do. But, at the end of the day…

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It’s the 21st-century. Of course, we’re doing this digitally! Isn’t the main reason to travel to be looking at your phone more?

Ok, so finding a travel buddy online may not be my favourite flavour, but it does work. There are no shortage of travel companion sites and ‘find a travel buddy’ apps fit for the purpose of hooking you up with some loose cannon through cyberspace.

The most obvious is social media and this does work:

• Facebook – Is the no brainer. Check general backpacking groups, backpacking groups for the country you’re in, groups for specific hobbies (hiking, climbing, etc.), or even ride offering/asking groups in the famous road trip countries (Australia/New Zealand/etc.).
• Instagram – Yeah, Insta does have its purposes ; try posting a photo or story showcasing where you’re at now. Chances are someone you met on the road before will hit you up.
• Twitter – I’m not even going to pretend to be an expert on Twitter, but if you’re already an avid tweeter of twits, then I’m sure you know how to utilise it. I have heard success stories!

Your socials are already covering a lot of ground given that so many people—and travellers—are active users. But your also looking at a huge gene pool of many splendid examples of the lowest common denominator. There are no referrals, no rating system, and no barrier of entry.

They definitely have their uses, but there are plenty of much more nuanced travel friend apps and sites to find people to travel with.

Best Travel Buddy Apps and Sites

• GAFFL – On the reverse end of social media’s low threshold to sign up is GAFFL with its 4-step verification process—yikes! There’s a site with a yummy UX and an accompanying travel buddy app, plus you get some extra bonus features for planning the trip itinerary and securely splitting the costs even prior to the trip.
• Travel Buddies – Well the name certainly fits! It’s kinda like a social media platform with the explicit purpose of advertising your upcoming trips and seeing other peoples’. It’s pretty straightforward to contact people and overall a pretty clearcut travel buddy site.
• Meetup – It’s not actually a site for finding a travel companion but rather a site for group meetups and events—hiking, pub drinks, Taco Tuesdays, LGBTQ Taco Tuesdays. You may never meet a travel buddy through meetup, but you’ll definitely meet some friends!
• Tinder – I know, I know. But, using Tinder while travelling does have its uses.
• Backpackr – Just a straight app without a website. You can browse people’s profiles (so, yeah, it’s a bit dating-ish) and a ‘Common Room’ for asking questions, getting tips, and screaming into the void.
• 5W: Women Welcome Women Worldwide – I wanted to throw a ladies-only choice in, and this one is more like a worldwide network than just an app for meeting travellers. 5W is a non-profit that’s been around since 1984. You’ll have to complete an application process first to ensure you meet the prerequisites (i.e. having a vagina), but once you do, you’ll be given the keys to the kingdom: the members list with plenty of opportunities for attending gatherings or organising one-on-one meetings.

Then there are Traveller forums. They’re a dime a dozen for both seeking tips and finding travel buddies. If you’re not a massive fan of apps, these are the major players you should look at:

• Tripadvisor forums – People ask a lot of questions over there too.
• Reddit –  There are endless subreddits divided by different destinations, communities, and hobbies. Check out the Travel Partners and Solo Travel boards particularly.

Couchsurfing – A Broke Backpacker’s Secret Weapon

Heya, Sexylegs.

While the above apps certainly serve the cause, there’s only one platform that I believe takes the true crowning jewel of being the best app to find a travel buddy—Couchsurfing! I have Couchsurfed in all manner of weird and wonderful locales—Iran, Venezuela, and Jordan just to name a few—and I have always found the Couchsurfing community to be absolute gems.

As well as being a fantastic platform for finding free accommodation and meeting locals, Couchsurfing is also a great site and app for making travel friends. I have found numerous people through Couchsurfing’s groups who I have travelled with, and I’ve won some truly treasured friendships as a result.

The best group to look in is either the ‘Backpacker’ group or the ‘Travel Buddies’ group as well as checking out the specific group for whichever country or region you are travelling and Couchsurfing in. Often, people will post in country or city groups asking if other CSers are around for drinks, an adventure, or to see if anybody else is trying to find a travel mate. It’s also definitely worth heading to any local Couchsurfing meetups in your area too!

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Look, I’m old fashioned. I don’t like Tinder. I prefer paying in cash, and I do enjoy popping the odd Werther’s Original. Finding someone to travel with offline is my jam.

You’re going to meet travel companions organically as you travel alone (assuming you’re lovable with a winning smile). It’ll be in any number of differing formats too. They could be a:

• Solo human with an equally unquenchable thirst for the world’s most adventurous places .
• Pair of humans who are either previous friends or also travel buddies.
• Group of any size and connecting factor (though a group of all solo travellers is always madness of the finest calibre).
• Romantic pair of humans. This actually happens more often then you might think and is more-often-than-not excellent fun! Bonus points to the travelling couples who argue in their native tongue for the sake of politeness.

There are probably other formats than this, but that’s the basics. And again, it will happen organically , even if you’re not lovable with a winning smile. (Unless, of course, you’re a total prick, but then you have bigger issues).

Meet Other Travellers (But Never Settle for Second-Best)

Do let it be organic. You’re a solo traveller! Be the badass motherfucking homeless-hero thou most certainly art.

Go and solo travel. Brave new ventures, be lonely sometimes, and make many, many new friends. When the right companion to travel with comes along, you’ll know it. Forcing this issue is just like forcing relationships – it doesn’t work out very well!

Usually, finding a travel buddy (or buddies) is a matter of something shared; it is a core value of The Broke Backpacker Manifesto . A shared desire for the same off-beat adventure. Or it could be a shared matter of convenience— we were both going to the same place, but then we stayed together.

Often, for me, it’s just a shared love for the same simplicities in life: living cheap, travelling without money , eating local, smoking the finest dankeries, and, sometimes, sleeping under the stars. The dirtbag life.

My point is, don’t settle for mediocrity! You’re way too good for that. Wait until you meet travel buddies that truly deserve you.

Just do you, soak up the journey, and let the opportunity come to you. Ultimately, it’s gotta flow.

Places to Find a Travel Buddy Offline

If you’re steering clear of the apps and socials in your travels (or are just terrible at using them), then there are still some classic meeting points to find a travel mate:

• Hostels – Staying in backpacker hostels is the tried-and-true classical method to meet travellers and find someone to travel with. But remember to pick hostels that match your vibe.
• Work Exchange Programs – Absolutely! Things like Workaway, WWOOF, Worldpackers, HelpX, etc… these types of travel jobs are tops places for meeting travellers. Particularly solo and long-term travellers.
• Public Transport – If you’re carving a typical backpacking route for any given place—say the Banana Pancake Trail in Southeast Asia —then you’ll always encounter travellers en route between the major destinations.
• On the Plane – You can find a travel buddy before you even leave the airport! Scout the plane and passengers (at the baggage claim is also a smart spot) for any smelly backpacker vagrant types, and ask them if they’d like to share a taxi to the nearest backpacker hub of whatever city you’ve landed in. A general rule: the cheaper the flight , the more likely you’ll walk into some fellow broke backpackers!
• Declaring a Grand Adventure – It’s happened to me no short number of times. You declare with great intention (no bluffing allowed) about some grand adventure you’re planning—say, hitchhiking across India or finding some legendary hidden mountain village. If the chances of death are still low enough, people are always gonna want to tag along.

Often, if the flow is right, someone that you met as a short-term travel buddy (say, on the bus) can end up being someone you travel with for a while. Sometimes, it can be a long while.

Seriously, work exchange programs are a brilliant method to meet other travellers. Given that the people you meet—not even counting the local friends that you’ll make—are more than likely going to be dedicated to the slow travel life (and to exploring a country away from the tourist bubbles), forming substantial friendships is just a matter of being in the right place at the right time.

It also helps to know your way around the voluntourism sector, and how to choose worthwhile programs (ideally, with a steady influx of travellers). Worldpackers and Workaway —two esteemed platforms for volunteering abroad—are good places to look too.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

Nobody said it was easy. No one ever said it would be this hard.

Yes, indeed, the man known as ‘Coldplay’ was correct. While sometimes it flows effortlessly, sometimes it is hard.

They’re not a true friend until you’ve seen them at their worst. They’re not a true friend until you’ve considered throwing them out of a 6-storey window.

If you’re going to choose to travel with a stranger, you’ve got to be prepared for some strangeness. Sometimes it gets tense. Sometimes it gets uneasy.

Finding a travel partner is only half the journey.

Oh Boy, We’re Discussing Genders

Yay for minefields! I really wanted to avoid this topic because finding a travel buddy should never be about the potential to get inside another traveller’s Thailand Elephant Pants. However, we can’t honestly pretend that gender isn’t an influencing factor and so… it’s into the abyss we go!

Yes, finding travel companions for singles, as a single, is definitely a thing. Finding love and sex while backpacking is a potential natural conclusion of this. Fairly often, it ends poorly once the honeymoon bubble of travelling together wears off; but it does work out too… sometimes.

BUT, it’s more important to shift your thinking away from that and to more consider the variable of gender , i.e. how gender affects travel.

I remember travelling with a friend—female and very much treasured—in Sri Lanka. She cracked the shits at me one night after dinner because I failed to see the host was ignoring her and taking executive decisions on the meal order from me: the man. Truthfully, I was completely oblivious; I was just pumped for dinner.

However, having a female travel companion does help create insight. Many parts of the world are substantially more difficult for a girl to travel in solo or otherwise (though certainly not impossible)…

The Arab World is tricky. South Asia is not the best either? South America is… mmm .

Being a female looking for a male travel partner in these parts of the world—while not a necessity—is smart. It does mitigate the intensity. With a couple of fake wedding rings thrown in, you’ll be coastin’.

If you do end up travelling with someone of the preferred gender and orientation you most enjoy diddling, again, you guys do you. Just remember the variable.

Dudes, stay aware of your female travel companions. Just stand a bit tighter in the surge of a crowded bazaar, or keep an eye on her drinks during a psy-banger in Goa. Remember that her experience will always be different.

As for the Mademoiselles travelling with a guy friend, just keep communicating: be chill, girl-bros. If you’re gonna crack the shits, do so gently. Sometimes, we’re just not paying attention.

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How to Travel with a Friend: On Fights

Yeah, arguments do happen on the road. Travel with a friend long enough, and, eventually, it’ll happen.

The first time I had an argument with a travel buddy, it got ferocious. Imagine two colourfully dressed hippies shoeless on the side of a New Zealand road screaming and cussing each other out—one in broad Australian, one in angry Japanese. That wasn’t our last argument either.

The next time I hitched long distance with someone, I warned him:

“Alright, dude. At some point, we’re gonna fight. We need to decide now, what we’ll do then.”

He thought I was joking.

“Oh, yeah, well how about we roll a joint on it.”

Several days later while being held semi-captive in a buttfuck-nowhere Indian village, we had our first fight, and that’s exactly what we did.

Assume it’ll happen, make the necessary plans in your head, and communicate well. When you find a travel companion, you’re gonna see that person every day. Often, for every meal.

Travelling relationships can be every bit as intense as romantic ones. The only difference is you don’t get the catharsis of a make-up bang afterwards.

How to Travel with Someone – Tips and Pointers

• Talk – And communicate; if you’re having an off-day—a case of the traveller blues—mention it. Talking is important, especially if it’s about something that affects the team.
• Share – If you’re both giving and taking fairly, you’ll end up a stronger team for it. Pool your resources!
• Don’t be an accountant –  For big sums of money, sure, but keeping track of the little things is going to wear very thin. Often, it’s easier just to go 1:1 on buying each other chai, meals, bus fares, and whatever else.
• Take Space – When you feel you need it, and sometimes when you don’t too. Timeout is rarely the wrong choice.
• Compromise – You ain’t solo travelling anymore which means sometimes you’ll need to make concessions! Somedays, you’re just not going want to do the same thing.

And remember that word— team.  Because that’s what you are. You’re a team working together towards a shared goal.

You gotta function as a unit.

Travel Alone or with Someone, but Get Insurance!

I once had a friend spot his travel buddy several grand when she got herself into a medical mess in Nepal (which is yet to be returned, to the best of my knowledge). Now, granted, he’s self-sacrificing to a fault, however, it’s a picture-perfect example of exactly why you should have travel insurance.

Because it ain’t you who’ll be cleaning up your mess.

All kinds of things can happen when you travel, and they do happen. Be sure to consider some quality travel insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

And Now You Know How to Find a Travel Buddy!

And how to travel with them. It’s kinda cool, right?

Ding-dong—I’m a solo traveler!

For me, one of the greatest thrills of backpacking is to rock up somewhere completely new and meet a whole new crowd of people, travellers and locals alike. I have done a huge amount of solo, partnered, and group travel, and I highly recommend you have a crack at all of them.

Moreso, I can’t stress enough that if the fear of being alone is holding you back from travelling, it shouldn’t. One of the main reasons some would-be vagabonds never leave home is because they’re worried they won’t meet anyone and will be lonely. One of the lessons you’ll learn travelling is that that’s simply never going to happen.

The backpacker community is awesome; everybody is extremely friendly and, in general, people just want to meet-and-greet (the same as you). It’s really quite easy to find people to travel with. And the times that you are, you’ll still be having a damn good time!

It’s something someone said to me a long time ago: some things you can only learn in a relationship, and some things you can only learn on your own. I think the same is true of travel.

Travelling solo is only one part of travel as is travelling with a friend , buddy, stranger, partner, or even in a group. Don’t find a travel buddy because you’re scared. Be scared and be awesome, because the two aren’t mutually exclusive.

Travel in all ways, experience it in all forms, and when you do find travel buddies, experience that too. Because many of those shared stories—and those shared photos—will be the ones that inspire your kids to travel.

1+1=3… which is to say that a unit is greater than the sum of its parts. A team, a friendship, and travel buddies—when it’s right—are stronger together than they are apart. And the end results?

They’re worth all the stupid fights.

Ziggy Samuels

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17 Comments

Too cool of a website. Thumbed the NA Continent, tried in SE Asia {didnt know what thumbing was} and met fine people. There are great people wherever one goes and ones that will go out of their way to help another. Canada is super, picturesque as is the Alcan, North of 60 {Phillip smith mts}. Stayed mostly northern areas. The south has a different atmosphere but good folks. Want to try Hitching Trains. Valuable info to share with others re the site

This helps. I need a travel companion if nothing else someone to talk to but, I would like to find someone that can do some of the driving. Money is not my problem it’s time. I once said we have 3 things. MONEY, SEX, TIME. SOMEONE INTERESTED IN TRAVELING THE USA STARTING IN MARCH OR APRIL CONTACT ME. [email protected] .

I’ve been trying to FIND Someone Anyone!! to go with me from: TX. To and Through: OK./MO./KS. with NO LUCK!!! LOCAL TRAVEL(S) NOT FOREIGN TRAVELS!! Because I LIVE LOCALLY In The USA DUH,……For TWO YEARS Now,…..SO NOT GETTING ANYWHERE OR ANYPLACE, With DIALING The: CHARTER BUSES, The RIDE SHARES, And Even Other HIKING AND BIKING BUDDIES, Especially LONG Distance, Because I Don’t Drive A Car As A Grown Up ok??? VERY FRUSTRATING!!!! What HAPPENED To Just Getting A SIMPLE RIDE Safely Of Course (That Word SAFE AGAIN Grrrr!!!) (SAFE THIS AND SAFE THAT, Or: Safe That And Safe This, For TWO FREAKING YEARS NOW!!!) (SHUT UP ABOUT SAFE!!!) (And Oh Yeah Also: WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER BULLCRAP For TWO FREAKING YEARS!!! ENOUGH ALREADY!!!) Basically AND Generally??? I N E E D A R I D E From A D R I V E R Or D R I V E R S And/Or A Bike AND Hike Group A LONG A DISTANCE Soon For The REST Of This fall And winter DUH!!! And SOMEONE AND SOMEBODY WHO KNOWS THE AREA And/Or AREAS WE ARE GOING THROUGH Soon!!!!! I JUST WISH!!!!!! I’LL EVEN LEAD THE GROUP OR A GROUP, IF NEED BE, THOUGH I’VE NEVER ACTUALLY HAVE LED A GROUP OF OTHER PEDESTRIANS EVER!!! UHG!!! GETTING MORE AND MORE FRUSTRATED DAILY HERE IN GREENVILLE, TX./Texas AND SOON I’M JUST GOING To Go FIND SOME ABANDONED CAR, AND HOTWIRE IT EVEN IF IT’S A NEW WORLD ORDER AI SCARY BOT CAR!!! TIRED OF WAITING FOR A FEW YEARS TO RETURN There WHEREVER!! And A FRUSTRATED TRAVELER(S), BECOMES A HOSTILE CRANKY TRAVELER(S)!!!

Sad to not see more comments since Covid… It’s like a message in a bottle thrown into the sea. I’m French, 35 yo, fit, gentleman, I don’t smoke, marketing manager teleworking, looking for a travel buddy, a woman, I’m not vaccinated, I already moved to different places with my car in France but I also plan to travel in EU, I usually stay a month or more in the same place. I like to explore around, to try the local food, organic mostly, monuments, history, nature… The week I stay around the place to work and do multimedia art, music, etc. on my laptop… I don’t need someone but when I see that most places I rent are for 2 minimum, well… It’s a shame not to share this experience, right?

TravBuddy & Thorntree shut down their service.

GAFFL is a similar site which matches up travelers with similar travel plans and ensures the safety of travelers through their well-built verification process. Currently, it has users from over 170 countries.

This can be a great addition to this list.

Hi my name is LUIS I live in Houston to and I’m ready for new adventures

Teacher: Looking for travel buddy know knows how to budget. Currently in Mexico and looking to head to Asia. Any takers? My goal is to travel with Will one day!

Yes i too would like to travel to Asia! You still down for it?

Hi Guy !!! I am an asian guy,living in the Netherlands now.I will be travelling to Viet Nam ( from 12th/Jan/2019 till 28/febr/2018. I wanna look for a travelbuddy to join me .You dont need to travel as long as i do if you cant.You dont need to travel with me all the time either,if you dont want it.You can catch me up during imy holiday in Viet Nam.Travelling with me together wont be only a great fun, but it will also be a great advantage for you,because i have known the beaufitul cities and countrysides in Viet nam,i do know where we can get cheap accomodation ,, cheap and delicious local food..and wonderful highlights in Viet nam too.Ofcourse you can afford in travelling with me with your low budget . I can speak Vietnamese ,English and Dutch.Any guys are interested in being on vacation with me together in Viet Nam.Be welcome to contact me : [email protected] Greeting. Khale

Hi I’m isaac 28 yr old currently homeless having lost both my parents rest of family have turn there back on me looking for a buddy to travel with I’ve haven’t got much but a good Hart and great company.

I am nearing 60 , but my heart is still of 25 . Passionate about Travel ( Nature) , Sports Music . I have traveled 59 countries so far , partially due to my official requirement and remaining pleasure- trip . I have now enough free time to explore the World with some like minded travelers at economical way . South America , Australia-New Zealand, Japan , Scandinavian Countries are in my bucket list. I am of very flexible and adjusting nature . I am now looking for a like minded travel buddy. Anyone interested ? [email protected]

I would like to add https://travelmate.world to your list as well 🙂 It’s more than just a platform to meet travel buddies. You can also write a free travel blog and ask others for help.

Nice one! It is really nice to watch people going back to good old fashioned hobby – travelling. I love those new travel platforms and apps, allowing people to find ideal companion from a different country so quickly and easily. I do not have many experiences with a “travel buddy” system, but many times I heared about https://tripgiraffe.com/

Another good article for finding travel partners.. Also, Babak I really liked your network you’ve created too! I started my own travel network a while back for finding like-minded travel partners also – http://www.travelchum.net

Great roundup. I’d add another free resource: https://www.tripolette.com/ I started Tripolette to help you find other travelers with similar plans and share trips together. The benefit of this over other forums is the powerful search and discovery, and social aspect. Give me a shout if you like it!

I’ve taken a lot from this post. Firstly – awesome idea about making the facebook group for your itinerary, I always struggle so much remembering who to tell.

BUT, mostly I’ve decided that if you’re ever short of cash, you should contact Colegate and offer to promote them while you travel. They sponsor you to smile next to a famous landmark and boom, you’re rolling in dollar. While giving 60% to your manager in commission for coming up with such a great idea of course.

Oh, I’ll be your Colegate manager by the way.

This looks crazy fun. This is one of the best things in travelling with family and friends. You get to do all things that can give you the fun that you need.

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How To Find A Travel Buddy

To find a travel buddy, start by determining your travel preferences like budget, destinations, and travel pace. Use social media platforms and travel forums to connect with like-minded adventurers.

Join travel meetups and local clubs to meet potential buddies in person. Try travel buddy apps like Backpackr or Travello for easy matching. Utilize Couchsurfing to engage with a community of travelers.

Posting on classified websites can also attract interested companions. Don’t forget your friends and family network – they might know someone compatible. Volunteering abroad is another great way to meet fellow travelers. There are more tips and tricks to discover!

Just The Basics

• Join travel-related groups on Facebook or Instagram to connect with like-minded travelers.
• Utilize travel buddy apps like Backpackr, Travello, and Tourlina for finding compatible companions.
• Attend local travel meetups and events to meet potential travel buddies in person.
• Leverage your friends and family network to find travel companions through mutual connections.
• Post detailed travel plans and preferences on classified websites like Craigslist or specialized travel forums.

Determine Your Travel Preferences

Before finding a travel buddy, it’s crucial to figure out your own travel preferences to ensure compatibility . Think about what kind of traveler you are. Do you enjoy a meticulously planned itinerary or do you prefer spontaneous adventures? Consider your budget , accommodation style , and the type of destinations that excite you. Understanding these preferences will help you find a travel buddy with similar interests and expectations.

Next, reflect on your travel pace . Are you someone who likes to wake up early and maximize every minute of the day, or do you prefer a more relaxed schedule? Your travel style can significantly impact your experience, and having a mismatched pace with your travel buddy can lead to frustration.

Also, consider your interests. Are you a history buff who loves visiting museums, or do you enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and swimming? Having aligned interests can enhance your travel experience and make it more enjoyable for both of you.

Lastly, think about your social preferences . Do you need alone time to recharge, or do you thrive on constant interaction? Your compatibility in this area can make or break the success of your trip together.

Use Social Media Platforms

Once you’ve nailed down your travel preferences, the next step is to explore social media platforms to find a compatible travel buddy. Social media offers a stack of options to connect with like-minded travelers. Start by joining travel-related groups on Facebook, where you can post about your upcoming trips and see if anyone’s interested in joining you. Instagram is another excellent platform; use hashtags like #TravelBuddy or #TravelPartner to discover people with similar travel goals.

Here’s a quick comparison of popular social media platforms for finding a travel buddy:

Using these platforms, you can start by sharing your travel plans and preferences. Be clear about your travel style, budget, and destinations. This transparency helps in attracting someone who shares your interests and expectations. Always engage in a few conversations to gauge compatibility and ensure both of you are on the same page. Social media can be a powerful tool in finding a travel buddy who will make your journey even more enjoyable.

Join Travel Forums

Joining travel forums is another effective way to find a like-minded travel buddy . These forums are bustling with individuals who share your passion for exploring new destinations. By participating in discussions, you can exchange travel tips , share experiences, and connect with potential travel partners who’ve similar interests and itineraries.

Start by registering on popular travel forums like Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree, Travellerspoint, or Reddit’s travel communities. Once you’re in, create a detailed profile highlighting your travel preferences, past experiences, and future plans. This helps others understand your travel style and see if you might be a good match.

Engage actively in discussions. Ask questions, offer advice, and respond to others’ posts. This builds your reputation and increases your chances of finding someone compatible. Look for threads dedicated to finding travel buddies or start your own post explaining what you’re looking for.

Be honest and clear about your expectations. If you prefer budget travel or have specific destinations in mind, mention it upfront. This transparency ensures you find someone who aligns with your travel goals.

Remember to vet potential buddies carefully; a video call before committing to travel together can help ensure compatibility and safety.

Attend Travel Meetups

Attending travel meetups can be a fantastic way to meet fellow adventurers and find a compatible travel buddy . These events bring together people who share a passion for exploration, making them an ideal setting for networking and friendship.

You can find travel meetups in your local area by checking community boards , social media groups , or websites like Meetup.com .

When you attend a travel meetup, be open and approachable. Introduce yourself and share your travel experiences and future plans. This will help you connect with like-minded individuals who might be interested in similar destinations.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and find out what others are looking for in a travel companion. This is your opportunity to gauge compatibility and determine if someone’s travel style matches yours.

Many travel meetups also feature guest speakers, travel presentations , and group activities, making it easier to bond with potential travel buddies over shared interests .

Make sure to exchange contact information with people you click with, and follow up soon after the event. By staying proactive and engaged, you’ll increase your chances of finding the perfect travel buddy who shares your wanderlust and enthusiasm.

Download Travel Buddy Apps

Dive into the digital age by downloading travel buddy apps that can connect you with fellow travelers around the globe. These apps are designed to help you find like-minded individuals who share your passion for adventure. Whether you’re looking for a companion to explore a new city or someone to share a long trek, there’s an app for that.

Start with popular apps like Travello, Backpackr, and Tourlina. Travello is a social network for travelers where you can join groups, share experiences, and plan meetups.

Backpackr focuses on connecting solo travelers , making it easy to find a buddy on-the-go.

Tourlina, on the other hand, is geared towards female travelers , ensuring a safe and friendly environment.

Make sure to create a detailed profile . Highlight your interests, travel style, and any specific destinations you’re planning to visit. This will help match you with compatible travel buddies.

Don’t forget to check reviews and ratings , as they can provide insights into other users’ experiences.

Participate in Group Tours

If apps aren’t your thing, another fantastic way to find a travel buddy is by participating in group tours . Group tours are organized trips where you and other travelers follow a set itinerary , often led by a guide. These tours provide a structured environment where you can meet like-minded people who share your interests and travel goals.

Start by researching reputable tour companies that offer group trips to destinations you’re interested in. Look for reviews and testimonials to ensure the company has a good track record. Websites like TripAdvisor and Lonely Planet can be great resources for finding reliable tour operators.

Once you join a group tour, make an effort to engage with your fellow travelers . Break the ice with casual conversations about the trip, your backgrounds, or shared interests. Group activities, such as guided walks, meals, and excursions, naturally facilitate interaction and bonding among participants.

The shared experiences and collective memories created during these tours can form the foundation for long-lasting friendships. Plus, having a common goal —exploring a new place—provides plenty of opportunities to connect and potentially find a travel buddy for future adventures.

Leverage Online Communities

When looking for a travel buddy, don’t overlook the power of online communities to connect you with fellow adventurers. The internet is teeming with platforms designed to bring travelers together, making it easier than ever to find a companion who shares your interests and travel style.

Here’s how you can make the most of online communities:

• Join Travel Forums : Websites like Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree or TripAdvisor’s forums are great places to start. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and you might find someone with similar travel plans.
• Use Social Media Groups : Facebook, for instance, has numerous travel groups where you can post your travel plans and find potential buddies. Just search for groups related to your destination or travel style.
• Try Travel Buddy Apps : Apps like Backpackr, Travello, and Tourlina are specifically designed to connect solo travelers. These platforms offer user profiles, making it easier to find someone compatible.
• Leverage Meetup Events : Websites like Meetup.com host a variety of travel-related events and meetups. Attending these can help you meet like-minded travelers in person before committing to a trip together.

Ask Friends and Family

Tapping into your network of friends and family can be a surprisingly effective way to find a travel buddy who shares your interests and values. Start by casually mentioning your travel plans during family gatherings or when catching up with friends. You might be surprised to find that someone you know is also looking for a travel companion or is excited about the same destination.

Don’t hesitate to be specific about what you’re looking for in a travel buddy. Clearly outline your travel style , budget , and must-see attractions . This helps ensure that any potential travel partners are on the same page, reducing the risk of conflicts down the road.

Sometimes, a friend or family member may know someone who’d be a perfect match for you. They can introduce you to mutual friends or acquaintances who share your travel interests. This indirect approach can expand your pool of potential travel buddies beyond your immediate circle.

Also, consider organizing a small get-together or a group chat to discuss travel plans and see who’s genuinely interested. This relaxed setting allows everyone to gauge compatibility and excitement about the trip.

Check Local Clubs and Groups

Exploring local clubs and groups can be an excellent way to meet like-minded individuals who share your passion for travel. You’ll find that local organizations often bring together people with similar interests, making it easier to connect and plan trips together.

Here are some practical steps to take when checking out local clubs and groups:

• Join Meetup Groups : Platforms like Meetup have a stack of travel-focused groups. Simply search for travel clubs in your area, attend a few meetups, and see if you click with anyone.
• Attend Local Events : Look for events like travel fairs, photography exhibitions, or cultural festivals. These gatherings often attract travel enthusiasts and provide a perfect setting for networking.
• Visit Community Centers : Your local community center may host travel seminars or clubs. Check their bulletin boards or websites for upcoming meetings or events where you can meet potential travel buddies.
• Check Social Media : Platforms like Facebook have numerous local travel groups. Join these groups, participate in discussions, and you might find someone who’s planning a trip similar to yours.

Utilize Couchsurfing Networks

Couchsurfing networks offer a unique opportunity to connect with fellow travelers and potentially find a travel buddy . By joining platforms like Couchsurfing.com, you can link up with people who’ve similar travel interests and goals. Start by creating a detailed profile that highlights your travel preferences , interests, and experiences. This helps others get a sense of who you’re and what you’re looking for in a travel buddy.

Once your profile is set up, actively engage in the community . Participate in local Couchsurfing events or join online discussion forums . These interactions can lead to meaningful connections and even help you find someone who wants to explore the same destinations as you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to other members directly. A friendly message can go a long way in initiating a conversation and gauging compatibility.

You can also use the ‘Hangouts’ feature to meet people nearby who are available for spontaneous meetups . This is a great way to test the waters before committing to a longer trip together.

Always read reviews and trust your instincts to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Post on Classified Websites

Posting on classified websites is another effective way to find a travel buddy who shares your interests and schedule. These platforms allow you to connect with like-minded travelers quickly and easily.

To maximize your chances of finding the perfect companion, follow these practical tips:

• Choose the Right Platform : Websites like Craigslist, Gumtree, and specialized travel forums are great places to start. Ensure the site you choose has a good reputation and active user base.
• Craft a Compelling Ad : Your post should be clear and engaging. Include essential details like your destination, travel dates, budget, and interests. A well-written ad will attract more suitable candidates.
• Be Honest and Specific : Be upfront about your travel style, preferences, and any must-see attractions. Honesty helps in finding someone compatible and avoids misunderstandings later.
• Include Contact Information : Provide a safe way for people to reach you, such as a temporary email address or a messaging app. Always prioritize your safety by not sharing overly personal details initially.

Following these steps will make your classified post stand out and increase your chances of finding a travel buddy who complements your adventure.

Consider Volunteer Opportunities

Another excellent way to find a travel buddy while making a positive impact is to consider volunteer opportunities abroad. By joining a volunteer program, you’ll meet like-minded individuals who share your passion for helping others and exploring new cultures. Websites like Volunteer Match, Workaway , and WWOOF offer a stack of options, from environmental conservation projects to teaching English in underserved communities.

Volunteering can also foster deep connections quickly. When you’re working together towards a common goal, you’ll naturally bond over shared experiences and challenges. This can turn acquaintances into lifelong friends and ideal travel companions. Plus, you’ll have the added benefit of structured activities, making it easier to plan your travels.

To get started, choose a cause that resonates with you. Research the organization thoroughly to ensure it aligns with your values and offers a safe environment. Once you’ve committed, reach out to fellow volunteers before your trip. Social media groups and pre-trip orientations can help you connect with potential travel buddies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Ensure My Travel Buddy Is Trustworthy?

To ensure your travel buddy is trustworthy, start by having honest conversations and ask for references. Check their social media profiles and meet in person to gauge their reliability and compatibility for your travel plans.

What Should I Do if Our Travel Styles Clash?

If your travel styles clash, communicate openly about your preferences. Compromise where possible and respect each other’s needs. Consider spending part of the day separately to enjoy activities that align with your individual interests.

How Can I Handle Financial Disagreements With a Travel Buddy?

You should set a clear budget together before the trip, discuss expenses openly, and agree on how to split costs. If disagreements arise, compromise and maintain open communication to ensure a smooth travel experience.

How Do I Set Boundaries With a New Travel Companion?

Start by discussing expectations upfront. Clearly communicate your preferences and limits. Don’t be afraid to express what’s important to you. Regular check-ins during the trip will help maintain mutual respect and understanding.

What Are the Signs of a Compatible Travel Buddy?

You’ll know you’ve found a compatible travel buddy if they share your interests, respect your boundaries, and communicate well. Look for someone who’s adaptable, reliable, and has a similar budget and travel style.

Final Words

Finding a travel buddy doesn’t have to be daunting. Determine your travel preferences and leverage social media , travel forums, and meetups.

Download travel buddy apps and check local clubs. Utilize Couchsurfing networks, post on classified websites, and consider volunteer opportunities .

By exploring these avenues, you’ll connect with like-minded travelers and enrich your journey.

So, dive in and start your adventure with a new travel companion by your side!

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12 Apps and Sites to Find a Travel Partner

Traveling is always a magical experience, even if you’re going solo. But in case you’d love to arrange an exciting trip with a new friend, this post is for you. I’ll introduce you to the coolest apps and sites to find a travel partner.

You’ll notice how simple it is to browse the web for folks with travel preferences that match yours, as well as fine-tune the results according to age, gender, and other filters if you want.

Let’s do this!

Table of Contents

Top apps to find a travel partner

1. travello.

Available on iOS and Android

Travello tops our list because it’s hands down the most thorough app of its kind, in addition to one of the largest travel communities on Earth.

Despite not being designed specifically as a travel partner search tool, the issue-oriented groups you can take part in are perfect for that. You can interact with fellow solo travelers, photographers, hikers,… or any other interests you may think of.

Chances are you’ll get to meet new friends in your hometown too, as there are millions of users around the globe.

What’s more, Travello offers 30,000+ tours and activities all over the planet that you can book for a discount by collecting points on the app.

The app also features a built-in GPS functionality that locates sweet deals, events, and free Wi-Fi wherever you are. 

2. Facebook

Facebook isn’t as popular with the younger crowd as it used to be a couple of years back, yet Meta’s flagship social media platform remains unrivaled when it comes to one precious tool: groups.

You probably know the drill. You just have to tap on the Groups icon on Facebook’s homepage and search for keywords or phrases related to your need. In this case, “travel buddies”, “travel partners”, or “travel friends” are the best combinations.

Then, simply join the groups that match your interests and either post your travel plans or scroll down to see what’s up.

A few of the highlights here include I Need a Travel Buddy , with 33,000+ members, and Travel Buddies , with 26,000+.

Women Who Travel , a private group with over 155,000 members, might turn out to be a lot of help to female travelers.

Meetup isn’t exclusively travel-oriented, but it is definitely an amazing place to find a travel partner. 

The platform’s basic premise is to hook you up with people who share similar interests with you, based on the events that the 61 million users organize in 9,000 cities. Meetup’s impressive size is by far one of its greatest assets. 

Like Facebook, the app also offers the possibility of creating and joining groups so you can interact with folks who enjoy the same stuff as you, be it cooking, visiting museums, or cycling.

Though that doesn’t necessarily amount to finding a travel buddy, you’ll be able to meet new friends and hopefully make plans to see the world together.

Plus, you can always attend an event in the city you’re traveling to and meet up a local to show you around.

Gaffl is a reliable resource that connects you to potential friends, which means you never again have to travel all by yourself if you don’t want to.

The first thing you have to do is pick a destination. The app will then show you people near you who have similar travel plans so you can use the chat tool to get to know them better and arrange the details. Alternatively, you can post your itinerary and let other members join in.

 One of Gaffl’s advantages is the fact that you can see which users have a verified account and choose to interact only with trustworthy profiles.

5. Travel Buddy

Whether it’s Japan , Peru , or Italy , Travel Buddy is your go-to guide to explore the must-sees, find the best deals on everything you may need while abroad, and meet new friends on-site. 

Built as a community of travelers that connects over a million locals and visitors around the world, the app also allows users to list services like walking tours and accommodation options in such a way that you’ll hardly need any other travel app.

This is an innovative system to find a travel partner, as you’ll bond with authentic globetrotters and passionate locals. 

6. Tourlina

Women face far larger safety risks than men when traveling by themselves, especially in remote areas or in countries where traditional values are still upheld by the majority of people. Traveling with a male partner, in turn, can end up being just as complicated.

That’s what Tourlina aims to address: letting women make travel plans with other female travelers. It works like a regular dating app, where you swipe left or right on potential matches after setting the outline of your plans (i.e. dates and destination) and your partner preferences, including age range.

The best thing about the app is that only verified users with a Facebook profile are admitted, which makes it extremely reliable. On the other hand, Tourlina is an expanding platform, which means you’ll often struggle to match with someone depending on your travel plans.

7. CouchSurfing

When CouchSurfing was launched in 2004, it was a truly groundbreaking initiative because it was the first-ever website to connect travelers and folks who would host them for free.

While that remains its core business, with its 12 million users, CouchSurfing is also a wonderful forum where you can meet new friends to travel the world with you.

One of the best ways to do that is by taking part in the weekly events members organize in 200,000 cities across the planet. 

In 2020, in order to bear the financial burden brought about by the pandemic, CouchSurfing introduced a membership fee for users registering from a bunch of countries, among which Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, the UK, as well as several EU nations.

Yet that takes nothing away from the app’s status as the no. 1 platform connecting travelers and hosts on a global scale.

8. Workaway

Like Couchsurfing, Workaway is a different sort of app in that it’s not aimed as much at matching you with a travel partner , but rather with a travel host . This is a fantastic alternative for those of you who want to travel on a budget.

Basically, you’ll be given accommodation and food in exchange for pre-agreed services you’ll be performing for your host according to your skills. You can tend their garden, do some house sitting, or teach their kids your native language, for example. Even better, you’ll be paid an actual wage in case your host needs help with business matters. 

The app was launched approximately 20 years ago and is extremely effective, so the fact that it charges a  $49 annual membership isn’t really absurd. Both hosts and volunteers are reviewed by other users, meaning you can trust Workaway to help you take a totally safe trip. 

Best sites to find a travel partner

9. tripgiraffe.

TripGiraffe is one of the most comprehensive websites on our list, as it does its best not to leave room for ambiguities. 

Upon registering, you’ll get to specify your budget, your target destinations, your preferred accommodation type, the languages you speak, and more. You can even let people know how you want to split expenses.

It works as a full-on social network for travelers where you can message users that seem to match your profile. TripGiraffe can do the hooking up for you as well if you want, connecting you to fellow travelers in 100+ countries.

On top of that, you can join an existing trip if finding the ideal travel buddy sounds like too much work. In other news, TripGiraffe maintains a blog with precious travel tips to help you prepare as you should when it’s time to hit the road.

10. JoinMyTrip

JoinMyTrip’s app is only available for Android users, which is why I’m listing it as a website instead.

Upon selecting among 8,000 destinations all over the planet, the platform will introduce you to members who want to discover that exact place too.

As its name suggests, JoinMyTrip also allows you to… well, join other people’s existing trips or create your own itinerary as a tripleader so other users will come along.

You can preset the dates and group size and estimate the total budget per tripmate, then wait for one or a few of the 160,000 members to hop on the boat. 

One of the things that set JoinMyTrip apart from other similar solutions is its excellent customer service. The team advertises itineraries on Instagram daily and is always ready to answer your questions.

11. Women Welcome Women WorldWide

Women Welcome Women WorldWide’s promise is similar to Tourlina’s, as its name suggests. Women who don’t feel safe traveling alone or simply don’t want to do it can interact with other users to organize a trip together.

While the website is UK-based, women from all over the globe can register. You’ll be expected, however, to pay a $50 admission fee to help cover Women Welcome Women WorldWide’s maintenance costs. 

Besides finding a partner to travel with, you can use the website to connect with a local in your next destination so she can show you around and keep you company as you explore her hometown. 

WWWW currently has 1500 members in 40+ nations on all continents; it’s a relatively small but expanding community.

12. YourTravelMates

On YourTravelMates, travel is more of an excuse than the end goal. Founded about 30 years ago as TripTogether, the platform is present in over 40 nations and has as many as a million members worldwide.

Yet the focus here is more on finding a life partner rather than a travel buddy. The website’s purpose is to foster romance on a global scale. Still, tons of users are seeking friendship and companionship instead, just like most of the other entries on our list.

When looking for other users, you can narrow the results down according to gender, age, arrival dates, and destination.

You can then exchange e-letters or video chat with them until you eventually decide to meet up. Though YourTravelMates charges for these services, membership is 100% free.

Final thoughts

As exciting and enlightening as traveling on your own can be, finding a travel partner can be a great way to ensure your trip will be safer, more affordable, and often more fun.

Through top-notch apps like Gaffl and Travello and websites like JoinMyTrip and TripTogether, you can connect with millions of globetrotters from across the planet and find a travel partner to see the world with you.

2 thoughts on “12 Apps and Sites to Find a Travel Partner”

I highly recommend these two couchsurfing communities to find female travel buddies:

Host a Sister – Facebook group where women around the world can find accommodations and travel buddies. Travel Ladies – mobile app connecting women who want to travel with other women

I highly recommend these two women-only communities to find female travel buddies:

Host A Sister: Facebook group Travel Ladies: mobile app

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12 Sites That Will Help You Find A Travel Buddy

Meeting new people is one of the best parts of traveling.

Hopefully, you found some cool solo travel groups in our blog post, 10 Different Types of Solo Travel Groups . But there are also times when you might want to find a travel buddy, one other person to travel with, on your own trip.

Here are 11 sites that will help you find a travel buddy:

Search a destination, find travel partners, get connected, and trip together! It’s as easy as that. You can rest easy knowing that GAFFL uses a strict verification process so you can feel safe about your travel partner. Start your search here !

2. Utilize Social Media Groups

There are many Facebook groups and pages that you can follow and join to meet people with similar interests as you. Search for things like “travel” or “travel buddy” and you will find groups like Female Travel Buddies, Travel Buddies, and Travel Friends Finder that you can join.

I have been a part of a Facebook group called Women Who Travel , and it has been very helpful to me. Not only do these women post when they need travel companions, but they post tips for each other too. Other sites like Reddit utilize forums and feeds to connect people. All worth a look!

Check out Women Who Travel’s podcast  too!

3. Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a service that allows you to connect to a worldwide community of travelers. It is a great place to somewhere to stay or to share your home with travelers.

As with any online interaction, you need to make sure you do your due diligence. Using trusted sources for finding couches to key to couch surfing safely .

This website is super cool because it’s simpler than the rest. On Meetup , you can search for events in the area or wherever you will be, and see who is attending. You can even contact those people through Meetup too!

Working with Meetup will be a little different than other sites when looking for a travel companion. You might not meet your travel companion until you go to an event or two. It is more of a free-flowing way to meet people in the area you are in.

5. TripGiraffe

TripGiraffe is really easy to use. It offers the options of finding a travel buddy, exploring all travelers on the site, and looking for meetups. You can search for trips coming up soon as well as create your own.

Each mini-profile is straightforward listing the exact places you will be going, the dates you will be traveling, your gender and age, as well as the type of trip and budget.

Check out some of the profiles before you build your own – you might just want to hop on someone else’s trip!

6.  Trip in Touch

How about a new site called Trip in Touch . “Same place. Same time. Same interests. Trip in Touch – find your next Travel Buddy!”

The app is on its way, for now, you can subscribe and join their Facebook groups to connect with other travelers.

7. Intrepid Travel

If you’ve got the urge to travel but no one to do it with you can stop worrying because Intrepid has got you covered. Join one of their small group tours and find ready-made friends who are itching to explore just like you are.

8. Flexible Guided Travel

If you book daily tours in each place you stay, you are sure to make friends that might be on the same schedule as you! Give it a chance.

In New Zealand, you can pay for guided but flexible travel with the Kiwi Experience . The Kiwi Experience is a bus that travels around New Zealand making stops and bringing you from Point A to Point B. But it’s your choice how often you want to stay on the bus or on the journey! Completely flexible!

This would be a great way to meet people while you’re in the country and possibly grab a travel companion while you’re there.

9.  Travello

Travello is an app designed to make travel social. Known for where travelers connect, Travello asks you what you are interested in and then helps you to connect with other travelers nearby.

This is an excellent way to meet a travel buddy, whether you’re at home before the trip takes place or on the actual trip!

If you meet someone at home with similar interests and who loves to travel, chances are it could be a good match! This also eliminates traveling far to meet up before the trip.

10. Tourlina

Tourlina is specifically for females looking for female travel buddies. Another option to browse other trips, create your own, and speak with other females about their trips too!

The app promises a trusted and secure network of individuals.

11. Join My Trip

Choose the destination, the group size, and the experience that is right for you and Join My Trip will find the trip mates.

Whether you are looking for a simple weekend getaway or the trip of a lifetime, this is a great way to find new friends, share costs, and make memories that will last forever.

12. DePassport

DePassport can be the premier destination for you to find adventure buddies and a perfect travel companion. And for a surprise, this app lets you find not just a partner, but someone whom you will truly vibe with. The platform uses an AI-powered matching algorithm to connect you with people who match your values, and interests. 

You can connect with people from around the world, and plan your travels easily.

44 Responses

You need to add http://www.gogaffl.com to this list!

Thanks for the tip!

Very good information regarding travel

Thanks so much, Prakash!

Hi Erica, Absolutely awesome article. Btw, you are missing two big ones. CouchSurfing and GAFFL. I have always used CS before and recently used GAFFL in Australia. It was awesome. It connects people based on trips. You can start a trip or join trips. I think you can mention them in your list too.

Will do, thanks Ed!

I love Wandure app! They have amazing experiences created by awesome locals.

We love it too Lina!

Finding a perfect travel buddy is always difficult. But, having a travel buddy can make the trip more enjoyable and less lonely. It helps to have someone to split the expenses with, so you can save up for your next trip. A travel partner also minimizes risks associated with traveling alone. GAFFL (www.gogaffl.com) can be a great addition to this list. It matches up travelers with similar travel plans and ensures the safety of travelers through their well-built verification process.

Thanks for the tip, Abrar!

Are you a solo traveller? I am an Indian n Canadian citizen retired 60+ age group in n good shape to travel. Can you suggest some dependable solo travel groups. Pls email your response to [email protected] thanks

Hi Peter, check out Eldertreks, Adventures Abroad, Road Scholar, Walking the World!

Yes! I love it

Thanks Sarah!

Ms.Erika Szumel, Really Thank you for the information. Can you please rank them according to your knowledge and experience? is it possible to know which are all providing paid and which are all free in 2020?

Hi Siva, thanks for reading! Most of these are free or offer free basic memberships. Click on the links to get an idea of which fits best!

Thanks for sharing this info..

Really nice post. Thanks for sharing with us..

Thanks for reading, Suvajit!

Great Blog.It is very useful.Thanks….

Thanks for this lovely info.

Thanks for reading, Pradyut!

Great post!! Thank you very much for sharing.

Glad you enjoyed it, Ujjal!

Hi, maybe you should add https://backpackingtribe.com/ to this list. It’s a platform where you can find not just a buddy, but an entire group to backpack together with! It’s amazing!

Thanks for the tip, Wijnand!

Hey Erika, You should think about adding Share Bus to this list – if you’re travelling in Aus! Its a shared rental of a minibus, trailer and camping equipment. They find the travel mates (other backpackers) for you. It’s totally flexible and self guided – you just join on the trip/date you want to do (i.e. Perth to Broome) and you can make your own adventure.

Hey Jade, thanks for the tip!

This is such a great list! It’s got everything except https://www.fairytrail.app , a dating app for people with a passion for adventure and can work anywhere (one can look for friendships too). You should check it out and review it 😉

The most interesting list is here to find a travel buddy. Travelling with someone is fun. And these days finding a perfect travel partner is tough task, but your list has made it bit easy.

Great post! thank you so much for sharing

Thanks, Shawn!

Great content. You can also add https://cogofly.com to this list. It is a travel social networking site that helps travellers connect with other travellers around the world. As well as with its advanced search filter, anyone can find the perfect travel buddy match.

Thanks for the tip, Sameena!

You need to add http://www.joinmytrip.com to this list for sure!

Thanks for the tip, Prasanna!

great post … full of knowledge ,i am inviting you to India if you think so it will be a great pleasure for me to hosting you

Are there any sites for older people? Most of these sound like they are for younger folks. Thanks for any referrals.

Check out Walking The World, Eldertreks, Adventures Abroad, Intrepid!

Hello, I am 61 yr old female looking to travel solo but would like to join a group to travel to St Martin in the spring 2023. Do you have any recommendations.

Hi Valerie, check out some of the sites listed above! We know there are specific age groups that you can book with.

I think you have missed http://www.connectingtraveller.com as well.

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Thousands of Workaway members are looking for a travel partner. New travel-mates added daily. Lots of opportunities to find exactly the right travel buddy for you. Choose the places you want to visit, write a quick note explaining the type of person you'd like to travel with or what you are intending to do while away. You'll then appear on the list. Other travellers can find you, get in contact and discuss plans.

Sign up to put yourself on this list and find a travel buddy.

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• let lastPlace = { country: '', countryName: '', isCountry: false }; let addressLevels = { 'locality': 50, 'neighborhood': 50, 'administrative_area_level_5': 80, 'administrative_area_level_4': 100, 'administrative_area_level_3': 150, 'administrative_area_level_2': 200, 'administrative_area_level_1': 250, 'country': '' }; $(function () { if ('undefined' === typeof $window) { window.$window = $(window); } if (window.getRealWidth() Loading results '); $.ajax(aurl, {data: data, method: 'get'}).done(function (responseText) { let response = ajaxWasSuccessful(responseText); if (response) { let objData = { locals: { ajaxfile: '/report_request.php', results: response.results.data, data: { 'currentPage': response.params.Page, 'pagination': response.results.pagination }, totalNum: response.results.totalNum, params: response.params, loggedIn: false, lang: 'en', langtext: { 'delete': 'delete', 'dateformat': 'd/m/Y', 'meetup_linktext_visit_profile': 'Profile', 'meetup_linktext_contact': 'Contact', 'meetup_linktext_add': 'add', 'travelbuddy_no_results': 'We couldn’t find anyone to match that search.', 'travelbuddy_try_searching_country': 'Try searching all travelling to', 'lastLogin': 'Last login', 'travelbuddy_label_destination': 'Destination:', 'travelbuddy_label_dates': 'Dates', 'meetup_title_lastlogin_status_green': 'This Workawayer has been active within the last 7 days', 'meetup_title_lastlogin_status_yellow': 'This Workawayer has been active within the last 30 days', 'meetup_title_lastlogin_status_red': 'This Workawayer has been active within the last 60 days', 'ww_label_last_activity': 'Last activity', 'found': 'found', 'label_showing': 'Showing', 'splr_of': 'of', 'splr_to': 'to', 'travelbuddy_label_show_more': 'show more...', 'popover_signuptocontact_workawayer_guest': '<p><b> <a href="/en/login">Login here</a></b> to start a conversation</p>', 'signup_workawayer_url': '/en/signup/workawayer', 'join_as_workawayer': 'Join as a Workawayer', 'signup_host_url': '/en/signup/host', 'join_as_host': 'Join as a Host', 'profile_verified_popover_title': 'Verified with ID', 'profile_verified_popover_content': 'Member has provided their ID to increase trust in their profile.', }, testversion: false } }; let template = swig.render('{% if data.pagination.pages.length > 1 %}\ {% set addPlusToTotal = \'\' %}\ {% if \'10000+\' == totalNum %}\ {% set totalNum = 10000 %}\ {% set addPlusToTotal = \'+\' %}\ {% endif %}\ \ \ \ \ \ {#\ {% if data.pagination.arrows.first %}\ \ \ \ \

Workaway has committed over $20,000 USD from the Workaway foundation to help refugees from Ukraine.

Upon request all workawayers based in Ukraine will have their accounts extended for free until further notice.

Hosts in Ukraine have been temporarily disabled for safety reasons.

If you are a host and are able to take in refugees please add the information in your account and you will be added to our last minute host list .

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GAFFL - Find A Travel Buddy 17+

Connect and travel together, designed for ipad.

• 4.1 • 118 Ratings
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Meet new people from over 190 countries and travel together using the best app for solo travelers. Find travel buddies, share costs, and experiences around the world. Find a travel companion or meet locals to travel with. Search for destinations, connect with travelers and locals, plan trips, and travel together. Split rental car or hotel costs to save up to 80% on travel expenses. Whether you are looking for road trip buddies to embark on a road trip in Australia, locals to travel with in Southeast Asia, or hiking buddies to explore the beautiful national parks in the US, you can use GAFFL. A packaged multi-day road trip or a solo trip can cost you thousands of dollars. With GAFFL, you can save that money by finding a like-minded travel companion who has the same trip planned and is also looking for someone like you to explore the same cities, do the same road trips, or adventure in the same national parks together" START TRIPS Start your own trip to find a like-minded travel buddy instantly and publish it within minutes. CONNECT WITH SOLO TRAVELERS & MEET LOCALS WORLDWIDE Search for your desired destination and discover fellow travelers who have already created trips in that location, as well as locals who live there. When you find a trip that you like, simply tap 'Connect' and start chatting instantly. Additionally, you can connect with locals to explore with or to get the best recommendations and advice about the area. MEET NEW PEOPLE & TRAVEL TOGETHER Use our real-time messaging to plan detailed trips together, then meet up and travel together. TRUST & SAFETY Users go through a multi-step verification process, which makes the network super safe and trustworthy. PRESS FROM AROUND THE WORLD “GAFFL connects people based on where and when they’re traveling, so travelers can link up and explore the world together” (Travel+Leisure) “….. if you plan on renting a car in Scotland to drive up into the Highlands for a few days, now you have someone to split the cost of that $400 rental with, and perhaps a drinking buddy.” (Lifehacker) “GAFFL is made for solo travelers who want to explore certain parts of their trips together—and split costs.” (Mind Body Green) “GAFFL brings travelers of all shapes and sizes together to travel and turn that solo trip into a very social trip.” (Flair) OUR COMMITMENT TO DATA PROTECTION We have a really high standard when it comes to data protection. We do not sell data or monetize your data. We also have the ability to delete your data any time you ask for it. GAFFL is free to download and use. You can start trips and local listings, add trips and local listings to your wish list, reply to messages, or get a verification badge for free. We also have a subscription package called ’GAFFL Unlimited’ that gives you access to unlimited connections, up to 60% off hotels, 24/7 trip assistance, and a lot more. To learn more about how GAFFL works, feel free to visit our amazing help center: https://help.gogaffl.com/ For helpful travel tips and hacks, visit our blog: https://blog.gogaffl.com/ To view our privacy policy, visit: https://www.gogaffl.com/privacy For our terms of use, visit: https://www.gogaffl.com/terms

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Hey Adventurers! Meet Your AI Travel Agent: Planning your journey has never been easier! Our new AI Travel Agent is here to offer personalized recommendations, hassle-free bookings, and round-the-clock support for all your travel needs. From finding the perfect accommodations to suggesting hidden gems along your route, let our AI make your travel planning seamless and exciting. Multiple Destinations, One Trip: Wanderlust calling? Now you can easily add multiple destinations to your trips! Whether you're embarking on a multi-city adventure or a country-wide exploration, our enhanced trip planning feature allows you to customize your journey, add stops, and experience more. Update now and start experiencing travel like never before—your next adventure awaits!

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118 Ratings

Traveling made easy

For someone who has the laziest friends in the world who never agree to travel, I sure am glad I came across this app. I have been planning to go to Miami for a while now but couldn’t match my schedule with my friends’. The idea of meeting other travelers and locals and linking up with them makes me really hopeful that this trip will finally be possible for me. The fact that there are locals who can show you around and expenses can be split on this app is pretty impressive and definitely makes the trip a lot easier.

Thrill of Traveling

This is an awesome platform for people who love roaming around the world. I see people creating trips to go to different places and planning to do different activities like hiking, scuba diving, skiing and more. I can feel the thrill of traveling whenever I look into this app. Sometimes, even if my schedule do not allow me to travel, I look out for the upcoming trips close to me so that I can squeeze in a short trip and connect with people.

Developer Response ,

Thank you! Sounds amazing! We are always here to help you find travel buddies and new friends around the world. 😊

Great app and getting great assistance from Sadakat! He made sure everything was okay and even though I’m still searching for someone to travel with, I feel like I was being helped a lot, he answered all my questions and some research for me, so far, I’m pretty pleased!

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Please...we saw your earlier post...the lack of response should tell you something about the lack of interest - at least here. You were given a better site to try your luck on...not much sense in spamming this site. I myself cannot imagine someone simply agreeing to do this because these are dates you want, not to mention no one has a clue who you are, etc.

Look, how about doing some research - it's no rocket science, takes a few seconds, in fact:

https://www.travel-buddies.com/

http://www.travelbuddy.travel/

http://themecraft.net/www/travbuddy.com

This may help, too

https://www.couchsurfing.com/

MuscoviteVT...thank you so much for your usual excellent help, but I think we are going to need you to sign up to his travel buddy...may be the only way to deal with this request. We will richly reward you for your work!

Not sure there will be many volunteers, the vacancy may stay open for good :))

Agree with MuscoviteVT that it is not a rocket science but gotta say it's not really easy to find a decent website for finding a travel buddy either. Had luck only on http://www.couchsurfing.com and http://www.tripgiraffe.com On the other websites people don't have really any specific plans and are more looking for dating than finding a travel buddy.

Your request may do better in one or more of these chat sections.

https://moscow.craigslist.org/?lang=en&cc=us

Tripadvisor staff removed this post at the original author's request.

I highly recommend Wandure App you can find a travel buddy for your next adventure or book experiences created by awesome locals

https://www.wandure.com

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Connecting Cultures and Traditions

Travel Buddies: The Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Perfect Travel Companion

Chapter 1: why travel with a buddy.

Traveling with a companion offers numerous benefits, including:

Sharing Expenses

Accommodation, transportation, and activities can be expensive. Splitting costs with a travel buddy can significantly reduce your financial burden.

Enhanced Safety

Having a companion provides an extra layer of security, especially when traveling alone or to unfamiliar destinations.

Better Communication

Traveling with someone who speaks your language can eliminate communication barriers and enhance your travel experience.

Increased Enjoyment

Sharing experiences with a compatible companion can make your journey more enjoyable and memorable.

Chapter 2: Finding the Right Travel Buddy

1. explore your network.

Connect with friends, family, and colleagues to see if anyone is interested in joining you on your trip.

2. Use Social Media

Join travel-related groups on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Meetup to connect with potential companions.

3. Consider Online Matching Services

Dedicated websites and apps like TripGiraffe and Travel Buddy connect travelers based on shared interests and destinations.

4. Seek Recommendations

Ask travel agents, tour operators, or friends who have traveled before for recommendations on finding a travel buddy.

Chapter 3: Selecting a Compatible Companion

Consider the following factors when choosing a travel companion:

1. Travel Style

Align with someone who shares your preferred pace, budget, and interests.

2. Personality

Find a companion with a compatible personality, communication style, and sense of humor.

3. Communication Skills

Ensure you can communicate effectively and resolve any potential issues together.

4. Interests and Values

Shared hobbies, passions, and values can enhance the quality of your travel experience.

5. Availability

Confirm that your travel buddy is available for the same duration and dates as your trip.

Chapter 4: Planning Your Trip Together

1. establish clear expectations.

Discuss travel preferences, financial arrangements, and responsibilities upfront to avoid misunderstandings.

2. Create a Detailed Itinerary

Plan your行程,包括住宿、交通和活动，以确保每个人都在同一页面上。

3. Set a Budget and Payment Plan

Determine travel expenses and establish a payment plan that accommodates both parties.

4. Prepare Necessary Documents

Ensure that both parties have valid passports, visas, and travel insurance.

Chapter 5: Navigating Challenges

1. manage differences.

Respect each other's perspectives and find common ground when faced with differences in opinion or preferences.

2. Address Financial Issues

Keep track of expenses and resolve any financial disagreements promptly and fairly.

3. Handle Disagreements

Communicate openly and calmly, and seek compromise when necessary.

4. Respect Boundaries

Give each other personal space and understand that it's okay to spend time apart when needed.

In Conclusion

Finding the right travel buddy can transform your travel experience. By following the tips in this guide, you can increase your chances of finding a compatible companion who will enhance your journey and create lasting memories.

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Medical insurance is available for international travelers through Russian insurance companies.

International flights to Moscow and St Petersburg are available via Tbilisi (Georgia), Yerevan (Armenia), Baku (Azerbaijan), Istanbul (Turkey), Belgrade (Serbia), Dubai & Abu-Dhabi (UEA), Doha (Qatar), Algiers (Algeria),Tehran (Iran), Muscat (Oman), Cairo (Egypt), Astana & Almaty (Kazakhstan), Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Shenzhen, Qingdao & Xian (China), Delhi (India), Colombo (Sri-Lanka), Male (Maldives). Information changes frequently, please inquire.

Trans-Siberian travels can fly in/out Vladivostok via Beijing (China), Harbin (China), Bangkok (Thailand), Tashkent (Uzbekistan).

Trans-Siberians taking off in Irkutsk/Lake Baikal, fly to Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), Dushanbe (Tadjikistan), Namangan (Uzbekistan), Osh (Uzbekistan), Beijing Daxing (China), Bangkok (Thailand), Ulaaanbaatar (Mongolia).

Explore the best travel destinations in Russia with our wide range of sightseeing tours to Moscow, St Petersburg, Golden Ring, Kazan; Northern Lights viewing tours; wildlife & nature tours to Lake Baikal tours, Altai, Kamchatka tours, Trans-Siberian train tours, and more. Find the best guided trips and expert planned Russian holidays 2023-2024.

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Stay Reel: Soak Up The Sun

Turn up the heat as you slide into summer with these one-of-a-kind getaways that guarantee a fun and memorable vacation for all..

By Alison Cavatore | May 30, 2024

Bring on the sunshine! Summer is right around the corner and there’s no better way to warm your soul than on a vacation that turns up the heat. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, family or a significant other, leaving the cold days of winter behind for an invigorating sun-filled break in a new location is a great way to dive right into the fun. So, grab your sunscreen and get ready for an epic summer vacation.

Travel buddies

What’s better than a vacay with your bestie? No matter your age, spending quality time together and creating shared memories is a winning combination when it comes to summer vacation. Just ask 82-year-old longtime best friends, Sandy Hazelip and Ellie Hamby, who recently traveled the world together in 80 days. From Argentina to Antartica and Finland to Japan — and many places in between — the dynamic duo shared their adventures across seven continents on social media, grew an impressive following and even made nationwide headlines. After asking their followers for South American travel destination tips , the social media team at Hilton swooped into their DMs and arranged six free nights for them in Peru, Brazil and Ecuador. With stays at Hilton Garden Inn Lima Miraflores , Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro , Canopy by Hilton Sao Paulo Jardins and Hampton by Hilton Quito La Carolina Park , Sandy and Ellie were able to enjoy their global adventures with all the comforts of home . Three cheers for living life to the fullest!

Make a splash

Swimsuits at the ready … it’s time to dive into the ultimate water-themed vacation. Nothing screams summer quite like a great pool or beach and finding the perfect one for you can be easy — if you know where to look. Whether you prefer lounging poolside or participating in a water-based activity (or both!), an all-inclusive resort has it all — including multiple on-site pools and exclusive beach access — for minimal planning and maximum relaxation. Guests of all ages can find their ideal place to cool off at Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort , which features nine pools, including an adults-only pool and a Splash Park for kids. Prefer the twists and turns of an expansive Aqua Park or the idyllic seclusion of a private beach? Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton has both, in addition to a PADI Dive Center for those looking to improve their scuba and snorkeling skills. With endless water-based options, you’ll want to pack more than one swimsuit for this summer getaway.

Immerse yourself

Summer can be the best time of year to discover something new in a unique destination. With longer days and warmer temperatures, being able to comfortably explore the sights around town in the summer provides endless opportunities for fun. Take advantage of everything the season and the location have to offer and stay like a local by immersing yourself in music, art, food and more that will connect you to the area’s unique culture and history. Located in the city’s trendy financial district, Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana is the ideal spot for getting a taste of local flavors. Grab one of the complimentary Canopy bikes, fill up your water bottle at the on-site filtered water station and explore Madrid’s incredible sights at your own pace. Then, return to Canopy Central, the hotel’s social and dining hub, for the nightly Evening Tasting experience with free samples of wines, beers and cocktails from around the neighborhood. Now that’s what we call an authentic summer adventure!

Alison Cavatore is the assistant editor for the content marketing team at Hilton. She has written and copyedited for numerous print and digital publications in the U.S. and abroad. Born in Pittsburgh, PA, Alison has lived in Miami, Scottsdale, Holland, France, Switzerland and Canada. She currently resides in the Washington, D.C. area.

Global summer destinations

To kickstart your summer travel planning, we’ve rounded up the most popular summer travel destinations around the world. From Paris to Tokyo and Cancun to London, a getaway in any one of these amazing locations is sure to inspire wanderlust.

Poolside perfection

Lose track of time in Tampa this summer with a perfect poolside getaway at Hotel Alba Tampa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends or family, it’s the perfect escape to relax and recharge under the sun.

Travel with purpose

Conscious travelers can help leave the world a better place this summer when they choose to visit these incredible global destinations with eco-friendly experiences and hotels.

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The Buddy System: Why Can’t Team Meged Travel Together?

Madison richmann | may 30, 2024.

Shelby and Haven Meged are undoubtedly among the best in the game when it comes to breakaway roping and calf roping. They are both world champions and multiple-time NFR/NBR qualifiers and hold records and titles all over the country. The couple calls Stephenville, Texas, home, but for many months out of the year, they live in their horse trailer on the rodeo trail.

Every year, Shelby and Haven are both top contenders for not only an NFR/NFBR qualification but also a world championship. With similar goals in mind, you would imagine that the husband-wife duo would hit the road together, right? Although that may be ideal, it doesn't work out that way at all. In fact, during the busiest of rodeo season, Shelby and Haven may only see each other for a few minutes at a gas station passing through the same town.

Earlier in 2024, Haven and Shelby both punched their ticket to the NFR Open while competing at the Montana Circuit Finals. In an interview after his win, Haven was asked about getting to rope alongside Shelby in Colorado at that event. He said, "Yeah we might get to actually see each other for a day or so. But yeah, it is exciting."

A few nights together is a rare occurrence for the Megeds among other rodeo couples and families. So why is this you may ask? They are both roping, they are both traveling thousands of miles a week, and they both have the same goal. Although scheduling may be one issue, there is a bigger barrier standing in the way, and it's called the Buddy System.

PROCOM and the Buddy System

Since 1976, Professional Rodeo Communications, commonly known as PROCOM, has been the one-stop shop for entering all professional rodeos. Originally, it was all by phone call and some representatives would do all of the work, but now it is completely computerized, including the "Buddy System."

The Buddy System allows contestants to 'buddy' with their traveling partners or spouses while entering. This means that you will compete in the nearest performance or Slack the same day your PRCA buddy is competing. This system made traveling with friends and family much easier because schedules could look the same. If the husband was a steer wrestler, and the wife a barrel racer, they could buddy together and be put in the same perf. The NFR Insider author Susan Kanode, talked about the buddy system in a story where she said, "They travel with people that have the same goals, mindset and moral compass. It makes life on the road and in close quarters so much easier."

The system seems perfect right? Well, it did work pretty well, until the addition of breakaway.

When the breakaway roping came up in the professional rodeos, PROCOM had some immediate issues. They said that their system was just not designed and prepared to handle another event, especially another ladies' event. This did not stop breakaway from growing into a fan-favorite professional rodeo event. Now, the ladies can enter the breakaway at a majority of the pro rodeos and this gave the Buddy System a challenge. Breakaway ropers cannot buddy with any other event, so not only can breakaway ropers not buddy with their husbands who are in a different event, but they also can not buddy with themselves if they wish to run barrels, too. This all has caused a bit of a fiasco for the ladies of the sport.

PROCOM Manager Daidra Sims said, "Our system doesn’t allow for both barrel racing and breakaway. So right now, girls have to give two sets of preferences if they want to enter two events. In fact, breakaway entries don’t even open until all of the rodeo’s other entries close. PROCOM has tried to accommodate the breakaway the best it can, but they’ve had to compromise to make it work."

In the world of rodeo, this just does not work. There is no time to sit around and wait for your wife, your husband, or your traveling partner to rope a few days later at the same rodeo because there is always another one or ten more rodeos that you have to get to. There are many challenges ladies in rodeo have faced for years now, but this is a new one. Many of the breakaway ropers end up traveling together themselves and often times send their husbands the other way to hit all the big money opportunities.

Even though you will most likely see both Shelby and Haven competing at many of the same rodeos, there is a good chance they are not there together, not because they choose that, but because it just does not work for them or anyone else at this point. Entering has gone online, and PROCOM claims to be working on their system to make it so that breakaway ropers can buddy very soon. This would be a big wave in breakaway roping and would make their lives a whole lot easier, especially during the busy summer months of intense travel, multiple rodeos, and tons of entering to do.

MADISON RICHMANN

Madison Richmann calls Keenesburg, Colorado home. There you can find her parents, Justin and Shawnda, and her younger brother Rylan. Currently, she is living in Oklahoma while attending Western Oklahoma State College on a rodeo scholarship, and studying agriculture communications, where she will graduate this spring. Madie plans to continue her education and rodeo career when transferring to a university in the fall to work towards her bachelor's degree. As a breakaway roper, Madison is excited for all of the new opportunities that are continually arising for women in the sport of rodeo. Also a barrel racer and team roper, Richmann is very passionate for all things of the western way of life. As an advocate for agriculture, she plans to help educate all, about the importance of the industry. When looking into the future, Madie plans to make a career in journalism and marketing for the western sports and agriculture industries while continuing her rodeo career professionally.

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Metra celebrating 40th anniversary this week with special offers, including free rides

This week Metra is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a number of special offers for riders.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

-Monday, June 3: Metra will ask its riders to share their favorite memories about riding Metra on social media.

-Tuesday, June 4: Customer Appreciation Day - Metra will hand out a gift, including coupons from local businesses, to riders at downtown stations while supplies last.

-Wednesday, June 5: Metra will ask travel buddies to share photos of themselves on social media.

-Thursday, June 6: Metra's "Throwback Thursday" will include 80s trivia on social media.

- Friday, June 7: Metra will ask riders to share their favorite travel destinations on social media.

-Saturday, June 8, and Sunday, June 9: Travel on Metra will be completely free for all riders.

"Whether you have been riding Metra for 40 years or took your first ride today, we want to thank you," said Metra Executive Director Jim Derwinski. "And as we look to the past and celebrate four decades of serving the Chicago area's transportation needs, we are also looking to the future and making plans to continue that service for many more decades."

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After Trump’s Conviction, a National Enquirer Editor Sends His Regrets

For Barry Levine, a former top journalist at the supermarket tabloid, the former president’s trial was its own kind of tear-jerker.

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By Jacob Bernstein

Even before former President Donald J. Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to conceal a sex scandal, a verdict was being delivered on The National Enquirer .

The no-holds-barred supermarket tabloid was once famous for publishing salacious stories about celebrities and politicians. Now it may be better known for suppressing them.

“It’s just a tragedy for the paper,” said Barry Levine, the publication’s former executive editor, sitting in the living room of his one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan on a recent morning.

Was he being overly dramatic? Perhaps.

Even among those who consider it a guilty pleasure, The Enquirer can hardly be described as a national treasure. But try telling that to Mr. Levine, a swashbuckling journalist who worked there from 1999 until 2016 and whose professional and personal identity was shaped by it.

“I grew up with the romantic vision of ‘The Front Page,’ the press cards and hats, the larger than life personalities of Fleet Street reporters who did whatever they had to do to get the story,” Mr. Levine said. “I was in love with that type of journalism — and I found it at The National Enquirer.”

Long before it became known as a protector of Mr. Trump, the tabloid reported aggressively on politicians on both sides of the aisle, including Jesse Jackson and Sarah Palin.

Mr. Levine helped secure The Enquirer some mainstream respectability, thanks to a series of scoops on John Edwards , a Democrat who was at one point a serious contender in the 2008 presidential race.

On Mr. Levine’s watch, The Enquirer plowed hundreds of thousands of dollars into an aggressive investigation of Mr. Edwards, with some of that money going to anonymous tipsters and sources who said that the candidate’s squeaky-clean image was misleading.

In October 2007, the tabloid broke the news that Mr. Edwards had been involved in an affair with Rielle Hunter, a videographer on the campaign staff, while his wife suffered from an incurable form of cancer. Mr. Edwards at first dismissed the story as “completely untrue” and “ridiculous.”

After Ms. Hunter gave birth to a daughter, the tabloid delivered more scoops beneath gleeful headlines : “John Edwards Love Child Scandal!”; “John Edwards With Love Child! The Photos Everyone’s Been Waiting For”; “John Edwards Mistress Demands He Pay Love Child $10 Million”; “John Edwards’ Wife Tells Mistress, ‘I Hope You Die!’ Their Secret Showdown.”

The Enquirer’s coverage helped knock Mr. Edwards out of the race . It also paved the way for a criminal prosecution in which he was charged with federal campaign finance violations for payments to Ms. Hunter, a case that ended without a conviction.

The tabloid’s reporting on Mr. Edwards won new respect for a publication that had been derided as a bottom feeder in news media circles. All that collapsed, Mr. Levine said, during four days of testimony in a Manhattan courtroom in April. That was when David Pecker , the former publisher of The Enquirer, described under oath his efforts to help Mr. Trump suppress stories seen as damaging to his 2016 campaign.

Mr. Pecker told prosecutors that he had bought two stories and never published them, deploying the strategy known among tabloid hands as “catch and kill.” One of those stories came from a Trump building doorman who had heard a false rumor that Mr. Trump had fathered a child out of wedlock; the other was from a former Playboy model who said she had had an affair with Mr. Trump.

When Mr. Trump was slow to kick in for the cost of those cover-ups, Mr. Pecker declined to “catch and kill” a third Trump story — Stormy Daniels’s account of her sexual encounter with him in 2006. (Mr. Trump denies the encounter.)

“‘I am not a bank,’” Mr. Pecker recalled saying to Michael Cohen, Mr. Trump’s former fixer.

The testimony made Mr. Levine cringe, partly because it coincided with the financial downturn of the publication he loved — a change in fortune that is less debatable than the supposed loss of its moral compass.

The publication became a nationwide hit under a previous owner, Generoso Pope Jr. , who took the New York Enquirer, a New York City tabloid, and transformed it into The National Enquirer, a sensationalist supermarket staple. And in addition to running tales of extraterrestrials’ abducting human beings, it published a front-page photo of Elvis Presley lying in his coffin .

Mr. Levine noted that when he joined The Enquirer in 1999, its average weekly sales were slightly north of two million. Last year, the number was around 56,000. The Enquirer’s parent company has been trying to unload the tabloid since 2019; two deals have fallen through.

“There’s still a small population of people who are willing to plunk down the money to buy The Enquirer at the supermarket,” Mr. Levine said. “But the history I was part of is destroyed.”

The tabloid’s involvement in the political sphere came fully to light in 2018, when its owner, American Media Inc., admitted to federal prosecutors , as part of a non-prosecution agreement, that it had aided the Trump campaign by publishing articles favorable to the candidate and burying stories that might make him look bad.

But for Mr. Levine, the testimony of Mr. Pecker was the thing that guaranteed the tabloid could never regain the reputation it had built in its finest hours. “I don’t know how you can ever get that back,” Mr. Levine said, “particularly now, in light of the statements David Pecker made on the stand.”

On a nearby side table was a framed photograph of Mr. Levine with Elaine Kaufman , who died in 2010. Ms. Kaufman’s restaurant, Elaine’s , lay just a few blocks from Mr. Levine’s apartment on the Upper East Side, and he was a regular there, along with media luminaries such as David Halberstam, Pete Hamill, Gay Talese and Tom Wolfe.

In Mr. Levine’s bedroom, the walls were lined with framed articles about him and The Enquirer — many of them glowing — from mainstream news outlets including New York, Talk and The New York Times.

“Two in one year,” he said.

Several times during our 90-minute conversation, he mentioned that The Enquirer’s articles on Mr. Edwards had earned a Pulitzer Prize nomination. And just in case I had missed it, there was a framed drawing on yellow construction paper by his daughter that said in big black letters: “Pulitzer Prize Finalist.”

Never mind that Mr. Levine was stretching the truth, which was that the Pulitzer board had determined in 2010 that The Enquirer was merely eligible to submit its articles for consideration. The publication received no nominations in the end.

Ah, well. Who can blame a tabloid journalist for a little embellishment?

Mr. Levine, who grew up in Levittown, Penn., became besotted with journalism as a child when he would gaze at the famous faces — Elvis Presley, Elizabeth Taylor, John Lennon — on the covers of the magazines scattered across his parents’ coffee table.

At Temple University, he edited the student paper, The Temple News, and mimicked guys like the street-tough columnist Jimmy Breslin by puffing on cigars and sneaking into bars while still under the legal drinking age. He figured that if he was brave enough to enter, bartenders would serve him.

And did they?

“Of course.”

In 1976, during his freshman year, the first “King Kong” remake came out to much hype, and Mr. Levine hatched an idea for his first episode in stunt journalism: “Me and my buddies called the local papers to say l was going to climb city hall in a gorilla suit.”

After an evening spent in a tavern, Mr. Levine stepped into the costume, only to find he was in no shape to scale a building. Nevertheless, he got his picture in The Philadelphia Daily News the next day.

As a college senior, he worked nights as an office assistant at The Associated Press. From there he put in stints as a reporter at The Syracuse Post-Standard and The Baltimore News-American. It was a time of clanking typewriters, cigar chomping and whiskey, he recalled.

After the News-American folded, Mr. Levine ended up at The Star, a supermarket tabloid whose owner at the time, Rupert Murdoch had positioned it as grittier than People magazine and less antagonistic than The Enquirer.

Mr. Levine recalled accompanying the boxer Mike Tyson to Moscow shortly after his marriage to the actress Robin Givens. At the time she was shooting the ABC sitcom “Head of the Class,” and a plotline involved the students heading to Russia for a debate.

“Their marriage was on the rocks, and Mike was having all kinds of issues,” Mr. Levine said.

Ten days into the trip, the inquisitive reporter found himself at odds with the heavyweight champ.

“Mike dragged me to a stairwell and had me by the arms, and he said, ‘I could throw you over and because you’re American the Russians won’t care,’” Mr. Levine said. “All I could think was, ‘If he doesn’t throw me over, I have a great story.’ The lede was ‘To Russia without love,’ and then I wrote a sidebar, ‘My One-Round Fight With Mike Tyson.’”

In 1991, Mr. Levine headed a team of 15 reporters and photographers who sneaked onto Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch to cover Ms. Taylor’s wedding to the construction worker Larry Fortensky.

The centerpiece of Mr. Levine’s battle plan was the launching of a hot-air balloon, with a reporter and a photographer in the basket. It would float closer to the action than any plane or helicopter and thus would come up with the world’s best aerial shot of Mr. Jackson walking Ms. Taylor down the aisle.

“I hired this fly-by-night team who set up the balloon in this wooded area,” Mr. Levine said. “The winds were terrible, and the reporter Kate Caldwell and the photographer, whose name I forget, got in the basket. It got caught on some trees, which punctured a hole in the balloon and sent it down to earth in slow motion.”

The entrepreneurial zeal shown by Mr. Levine helped land him a job in 1992 as the managing editor of “A Current Affair,” a pioneering tabloid TV show that featured exhaustive coverage of O.J. Simpson’s murder trial and the Long Island shooting of Mary Jo Buttafuoco by Amy Fisher, the mistress of her husband, Joey Buttafuoco .

In 1999, when Mr. Levine landed at The Enquirer as its New York bureau chief, he stated that he would not rest until every limo driver and personal assistant in the city were funneling celebrity dirt to him and his reporters.

Politicians became a regular part of his beat. In 2001, he worked on the story of Jesse Jackson fathering a love child with Karin Stanford, an employee at his nonprofit, the Rainbow Coalition. What’s more, Mr. Levine and his team uncovered evidence that Mr. Jackson had used the organization’s funds to provide her with child support.

If the story seemed sleazy, the financial component gave Mr. Levine the sense he was doing valuable work. So did the fact that The Enquirer was pursuing scoops about Republicans and Democrats alike.

In 2008, Senator John McCain secured the Republication nomination for president and announced that Sarah Palin, then the governor of Alaska, would be his running mate. Days after the announcement, The Enquirer was about to report that the vice-presidential candidate’s teenage daughter was five months pregnant — but Ms. Palin headed off the tabloid’s scoop by announcing the news herself.

At the same time, an Enquirer team was still working the John Edwards “love child” story. When Mr. Edwards visited the baby at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, the tabloid’s reporters and photographers confronted him in the lobby . And when he bounded into the men’s room and bolted the door, they hollered questions from the hall.

In the years after that high point, the supermarket tabloid business deteriorated as the news cycle sped up. Instead of going to war with a new rival, TMZ, or giving Mr. Levine the money to open a Washington bureau (which he was hoping for), Mr. Pecker followed a course of slowing revenue declines by increasing the issue price.

In 2016, Mr. Levine made his exit. “I wanted to write books,” he said. With Monique El-Faizy, he wrote “All the President’s Women,” a 2019 book centered on Mr. Trump’s alleged affairs. One topic not touched on in its pages was Mr. Trump’s dealings with Mr. Pecker and The Enquirer.

Mr. Levine said he wanted to focus on a straightforward account of Mr. Trump’s interactions and relationships with women. Moreover, he said, Ronan Farrow had already revealed details about the arrangement between Mr. Pecker and Mr. Trump in The New Yorker.

But he acknowledged another reason for the omission — the little matter of his own catch-and-kill with his former employer.

“I did sign an N.D.A.,” he said.

Jacob Bernstein is a reporter for the Styles desk. In addition to writing profiles of fashion designers, artists and celebrities, he has focused much of his attention on L.G.B.T. issues, philanthropy and the world of furniture design. More about Jacob Bernstein

Our Coverage of the Trump Hush-Money Trial

Guilty Verdict : Donald Trump was convicted on all 34 counts  of falsifying records to cover up a sex scandal that threatened his bid for the White House in 2016, making him the first American president to be declared a felon .

What Happens Next: Trump’s sentencing hearing on July 11 will trigger a long and winding appeals process , though he has few ways to overturn the decision .

Reactions: Trump’s conviction reverberated quickly across the country  and around the world . Here’s what voters , New Yorkers , Republicans , Trump supporters  and President Biden  had to say.

The Presidential Race : The political fallout of Trump’s conviction is far from certain , but the verdict will test America’s traditions, legal institutions and ability to hold an election under historic partisan tension .

Making the Case: Over six weeks and the testimony of 20 witnesses, the Manhattan district attorney’s office wove a sprawling story  of election interference and falsified business records.

Legal Luck Runs Out: The four criminal cases that threatened Trump’s freedom had been stumbling along, pleasing his advisers. Then his good fortune expired .

Find A Travel Buddy in Russia, Share Costs & Travel Together

How GAFFL Works

Find travel partners, get connected, trip together.

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What GAFFL Users Are Saying

"It’s really nice to have a platform like GAFFL with lots of travelers wanting to do the same as you, a real beautiful cultural exchange. You can meet people so easily and in a trustful way. We were four girls, from French, German and American backgrounds, without knowing each other from before. We spent an amazing week together, 2000km driving, camping on the way. We saw kangaroos, koalas, penguins and pelicans"

“I have found GAFFL to be an amazing tool for finding similar minded travel partners to embark on an adventure. Through GAFFL, I had organized a trip to Mexico City last month and Quazi joined the trip from Victoria, BC. We spent 14 days of straight exploring, hiking, eating and drinking. Quite an amazing experience - all thanks to GAFFL!”

"I accidentally scrolled across GAFFL and I'm so pleased I did. I met Amaia and immediately decided to road-trip together. We're spending 10 days together and it's great because we have so much in common. Couldn't have done it without GAFFL helping us find one another! It has honestly made NZ so much cheaper to explore as I get to split the costs with someone too​"

Were you looking forward to a trip with your friends, only to find out that they had backed out last minute? Wondering how to find a travel companion online? Even if your family and friends' schedules don't match yours, your vacation doesn't have to be ruined because of it. GAFFL can help you to find the perfect travel companion for your next adventure.

The best way to find a travel buddy on GAFFL is to search for your desired destination and browse through thousands of user-generated trips created by solo travelers around the world.

A good travel companion is someone who has a similar itinerary to you. It's also someone you think you'll get along with.

Every user on GAFFL has a profile where they list their interests. If you and your potential trip mate share some common interests, it’ll make your trip go a lot smoother.

It's also important to have a similar budget in mind. If your travel companion wants to do more activities and eat at expensive restaurants but you can’t afford it, it can lead to an unpleasant trip for the both of you.

When browsing trips on GAFFL, make sure to read through the trip details to learn more about the trip and determine if the activities are something you want to do and can afford.

If you like a trip on GAFFL, simply click 'Connect,' and you'll be able to chat with your travel buddy right away. If you have your own travel plans, you can start your own trip and others can request to connect with you!

Finding the right travel companion online can be difficult for solo travelers. GAFFL, on the other hand, makes it very simple. Use our world-class real-time messaging system to get to know your potential travel partner. Chat with them to see if they'd be a good travel companion for you, and then plan together, meet up with your travel buddy, and start exploring together.

GAFFL is the best website/app for solo travelers looking for travel companions online because we prioritize our travelers' trust and safety. Our multi-step verification process includes social media, phone number, and a valid government ID, so you can be confident in your potential travel companion. With adventurers from over 190 countries, you can connect, chat, and find the perfect travel buddy to meet up with on GAFFL.

We truly believe that the best memories and experiences are the ones that are shared with others. It doesn’t matter if you’ve known someone for an hour or your whole life, when you do something badass together it’s sure to be a time you won’t forget.

Making connections and becoming friends with people all over the world is such a powerful tool to have when traveling. One day maybe you’ll visit your new friend in their homeland. Some of the best trips happen when you have a friend playing tour guide in their country.

GAFFL is a really cool opportunity to enrich your travels with like-minded people who will push you to get out of your comfort zone. No matter what type of personality you have, making new friends on the road is easier than ever.

One of the things that hold people back is that they don’t have a partner or a best friend to travel with and they feel scared and uncertain to travel alone, especially long-term. GAFFL helps with that!

Another thing that holds people back is the perceived cost of travel. While travel doesn’t have to be expensive, it’s always more affordable when you can share the cost of accommodation and groceries with someone else. Again, GAFFL provides a solution for that!

I think GAFFL plays a role by allowing solo travelers to find travel buddies when needed. Though solo travel is a great way to travel, there are some experiences that are better enjoyed with more people (some don’t even allow for solo).

Friends and families are not always available to travel with, and sometimes the interests do not align for travel. Or sometimes you just want to socialize while still being solo most of the time. I think GAFFL helps solve these problems.

I think this is a fabulous idea because the things that can get expensive while solo traveling can usually also be easily split between people. If you aren’t a hostel fan, it would be awesome to have people to split hotels and Airbnb with.

If car rental is the cheapest way to get around a destination, it would be ideal to have others to split the costs with. But most importantly it always makes the experience that much more memorable when you have new friends to share it with.

Solo travel is great. But there are some times that I do not recommend someone travel solo and where I personally try my hardest not to travel solo. Some examples of this relate to safety, like hiking a trail that doesn’t have many people walking it each day, or being in certain destinations where I’ve heard from others that it’s difficult as a solo female.

Other examples relate to expenses, like taking a road trip and renting a car. Situations like these are where I think something like GAFFL is a great idea. With GAFFL, you can find a group to go on that hike with or split that car rental with!