One of the biggest concerns for solo travelers, especially first-timers, is figuring out how to meet people while traveling. There are plenty of ways to make friends on the road, but Hostelworld just launched a new feature that’s about to change the game.
Most travelers know Hostelworld as the world’s largest hostel-booking platform. However, its newly introduced Social Pass lets you join a global community of travelers, even if you’re not staying in a hostel. After a decade of solo traveling, I genuinely believe this new feature has the potential to change the travel space as we know it.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will earn a small commission if you purchase through my link at no extra cost to you. Please see full disclosure for more information.
Why Meeting People While Traveling Can Feel Difficult
Various reasons make meeting people while traveling feel difficult. For starters, there’s the fear of approaching strangers, which can feel incredibly uncomfortable for introverted or anxious travelers.
Arriving in a new city without knowing anyone can be overwhelming, especially if you’re traveling during off-season or staying in a hotel or Airbnb, where you might not be surrounded by other solo travelers. Personally, I love staying in a hostel, but I get that it’s not for everyone, and as we grow older, hostels can become too hectic. But how can you get social interaction without sacrificing comfort? That’s where Hostelworld’s Social Pass comes into play.
How to Meet People While Traveling Using the Social Pass?
What Is Hostelworld’s Social Pass?
The Hostelworld Social Pass is an all-access pass to a 3-million-strong community of travelers. You don’t need to book a hostel stay through Hostelworld to get access to this community. All you have to do is purchase the Social Pass through the Hostelworld App and start connecting. You can buy a pass for 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, or 1 year; it’s a one-time purchase with no subscription required.
How to Meet People While Traveling Through Social Pass?
The Social Pass grants you access to:
- City chats: you can connect with travelers in your destination before you even arrive.
- Local events: pub crawls, hikes, beach parties, you name it.
- Other travelers’ plans: you’ll be able to exchange itineraries with other travelers to find people heading to the same destination.
- Traveler profiles: to browse and meet like-minded travelers.
How Hostelworld’s Social Pass Works
If you’re still wondering how to meet people while traveling using Social Pass, here’s how it works step-by-step:
- Download the Hostelworld app if you don’t already have it.
- Open settings in your profile and tap on ‘Social Pass’.
- Pick a duration depending on how long you’re traveling.
- Purchase a Social Pass.
- Browse local events, chat with other travelers, and join activities.
How to Meet People While Traveling Alone for Under €1: Cost Breakdown
As I mentioned earlier, there are multiple Social Passes for different trip durations, and it’s a one-time purchase; no subscription and no auto-renewals.
Whether you’re purchasing a Social Pass for 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, or 1 year, you’ll find that the cost per day remains under €1, even as the price increases.
Starting at just €0.16/day, here’s the cost breakdown of all Social Passes.
| Duration | Price | Cost per day |
| 1 Week | €4.99 | €0.71/day |
| 1 Month | €9.99 | €0.33/day |
| 3 Months | €19.99 | €0.22/day |
| 1 Year | €59.99 | €0.16/day |
Who Is Hostelworld’s Social Pass Best For?
Since this guide discusses how to meet people while traveling alone, you might think that the Hostelworld Social Pass is for solo travelers only. Well, that’s definitely not the case.
Yes, the Social Pass is ideal for:
- Solo travelers exploring new destinations and want to connect with other travelers on the road.
But it’s also made for:
- Digital nomads hopping from place to place, craving social connection.
- Travelers staying in hotels and Airbnbs who want the Hostelworld social experience without compromising comfort.
- Long-term backpackers who want to meet other adventurers in different destinations.
- Students studying abroad looking for events and people nearby.
- Introverted travelers seeking social experiences without the pressure of approaching strangers.
Hostelworld Social Pass FAQs
What’s the best way to meet people when traveling?
As I said before, there are plenty of ways to do so. Hostelworld’s Social Pass is just a new solution. Read my guide on how to meet people while traveling alone for other solutions, and you can figure out the best option depending on your travel style and preferences.
Will I be charged again when my Social Pass ends?
No, as previously mentioned, there’s no auto-renewal. If you’d like to continue using the social features after your Social Pass expires, just purchase another one.
What happens to my Social Pass if I change my location?
Hostelworld’s Social Pass is designed for travelers on the go. If you’re traveling to multiple destinations, you can change your location after arriving in a new city and still access local chats and events in the new destination. However, it’s worth noting that once you do so, you’ll lose access to the previous locations’ chats and events.
Do I need a Social Pass even if I have a Hostelworld booking?
Hostelworld bookings and the Social Pass are separate from one another. Booking a stay through Hostelworld grants you access to its global community and social features. Buying a Social Pass unlocks the same features and grants you access to the same community without having to book a stay. In the past, only travelers with a Hostelworld booking could have access to the social features. Now, the Social Pass unlocks the same features to everyone else. Choose whichever option that suits your travel preferences.
Final Thoughts
Traveling solo does not mean being alone or feeling lonely. Making friends as a solo traveler is not as challenging as it may seem, which I break down in this guide on how to meet people while traveling alone. Hostelworld’s Social Pass is just a new solution that bridges the gap between independent accommodation and hostel communities.
Download the Hostelworld App and explore Social Passes here.
Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance!
Travel (solo or not) isn’t always rainbows and butterflies – things might go down south sometimes. You might fall ill or lose your luggage, and that’s when you’ll thank me for having your back covered with travel insurance.
SafetyWing offers different travel insurance packages, tailored to your needs, but their Nomad Insurance is my favorite option.
This travel medical insurance is perfect for frequent travelers. It covers lost checked luggage, travel delay, doctors, hospitals, and more. It even covers the COVID-19 emergency quarantine period if deemed necessary by a physician.
Explore SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance Essential and Complete plans now.
OR REGISTER FOR FREE!
Booking a trip soon? Here are some useful travel resources:
- Book your flight with Skyscanner, Kiwi, CheapOair, or WayAway.
- Book your hostel with Hostelworld.
- Book your hotel with Booking.com.
- Get your travel insurance with SafetyWing.
- Hire a car with Skyscanner, Discover Cars, Rentalcars, or AutoEurope.
- Book your tours with Get Your Guide, Viator, Tiqets, or Klook.
- Download an eSIM from Airalo or Jetpac.
- Check out my trip planning tools for more travel resources.
Sharing is caring!
You might also like:
Meanwhile, if you like my content and would like to see more of it, subscribe to my newsletter here.
Nadine is an Egyptian curly-head who decided to quit the norm because it just doesn’t suit her. She ditched her 9-5 as a magazine editor to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time digital nomad and to inspire aspiring travelers to embark on their own solo adventures.
