Solo Travel Tips: Connect Before You Land
By Senne Bels
Solo travel is freedom.
You eat what you want, wake up when you want, change plans on a whim. Choose your own adventure at your own pace.
But let's be real: it can get lonely.
The Problem with Traditional Solo Travel Advice
The old advice was "stay in hostels" or "join a walking tour."
Great advice. But it relies on luck.
Who happens to be in that specific dorm room on that specific night? What if the walking tour is full of couples? What if you arrive on a Tuesday and everyone else checked in Monday, already formed their group?
You might meet amazing people. You might not.
The Solution: Intentional Pre-Trip Connections
Smart travelers in 2026 are building their social safety net before they even pack their bags.
Here's how it works:
1. Share Your Plans (Securely)
Safety first. You don't want to broadcast your exact hotel room to the open web.
But sharing your city and dates within a trusted community? That allows serendipity to happen.
How: Use platforms like Episto's Travel Connect feature to share your destination and travel window with verified community members.
2. Find Your "Travel Twins"
Look for people who will be in the same city at the same time.
Going to Lisbon in March? See who else from the community will be there. Visiting Tokyo for cherry blossom season? Find others planning the same trip.
This isn't about forced group travel. It's about knowing your options.
3. Connect 2-3 Weeks Before Departure
Here's the game-changer: Start the conversation early.
Don't wait until you land. Message people 2-3 weeks before your trip.
Exchange travel tips. Ask about their itinerary. Maybe grab coffee on day 2. Maybe plan a hike together. Maybe just know there's a friendly face if you want one.
Why this works: By the time you arrive, you're not starting from zero. You're meeting a friend you've already chatted with—someone who shares your interests, maybe your music taste, definitely your travel dates.
4. Keep the Solo Freedom
Important: This doesn't mean traveling as a group.
You can still eat alone, explore at your own pace, take that spontaneous 3-hour nap.
But when you want company for dinner or a museum visit? You have options. No awkward hostel kitchen introductions required.
Real Examples of Pre-Trip Connections
Sarah, 28, heading to Kyoto: "I connected with 3 people through Episto who were also going to Kyoto in April. We didn't travel together, but we met up twice—once for ramen, once for a temple visit. Having those two meetups anchored my whole trip. I wasn't lonely, but I still had my solo time."
Marcus, 34, digital nomad in Bali: "Before I arrived in Canggu, I joined the 'Bali Digital Nomads' circle on Episto. By the time I landed, I had 5 coworking buddies lined up and knew about a weekly beach volleyball game. Game changer."
Why This Matters
Traversing a new city is magical. But sharing that magic with someone else anchors the memory.
The photo of that sunset is better when you can look at someone and say, "Are you seeing this?"
By using tech to align your paths, you keep the freedom of solo travel but eliminate the risk of isolation.
How to Get Started
Step 1: Add your upcoming trips to your Episto profile (Travel Connect tab)
Step 2: Browse other travelers heading to the same destination
Step 3: Message 2-3 people whose profiles resonate with you
Step 4: Plan one low-pressure meetup (coffee, museum, hike)
Step 5: Arrive knowing you have options, not obligations
Solo travel doesn't mean solo social. Start connecting before you fly →
