Best apps to meet other female travelers in Europe (2026)
Picture this: You’re sipping espresso at a charming café in Rome, watching couples stroll by, and suddenly you wonder—where are all the solo female travelers? You know they’re out there, exploring the same cobblestone streets, but how do you actually find them? If you’ve been searching for the best apps to meet female travelers in Europe for 2026, you’re not alone. Thousands of women are discovering that the right app can transform a lonely journey into an adventure filled with genuine connections.
This isn’t just another listicle. Sure, we’ll cover the top seven apps, but we’re going deeper. You’ll learn the exact social scripts to break the ice, a bulletproof safety vetting framework to distinguish real travelers from scammers, and insider tips that most travel blogs never mention. Let’s turn your solo trip into a social adventure.
The Social Shift: Why Apps are Essential for the 2026 Traveler
Solo female travel has exploded in popularity, but there’s a problem most guides don’t address. Meeting people organically in hostels used to be the gold standard, but in 2026, things have changed. Many travelers now book private Airbnbs or boutique hotels instead of hostels. The spontaneous common room hangouts are disappearing.
That’s where apps come in. They’ve evolved from simple matching platforms to sophisticated communities with safety features, verification systems, and AI-powered recommendations. According to official European travel data, over sixty percent of solo female travelers now use at least one social app during their European adventures. The question isn’t whether to use apps—it’s which ones to trust.
Why 2026 is Different: Travel apps have integrated passport verification, real-time safety alerts, and community-driven vetting systems. The platforms we’ll discuss have learned from past mistakes and now prioritize women’s safety above all else. Plus, with the rise of digital nomadism, finding travel companions who share your work-life balance has never been easier.
Before diving into specific apps, let’s acknowledge what makes a great travel companion app in 2026. It needs robust safety features, an active user base in European cities, intuitive messaging, and most importantly—real women who actually want to meet up, not just collect matches. The apps we’ve selected excel in all these areas, but each serves a slightly different need.
The “Big Three”: Reliable Giants for Finding Friends
These three apps dominate the solo female travel space. They have millions of users, proven track records, and safety features that have been tested extensively. If you’re new to using apps to meet travelers, start here.
Bumble BFF: The Standard for City-Based Meetups
Bumble BFF
Best For: Finding long-term residents, expats, and other solo travelers in major European cities like Paris, Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Berlin.
The Vibe: Bumble BFF feels polished and intentional. It’s the same interface as the dating app, but everyone’s here for platonic friendships. Users tend to be slightly older (late twenties to early forties) and are looking for quality connections rather than quick meetups.
Safety Features: Mandatory photo verification is the standout feature. You can’t message anyone without verifying your identity through a selfie that matches your profile photos. This dramatically reduces fake profiles and bots. The app also includes a “report” function that Bumble takes seriously—accounts get banned quickly if they violate community guidelines.
The Catch: Because it mirrors dating app mechanics, some conversations can feel like you’re “auditioning” for friendship. It’s not uncommon for matches to ghost after a few messages. However, when you do find someone compatible, the friendship quality tends to be high. According to reviews on TripAdvisor forums, many women have found long-term travel buddies through this app.
2026 Update: Bumble recently added “Travel Mode” which lets you match with people in cities you’re visiting before you arrive. Perfect for pre-planning meetups.
Hostelworld Chat: The “Right Now” Tool for Backpackers
Hostelworld Chat
Best For: Spontaneous meetups with people staying in the same hostel or neighborhood right now.
The Vibe: Think of this as the most casual, high-energy option. It’s perfect for backpackers in their twenties who want to grab drinks tonight or explore a museum tomorrow morning. The conversations are quick, friendly, and low-pressure.
Safety Features: Only verified guests—people who’ve actually booked through Hostelworld—can access the chat. This eliminates most scammers since they’d need to pay for a hostel booking. The app shows which hostel someone is staying at, making it easy to verify they’re legitimate.
The Catch: If you’re not staying in hostels, you’re out of luck. This app is specifically for the hostel crowd. Also, conversations are often short-lived since people are constantly moving to new cities. It’s less about building lasting friendships and more about finding company for a few days.
Real User Experience: Reviews on Booking.com mention that Hostelworld Chat works best in popular backpacker hubs like Prague, Budapest, and Lisbon. In smaller cities, the user base can be thin.
Tourlina: The Female-Only Trip Matchmaker
Tourlina
Best For: Planning future trips with a travel buddy. This isn’t for “meet me tonight” situations—it’s for finding someone to explore Croatia with next month or road trip through Scotland this summer.
The Vibe: Empowering and intentional. Tourlina is exclusively for women, which creates a sense of safety and camaraderie. Users are typically in their thirties and forties, looking for well-planned adventures rather than spontaneous backpacking.
Safety Features: Manual profile screening means a real person reviews every profile before it goes live. This takes time but significantly reduces fake accounts. Women can also choose to share their trip itineraries publicly, so you can see who’s going where and when.
The Catch: The vetting process can take up to forty-eight hours, so you can’t create a profile and start matching immediately. Also, because it’s focused on planned trips, it’s not ideal if you’re already in a city and want to meet someone today.
Pro Tip for “The Big Three”: Use Bumble BFF for making friends in your current city, Hostelworld Chat for same-day meetups if you’re in a hostel, and Tourlina for planning your next adventure with a dedicated travel partner. Together, they cover every social scenario you’ll encounter.
The New Guard: Niche & AI-Enhanced Communities
These apps are newer but have gained serious traction among solo female travelers. They offer unique features that the bigger platforms don’t—from hyper-focused communities to AI-powered safety tools.
NomadHer: The Global Empowering Network
NomadHer
Best For: Women who want a comprehensive travel community, not just a matching app. NomadHer combines social networking with travel advice, safety alerts, and job opportunities.
The Vibe: Supportive and globally minded. Users share destination tips, warn about unsafe areas, and celebrate each other’s adventures. It feels like a sisterhood rather than a transactional matching app.
Safety Features: Identity and passport verification are required, which is the highest level of vetting available. The app also has a panic button feature that alerts your emergency contacts and nearby NomadHer users if you’re in danger. Community moderators actively monitor conversations and remove suspicious accounts.
The Catch: The free version has limited messaging capabilities. You can browse profiles and read travel guides, but to message more than three people per month, you need the premium subscription (around twelve euros monthly). However, many users say it’s worth it for the safety features alone.
Hidden Gem: NomadHer has a “Work Exchange” section where women share remote job opportunities and hostel work positions. If you’re looking to extend your travels, this could be invaluable. Several travelers have found part-time gigs through connections made on the platform.
SoloTrvlr: Curated Group Meetups for Women
SoloTrvlr
Best For: Women who prefer group dynamics over one-on-one meetups. SoloTrvlr organizes small group activities—think yoga classes, walking tours, or wine tastings—specifically for solo female travelers.
The Vibe: Structured and social. Instead of awkward coffee dates, you’re joining a pre-planned activity with three to five other women. It reduces pressure and creates natural conversation flow.
Safety Features: All group events are held in public spaces and have a designated “host” who’s a verified long-term user. The app requires all participants to check in at the event location through GPS, so there’s accountability.
The Catch: Availability is limited to major tourist cities. If you’re in smaller towns or rural areas, you might not find any events. Also, some activities have a small fee (five to fifteen euros) to cover costs.
Why It Works: The group format solves the “social fatigue” problem. Instead of meeting five different women individually over a week, you meet them all at once. It’s more efficient and less exhausting.
Facebook Groups: The High-Vetting “Secret” Societies
Facebook Groups
Best For: Connecting with women who’ve been vetted by an active community. Groups like “Girls Love Travel,” “Solo Female Travelers,” and “Women Who Travel” have tens of thousands of members.
The Vibe: Informal but passionate. These groups operate like old-fashioned forums where people post questions, share experiences, and organize meetups. There’s a strong sense of collective wisdom.
Safety Features: While Facebook itself doesn’t offer travel-specific safety tools, these groups are heavily moderated. Admins screen new members, and the community quickly calls out suspicious behavior. Your profile is linked to your real Facebook account, which adds a layer of accountability.
The Catch: It’s not a dedicated app, so you’ll need to actively check the group and respond to posts. Meetups aren’t as organized as on purpose-built platforms. Also, some groups have become so large that posts get buried quickly.
How to Use Them: When you arrive in a new city, post something like “Any solo travelers in Amsterdam December 20-25? Would love to grab coffee or explore together!” Include your age and travel style. You’ll usually get several responses within hours. For more inspiration on solo travel in Europe, check out why the Balkans are perfect for unique solo female travel experiences.
The Art of the Digital First Impression
You’ve downloaded the apps. Now comes the hard part—actually connecting with people. Most travelers make the same mistakes: generic profiles, lazy messages, and unclear intentions. Let’s fix that.
Building a “Trust-First” Profile
In 2026, nobody responds to profiles that say “Love pizza and travel!” Everyone loves pizza. Everyone’s on these apps because they travel. You need specificity.
The “Contextual” Profile Formula:
Travel Style: “Early riser, coffee shop hopper, museum enthusiast who also loves spontaneous street food tours.”
Hard No’s: “No late-night clubs (I’m in bed by 11 PM), no extreme sports (I’ve accepted I’m not a thrill-seeker).”
Current Vibe: “In Lisbon for two weeks, working remotely mornings, exploring afternoons. Looking for someone to co-work with or hit up local markets.”
This profile immediately tells readers whether they’re compatible with you. It filters out people who want to party until 4 AM or go bungee jumping. More importantly, it gives potential friends concrete conversation starters.
Photos matter too. Include at least one solo travel photo that shows you doing an activity—hiking, eating gelato, visiting a museum. This proves you’re actually traveling and gives people something to comment on. Avoid group photos where it’s unclear which person you are, and skip overly filtered selfies that might trigger catfish suspicions.
The 3-Line Opener: Scripts That Actually Get a Reply
Generic openers like “Hey! How’s your trip going?” get ignored. They require too much mental effort to respond to and don’t create any conversational momentum. Instead, use these proven scripts.
The Coffee Meetup Script:
“Hey! I saw you’re in Lisbon too—I was planning on hitting the LX Factory tomorrow for some work/reading. Would you be up for a midday coffee there? I’m always looking for good co-working company!”
Why it works: It mentions a specific location, suggests a concrete time, and explains the activity. There’s no pressure—just a casual invitation.
The Hiking Buddy Script:
“Hi! I noticed you mentioned loving nature—I’m planning to do the Cinque Terre trail on Thursday and would love company. I usually start early (around 7 AM) to beat the heat. Would that work for you?”
Why it works: It references their interests, proposes a specific activity, and sets clear expectations about timing and pace.
The Museum Partner Script:
“Hey! Saw you’re into art—I’ve been wanting to check out the Prado but museums are always better with someone to discuss pieces with. Are you free Saturday afternoon? Happy to grab lunch after!”
Why it works: It explains why you want company (not just any company—someone who appreciates art), includes a specific day, and offers a low-pressure follow-up activity.
Safety Protocol: The “Safe Distance” Before the Close
The “Close” refers to meeting in person. This is where things can go wrong if you’re not careful. Follow this three-level protocol before every first meetup. It sounds excessive, but it only takes about fifteen minutes and could save you from a dangerous situation.
Vetting 101: Moving from App to Real Life
Level 1: The Social Media Sync
Before agreeing to meet, ask to follow each other on Instagram or connect on LinkedIn. This serves two purposes. First, it confirms they’re a real person with an established digital footprint. Second, you can see if their profile matches what they’ve told you.
Red Flags: Profile created in the last month, fewer than fifty followers, no tagged photos from friends, overly professional photos that look stock, or a feed that doesn’t align with their claimed lifestyle. For example, if they say they’re a broke backpacker but their Instagram shows luxury hotels, something’s off.
What to Do: If their profile seems suspicious, politely decline the meetup. You can say “I’m rethinking my schedule—thanks anyway!” You don’t owe anyone an explanation.
Level 2: The Voice Note
This is the most underused safety tool. After syncing on social media, send a fifteen-second voice note. Say something casual like “Hey! Just wanted to confirm for tomorrow—I’m so excited to check out that market with you!” Then ask them to send one back.
Why This Matters: Voice notes confirm gender and age. Scammers often use stolen photos of young women but are actually middle-aged men. They’ll avoid voice notes or make excuses. It also builds a more personal connection—you’re not just text on a screen anymore.
Red Flags: They refuse to send a voice note, their voice doesn’t match the age they claim, or they sound overly scripted (possible scammer reading from a template).
Level 3: The Public Meet (The Close)
Never, ever let a stranger pick you up from your hotel or Airbnb. Meet at a high-traffic location—a busy café, popular museum entrance, or major metro station. Arrive early so you can scope out the area and position yourself in a visible spot.
Share Your Location: Use WhatsApp or Find My Friends to share your live location with a trusted friend or family member. Tell them you’re meeting someone new and will check in after two hours.
The First Meeting Rules: Keep it short (one to two hours max), stay in public, don’t accept drinks you haven’t watched being made, and trust your gut. If something feels off, excuse yourself to the bathroom and leave through another exit if necessary.
The Public Square Rule
This is simple: For the first three meetups with someone new, stay in what we call “public squares”—places with natural exits, witnesses, and cell service. Think crowded museums, busy restaurants, popular parks during daytime, or well-lit shopping districts.
Avoid: Quiet parks at dusk, isolated hiking trails, someone’s apartment “to save money on food,” or any location requiring a car ride with them. These can come later once you’ve established genuine trust. When exploring safer destinations, you can be slightly more relaxed, but still follow these core principles. For example, Valencia is known for being safer than Barcelona, but public meetups are still the golden rule.
Main Challenges: Ghosting, Scams, and Social Burnout
Let’s talk about the frustrating realities that most travel blogs ignore. Using apps to meet people isn’t always smooth sailing. Here are the three biggest challenges you’ll face in 2026—and how to handle them.
Challenge 1: The Ghosting Epidemic
You have a great conversation, make plans to meet, and then…silence. They vanish without explanation. Ghosting is rampant on travel apps because people are transient. They might have left the city, lost interest, or simply forgotten.
Solution: Don’t take it personally, and always have a backup plan. If someone ghosts on a meetup, you should already have a solo activity in mind. Also, confirm plans the morning of: “Hey! Still good for 2 PM at the museum?” This gives them an easy out before you waste your time.
Challenge 2: AI-Bot Profiles
Scammers now use AI-generated photos that look incredibly realistic. In 2026, these bots are sophisticated—they can hold conversations, have detailed profiles, and even send voice notes (using AI voice cloning).
How to Spot Them: Look for “too perfect” photos with studio lighting and flawless skin. Check hands in photos—AI often struggles with fingers, creating extra digits or weird proportions. Ask for a quick video call before meeting. Real people won’t mind; scammers will make excuses.
Another Red Flag: They quickly move the conversation off the app to WhatsApp or Telegram, then start asking personal questions about your travel plans, accommodation address, or financial situation. Block immediately.
Challenge 3: Social Fatigue
Meeting new people every few days sounds exciting, but it’s emotionally exhausting. Every new friend requires the same introductory conversations: Where are you from? How long are you traveling? What do you do? By week three, you might find yourself craving solitude.
Solution: Batch Meeting
Instead of one-on-one coffee dates, organize a small group meetup. Post in your app: “Anyone want to explore the Christmas markets Saturday? Creating a group of 3-4 people.” This way, you meet multiple potential friends at once, reducing the individual pressure and making conversations more dynamic. If one person is boring, you have others to talk to. If someone clicks with you, suggest a smaller hangout later.
How to Find “Travel Jobs” while Meeting People
Here’s something most guides don’t mention: the women you meet through these apps can become your gateway to extending your travels through work opportunities. Many travelers fund their journeys through hostel jobs, remote work, or short-term gigs—and they’re often willing to share these opportunities with friends they meet along the way.
Strategies That Work:
1. Be Upfront About Your Interests: Mention in your profile or early conversations that you’re looking for work opportunities. You’d be surprised how many people have leads.
2. Use NomadHer’s Work Exchange Section: As mentioned earlier, this app has a dedicated space where women post hostel positions, tour guide gigs, and remote work tips. Connect with women who’ve done these jobs and ask for advice.
3. Join Location-Specific Facebook Groups: Groups like “Digital Nomads in Lisbon” or “Expats in Berlin” frequently post job opportunities. Women you meet through travel apps often belong to these groups and can introduce you.
4. Offer Your Skills: If you have photography, writing, social media, or language skills, mention them. Many hostels and tour companies need help with these tasks and will trade work for accommodation.
Real Example: A traveler named Sarah met a woman through Bumble BFF in Prague who was working at a hostel. That woman introduced Sarah to the hostel owner, and Sarah ended up working the front desk four hours a day in exchange for free accommodation for a month. These connections are how long-term travel becomes possible.
Comparison Table: Subscription Costs vs. Safety Features
Let’s break down what you’re actually paying for and whether premium subscriptions are worth it. This table compares the seven apps across the metrics that matter most: cost, safety features, user base, and unique perks.
| App Name | Best For | Free Version | Premium Cost | Key Safety Feature | 2026 Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bumble BFF | Finding long-term residents and expats | Full access | Optional boosts (€10-15) | Mandatory photo verification | High-quality but feels like dating |
| Hostelworld Chat | Meeting people in your city today | Full access for verified guests | None (included with booking) | Only verified hostel guests | Very casual, high-energy |
| Tourlina | Planning future trips together | Limited messaging | €8-12/month | Manual profile screening | For long-term travel buddies |
| NomadHer | High-security, women-only community | 3 messages/month | €12-15/month | Identity & passport verification | Empathetic, community-focused |
| SoloTrvlr | Curated group meetups | View events only | €5-15 per event | GPS check-in, designated hosts | Structured and social |
| Facebook Groups | Community vetting and advice | Full access | None | Community moderation | Informal but passionate |
Our Recommendation: Start with the free versions of Bumble BFF, Hostelworld Chat, and Facebook Groups. If you’re serious about meeting high-quality connections and prioritize safety, invest in NomadHer premium—the passport verification alone makes it worth it. Skip premium subscriptions for Tourlina unless you’re actively planning a multi-week trip with a dedicated travel partner.
Final Thoughts: From Solo to Social
The best apps to meet female travelers in Europe for 2026 aren’t just tools—they’re gateways to transforming your solo journey into a socially rich adventure. But remember, apps are only as good as the effort you put in. Create a thoughtful profile, use specific openers, follow the safety protocol religiously, and don’t be discouraged by ghosting or the occasional awkward meetup.
The women you meet through these platforms can become lifelong friends, work connections, or simply pleasant companions for a museum afternoon. Either way, they’ll enrich your travel experience in ways that guidebooks never could. Europe is waiting, and you don’t have to explore it alone. Download the apps, craft your profile, and start connecting. Your next great travel friendship might be just one message away.
Frequently Asked Questions
NomadHer is considered the safest option because it requires identity and passport verification. Only women can join, and the community actively moderates profiles. Bumble BFF is also very safe with mandatory photo verification.
Most apps offer free versions with basic features. Bumble BFF is free with optional premium features. Hostelworld Chat is free for verified guests. NomadHer and Tourlina have free versions but offer premium subscriptions for enhanced features like unlimited messaging.
Follow the Safe Distance Protocol: First, sync on social media to verify their profile authenticity. Second, exchange voice notes to confirm they’re real. Third, only meet in public, high-traffic locations. Look for AI-generated photos with perfect lighting or missing fingers, and avoid profiles with minimal information.
Always reference something specific from their profile. Example: “Hey! I saw you’re in Lisbon too—I was planning on hitting the LX Factory tomorrow for some work/reading. Would you be up for a midday coffee there?” This shows you read their profile and provides a clear, low-pressure activity.
While these apps are primarily for socializing, many users share job opportunities they find. NomadHer has a dedicated section for work exchanges and remote work tips. Facebook groups often post hostel jobs, tour guide positions, and digital nomad opportunities. The connections you make can lead to work recommendations.
Hostelworld Chat is ideal for spontaneous same-day meetups if you’re staying in hostels. For non-hostel travelers, Facebook Groups work well—post that you’re free today and you’ll usually get quick responses in popular cities.
Use the “batch meeting” strategy: organize small group meetups of three to four people instead of one-on-one meetings. This reduces pressure and makes it easier to find compatible friends without exhausting yourself with repetitive introductory conversations.
The “Big Three” (Bumble BFF, Hostelworld Chat, Tourlina) work best in major cities like Paris, Barcelona, Berlin, Amsterdam, Prague, and Lisbon. In smaller towns, Facebook Groups become more valuable since locals and travelers use them regardless of city size. NomadHer has good coverage across Europe, even in mid-sized cities.
Ready to Start Your Social Adventure?
Download two or three of these apps before your trip and start building connections. Remember: the best friendships often happen when you’re not desperately seeking them. Be authentic, prioritize safety, and enjoy the journey. Europe’s waiting for you—and so are thousands of other solo female travelers ready to explore it together.
