One of the most rewarding parts of traveling the world is the people you meet along the way. It’s an experience that goes far beyond visiting landmarks or checking destinations off a list. It’s the spontaneous conversations, the shared meals, the late-night hostel chats, and the unexpected friendships that leave the deepest impact. Depending on where you go and how you choose to travel, the people you meet will be completely different. Sometimes you find yourself immersed with locals, learning firsthand about their culture and daily life. Other times, you meet fellow travelers from your own country, bonding over shared accents and familiar stories. But what I love most is meeting people from countries I’ve never even been to. Fellow travelers who grew up in entirely different cultures, speaking different languages, yet somehow we’ve all found ourselves in the same hostel common room, sharing our stories over a cheap beer or a communal dinner.
As a solo traveler who gravitates towards backpacking and staying in hostels, I’ve found that this travel style opens up countless opportunities to meet people from all walks of life. That’s why I always encourage others to try hostels and embrace those first few awkward introductions, because those connections are where some of the most meaningful conversations and lifelong friendships begin. I’ve formed deep bonds with people I never would have crossed paths with back home. We might come from opposite sides of the world, but through travel, we’ve found common ground and created friendships that go beyond borders.
Over time, I’ve come to realize that while people everywhere can be amazing, there are certain cultures and regions I naturally click with more than others. It’s not about stereotypes or judgments. It’s about the small things, like humor, social etiquette, communication styles, values, and even how people approach travel. After meeting people from dozens of countries, I’ve noticed patterns in who I instantly connect with, who I have the deepest conversations with, and whose travel style feels most aligned with mine. So, in this article, I want to share with you, from my perspective as an American solo female traveler, where some of my favorite travelers are from and why I love meeting them.
The Netherlands
Number one is definitely Dutch travelers. In Southeast Asia, it’s impossible not to notice how many Dutch people are backpacking around the region. They tend to form strong communities while traveling, often connecting through group chats where they share tips, advice, and support each other. These networks help them find familiar faces in unfamiliar places, giving them a chance to speak their native language or simply relax around people who understand their cultural quirks. But despite often traveling in groups or pairs, I’ve always found Dutch travelers to be some of the most approachable and friendly people on the road.
Whether I meet them in a big group, a duo, or solo, Dutch travelers consistently stand out as trustworthy, easygoing, and genuinely kind. Every time I’ve befriended Dutch people while traveling, I’ve felt a sense of trust and camaraderie. They’re the type of people who will have your back, whether you’re navigating a chaotic bus station or just looking for someone to grab a drink with. They’re lighthearted and fun to be around, never taking things too seriously, and they always bring good vibes to a social setting. I rarely see them getting involved in drama or unnecessary nonsense, which makes them really enjoyable travel companions.
Despite the language barrier, Dutch travelers usually have such a good level of English that conversations flow easily. There’s always room for humor and genuine laughs, which I really appreciate. What’s even better is that even when they’re traveling in groups, they remain open and inclusive to others. Unlike some nationalities where groups can be a bit closed off or hard to approach, Dutch travelers are welcoming and easy to mingle with, even if you’re a complete stranger joining in on their conversation.
Overall, the Dutch are just really good people. They’re down-to-earth, caring, and know how to have a good time without causing trouble. Every time I meet Dutch travelers, they leave a positive impression on me, and they consistently stand out as some of the nicest and most enjoyable people to meet on the road.
Australia
Next up are Australians. Aussies are a bit different from other travelers, but that is exactly why I love them. They are some of the most down-to-earth people you will ever meet, and they bring an energy that is simply contagious. Australians are often full of life, with a fun spirit and a laid-back attitude that makes every situation feel lighter. Whenever I am around Australians while traveling, I find myself laughing nonstop. It is always a good time, whether we are sharing ridiculous travel stories, joking around in a hostel common room, or just making the best of a long bus ride.
One thing I really appreciate about Australians is their ability to make light of tough situations. They do not take life too seriously, and they always seem to find a way to joke around and have fun, even when things go wrong. They have this goofy, carefree vibe that is just refreshing to be around. There is rarely any drama or nonsense. They are simply here to enjoy the moment and have a good time.
Another thing I love about traveling with Australians is how easygoing they are when it comes to plans. They are not the type to stress over ticking off every single item on a sightseeing list. They are happy to go with the flow, try new things, and are always up for an adventure. Whether it is a spontaneous beach day, a last-minute hike, or just hanging out with no set agenda, Aussies are down for whatever, and they will not make a fuss about it. This relaxed, no-pressure attitude makes them some of the best travel buddies you can have.
From the first Australians I met on my early travels to the ones I have recently hung out with, I have always felt an instant connection. It is easy to vibe with them, share laughs, and enjoy the simplicity of having a good time together. And since there is no language barrier, aside from occasionally needing to decode their slang and thick accents, conversations flow easily, making it effortless to build friendships with them.
The United Kingdom
On a similar level are the Scottish and British travelers. Now, this one is a bit more complex because the UK has such a wide variety of traveler types. But I have found that northern English travelers and solo English travelers, in particular, are some of the most fun and enjoyable people to be around. I want to make it clear that the reason I distinguish and separate solo travelers is because, especially in Southeast Asia, British travelers often move in groups. A lot of the younger travelers, around 18 or 19 years old, tend to stick together, and sometimes that group dynamic can feel a bit immature or even frustrating if you are not part of it. They can be loud, clique-ish, and hard to break into as an outsider.
But with that being said, I have also had some of my best travel experiences with groups of English and Scottish travelers who all happened to be solo traveling. None of them knew each other before, and we just met by chance, which makes the group dynamic feel very different. There is no pre-existing friend group, no inside jokes that you are not part of, and no unnecessary drama. Everyone is open to meeting new people, and that makes all the difference.
One of the biggest reasons I love Scottish and English travelers is because of their sense of humor. I have found that northern English and Scottish people have some of the funniest and most enjoyable personalities to be around. Their humor is sharp, witty, and often sarcastic, which as a fellow English speaker, I can really appreciate. The longer I spend time with them, the more I start to pick up on their slang and inside jokes, which makes it even more fun. There is a certain banter they bring that keeps things light-hearted and always entertaining.
They are also very easy to get along with as an American. Conversations flow naturally, and even though our cultures are different in many ways, I feel like we connect through a shared language and a similar sense of humor. Scottish and English travelers are also some of the most common travelers I meet. They are everywhere, and I have found that I often end up hanging out with them for days or even weeks while on the road.
Overall, when you meet the right kind of Scottish or English travelers, especially those traveling solo, they can be some of the funniest, most genuine, and enjoyable people to travel with.
Germany
Next are the German travelers. Now, sometimes Germans can be a little harder to crack at first. They might come across as reserved or serious when you first meet them, but once you get past that surface level and take the time to really get to know them, they turn out to be some of the most amazing people. I find that in many ways, there are a lot of parallels between Americans and Germans, which makes it easy to connect once that initial wall comes down.
Some of the most deep and meaningful conversations I have had while traveling have been with German travelers. They tend to be very thoughtful and often bring a level of insight and perspective to conversations that I do not always get from other travelers. I really appreciate how willing they are to dive into intellectual topics, whether it is about culture, life philosophies, or world issues. There is a depth to their conversations that I find really valuable and refreshing.
One thing that definitely helps is how strong their English skills are. Among all the European travelers I have met, Germans consistently have some of the best English. This makes it so much easier to connect with them on a deeper level. It is not just about having a casual chat or sharing a funny moment; conversations with Germans often go beyond surface-level small talk. I feel like I really get to know them as people, and they also take the time to understand me. That mutual effort to communicate and exchange ideas creates a beautiful connection that stands out in my travel experiences.
I believe a lot of this comes from their ability to express themselves in English, and not just basic conversational English, but in a way that allows for real, meaningful dialogue. With some travelers, language barriers limit how deep a conversation can go, but with Germans, it often feels effortless to go deeper. That is something I truly value when building friendships on the road.
Canada
Next are our neighbors, the Canadians. I find Canadian travelers to be some of the nicest people in the entire world. I always describe them as our “nicer half” because in so many ways, they are very similar to Americans in how they talk, the things they say, and their general way of life, but they often carry a gentler, more easygoing energy. Every time I meet Canadians while traveling, I immediately feel a small sense of being at home. The familiar accent, the shared slang, and the little cultural similarities create an instant connection that feels comforting when you are far from home.
Canadians are incredibly down-to-earth people who always seem to have your back. They are trustworthy, reliable, and genuinely kind-hearted. I have had some of my best, most meaningful conversations with Canadian travelers. Much like with Germans, I find that Canadians are very capable of having deep, thoughtful conversations. They are open-minded, curious, and often very grounded in their morals and values, which makes it easy to connect with them on a personal level.
What I really appreciate about Canadians is how natural and effortless it feels to build a friendship with them. There is no awkwardness, no cultural barrier, and no need to over-explain things. The conversations just flow, whether we are talking about life, travel stories, or deeper topics. Being around Canadians often feels very comfortable and familiar, but at the same time, they bring their own unique perspectives that I always enjoy hearing.
Meeting Canadians abroad always feels like meeting a friend you did not know you had. They are easy to talk to, genuinely good people, and their kind, relaxed nature makes every interaction feel positive and uplifting. I always appreciate crossing paths with Canadians because those connections tend to be some of the most wholesome and memorable.
Israel
Next are Israeli travelers. This group can sometimes be a bit harder to break into, especially when they are traveling in larger groups made up entirely of fellow Israelis. They tend to stick closely together and often speak Hebrew among themselves, partly because many may not have the strongest English skills. This can make it challenging to join their circle or get to know them at first. However, some of my best friends and closest relationships have been with Israeli travelers, and there are several reasons why.
Israelis are some of the most passionate and love-of-life people I have met. That is truly the best way to describe how they approach each day. They live with an intensity and appreciation for life that makes every moment feel vibrant and full of possibility. Traveling with Israelis means every day is an adventure filled with energy, spontaneity, and fun. They are usually down for anything whether it is partying late into the night, exploring beautiful places, or just catching a good vibe wherever they go.
Once you break through their initial shell, you discover that beneath their confident and independent exterior, they are incredibly warm and loving people. They sometimes put on a strong front, perhaps as a way to protect themselves or assert independence, but when you get to know them, you realize how genuine and caring they truly are. I have always appreciated the connections I have made with Israeli travelers and the special energy they bring to the road. Spending time with them is often inspiring, full of laughter, and unforgettable.
Spain
Lastly, there are the Spanish travelers. Similar to Israelis in many ways, Spanish travelers tend to be full of life and so much fun to be around. I always notice that they are often laughing, singing, or just enjoying good conversations with others. They have a natural confidence and an infectious energy that makes it clear they are truly savoring the moment and appreciating whatever the day brings.
Spanish travelers are the kind of people who are down for whatever and happy to go along for the ride. Being around a group like this is really enjoyable because they embrace you for who you are. They appreciate authenticity and simply want to have a good time. The atmosphere they create is usually full of positive vibes and carefree energy, making every day feel like a celebration.
Traveling with Spanish people often means sharing laughter, spontaneous fun, and a sense of freedom that makes the journey even more memorable. Their joyful approach to life and travel is something I really admire and always look forward to experiencing.
Now having said that, I have met travelers from many other countries with whom I have forged amazing and genuine connections. This is not to say that the countries I have not mentioned do not have wonderful people or that travelers from those places are not kind and interesting. It is simply that, out of the hundreds and thousands of people I have met on the road from dozens of different countries, these are the ones who stand out the most to me. They tend to be the travelers I connect with most easily, the ones with whom I build the strongest friendships and share the best experiences.
At the end of the day, every country has its share of good and bad people. Some cultures are known for being more reserved and quiet while others are celebrated for being outgoing, sociable, and lively. Neither way is better or worse. It really depends on your own personality and what kind of connections you are looking for. Based on my experiences, these groups of travelers have been my favorite to meet and spend time with on the road.
But your own journey will be different. Through your own experiences and relationships, you may find that you naturally enjoy connecting with travelers from certain countries more than others. Whether it is meeting people in hostels, at bars, on tours, or just out exploring, the magic of travel is in discovering who you vibe with and learning from people whose backgrounds and stories might be very different from your own.
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