A travel buddy board is a lot of strangers and a few good matches. The method finds the matches.
Writing the post#
Destination, dates, budget per day, pace (how many things a day), hours (early or late), what you're into, one line about yourself. Then wait for replies in the thread, not in your inbox.
The five questions#
| Ask | Why |
|---|---|
| Budget per day? | The number-one fight |
| How much per day? | Pace mismatch exhausts both |
| Early or late? | Hours decide everything |
| Hostel, hotel, apartment? | And whether you share a room |
| How much time alone? | Everyone needs some |
Before you commit#
A video call. A profile that's older than a month with real photos. A day together, or a weekend, before a month. Your own room at first.
Money#
Separate. A shared-expenses app once you trust each other. Nothing sent in advance, ever: not a tour deposit, not a "visa fee", not half a scooter rental.
The scams#
Romance accounts, the "I'll book us both" deposit, fake visa agents, apartment landlords who need money before you land. The tell is the same every time: it started in a DM from someone who found you. Travel scams and how to avoid them.
Dates and a map#
Facebook posts have neither, so you never know who's actually in Medellín the week you are. Roavi Community does: post your trip with dates, see travellers on the same dates, ask a Local Friend who lives there. How to find a travel buddy and best Facebook travel groups.
By country#
Thailand, Colombia, Mexico, Bali, Vietnam, Australia, the Philippines.
Post your trip with dates and see who's going.
Open Roavi CommunityFrequently Asked Questions
Do travel buddy Facebook groups work?
Yes, for people who post well and vet properly. Most posts are vague ('anyone want to travel Asia?') and get nothing. Dates, budget, pace and a short description get real replies.How do I vet a travel buddy from Facebook?
Ask the five questions (budget, pace, hours, accommodation, time alone), video-call, check their profile is old and real, do a day trip together first. Keep your own money and room. If anything feels off, it is.What scams happen in travel buddy groups?
Romance accounts, 'I'll book us a tour, send your half', fake visa agents, apartment deposits, and people who want to share a scooter rental on your card. If it starts in a private message, it isn't real.Is there an alternative to travel buddy Facebook groups?
Roavi Community: post your trip with dates and see other travellers heading to the same city in the next two weeks, plus Local Friends who live there and answer questions. You message first and decide who to meet.Should I share costs with a travel buddy I met online?
Separate money, always. A shared-expenses app for a common pot once you've travelled together. Never send money before you've met.