I have been solo traveling full time for a few years now and regularly find myself in places where I don't know a soul. It took a lot of work to step outside my comfort zone and get comfortable constantly putting myself out there...let alone figuring out the best ways to meet new people.
If you find yourself in a similar situation: somewhere temporary for work, moved somewhere new, or solo traveling, here's what's worked for me:
Mindset
Make sure you have the right mindset. Being open minded goes a long way in a new place. Make a point of getting to know people that are different from your other friends and maybe have different interests than you. It's not only a great way for you to meet new people, but it's a way to challenge your life views and grow in your perspectives. Being open minded goes beyond people, too: try things that you wouldn't normally – just make sure you feel safe doing them.
Bumble BFF
Bumble BFF is such a great tool! I love using it to connect with locals and get expert advice on a new place. It's a pretty straightforward, standard setup similar to online dating platforms and feels a lot more authentic.
I've connected with a lot of people I consider friends now by checking out Instagram Geotags of the location I'm headed to. It's also a good idea to check out relevant hashtags to the place with the hobbies you're interested in doing. Slide into DMs and let them know you're new to the area or solo traveling through and just looking for like-minded people. Before I went to Alaska the first time, I connected with others browsing the Anchorage photography tags and it was helpful to already have an interest in common and a go-to activity to do together. Just make sure anyone you meet online you meet in a public place first.
For more ideas, watch my YouTube video on how to make friends in new places: