The Story Behind HitchHive
Some of the best meals I've ever had weren't in Michelin-starred restaurants. They were at a tiny street food stall in Bangkok, surrounded by strangers who became friends over shared plates. At a hole-in-the-wall ramen shop in Tokyo where I couldn't read the menu, but the person next to me helped me order. At a family dinner in Istanbul where I was invited in by people I'd just met.
Travel has taught me something: the best experiences are shared experiences.
Why I Built HitchHive
I'm Marc, a French-American food lover based in Belgium. For years, I've traveled the world chasing flavors—from the garlic-laden dishes of my French heritage to the complex spices of Southeast Asia. I've trained with chefs in Thailand, learned traditional techniques in Turkey, and explored every ethnic neighborhood New York has to offer.
But here's what I discovered: food isn't really about the food. It's about the people you share it with.
Every time I found myself in a new city—whether hunting for the perfect pad thai in Chiang Mai or searching for authentic dim sum in Hong Kong—I wished there was a way to find other travelers who wanted to join me. Someone to split that ridiculously large family-style platter with. Someone to explore that sketchy-looking-but-probably-amazing back-alley restaurant with. Someone who understood that the best travel stories start with “So I met this person and…”
That's why I created HitchHive.
What HitchHive Is
HitchHive is a community for travelers who believe that adventures are better together. Whether you're a backpacker crossing Southeast Asia, a digital nomad hopping between European cities, or someone exploring your own hometown like a tourist—HitchHive connects you with like-minded people nearby.
Create an activity. Join a hive. Meet up for coffee, a hike, a jam session, or yes—a food adventure. It's that simple.
With over 50,000 active travelers across 80+ cities, there's always someone nearby looking for their next adventure buddy.
Our Philosophy
We believe:
- Spontaneity creates magic. Some of the best experiences happen when you say yes to an unexpected invitation.
- Strangers are just friends you haven't met. Every traveler has a story worth hearing.
- Shared experiences become lasting memories. That meal, that hike, that sunset—they mean more when you experience them with someone.
Join the Hive
Whether you're looking for someone to explore a new city with, want to organize a group dinner, or just need recommendations from travelers who've been there—HitchHive is your community.
Download the app and find your people. Your next adventure is waiting.
— Marc Winer, Founder