GlobalBuddy: A Web-Based Travel Companion Matching System for Safe and Cost-Effective Solo Travel.

Solo travelers often face high travel costs, safety concerns, loneliness, and difficulty finding trustworthy travel companions. Existing platforms such as social media groups and forums lack proper identity verification, trip-specific matching, and secure communication features. This paper presents GlobalBuddy, a web-based travel companion matching system designed to connect solo travelers with compatible travel partners based on shared destinations, overlapping travel dates, and common interests. The system is developed using React.js, Java Spring Boot, PostgreSQL, and WebSocket technology for real-time communication. Users can create verified profiles, post travel plans, receive compatibility-based matches, and communicate securely through an in-app chat system. The platform also includes a review and rating mechanism to improve trust and safety. Experimental testing and user evaluation demonstrate that GlobalBuddy provides accurate matching, responsive performance, and an improved travel experience for solo travelers.