Whether you’re traveling solo or are a social butterfly, you might be wondering how you can make friends on your next trip. Travel experiences are best when shared with others, so check out these six tips on how to make friends while traveling.
Go to your hotel’s social hours
Many hotels offer cocktail receptions or a wine and cheese hour in the evening. These events are great opportunities for you to meet and mingle with fellow travelers. If you’re staying at a hostel, you’ll find a plethora of group events like movie nights, drum circles, game nights or even karaoke. Use these events as an opportunity to meet like-minded travelers and spark new friendships.
Look on social media
With the popularity of social networks like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, you can easily reach out to travelers and locals in a new area. You can ask your friends on social media if they have any connections in the city you’re visiting, or you can use groups and hashtags to find others who will be in the area and have similar interests.
Join a tour
Tours are a great way for you to spend the day with people who have a common interest, whether it’s budget travelers on a free walking tour or history buffs on a tour of ancient sites. Use your time on these tours to meet others. You might end up going out for drinks after your tour or planning a second round of sightseeing for the next day.
Join Meetup
If you’re not already on Meetup.com, be sure to join before you leave for your trip. Meetup is filled with various events around the world, and you can easily find events that will be taking place during your stay. Drop in on a Meetup or two and you just might find yourself with a wealth of new friends.
Take a class
While you’re in town, sign up for a class that sparks your interest, such as a language or cooking course. This will not only give you an opportunity to pursue your interests, but you’ll also be able to meet others who share those interests.
Try a pub crawl
Nothing makes people social like a few rounds of drinks, so be sure to head to some of the local bars during your trip. You just may find you’re easily able to meet other travelers and locals over a couple of cold craft beers or cocktails.
How do you make friends while traveling? Let us know in the comments!
(Main image: Martin mtoole.co.uk)
