Before going on a trip, it’s easy to lose yourself in the excitement of what you’ll experience: Enjoying the ocean, seeing a city that’s been on your bucket list, and trying new activities.
But when you look back on that trip and your favorite memories, you’ll think about the people – the local who told you about the best margarita in town, the Indiana couple who also happened to be staying at your hotel, or the tour guide who had you belly laughing the entire day. This is what travel is about. We go for the sites, but the fleeting, impactful connections are what really stick with us.
It can be tricky stepping outside of your comfort zone, we get it. There’s a delicate balance of being open to new connections while still being mindful of your surroundings. And that’s why we’re here! To offer tips and encouragement so you can be a smart, safe traveler with friends worldwide.
Where to Meet New People
Group Tours
One of the easiest and most natural ways to meet new people is by joining a group tour. Whether it’s a couple hour tour or a multi-week adventure, everyone has signed up because they share a common interest, giving you an instant conversation starter. Plus, spending several hours, or even days, together creates plenty of opportunities for friendships to form organically.
If you’re open to long-term adventures, check out a guided group trip from a tour operator like Contiki or G-Adventures. We also love joining walking tours, cooking classes, or Airbnb experiences, which offer a great mix of social connection and local feel.
Accommodations
Your accommodation can be one of the best places to meet people, especially if you’re staying somewhere with a social atmosphere. BnBs, hostels, and boutique hotels often encourage guest interaction through shared spaces like lobbies, bars, game rooms, etc. Before you arrive, check whether your hotel offers complimentary events like happy hours, city tours, game nights, or group excursions. Many properties also partner with local tour companies to offer free walking tours or discounted experiences.
Volunteer Experiences and Retreats
If you’re looking for deeper, more meaningful connections, volunteer programs and retreats offer a unique opportunity to bond with like-minded people. Whether you’re participating in a conservation project, a wellness retreat, a yoga getaway, or a community service initiative, everyone is there with a shared purpose. Because you tend to share similar values, the connections you make during these experiences can feel especially authentic.
Breaking the Ice and Talking to Other Travelers/Locals
Engage with Tour Leaders to Get the Insider Scoop
Tour guides and locals are top sources of insider knowledge. They can tell you which attractions are worth your time, where the locals go for dinner and drinks, and which tourist hotspots are better skipped. Some of our favorite travel recommendations have come from asking a server where they spend nights off or chatting with a tour guide about how they’d spend an extra day in the city.
The same goes for fellow travelers. Travel has a way of making people more open, curious, and willing to connect. Nothing opens people up more than being outside of their daily routines and the shared excitement of discovering somewhere new. Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with another traveler on a tour, at a café, or while waiting in line for an attraction. Exchange recommendations, compare itineraries, or simply ask where they’re from. If you vibe, suggest grabbing a drink. You may just connect for the afternoon, but you never know when a lifelong friendship will blossom.
Of course, it’s always important to trust your instincts and prioritize your safety, but don’t let shyness keep you from making connections. Travel is as much about the people you meet as the places you visit.
Balancing Being Social and Staying Safe
Travel with a portable charger so you have your phone for emergencies, rideshare apps, to share location with family/friends, etc.- Research reputable transportation beforehand. Can you take public transport safely? Does the location you’re in have Uber or do you need to be prepared with a different rideshare app? The best way to feel comfortable with new people in a new environment is to make sure you have a safe way to get home.
- As you’re getting to know a new area and gaining confidence in how to get around, stick to well-lit, public spaces and well-known landmarks that have enough people to make you feel safe if you need something.
Some of our most cherished travel memories aren’t tied to a destination, they’re tied to the people we met along the way. Over the years, we’ve made friends from around the world who we still keep in touch with today. From fellow adventurers we hiked the Inca Trail with during a Contiki tour to new besties we met on a hotel-hosted bar crawl in New York City. We’ve struck up conversations on walking tours, shared stories with fellow B&B guests and connected with locals and travelers alike in pubs and cafés.
The truth is, you never know who you’ll meet when you travel or how those connections might transform your experience. Some friendships last for a few hours, others for years, but they all add something special to the journey. So while it’s always important to stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. A simple conversation could lead to your favorite travel memory, a lifelong friendship, or even your next adventure.
About Sippin’ Sangria
Caroline and Lexa are a traveling duo who have visited several local, U.S., and international destinations together. Through these adventures, they’ve learned the ins and outs of traveling with friends and love connecting with other female travelers. When they’re not booking their next flight, Lexa and Caroline plan trips – honeymoons, girlfriend getaways, weekend trips, etc. Find them at www.sippinsangria.com.
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