Making Friends While Traveling!

Making friends is as hard as it sounds, especially now a days! Well, what I mean is, we are all adults and don't have time for recess anymore! The people you meet while traveling can be a major part of each and every trip you take. Part of my favorite traveling memories include fellow travelers, or the locals. The best part of meeting new people while traveling, is that these people can not only change your trip, but hopefully change your life forever!

As a little girl, I remember my family taking road trips across the country and stopping at National Parks, historical sites and anything else that looked intriguing to us along the way. I believe that is where I fell in love with traveling! We had this huge RV that I use to play in as my modern style tree house! It was my go to when we weren't traveling! My dad would buy stickers or magnetics' as souvenirs! And, his favorite place to put them , was on the RV! What I loved most about these souvenirs, were , each one of them had an amazing story to tell. And, with that story came a new friend! That is what my dad taught me most about traveling , MEETING NEW PEOPLE!

Saying Hello

Yes, saying hello can be uncomfortable for some! But, honestly its just fear! So lets just jump right in! Step 1 is to develop a healthy image of meeting new people. Sometimes we are concerned or consumed about making a good impression! This initial reaction develops into a mental fear, which blocks us from making new friends. Shyness toward others is not an excuse, its actually a result of fear as well. To be honest , its all in our heads! 99% of the time other people are worried about the same things you are! So take the first step! Which is actually step 2, that's ironic! If the other person doesn’t initiate a talk, take the first step to say hello. Share something about yourself, and then give the other party a chance to share about him/her. Something easy, like asking "Where are you from" "Isn't this place beautiful?" "This place reminds me of ______ when I visited last summer",once the ice is broken, it’ll be easier to connect. Don't forget to be yourself and stay open-minded! Step 3 which is the final step. Yup, that's it, it's that simple! If everything goes well then you can exchange contact info and stay in touch! Be genuine , you don't want to come across as a creeper,lol! You can say" Let's stay in touch and share our travel adventures, here is my card, or contact info!" Make sure to get theirs to. I have cards because, I make a living , living! So sharing my info comes easy since im always looking to help others travel more.

Groups

Groups are so much fun, especially during excursions, activities and traveling! When you have a few days together with the same people, eating meals together, doing activities together, being trapped on long bus rides together, that’s when friendships happen! So take these opportunities to get to know them! Join a travel club, where you can meet new people and travel together! Group travel is so much fun because your never alone in a new place and you can build relationship with like-minded people! Group travel doesn't mean your with someone 24 hours a day , so you will get your me-time in as well! You can also try a multi-day trip? It’s a group tour, essentially, but only for a few days. You can go hiking through the Rain Forrest or a small yacht cruise! Group travel is very popular among travelers. Its safer, better deals, and of course a lot more fun.

Solo Travelers

Table for 1, please! Hey some of the funnest trips I've had were solo trips! With that being said, it can get lonely sometimes. Honestly, the best way to meet new people and make new friends while traveling is joining a Travel club! I cant stress it enough, but joining a travel club introduces you to other people who love to travel! With solo traveling growing in popularity, it’s clear there are options to socialize with other travelers — it’s just a matter of putting yourself in the right position to do so. The staff at most hotels, resorts and even social hostels have relationships with tour companies, ask for their recommendations on group activities. Again, connecting with other like-minded souls is the fastest way to make new friends. And, in the world of apps , you can find one for that to. Some apps I have used are Tourlina- which is just for women and its free! Travello is also free and allows you to see other travelers nearby! And, you can connect and share by posting a feed they can follow or join! I know I sound like a broken record here but group travel is one of the easiest ways to meet new people!

Family

First of all we get stopped a lot and asked "Are these all your kids?" or "Aren't your scared to travel alone with just your kids?". The truth is, I do get a little scared, OK, OK a lot scared! But, as a single mother I respond accordingly! " We are a Full-Time Travel Family! And, yes they are all mine and I am just as scared as you are!". Some people just inflict their feelings onto you, not realizing how they are making you feel. Its OK, most of the time just sharing your story or experiences can generate a life long friendship! Don't take it the wrong way! I have friends who live across the world from me, that I met this way 11 years ago, and I would hate to live without them! Meeting new people and making friends with other families can be easy, since you have a common ground! You can relate in many levels. So sometimes its just as easy as , giving a compliment about their kids or lending a helping hand, and sometimes having your kids play together! Of course safety is always a top priority, so just use your better judgement when sparking up a conversation!

So making new friends is really not that hard. Getting over the fear, will open doors beyond just making new friends! GOODLUCK ON YOUR TRAVEL ADVENTURES!