Meeting new people while traveling can be an incredible experience. Whether you’re a backpacker, a digital nomad, or just someone looking for a culturally enriching experience alongside locals, there are plenty of ways you can meet new people while on the road! Here are the 10 best ways to meet new people while traveling.
- Attend Cultural Events
Cultural events are a great way to meet new people while traveling. Whether it’s a music festival, a traditional festival, a play, or a folk show, attending cultural events is one of the best ways to meet locals and learn about their culture. You can often find out about upcoming cultural events either on local news or through the tourist office.
- Take Local Tours
Taking local tours is one of the best ways to meet locals and learn about the history and culture of the place you’re visiting. Local tour guides can provide you with interesting facts and stories that you would never stumble upon on your own. Plus, if they’re passionate enough about their city, they might even offer to show you around after the tour is finished.
- Join Amateur Sports Teams
If you’re the sporty type, why not join a local amateur sports team while you’re traveling? Not only is this one of the best ways to meet locals, but it’s also a great way to stay physically active. Local sports teams such as soccer, hockey, basketball, and volleyball are fairly easy to find – all you need to do is ask around!
- Volunteer
Volunteering is an excellent way to meet locals and give back to the community. There are plenty of ways to volunteer while traveling. You can work in an animal shelter, help build homes for poverty-ridden families, or work as an English teacher in a local school.
- Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing has been around for years and it’s still one of the best ways to meet locals while traveling. All you need to do is create a profile on the website and you’ll soon be able to find locals who are willing to host you. You’ll be able to learn about the culture, share stories, and make new friends.
- Visit Local Bars & Cafes
Visiting local bars and cafes is one of the best ways to meet locals and experience the local culture. This is also an excellent opportunity to practice your language skills. Don’t be afraid to chat with locals – many of them are open to having conversations with tourists.
- Stay in ‘Real’ Accommodation
Staying in hostels, bed and breakfasts, or Airbnb apartments can be a great way to meet new people while traveling. Hostels in particular are known to be a great place to mingle with other travelers and locals. If you don’t want to stay in a hostel, you can try to find a local family or even a host through a website such as Worldpackers.
- Join Language Exchange Groups
If you’re looking to practice a new language while traveling, why not join a language exchange group? You’ll be able to practice your language skills and meet locals and other travelers. A great way to find a language exchange group is by using Meetup – there are typically many groups available.
- Take a Cooking Class
Taking a cooking class is a great way to not only learn the local cuisine, but also to meet locals. You can usually find cooking classes either through tourist information centers or online. Plus, many of the classes include visits to local markets and other sights, which adds an extra opportunity to mingle with locals.
- Join Tour Groups
Joining tour groups is an excellent way to find other travelers as well as locals. There’s usually someone who is willing to give you a few tips about the city and can show you around. Smaller tour groups are the best option if you’re looking to make friends rather than just learn about the place you’re visiting.
Meeting new people while traveling is an incredible experience. It can provide you with a more immersive and enriching experience – and you may even make some lifelong friends along the way! With these 10 tips, you’ll be sure to come away with some great experiences and stories to tell your friends. So don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and meet some wonderful new people while you’re traveling!