Travel Jones

Forge Lasting Friendships: Connect & Thrive Abroad

Have you ever thought to yourself, “I want to travel but I don’t know anyone there… I’ll be all alone!”? Or something along the lines of wanting to connect with people but you’re an introvert? Maybe you have social anxiety? Well fret not! I am a bona fide introvert and I’m going to share with you how to side step that anxiety, make lasting friendships and have the most fun adventures! Traveling to a new city, state or country can be an enriching experience, full of opportunities for personal growth, adventure, and the making of friendships. However, for many, the idea of building a social circle from scratch in unfamiliar territory can seem daunting. If you find yourself nodding along, worry not! With platforms like Meetup and a little initiative on your part, you can seamlessly meet new friends who share your interests. Let’s dive into some surefire strategies to expand your social horizons and make meaningful connections no matter where you are in the world.

Step into the World of Meetup

Meetup is easily my favorite tool in this situation especially if you’re looking to connect with people in a new city or country. It hosts a vast array of groups catering to different interests, hobbies, and events. Personally I seek language exchanges. Why? Many times I find myself in countries where I don’t speak little to none of the local language. And let me tell you, the first time I traveled to Brazil, I spoke zero Portuguese. Want to know what it’s like to live in a bubble? Travel to a foreign land without knowing the local language. To not have the ability to communicate with people… That, in and of itself, is an adventure! …and not too fun, I might add, haha! But I digress, here’s how you can make meetup work for you:

Explore and Join Relevant Groups

Start by browsing Meetup for groups that align with your interests. Whether you’re into hiking, book clubs, technology, language exchange, or digital nomads, there’s likely a group that fits your niche. Joining these groups will give you access to events and meetups where you can meet like-minded individuals.

Be Proactive

Don’t just join the groups—participate! RSVP to events that catch your eye. Remember, the goal is to meet new people and possibly forge long-lasting friendships.

Initiate Conversations

Attend meetups with an open mind and be ready to initiate and be open to conversations. A simple “What brought you to this event?” can open up dialogues and lead to interesting exchanges. Remember, everyone’s there to meet new people (or for the reason of the meetup, given the activity), so you’re in a welcoming environment. Knowing that everyone is there for the same exact reason should put some of your anxiety to ease.

Dive into Language Exchange

This one is a bit biased on my part, but language exchange meetups are an incredible way to connect with people in a new country, especially if you’re keen on learning the local language. Here’s why they’re so beneficial:

Mutual Learning

Language exchange is grounded in mutual benefit—people are there to learn and to teach. This creates a supportive atmosphere where making mistakes is part of the journey and friendships naturally blossom.

Cultural Exchange

These meetups often go beyond just language learning; they’re about cultural exchange as well. You’ll find yourself engaging in interesting conversations about customs, traditions, and daily life, offering a deeper understanding of the country you’re in.

Regular Meetups

Language exchange groups typically meet on a regular basis, allowing for consistent interaction with the same people. This regularity helps transform acquaintances into friends as you share progress, frustrations, and triumphs.

Additional Tips to Forge Meaningful Connections

Be Open and Curious. Show genuine interest in the people you meet. Ask about their experiences, share your own, and be open to new perspectives. This curiosity can build a solid foundation for friendship.

Follow Up

After meeting someone you click with, don’t hesitate to suggest another meetup or exchange contact information. A simple message saying, “I really enjoyed our conversation, would you like to meet for coffee sometime?” can go a long way. In fact, this is precisely what happened to me in Lisbon, Portugal. Check out this video of my friend, Damien and I having brunch and checking out Eduardo Park VII:

Consistency Is Key

Building friendships takes time and effort. Try to consistently participate in events or meetups to solidify the fledgling friendships you’re developing.

Embrace the Culture

Show respect and appreciation for the local culture. This can include learning the language, participating in local customs, and embracing the local way of life. It not only enriches your experience but also endears you to those you meet.

Be Patient and Kind to Yourself

Remember, making friends, especially in a new city or country, doesn’t necessarily happen overnight. It’s a journey filled with learning and growth. Be kind to yourself and stay patient; I assure you, the connections will come.

You Can Do This

Embarking on the journey to make new friends abroad can be both exciting and a bit intimidating. However, if you use the platforms a viable like Meetup and participating in language exchange and other mutually liked activities, you’ll find that the world is full of people just waiting to meet you. Keep an open mind, be proactive, and immerse yourself in the new experiences and cultures around you. Friendship knows no borders, and your next best friend might just be a meetup away. Remember, every great adventure starts with a single step. Why not let that step lead you to new friendships around the globe? If you do this, no matter where you are in the world, you’ll never be alone!