MakeNewFriendsWhile

Remember the Nursery Sing Along - Make New Friends?

"Make New Friends but keep the Old, one is Silver and the other Gold."

Making new friends is one of my favorite parts of traveling. That's one reason I always stay in local non brand hotels. I have started taking some small gifts, McDonald's lunch toys, free marketing giveaways, wrapped candies, pens, or postcards of our region to share with folks I meet on the trip. It is especially helpful when meeting people with children, they like to have the kids learn a few things about where you live.


I also try to be a good listener, asking questions about their trip or the area, and listening carefully to the answers. It is easy to talk and interact with people when outdoors walking or hiking, shopping, buying regional local foods for picnics or a snack. Don't make the mistake of talking only with those in your group. We all tend to talk only to each other when we have a group we are traveling with, try and break out of that habit while traveling. You will learn so much more.

Make friends by asking about local customs, the weather, hand crafted items, history of the area or building, local music or anything else of interest. Don't be afraid to ask follow-up questions if you need more information.

Stay a Week or More in One Place, Ask for Help, Ride the Bus, Visit the Local dining and shopping places. Living like a local, washing clothes downtown, shopping for food at a farmers outdoor market, having dinner in the local restaurant allows one to ask questions and chat casually.

It never hurts to approach people for assistance in reading the map, finding a nearby waterfall, finding the best hiking trails or locating a restaurant that serves vegetarian food. Going by public transportation or train puts you closer to local people and how they live. it also gives one plenty of time to see the scenery as well as chat with other travelers and locals alike.

I enjoy making new friends and I still keep up with a lot of my new friends via facebook and email. I have even met up with them again on other trips, or when they happen to visit California. Try it!