For many travelers, finding new friends on vacation adds a little something extra to what was already a great trip. At many vacation destinations, you’ll find people are more open to chatting with strangers than they would be at home. In addition, because you chose to go to the same place at the same time, you already have something in common with them. Try the following tips to make friends on your next vacation:
– Go solo. It can be harder to make friends if you’re in a group or even just out with one other person. People are often less intimidated by the idea of chatting with one stranger than by chatting with several. So, if you want to make new friends, take advantage of a time when you’re going to be on your own for a few hours to do it.
– Be proactive and approachable. Conversation isn’t always going to come to you, so you have to be willing to reach out and make contact with people you don’t know. By the same token, you should avoid behaviors that signal you’re not interested in chatting with people. Make eye contact and smile rather than losing yourself in your phone or a book.
– Stay easygoing. Not everybody you interact with will want to be friends with you, and that’s okay. Maintain an open, easygoing attitude and don’t try to force a friendship with anyone. You’re better off abandoning a conversation with someone who’s lost interest than you would be trying to force your company on someone.
– Stick to a schedule. You’re more likely to make friends at a resort or cruise by heading to meals around the same time every day. Doing so increases your chances of running into the same people from day to day, thereby giving you a chance to eat together and get to know one another.