Jet-Set Socials: tips for meeting people on vacation

If you’re an open-minded, outgoing individual, then vacation goes hand in hand with meeting people from all over the world. Away from everyday life, you have much more time to dedicate to authentic connections and get to know different cultures through other like-minded people.

If, however, you find the prospect of walking up to someone you don’t know and striking up a conversation daunting, you’re not alone. For many, especially more introverted folk, meeting new people abroad can be challenging. But here are all the ways you can make the process easier. From utilizing social media to joining group activities, here’s how to meet new people on vacation.

Connect online

If the thought of approaching a stranger and striking up a conversation fills you with dread, there are other ways to forge connections that don’t require you to put yourself out there in such a major way.

Before you head to your destination, investigate any traveler or backpacking apps or pages on social media. There, you can approach people online, which is a lot less intimidating.

Once you’ve chatted a bit online, you can: Organize a little trip together Meet for a cup of coffee

• Join a traveler’s get-together where you can meet a whole host of vacationers

Step out of your comfort zone

Approaching new people, if you’re at all introverted, is challenging. Not only are you putting yourself in a vulnerable position, but you are also opening yourself up to someone you don’t know, which, let’s face it, doesn’t happen at all often in real life.

To make the most of , you first have to get out of your comfort zone. Remember, you’re not going to make any new friends by staying in your room and watching TV!