How to Make Connections When You Travel
4 min read
What do you remember most from your travels? Since returning from a trip to Lisbon, Portugal, I've been thinking about this a lot. I often remember a place because of the people, and my Portugal trip reminded me that it's usually not the places but rather the people that make traveling unbelievably good. From speaking with locals--learning about their culture, listening to their stories, and trying their traditional food and drinks--to bonding with fellow travelers, interacting with more people adds an unforgettable dimension to my travels. They give me my greatest travel stories, cherished memories, countless lessons, and an increased sense of belonging.
But making new friends doesn't come easily to everyone. If you are traveling and looking to make new connections along the way, my advice is to keep an open heart and be willing to mix and experience people. This mindset is essential to forging new bonds and will reflect in your actions and body language. Do not underestimate the power of a smile and not being on your electronic device; it'll make you more approachable.
As a traveler, you will have plenty of stories to share or even questions to ask the locals about the area you are about to explore. Do not be afraid to say hello or ask a question first or engage if someone asks you a question about yourself; this is often an indication that they are in the mood for conversation. Although not every interaction may lead to a friendship, the more you start interacting with new people, the more confident you will get. And the more people you start talking to, the more likely you will begin to find common ground with people and increase your chances of meaningful connections. Those friendships will make you remember a place fondly for years to come.
Here are five of my most delightful, meaningful, and memorable moments from Portugal, highlighting ways to forge new connections during your travels.
1) While taking in the panoramic view of the city, on the hilltop of Graça, Lisbon's highest point, I was approached by an Italian expat living in Lisbon. As we chatted, he told me about a spot called the Secret Garden a few steps down from where we were standing. It didn't take much convincing to check it. And glad I did. It was a vibrant urban oasis with incredible views of the sunset and great company. The Secret Garden is a place I would have probably not experienced if I had not spoken with the man, who I later learned was one of the partners of the establishment.
Travel tip: Don't be afraid to strike up a conversation with a local and take them on their offer to show you a local spot (of course, take safety precautions).
2) At the Secret Garden, I talked with an American couple and their friend sitting at a table next to me. Within an hour of meeting, they invited me to their dinner reservation that evening at Sea Me Peixaria Moderna, a delicious seafood restaurant specializing in simplicity and flavor. We shared a phenomenal meal of oysters, sardine sushi, seabass sushi, tiger prawn sushi, grilled tiger prawn, whole grilled sea bass, and many sides of veggies and belly laughs washed down with crisp Vinho Verde.
Travel tip: If you enjoy the company of someone you meet, go for it. Grab dinner or lunch together.
3) I booked three Airbnb Experiences while in Lisbon. Booking group activities are a great way to forge new bonds with locals and fellow travelers because they tell you that you already have at least one thing in common.
The first Airbnb experience was an outdoor excursion. We went off-road in Sinatra's mysterious forest in a convertible jeep, enjoying the best of Portugal's coastline, and watched the sun set into the sea with sand between our toes. We had entered the jeep as strangers but parted ways as friends.
Another Airbnb experience was touring the historic cobbled streets of Lisbon and learning how African culture, food, and music had been part of Lisbon for centuries. This experience was meaningful because all the guests on tour that day were other Black travelers from different parts of the world, including the US, Canada, London, and South Africa. Our diasporic connection made me feel at home, away from home. We capped off the time at an African restaurant, where ease and understanding were the main dishes. Some of us even ended up meeting up later in the week at a rooftop bar and going to a lounge that evening.
The final Airbnb experience was a dinner party in a beautiful loft in the hip Chiado neighborhood hosted by a wine expert. At this dinner, fourteen strangers conversed effortlessly over endless pours of delicious pairings and several courses of traditional Portuguese fish and meat dishes as the evening sipped deep into the night.
Travel tip: Book tours or experiences that facilitate meeting other travelers.
I hope these experiences I've shared inspire you to seek connections during your travels.
Share below your tips for making connections while traveling.