Travel requires one to be open to others, Here are tips and strategies that ensure a traveler can come home with an address book of new contacts and friends..
Take Things to Share, Walk or Ride a Bike, Ask Questions
Restaurant reviewer Ann Parker always takes a pocketful of wrapped candies, pens, or postcards of her home town to share. She is also a good listener, asking questions, and listening carefully to the answers. It is easy to engage with people when walking or biking from town to town, buying regional foods for picnics along the way. It is best to go solo or with one other traveler, because travelers in groups tend to talk only to each other. Make friends by asking about soccer rules, the weather, sports teams, 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 Pub
Living like a local, washing clothes in a Laundromat, shopping for food and having a beer in the local pub allows one to ask questions and chat casually. Untours offers one or two- week lodgings in Paris, Germany, Switzerland and other European countries. 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 bus puts one closer to local people and how they live. it also gives plenty of time to see the scenery as well as chat with seatmates.
Join Servas or Another Homestay Group, Set Out on a Quest, Offer Help
Mary Altier, a photographer of tribal peoples, joined Servas, a peace-oriented travel exchange which matches members wi h hosts, free. "I find it's easy to get acquainted because Servas requires a two- day stay and you get a chance to talk and see how people live." Any homestay experience can be a great way to make friends. Before you leave home, decide on a quest. Search for something while traveling, such as the records on an ancestor, the setting for a favorite book or movie, even the perfect Napoleon pastry. Fellow enthusiasts will be glad to help.Help pick up dropped coins, open doors, and carry packages. In the process you can practice the local language. Also, offering to speak English with a person who is learning it is always welcome.
Travel with a Grandmother or a Child, Sit at the Group Table, Join a Sport or Activity
Spanish teacher and photographer Chelsea George has traveled with her grandmother to the world's most remote places, and found people fascinated with her companion. "We were given great respect, invited home to dinner, and generally treated like family." Many European restaurants have a group table, or will seat diners with other travelers. During a meal there is time to get to know new companions.Play soccer with local kids, or join in the dancing at a festival.
Rick Steves, author of the "Europe Through the Back Door" series of books and videos, says every traveler should be willing to risk looking silly. So go ahead and try on a kilt or try to blow the Alpenhorn if an opportunity arises. A new friendship could result.
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