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10.09.2019

How to Make Friends When You’re Traveling.

Today’s employee has freedom. Millions of people work from home. Countless others are enmeshed in the gig economy, picking up work where they can. For these workers, going to the “office” is a rare or impossible event.

If you’re in this position, it means you’re free to travel. In fact, the modern workplace is so flexible that you may have this option even if you’re not a remote worker. Unlimited paid time off is becoming more and more common.

Traveling solo can be a ton of fun if you plan correctly. One of the biggest challenges, however, is making friends. When you’re an adult, your social life is most likely formed around your job. If grabbing drinks with your coworkers isn’t an option because you’re not going into the office, you have to ger creative. The fact that you’re traveling adds an extra layer of difficulty.
On board Air Asia for another round of Seoul Searching! :)
Take a Class
In most major cities, you can find a class that meets regularly. It could be a workout group, a cooking class, a bible study. The options are endless. What matters is that you get out of the house (or hotel room) and do something that interests you. Making friends will come naturally. You’ll be engaging in an activity with like-minded people.

Let’s say you’re traveling in Texas and you interested in kickboxing in Kingwood TX. At Elite MMA, their classes “combine techniques from Thai kickboxing and western-style in order to provide a program that will teach you how to defend yourself and will give you a great workout while you are learning. You will learn with your colleagues by sparring at different levels.
Kimchi and bibimbap cooking class in Seoul.
Go Online
You can use the internet to enhance your social life. To start, you can find new friends online. By joining chat groups, commenting on social boards, etc. You can even go online to create a real-life connection. If you know that you’re going to be traveling in a certain soon, you can scout events to go to in advance. You can try to forge a connection with one of the attendees.

If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to find a group of friends and acquaintances across all of the cities where you travel.

Stay in Hostels
One of the easiest ways to meet people when you’re traveling is to stay in a hostel. They're designed to appeal travelers. A lot of hostels cater to a younger clientele, but there are plenty that accept guests of all ages. You will encounter a range of different accommodation options. The bunk bed, dorm-style option is the cheapest option. It’s also an automatic way to meet people. If that doesn’t suit your needs, you might be able to find a private room.
With Kim Jin Ah of Teseum in Seoul.
Go to Bars
Going to a bar is a classic social event for a reason. People go for the atmosphere. If someone simply wants to get drunk, the can do it at home for a fraction of the price. No matter what city you’re in, you can probably find a friend if you head to the bar. Now, these may not be lasting friendships. But who cares? You’re trying to expand your social circle. Having a casual acquaintance can be a blast.
Bar Da in Seoul.
Use Dating Sites
Dating sites and apps are a useful tool to meet people if you’re willing to put yourself out there. You’ll meet a lot of duds. But you may meet some fun people as well. If you’re completely against the idea of dating someone, there are apps geared toward friendships. However, it can take a while to find someone who you actually click with. Expect people to be very flakey.

Go Outside 
This is a simple one. Just go outside. Play Pokemon Go, walk around the park, hang out at the local pool. If you’re cooped up indoors all of the time you’ll never meet anyone new. Another benefit of going outside is that you’ll become more familiar with the area. It may feel strange at first if you’re walking around aimlessly, but it’s actually a good way to meet people in the neighborhood.
Yue playing Pokemon Go. :)
Ask Friends
If you have any friends in the city you’re traveling to, see if they can introduce you to anyone new. It’ll be easier to get invited to events if your friend can vouch for you. Other people will know that at least one person thinks you’re socially acceptable and fun to hang out with. Making friends doesn’t get any easier as you get older.

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