FLY BROTHER with Ernest White II is all about the power of friendship and human connection around the world—a topic our host Ernest is an expert in. Over the last decade, Ernest has traveled to over 70 countries and lived in five others, including Colombia, Brazil and South Africa. While each destination has its own unique sights, sounds, and smells just waiting to be discovered, Ernest knows that what makes a trip truly memorable are the people you meet. With that focus in mind, Ernest has fostered deep friendships with people of all walks of life, all over the globe.
Though some people believe the art of making friends is an innate ability that some people have and others don’t, there are also several methods that Ernest and his fellow world travelers use to befriend others while on the road.
Here are just a few tips and tricks to help you meet new people while traveling. Some of them might even surprise you.
Learn a few words in the local language
You may not be able to speak fluently in the local language of every destination you visit, but knowing a few words can open the doors to potential friendships. Greeting someone in their language is a sign of respect and shows that you’re open to learning more about their culture. Sometimes saying hello or asking for recommendations is all it takes to spark a conversation that could lead to an invitation that then leads to a budding friendship.
Go on a group tour
If you’re looking to befriend other travelers, going on a group tour for the day is a great way to do it. This is especially true for solo travelers. Participating in a group activity puts you in the perfect environment to bond with people over a new and shared experience. They’re your crew for the day and since everyone is in the traveling mindset, they’re even more likely to be open to conversation. If you really bond with someone, don’t be afraid to initiate an exchange of contact information to meet up again after the activity or tour is over!
Connect with your fellow travelers via social media and other online platforms
While social media is often a place to interact with friends and family, it’s also perfect for making new friends. Before going on a trip, use social media to research your destination and perhaps even reach out to people who live there. Joining Facebook groups for travelers or groups specifically for expats in the destination you’re traveling to is an easy way to meet people who are open to connecting. Other useful platforms for this include Couchsurfing and Workaway.
Join a local gym, dance studio, art class etc., even if it’s just for one day
If you want to make friends with the locals, you have to meet them where they are. Going to a gym for the day, taking a dance class or participating in whatever your hobby may be, is a guaranteed way to encounter people you have something in common with. And that commonality could be the basis of your friendship. It may be nerve wracking to do this, especially in a country where you don’t speak the language, but you’d be surprised how open people can be and appreciative of your effort to connect with them despite this barrier. You might even pique their curiosity.
Attend a local event
The same principle from above applies here, too. If you go where the locals go, you stand a better chance of meeting them, or perhaps even another traveler. As you explore your destination, keep an eye out for posters advertising local events. The events section on Facebook, Meetup.com, and Eventbrite are also good resources to find out what’s going on in the area. If you see an event that interests you, check it out! Art galleries and live music venues are safe bets if language barrier is a concern.
At the end of the day, there are millions of ways to meet people while you explore this beautiful planet, and the serendipitous nature of how and where it happens is half the fun!
Be sure to check out the FLY BROTHER YouTube channel for full episodes of the show and bonus content. You’ll even get to see Ernest put some of his friendliness to use as he meets up with his old buddies around the world. There’s more wanderlust-inducing content on our Instagram account, too.
Let’s Fly!