Meet Jack, Alex, and Mia. They are three travelers who often go on business trips to different countries. They work for different companies and have different job roles, but they share one thing in common: they love to explore new places and meet new people.
JACK
ALEX
MIA
Jack is a 40-year-old marketing consultant from London. He works for a global firm that sends him to various clients around the world to help them improve their branding and sales strategies. He enjoys his job, but he also likes to have some fun and adventure in his spare time. He always researches the local culture, history, and attractions of the places he visits, and tries to experience them as much as possible. He also likes to mingle with the locals and learn from them. He’s an avid music fan who embraces many different style of music. He has made many friends and memories along the way, but he also had some mishaps and misadventures. One time he went on a blind date in Bangkok organized by a local client and found out that she was a ladyboy. “That was cool, she was nice.” quips Jack, “This just wasn’t for me. I think my client figured I like jazz, she likes jazz so what could go wrong?”
“I always try to make the most of my trips, even if they are for work. I think traveling is a great way to learn new things and have new experiences. I also like to meet new people and see how they live and think. Sometimes I get lucky and find someone who shares my interests and passions. Other times, I get into trouble and end up in awkward or hilarious situations. But I don’t mind, because it’s all part of the adventure.” – Jack
Alex is a 30-year-old software developer from San Francisco. He works for a startup that allows him to work remotely from anywhere in the world. He loves his job, but he also loves to travel and see new places. He is a digital nomad who moves from one country to another every few months, working from his laptop and spending time in co-working spaces, hostels, and Airbnb apartments. He is always looking for new challenges and opportunities to learn new skills and languages. He uses platforms like Udemy, Duolingo, and Skillshare to take online courses and tutorials in different subjects. He also likes to join hackathons, workshops, and networking events in different cities. He has met many fellow travelers and entrepreneurs along the way, but he also faced some difficulties and frustrations. Like the time the owner of a coffee shop in Budapest thought he was homeless. “This was frankly touching.” According to Alex, “I was staying 3 weeks in Budapest and took to working in a local coffee shop because it was very affordable and the wifi was far better than my hostel. I spent so much time there that the woman who ran figured I was homeless and just trying to stay out of the Hungarian winter.” He concedes that was embarrassing and his take way was, “People are nice all over the world and I probably have to shower more and change my clothes when I’m so focused on a tight deadline.”
“I love being a digital nomad, because it gives me the freedom and flexibility to work and travel at the same time. I don’t have to worry about office politics, commuting, or routine. I can choose where I want to go and what I want to do. I also love learning new things and challenging myself. I guess I should try to look more presentable in cafes. ” – Alex
Mia is a 25-year-old fashion designer from Paris. She works for a luxury brand that sends her to various fashion shows and events around the world. She loves her job, but she also loves to express her creativity and style in her personal life. She always dresses to impress and accessorizes with unique and exotic items. She also likes to discover new trends and inspirations from different cultures and places. She uses apps like Instagram, Pinterest, and Etsy to share her photos, ideas, and products with her followers and customers. She also likes to attend parties, concerts, and festivals in different cities. She has made many fans and admirers along the way, but she also had some drama. Like the time she got into a fight with a rival designer in Milan. “To this day I do not know how I offended her so badly, but it was like a scene out of a movie when she threw a plate of food at me during a gala.” Mia says, “The organizers were horrified, as was I. Still, I ended up creating a fabric that looks like food splatter that sold pretty well”
“I always try to be myself and express my personality and taste in everything I do. I think fashion is a form of art and communication, and I love to experiment and innovate with different styles and materials. I also love to explore new places and cultures and see how they influence and inspire me.” Sometimes I find beauty and joy in the most unexpected places, like a local market or a street performer. Other times, I find trouble and conflict in the most glamorous places, like a fashion show or a red carpet. But I don’t care, because it’s all part of the show.” – Mia
Here are some of Jack, Alex, and Mia’s strategies to meet people while traveling:
- Stay in hostels. Hostels are the easiest and most popular way to meet other travelers, especially if you stay in a dorm room or join the hostel activities. You can use Hostelworld to find the best hostels around the world. Staying in hostels offers the opportunity to connect with fellow travelers from different backgrounds, sharing experiences and tips on places to visit. It’s a vibrant social environment that fosters new friendships and enriches the travel experience.
- Go on walking tours. Walking tours are a great way to learn about the history and culture of a place, as well as to chat with other participants and the guide. You can use Google or social media to search for free walking tours in your area, or ask hostel staff for recommendations. Walking tours provide not only valuable insights into the local culture and landmarks but also an informal setting to interact with other curious explorers.
- Use Couchsurfing. Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with locals who offer them a free place to stay, or just hang out with them. You can use Couchsurfing to find hosts, events, or groups in different cities. This platform enables authentic cultural exchanges, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the local lifestyle and form meaningful connections with hosts and other travelers.
- Use Facebook groups. Facebook groups are a useful way to find people who share your interests, hobbies, or travel plans. You can join groups like Girls Love Travel, Digital Nomads, or Solo Travelers, and post messages asking for advice, tips, or meetups. These online communities serve as valuable support networks, where members can seek travel recommendations, share experiences, and even organize meetups in various destinations.
- Embrace trains and other forms of public transportation. Trains and buses are a cheap and convenient way to travel between places, and they also offer a chance to meet people along the way. You can strike up a conversation with your seatmates, or ask for directions or recommendations from locals. Public transportation not only facilitates the exploration of different destinations but also facilitates spontaneous interactions with locals and fellow travelers, adding depth to the travel experience.
- Follow travel bloggers. Travel bloggers are a source of inspiration and information for travelers, and they often organize meetups or events in different places. You can follow your favorite travel bloggers on social media or their websites, and see if they are in the same city as you. Engaging with travel bloggers not only provides valuable insights into destinations but also offers opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals during organized meetups and activities.
- Take a local class. Taking a local class is a fun and educational way to learn something new and meet people who share your passion. You can take classes in cooking, dancing, yoga, language, or anything else that interests you. You can use platforms like Airbnb Experiences, Viator, or EatWith to find local classes and experiences. Participating in local classes allows travelers to engage in shared interests with locals and other travelers, fostering connections and cultural understanding.
Jack, Alex, and Mia are solo business travelers, but they are not lonely travelers. That’s the difference. All three of them are not afraid to reach out to others. Their proactive approach to meeting new people during their travels enriches their experiences and allows them to form valuable connections around the world.
