How to Meet People Around the World

The fear of traveling the world alone sometimes holds seniors who have lost or separated from partners back from embarking on once-in-a-lifetime or bucket-list trips. But if you’re itching to get out there and see new places, embrace new cultures, and meet people around the world we’ve got some ideas for you.

Meeting people around the world isn’t as hard as it might sound. We’ve got a long list of tips, tricks, and advice for you in this blog post. But why not start by joining a social travel club like Freebird Club, which we’ve built specifically for travelers over 50?

Benefits of Joining a Social Travel Club

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to meet people while traveling, let’s look at the benefits of joining a social travel club such as Freebird. 

You Can Travel Like a Local 

Traveling to a new destination can be overwhelming, especially if you have a lot of options on your plate. Meeting up with a local who knows the ins and outs of a destination ensures you have the best possible time. You get to see the hidden gems, local eateries, and spots that may not be possible without a local’s insight.

You’ll Meet Other Travel Savvy Explorers

You get to meet brand-new people from all walks of life. This makes it easier to trade travel tips, network with other members, and create new friendships. You can foster bonds with other mature explorers through shared experiences. 

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You’ll Get Travel Advice 

Travel clubs can help members make informed travel decisions thanks to mutual moments and collective wisdom. We help you connect with fellow travelers online and meet up with locals in person to exchange advice, allowing you to plan better.

Stay With Locals and Save Money

Besides getting to know the locals in your chosen destination, you can also stay with our members. Book a homestay with us and enjoy local hospitality to its fullest. You can find a homestay in over 15 countries globally, which can save you lots of money and time that usually goes into booking hotels.

Tips for Making New Friends 

If you’ve been thinking of joining our social travel club for people over 50 but have never done anything like it before, you’re likely a bit nervous. And this is even more true for those who haven’t spread their wings yet and ventured to other countries. New destinations, new people – it can all be a bit intimidating. 

Worry no more. We’ve got your back with these handy tips to help you make new friends and overcome social anxiety while traveling.  

Be a Good Guest When Staying With a Local   

If you’re going to stay with a Freebird Club host, be sure to make an effort to be a pleasant guest. This will make your trip all the more worth it and allow you to bond with the hosts instead of just keeping them at arm’s length. 

Practice good manners and house guest etiquette, and be courteous. If you need more help in this department as an inexperienced traveler, you’ll find some useful tips here on how to be a good guest. 

Photo by Vlada Karpovich from Pexels

Learn About the Cultural Customs and Norms 

Before you even arrange a meeting with other people, do your research on their cultural norms and customs. Customs vary from country to country, so it would make connecting with new people much more comfortable if you know a thing or two about them. For example, the greeting etiquette and gestures in France differ significantly from those in Japan. 

Be Open-minded

The kind of people that you are used to won’t be the same ones you meet abroad. Try not to make snap judgments before you get to know them. Expect them to have different opinions, beliefs, and ways of life. Be open to hearing their stories, and don’t be afraid to open up to them too.   

Be Approachable

This one may seem obvious, yet some people simply aren’t naturally approachable, especially if you’re introverted. But, if you want to mingle and meet new people, you’re going to benefit from appearing to be approachable. After all, if your body language shows everyone you want to be left alone, they’ll do just that. 

Instead, keep your head up, show interest, maintain good eye contact, and remember to smile. People will be more open to striking up a conversation with you. Also, just be yourself – but the best version you can be. 

Photo by RDNE Stock project from Pexels  

Become a Host 

If you’re not able to pack your bags and make the world your oyster anytime soon, you can still meet people from the comfort of your home. Being a Freebird member means you can be the host, too, not just a traveler. This allows you to meet new people, spark up friendships and make an extra income at the same time. 

You’ll have the option to host meals, give local travel tips, and offer a bit of guidance, which then rewards you with the prospect of bonding and building relationships with others. 

Tip: Learn more about becoming a host so you can help other mature explorers travel, too.  

Learn Some Basic Phrases in Other Languages 

Say you’re visiting countries where English is not widely spoken. This can result in language barriers and can prevent you from fostering genuine friendships with new people. In today’s digital age, it’s easy to whip out a phone and ask A.I. to translate for you. But let’s face it: not all boomers are tech-savvy, and some cultures may even find it offensive that you’re not willing to learn a few basic words and phrases. 

Things like how to greet, ask for the price, directions, help, etc., can help you along the way. While there are many benefits to learning foreign languages, it can earn you respect from locals since you’re willing to put the effort into learning their language. 

Read Next: Travel tips for memorable and hassle-free travel. 

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How to Meet People While Exploring the World

You’ve got the tips and know about all the benefits of joining a social travel club like Freebird. But how do you actually go about meeting new people while traveling? Glad you asked because we will show you just how you can meet people around the world. 

Arrange Tours and Activities With Locals

After connecting with a local in your chosen travel destination, you can arrange to go sightseeing together. Tours are an excellent way to connect with others, and one of our local members can act as your guide to see new places. It doesn’t only have to be museums and historical landmarks. 

Visit restaurants, pop in at cafes, wander through galleries, and go pub crawling. This is your opportunity to do more than just the regular touristy activities and to truly get to know your destination. 

Psst: You can find a local in over 35 different countries who are all members of the Freebird community. 

Join Language Classes

Remember what we said about learning some basic phrases in the language of your chosen destination? Well, you can join a language class to not only learn how to communicate better with the true locals but also meet fellow travelers. We recommend going this route if you’re spending at least two weeks in a new country. 

Meet People While Volunteering

Volunteering is an excellent way to give back and meet others while traveling. Countries like South Africa offer great programs allowing you to work with foreigners and locals in various communities.

Go Outside

The best way to meet new people abroad is to put yourself out there. Arrange meet-ups with locals, go on organized tours, and visit busy attractions such as markets, landmarks, and pubs. Regardless of where you go, you’re better off meeting new people by going outside and exploring. 

Also, if you’re visiting a destination during its slow seasons, you can look out for local cultural events and festivals. Something like a Christmas Market or public food festival gives an opportunity to interact with locals and other tourists.  

Photo by Centre for Ageing Better from Pexels

Take Advantage of Social Media 

About 22% of Facebook users are between the ages of 55 and 65 and up. Which is quite impressive, considering the highest percentage is 25.7% for 25-34 year olds. This statistic is important to know since Facebook is a fantastic way to find abundant travel or expat groups. 

As a boomer, you can join the Freebird Club Facebook Page to connect with other members. It’s a fun and interactive way to engage and share interests. 

Tip: Read more on how to get the most out of our Facebook community.   

Become a Freebird Club Member

If you’re ready to take on the world and meet fellow mature adults while you’re at it, then Freebird Club is your gateway to new adventures and friendships. You’ve been through your dirty 30s and naughty forties, but did you know that 50 is the new 25? There are so many memorable experiences awaiting your arrival and new faces to share them with. 

The only thing left to do is to become a Freebird in six steps and live out your senior years as a certified globetrotter!