What’s the best way to meet new people while traveling?

There was a show that came on back in prehistoric times when I was a kid called “Fantasy Island.” It starred a beautiful man named Richardo Montalban, as the host of the island resort. He had a wonderful small assistant, played by Herve Villechaize, whose name in the show was “Tattoo.”

Now I suppose you are wondering what this has to do with meeting new people while traveling? Well, when guests were arriving on the island, Tattoo would run towards the doors of the resort villa shouting “Da plane! Da plane!“ And this little memory leads to my answer…

I have found that no matter where I travel to, or from, the best place to meet new people, for me, has always been either waiting at the airport for a plane or on the plane itself. Sitting in a seat at the gate, or next to a passenger on the flight, is a great setting to meet people who have at least one thing in common with you…they are traveling to the same destination you are.

The typical questions start the adventure of discovering a new friend. Anything from “are you coming from or going home?” Or, “is this your first time flying?” (One of my favorites.) It opens the door for so many other details about trips travelled, relatives seen, best places to eat or stay…and of course, personal stories. I’m a sucker for a great story.

Now there have been times when I just wanted to sit quietly and just enjoy the travel experience. And on occasion, I have been known to put my earbuds in and turn to my phone or book. But most of the time, when I am traveling, I smile at those curious travelers who may make eye contact with me to assure them I’m not offended or irritated that they notice me. And when I get a smile back, it almost always ends in a great story…AND a new kindred travel buddy!

Safe travels…and smile. You just might meet a new friend.

Blessings. vw1.