Take the initiative!

It can be scary, but put yourself out there. A proactive and open-minded approach will help you find your road dogs YOLO! Strike up a conversation. You will be surprised at the exciting things you will learn about people. Invite the people at your same dinner seating to a cruise event that is happening or to join you on an excursion at shore. Do as the locals do. Connecting with local residents will give you the best insight to events, restaurants, and how to navigate in your destination.  

Be Active! Pursue your interests and passions while traveling.

One of the rewards of attending events, booking excursions, and participating in your interests is the instant connection you will have with likeminded individuals. Do you love live music – then book a trip to the Caribbean during Carnival. Do you love volunteering? Then find a local charity to volunteer at during your trip. Are you into a sport or fitness. Plan your trip around a race or sporting event you can participate in or attend. The more social activities you attend the more people you will meet. Look for events to attend during your vacation that peak your interests. 

Find your tribe in online communities.

With social media, you can easily make friends online. Prior to your trip, search for Facebook groups interested in your specific travel destination or an established travel network. Join our Facebook group – Boats2Beaches Travel Group to be connected to people that love to travel and share experiences. Use Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and even Pinterest to research groups that discuss your destination. Start building your tribe of travel buddies that enjoy your same interests.

Where can you make friends online:

•  In advance you can Join travel Facebook and online groups interested in destinations you want to travel to. Using official Facebook and established online groups is always a safe option.
   
• Also, do not forget about the online groups for Americans (Ex-Pats) that now live in these destinations. These Ex-Pats have the knowledge on what to enjoy. Also, many now run businesses that may interest you. Introduce yourself in these online groups and forums in the country you are traveling abroad in. Remember safety first. Choose to meet and hang in public and busier places for social events.
  
• Find and make friends by joining chat groups on platforms like WhatsApp, Clubhouse and GroupMe with friends that you have met. If you will be traveling with these friends or during the same time, these apps will be useful in helping you plan meet ups and/or give great travel tips on places to go to in your destination. 



The world is at your fingertips and it’s time for you to travel. Don’t let fear of traveling solo or to new destinations stop you. Travel is a great opportunity to socialize and connect with awesome friends just waiting to be discovered!