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Talk to Strangers and Learn More About Everything

Since we were young, it was a pretty standard rule to not talk to strangers. Our parents weren’t wrong, safety is always important. However, when traveling, that advice can be pushed aside as talking to strangers can open up a world of opportunity, connection and learning.

Traveling for the sights, the food, and the experiences is always important, and usually a key part of why one goes on vacation. A key factor – people – is actually pivotal for knowing and finding the best sights, food and experiences.

On a recent trip to Hawaii, my family and I made friends with a couple on our tour bus. Although they weren’t locals, they were just ending their trip as we arrived. They were able to share insights from their trip about places to go, places not to go, sights and beaches that weren’t busy during peak hours, and other trip-changing information that made our trip remarkable. Because of this small conversation, we were able to make reservations at an amazing restaurant and we still get a christmas card from them each year.

According to Jonathan Thompson with Flash Pack, “connections will lead to a more rewarding experience.” Thompson writes about his experiences solo traveling and the importance of the conversations he has while away. He goes on about how barriers between people are there because of uncertainty and what we don’t know about one another. The only way to break down these walls and connect with one another is to just speak. A compliment, a question, a kind remark, anything will do to get the ball rolling in a direction towards connection and community.

Connecting and communicating is not only good for enhancing your personal travel experience, it is also important for truly understanding where you are visiting, who lives there, and what locals are like. By speaking with locals and travelers directly, we are exposed to new cultures and conversations that lead to a less biased, and more welcoming mindset around people who are different from us. Traveling opens our eyes to new places and people. While we are so accustomed to the places, we need to become more accustomed to the people by understanding and learning about them and their culture.

Overall, traveling and communicating with others leads to huge advancements in community connection and travel experiences. A simple compliment will do the trick towards opening the floor for learning and connection to happen.

Link to Article: https://www.flashpack.com/us/solo/relationships/friendship/talking-to-strangers-travel/