What’s the best way to meet new people while traveling?
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The best way to seek out new companions and even lasting friendships while traveling is to seek out like minds.
A sports nut? Go to a game or two; you are sure to find some new friends there.
A music lover? Find a few performances – rock shows, classical performance, or coffee shop concert – or even a street performer or two.
A literary buff? The library might be a good spot.
Theater enthusiast? Take in a few shows; lots of potential there.
Finding new friends while traveling isn’t the problem; sitting down and deciding which way you want to go is the bigger challnege.
Growing up in a classical music household, I was a late bloomer when it came to being exposed to other genres of music; but boy, once I did, I tried out all kinds of music. Today, there aren’t a whole lot of musical styles I do not like and don’t listen to; but I still enjoy classical music, musicals, and ballets.
When I went to Russia, I knew that some music performances were still being subsidized by the government. I planned on taking full advantage of that fact and attend as many performances as I could. Six and seven dollar concert tickets is a whole lot better than $40, $50, and more in the United States!
In Russia, all performances are conducted in Russian even if the composer was not born in Russia.
On my second trip, I knew more of what to look for and that meant a lot of time on Nevsky Prospect checking out street musicians.
If you wanted to listen to classical music, then you turned on the radio or went to the symphony; but if you wanted to hear jazz or rock and roll then you hit the streets! That is how I met Peter and we spent as much time as we could together talking about music as possible. He spoke English (King’s English) but there were still times he didn’t quite understand the words in a song and we would listen to it so I could tell him what was being said.
Fifty years after their break up, The Beatles were still very popular in Russia and nearly every street band performed some Beatles music! Peter with his friend Sasha played their share of Beatles songs but they also sang Queen and Eric Clapton.
My dad used to live in a retirement community and they offered a club for every conceivable interest. Daddy used to say that if you couldn’t find a club, you had a problem. It’s almost the same when looking for companions while travelling. There is surely a group or organization to fill your interest…even while on the road!