Make friends on your next trip

Travel has long been a place where strangers become friends, whether through shared meals, hikes, or stumbling upon a secluded beach. The simple act of exploring a new city, handling unfamiliar streets, or bonding over a local delicacy often sparks conversations that might never happen at home. Now, research suggests it may be the best way to build lasting connections.

A study of 5,000 adults aged 20-40 across the UK, Italy, Spain, France, and Germany found 45% believe travel is the top way to meet new people. That ranks ahead of work and university (33%), friends of friends (31%), sports and hobbies (29%), and organized events (28%). Apps and social media lagged far behind, with only 9% saying they form relationships there.

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The findings, from travel company WeRoad, point to a shift away from digital interactions, with many expressing fatigue from superficial online exchanges. 72% of those surveyed want more offline socializing opportunities. Meanwhile, 63% said they crave a sense of belonging in groups built around shared interests.

66% of respondents think making friends is harder now than in the past—up eight percentage points from similar research in 2025. More than half (52%) aren’t happy with their current social circles, a dissatisfaction that stems from multiple barriers. When asked why, 47% blamed fewer spontaneous interactions, a natural consequence of increasingly structured, screen-mediated lives. 33% cited lack of time, as busy schedules leave little room for organic socializing, while 25% didn’t know where to start, highlighting the challenge of initiating connections without established social frameworks.

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Travel, though, seems to break down those barriers. The change of environment appears to lower guardrails. Over half (52%) described these friendships as more authentic than those made in daily life, likely because they’re built on mutual curiosity and shared discovery rather than convenience or obligation. Meanwhile, 84% see travel as a way to fight loneliness, offering both immediate companionship and the potential for long-term bonds.

Why holidays build stronger bonds

Shared experiences are the biggest reason, according to the study. 60% said memorable moments—whether it’s watching a sunset from a mountaintop or getting lost in a foreign market—create deeper connections than everyday interactions. 43% pointed to extended time together, as multi-day trips allow conversations to unfold naturally, moving beyond small talk to more meaningful exchanges. 30% credited stepping away from routines, which removes the distractions of daily life and forces people to engage with their surroundings—and each other—in new ways. Others mentioned leaving behind social expectations (19%), as travel often strips away professional titles or societal labels, letting people connect as individuals rather than roles. A smaller but notable group (16%) highlighted shedding predefined roles, such as parent, employee, or caretaker, which can make interactions feel more genuine and less constrained.

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The research aligns with broader trends noted in the OECD’s report on loneliness and the World Happiness Report 2025, both of which highlight rising concerns about isolation in modern societies. As traditional community hubs decline, travel emerges as a natural alternative, offering structured yet spontaneous opportunities to meet like-minded people. Group tours, in particular, provide built-in social circles, while solo travel often pushes individuals to seek out connections they might otherwise avoid.

For many, the draw isn’t just the destination—it’s the people they meet along the way. Whether it’s a fellow backpacker offering local tips or a group of strangers bonding over a shared adventure, travel turns the unfamiliar into a catalyst for friendship.