Travel friends are the wild cards of your social circle—part thrill-seeker, part sanity-saver, and often a total wildcard. They’re the ones who drag you out of your comfort zone, pushing you to try street food in a sketchy alley or jump into a random adventure that’ll either be life-changing or an absolute disaster. But let’s be clear: traveling with someone can make or break a friendship. The cramped spaces, language barriers, and endless “where do you want to eat?” conversations will reveal a side of each other you didn’t know existed. So, if you're lucky enough to find a travel friend who can handle your mess and make the journey unforgettable, you’ve got a bond that’s built to last—or crash and burn spectacularly. Either way, it's never boring.
What Are Travel Friends?
Travel friends are friends you meet on vacation or friends that you really only see when you're away from home! These are friends with a shared interest in collecting passport stamps. They help you make the perfect itinerary, meet you at the airport bar two hours in advance, and really only know vacay you!
Should You Make A Travel Friend?
If traveling is a big part of your life - then hell yeah! Nothing beats having friends who share in your wanderlust and who are always down to vacay getaway. Traveling with someone can be a game-changer, but don’t think it’s all sunsets and selfies. You’re risking mismatched itineraries, personality clashes, and possibly learning way more about someone than you ever wanted to know. But when you find that perfect travel buddy who shares your love for spontaneous adventures and bad decisions, the rewards are epic. So, if you’re daring enough to trust a stranger with your passport and your sanity, buckle up. The world’s waiting—and so are the stories you’ll tell.
Travel Friend Benefits?
It beats going solo! Travel friends can provide companionship on your vacations. They also minimize safety concerns, particularly for women who like to travel alone. They're your backup in the chaos, your partner in crime for wild adventures, and your shield against the boredom of solo travel. They’ll help you dodge scams, split the cost of that overpriced hotel room, and share the weight of your backpack (literally and metaphorically). Plus, they’re your escape from awkward solo dinners and the ultimate wingman for making memories that aren’t just captured in selfies.
The Downside & What To Watch Out For With This Friend Type:
Personality clashes, different travel styles, or mismatched energy levels can easily lead to a fallout. Maybe they’re the type to plan every detail, while you’re more “let’s wing it.” Next thing you know, you’re both exhausted, hangry, and fighting over who picks the next Airbnb. Even if all things go well - maintaining this friendship takes a lot of effort if you don't live in the same city or always have the same travel plans/schedule.
How To Make Travel Friends:
Start with shared passions—whether it’s hiking, photography, or backpacking through Southeast Asia. Use apps, travel forums, or social media to connect with like-minded explorers. Just make sure you vibe before you book that flight.
We highly recommend going to your hotel or airport bar while traveling! It's an easy way to meet fellow travelers, and likely those going to your same destination! Using Meetp or Airbnb Experiences can help you meet new people while you're away from home over a fun experience!
Rating Travel Friends
Connection Ease:
███ 3/10 - If you don't live in the same city, it's hard to connect/stay-in-touch!
Shared Interests:
█████ 5/10 - You have a passion for travel! That's an awesome hobby to share!
Continue The Travel Friend Conversation:
Check out Season 1, Episode 8 "Travel Friends" on our podcast! Available on Spotify & major streaming platforms! You can also view this episode through our website or on Youtube.
Have a travel friend story to share?! We would love to hear it! Leave us a comment or message us at hardtomakefriends@gmail.com
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