We checked in on the "Catch Flights not Feelings" folks and it's not going so well.
Solo travelers, digital nomads, and backpackers know. The struggle is so very real.
Sharing and exchanging your story. connecting with people who are likeminded
“What I miss most about meeting people while traveling is that feeling of getting super amped up to exchange travel stories, and just be able to relate to other people who may be completely different than you. For example, after being stuck in mandatory home confinement for over 50 days with zero social interaction, the first person I spoke to was a local here in Barcelona because he merely mentioned in Catalan that the ducks I was feeding in the park must be really hungry. That led to a full blown conversation about the best outdoor parks to visit in the area as well as an entire list of other must-see areas of Spain!”
- Alyssa Ramos
Not just likeminded - people who are different to challenge yourself - spontaneity and impulse trips- - opp to say yes
“I primarily miss the spontaneity involved with meeting new people while traveling. Like when you meet a new friend one night in your dorm room and then go on a fun day trip with them a day later. New experiences with new friends — there’s nothing better.”
Vulnerability of travel allows stronger bonds
“What I miss most about meeting new people while traveling is the speed that friendships form. After spending a few days traveling with someone I just met, I’ve shared meals with them, partied with them, seen spectacular sites with them. Maybe I’ve even shared a room with them. I end up feeling like I’ve known my new friends for years rather than days.”
Not just rel - education - cultural immersion
“Whenever I go to a different place, it’s not just the landscapes and the tours that make it worth it. It’s also about immersing with the local culture and being able to connect with other people and letting them open up a whole new world for you. I miss learning about others’ culture, hearing their travel stories, being able to make new connections and bond with like-minded people. It’s so refreshing to be surrounded with people who has the same passion as you. As an introvert, I miss going out of my comfort zone to learn more about different people from different places.”
- Arra
Culture - food culture - sounds and smells
cant wait for the opportunity to say yes
“The thing I love and miss the most is sharing a homemade meal with the people I meet during my travels. I love meeting locals or people who actually live in the place I’m visiting and cooking and eating with them. I’ve been to local markets all over the world and it’s always fascinating to me as it is a delicious way to discover a culture. Food is the fastest way to see into people’s lives and what they love! Even better, it is often an opportunity to get together with friends and family, and sharing a meal breaks the ice instantly! I love either planning that in advance by meeting people online or friends of friends or just saying yes to a spontaneous invite.”
“I miss the confusion of understanding and interpreting different languages while meeting new people while traveling. Why? Well oddly, you learn more about a person when you have TO TRY to understand them. It’s a special connection that’s made! That’s what meeting new people while traveling is all about. It’s about getting lost in the culture and finding a piece of you with every new person you meet”
Niqueea Sykes