Whether I go overseas or a couple of states over, meeting people while traveling is different… It’s easier.
People in planes, trains, and automobiles chat with me. They tell me stories and suggest great places to visit.
Do you find this when you travel?
Maybe I live in a cold neighborhood where people don’t speak. That must be it.
I’m invisible
Many people in my neighborhood don’t speak. They see me. I know they see me.
Nope, they don’t see me. That’s why they don’t speak.
Yeah, right…
Whenever I go anywhere… campground, rest stop, gas station, train station, museum, airport, beach… I never have a problem meeting people while traveling around.
On a road trip, three strangers shared travel stories with me while we stood in line to use the showers at a campground in Utah.
I know more about them than my own neighbors… whoever they are…
Ice, ice, icy cold
A lady in a flowy outfit rushed towards me in the hallway. I looked at her, wondering if she would lock eyes with me again.
Half-smiling, I started to say, ‘Hello…’
Then she passed me.
Did my urban jungle power-walk look scare her?
Maybe she has selective vision? Oh… she didn’t see me coming… that makes sense.
We’ve crossed paths in this building—several times. Each time, she glances at me and flips her eyes away so fast they nearly fly off her head.
Never once has she said anything to me.
And I tried
“Which floor?” I asked, standing before the operating panel in the elevator with her.
Reaching her finger across my body, she pressed the button, brushing me.
Okay… not even a word—talented.
“Excuse me… I need to press the button myself, so please move. Thank you very much.” That’s what I would have said.
Some people don’t want to talk. I get it—so it’s best to just walk away.
Meeting people traveling
When I moved to this city, the residents gave off a cold vibe. It drifted like the stench of rotten onions.
Maybe it’s just here?
When traveling, I see people wave, smile, and greet each other. They are curious and love to share.
Well, howdy… How’re you doin’?
Are people more relaxed when they travel? Does their desire to visit wonderful places unite them?
Or are they just excited to leave their neighborhood and meet people?
It’s not just me—I swear
Okay, back to the lady in the hallway.
Many friends have told me about their experiences meeting people in their cities.
People walk past them and lock eyes but don’t even get a ‘what’s up.’
“This lady on my street passes me every day and doesn’t say ‘hi’ to me… so weird,” one friend told me.
“The people in my neighborhood are kinda rude. They don’t say anything back even if I try to greet them,” another friend said.
“I don’t even know who my neighbors are. They see me but don’t say anything to me,” said another.
Is the key to leave town?
These same people said they run into the most friendly people when traveling out of town.
In fact, when I traveled solo, I made many friends, and meeting people was easy.
There’s something about traveling a lot. Not only do you broaden your worldview, but you also meet cool people.
Okay, not everyone I’ve met traveling has been friendly.
I have also run into some unsettling people. That happens too.
I’ll save those stories for other blog posts…
And well, looky here… It’s time to hit the road again and meet more cool people!
Have you run into any cool people while traveling? Do you have any great stories to share about it?
Updated: November 24, 2024
