Thirteen weeks sounds like a long time until you actually begin in your travel assignment — and then the days start zooming past. There’s so much to see and do, both personally and professionally, and you want to make the most of it. After all, this could be the only time you ever see this area in your entire life.
We get that and we also know making the right friends can make your assignment even more rewarding. That's why today we’re offering you our tips for meeting people quickly in your travel assignment destination so you can get started making lifelong memories pronto.
- Go to what you know. What do you like to do? Is it yoga? Creative writing? Cooking? Whatever you love to do, there are people in the area who love to do it too. Enroll in a class at the local community college or community center and you’ll enrich yourself as well as meet people who share your interests.
- Get social. Social media and websites like Meetup.com are great ways to learn about what’s going on in your new area and to make connections. If you find an event that appeals to you, don’t be shy about attending and reaching out ahead of time — via social media — to let them know you’re new in town. Someone will extend a helping hand.
- Don’t overlook your coworkers. Your coworkers and your friends need not be exclusive. After all, these are the people who already share a common passion with you. Many facility staffers have worked with travelers before and they’ll understand your wanting to connect. Be friendly and never turn down that happy hour invite.
- Volunteer for your passions. We all have causes that we are passionate about and there are ways to help those efforts in your travel destination city as well. Contacting these causes to learn more about volunteer events is a great way to connect with people like you and support a common cause. It’s a win-win.
- Be receptive at must-see attractions. One of the reasons you chose your given destination in the first place was for the travel, so as you’re out seeing the sites and enjoying the experiences, be receptive to who you’re sharing them with. What started as a must-see event could turn into a lifelong friendship.