The Art of Making Global Friends While Traveling!

I'm currently in Tampa, Florida, on a short trip. I'm about to visit the Dali Museum. Although I wish the weather were better, I've heard it's snowing in Philly, so I'm not complaining.

Making friends from different countries is part of traveling because they can introduce you to their culture in ways a guidebook can't. They can also protect you from tourist traps. While I don't consciously try to make friends during my travels, it usually happens. Here are some methods I use to make new friends:

• Take your hobbies with you: If you have any hobbies, consider incorporating them into your trip! As a salsa dancing enthusiast, I make it a point to visit salsa clubs worldwide. It's an excellent opportunity to connect with new people through a shared activity.

• Hang out with someone social: We all know someone who is highly sociable. Spend time with them, and you'll meet plenty of new people along the way. You might even start to pick up their social habits.
• Go on a tour: I enjoy tours because they offer opportunities to hang out with fellow travelers and tour guides after. You can read more about this in last week's issue.
• Hostels: These are great places to meet open-minded travelers. Many hostels even run events for their guests.
• Join a Meetup group: Visit the Meetup site and find a group that shares your interests. There are meetup groups all over the world.

Try these steps, and soon you'll find yourself surrounded by new people!

Andrew

What strategies do you use to make new friends while traveling?

Cocktail of the Week

One distinctive cocktail from Portugal is the "Ginjinha." Originating in Lisbon, this traditional cherry liqueur is made from sour cherries infused with alcohol and sugar, creating a sweet and flavorful concoction.

Recipe:

• 1 cup sour cherries (ginja)
• 1 cup aguardente (Portuguese brandy)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 lemon peel

How to prepare:

1. Wash and pit the sour cherries.
2. In a jar, combine cherries, aguardente, sugar, cinnamon stick, and lemon peel.
3. Seal the jar and let it steep for at least a month.
4. Strain the liquid and discard solids.
5. Serve the Ginjinha in small glasses.

Random Travel Thought

I will create a scene on the plane if I don't receive snacks.

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The Plug

Cheap flights:

• Going.com: This might be the only discounted flights website you need. It’s a paid service that sends you notifications when deals become available, but they expire in a couple of days so Act Fast!! 
• Secret Flying 🤫: This website emails you about free flight opportunities and even better… it doesn’t cost a thing!!
• Skyscanner: An older, but still reliable website that’s also *FREE* so there’s no reason not to use it. Use the "Explore the World" feature and set your departure date to "Whole Month" to find the cheapest deals.

Insurance:

• Safety Wing: I use Safety Wing as my travel insurance because the plans are flexible. You can easily insure a 1-week trip for like $11 dollars which is less than the cost of a cocktail at the bar.

Travel Gear

• Compression socks: Sitting for extended periods of time is not good for the body, so keep yourself healthy enough to go on more trips. Link
• Apple AirTags: Consider getting Apple AirTags for the peace of mind of always knowing where your luggage is. Link
• Smart Phone holder: It's a foldable sheet that can be used as a stand for your iPhone or iPad.Link
• Packing cubes: Having a separate container works wonders for keeping clothes wrinkle-free. It also makes packing/unpacking much easier.Link
• Donut Power Strip: Power outlets are always in demand, but sometimes they're in weird spots. I use this bagel because it's lightweight, and I don't have to think about it. Link
• Travel Case Organizer: Cable organizers can be a pain, but this is what I use to keep my cables organized. Link
• Backup batteries: I like these backup batteries because they have three important components for me: 1. They have enough power to recharge my phone multiple times at once, 2. Are small enough to put in my pocket, and 3. Are sturdy enough to survive a fall. Link
• Yoga Mat: I use this thin mat to get my stretching in even when I'm traveling. Link
• Jump Rope: It's so easy to bring a jump rope with you for exercise because it weighs almost nothing and takes up no space. Link
• Liquid IV: Great for hydration to keep you from dying. When you're traveling, it's time to live it up!  Link
  
  *Above are Affiliate links at no additional cost to you.

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