What’s the best way to meet new people while traveling?

Strangers Today,
Stories Tomorrow

I recently took my first train ride to Ibadan and honestly, the journey reminded me of something I sometimes forget:

Travel isn’t just about where you’re going. It’s also about the people you meet along the way.

From the moment my sister and I got to the Lagos train station, there were people everywhere – families, solo travellers, people travelling for work and people like me who were just excited to finally experience this train thing while also going for a wedding.

I had my window seat, m phone, my little excitement and I was ready to watch Lagos disappear.

And it did.

Slowly, the busy streets gave way to old houses, trees, open spaces and eventually, beautiful stretches of land.

But as much as I enjoyed looking out the window, I also found myself noticing the people around me.

And that’s one thing I love about travelling.

You suddenly find yourself surrounded by complete strangers who are all going somewhere.

Sometimes, all it takes to meet someone is a simple,

“Is this seat taken?”

Or,

“Have you been to Ibadan before?”

Or even,

“Please, where can I get good food around here?”

Before you know it, strangers are chatting like they’ve known each other for years. lol

And honestly, I think that’s one of the best ways to meet people while travelling:

Be open.

Talk to people.

Ask questions.

Join a group activity.

Chat with the locals.

Put your phone down occasionally and look around.

You never know who you might meet or what little story they might leave you with.

Of course, use your common sense. We’re trying to make friends, not become the evening news. lol

And sometimes, you may not even have a long conversation with someone.

Maybe someone helps you with your bag.

Someone recommends a place to eat.

Someone makes you laugh.

Someone points you in the right direction when you’re completely lost.

Or, like me, you spot a bread dispatch bus called “Alaafia” and suddenly decide that even your bread is wishing you good health. lol

Those little moments become part of the journey.

Because when we think about travelling, we often remember the places.

But sometimes, it’s the people and the tiny, unexpected moments that make the story worth telling.

So the next time you travel, don’t just ask:

“What am I going to see?”

Ask:

“Who am I going to meet?”

Because the destination may be the reason you left home…

but the people you meet along the way might become your favourite part of the story.