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Making friends or enjoying casual acquaintances can certainly enhance life. When traveling to a foreign country it can open whole worlds that reach far beyond the tourist track. Connecting with the people allows you to see places, eat foods and enjoy the local cultures that most travelers miss. Don't be afraid to jump right in and your world will never be the same.

Language certainly helps. Make the first phrase you learn "how do I say ___?" Most people will gladly tell you, be happy that you want to know. If your grasp of languages is a poor as mine it will often bring tears of laughter to your new friends and great relief and joy when you finally get it right.

Learn a little bit about the local culture the dos and don'ts. This can save embarrassment for all parties. It can help in your attempts to make friends as people are generally friendlier when you're not standing on their toes.

Use your resources at home before you go. Local language teachers, international clubs, service clubs like Rotary or Lions usually have international programs. Join or visit with the international club at local high schools or colleges. You may even meet someone with friends and family in your destination.

A volunteer vacation will put you directly in touch with local people from the moment you arrive. Be friendly with the local people involved and suggest a picnic or excursion that they think you might enjoy.

Speak to the people in bars and cafes. Invite them to sit with you. Attend a lecture or gallery show opening where there is an opportunity to meet locals in a casual social setting. Head to the park and join in a game or start your own with a chess board or soccer ball.

Use the internet to join a local blog group for your intended destination. Invite the net friend to have lunch or dinner upon your arrival. See how it goes from there.

Use caution. The same basic rules you would use at home apply elsewhere. Your hotel or hostel is like your home away from home so don't reveal its location or less you are totally comfortable.

I had a young man working for me as a waiter one summer. He made contacts at church and then made a cross-country trip from Miami to Seattle while staying with the contacts he'd made. He never had to stay in a motel and learned about the variety of American cuisine and culture first hand. It's a journey he cherishes as he saw America in an intimate way.

Find your own path to friendship wherever you go and the world will be a brighter place for it.

Learn more about this author, Betsy Young.
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