Comments on: Finding Lifelong Friendships on the Road

By: Ray

Ray — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 22:25:21 +0000

I was fortunate to be part of a fantastic group tour that travelled around Peru for three weeks. By the last day, we became family.

In the years since, I have met up with two of them in NYC, showed another around my hometown of Toronto after she spent a few weeks travelling around Central America (she intentionally planned her returned flight back to Norway via Toronto to specifically do this!) and had another couple attend my wedding.

You nailed it on the head here, Matt. When placed in these types of situations, we choose to live in the present and be our true authentic selfs. We know the likelihood of seeing these people again is slim, so we don’t worry about being judged.

I’m hoping to meet up with some of them again once the Covid-19 pandemic is over and we can travel more freely like we used. But even if I were to never meet up with any of these tour mates again, the lessons learned from each of them will forever be ingrained into my core.

By: NomadicMatt

NomadicMatt — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:32:26 +0000

In reply to Chava. I'm glad I can help and not help at the same time.

By: Chava

Chava — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 07:31:14 +0000

True true true!
I have friends in India and Sweden and Azerbaijan that I feel closer to than my friends back in America. And I would go back to their countries just to visit em again..and yes, wedding invitations are completely normal!
I’m super thrilled I found your site! Eases my homesickness for the road..even as it makes it worse 😉

By: NomadicMatt

NomadicMatt — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 07:07:31 +0000

It’s wonderful isn’t it!

By: Alex

Alex — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 21:50:43 +0000

I’m traveling through the UK right now and meeting up with all the friends I made in Asia over two years ago. It’s such an amazing feeling to know there are people all over the world who’s arms you can fall into after a long journey!

By: Dorian

Dorian — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 00:28:19 +0000

In reply to Carrie.

@Crazy sexy fun traveler,

Hope you guys keep in touch….. I have never been anywhere long enough to establish a relationship where I would truly miss somebody. That’s awesome that you have build that foundation. Good Luck

Dorian

By: Andrew Wanner

Andrew Wanner — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 06:23:23 +0000

So very true – all of this! I have taught in Korea, Japan, India, Saudi Arabia, and Taiwan. I’ve now been to 37 countries outside the USA. Every place, every memory has its own brand of special. And some of the closest friends I’ve ever made have been while travelling!

By: bruin

bruin — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 05:38:11 +0000

this article just made me so teary eyed. best quote: “I often feel that the “rawness” of travel can lead to instant lifelong friends.” amen.

By: Drew Meyers

Drew Meyers — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 07:12:33 +0000

Totally agree with you. I met a few of these “Paul and Jane” types while traveling for 7 months last year. Brad and Chelsea (http://driftinduo.com) certainly fit in that bucket. I haven’t seen them since September in Valencia for La Tomatina, but I consider them life friends…and fully expect to see them again somewhere on the travel trail soon.

By: Renee

Renee — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 17:11:14 +0000

I would love to begin and cultivate a lifelong friendship like that. I usually travel with my daughter and we tend to be insular….mostly because we’re introverts, but I want to change that. I will be traveling to Sedona by my lonesome and I will be forced to interact with others which is a good thing as I look forward to putting myself out there and meeting some really great people.