Whether it’s swapping stories over dinner, tackling a mountain trail together or discovering a hidden beach, travel has always had a knack for bringing people together. Now, new research suggests it’s become one of the best places to build meaningful new friendships.
A study of 5,000 adults aged between 20 and 40 across the UK, Italy, Spain, France and Germany found that 45% believe travelling is now the best way to get to know new people – ahead of work and university (33%), friends of friends (31%), sport and hobbies (29%) and organised events (28%). Apps and social media came bottom of the list, with just 9% saying they’re where relationships are formed.
The new research findings, from travel company WeRoad, reflect a growing desire to spend less time connecting through screens and more time meeting people face to face. Almost three-quarters (72%) of those surveyed said they would like more opportunities to socialise offline, while 63% said they feel the need to belong to a group built around shared interests.
Two-thirds (66%) of respondents believe it’s harder to meet new people than it was in the past – an increase of eight percentage points compared with similar research carried out in 2025. More than half (52%) admitted they aren’t satisfied with their current social relationships.
When asked what’s getting in the way of making new friends, 47% blamed the decline in spontaneous social interactions. A third pointed to a lack of time, while 25% admitted they don’t know where to start and 21% said social anxiety makes it difficult.
Travel, however, appears to offer a different kind of environment.
83% of respondents said they feel more open towards others when they’re away from home, and 66% said they’ve formed a genuine connection with someone they met while travelling. More than half (52%) also described friendships made on trips as more authentic than those made in everyday life, while 84% said they see travel as a good way to combat feelings of isolation.
So, what makes holidays such fertile ground for new friendships? According to the research, shared experiences are the biggest factor, with 60% saying memorable moments create stronger bonds. Spending extended time together was cited by 43%, while others said stepping away from everyday routines (30%), leaving behind social expectations (19%) and escaping predefined roles (16%) all make it easier to connect.
The research was cross-referenced with international studies, including the OECD’s report on loneliness and the World Happiness Report 2025, both of which highlight growing concerns about social isolation.
As traditional meeting places such as pubs, cafés and community spaces become less central to everyday life, it’s perhaps no coincidence that more people are finding friendship on the road instead. Travel is proving to be about far more than ticking destinations off a bucket list – it’s becoming one of the most rewarding ways to make new friends.
Credit: www.weroad.com