Could booking a trip be the answer to making new friends?
A new international study suggests it just might. Research has revealed that travel has overtaken work, university and even mutual friends as the number one place where people form meaningful new relationships.
The survey of 5,000 adults aged between 20 and 40 across the UK, Italy, Spain, France and Germany found that nearly half (45%) believe travelling is now the best way to get to know new people.
The findings come at a time when many people are finding it increasingly difficult to build new friendships. 66% of respondents said it is harder to meet new people than it was in the past.
Commissioned by solo group travel company WeRoad, the research points to a growing desire for real-world experiences, with people increasingly stepping away from digital platforms in search of human connection.
Travel topped the list of places where meaningful relationships are formed, with 45% of respondents choosing it ahead of work and university (33%), friends of friends (31%), sport and hobbies (29%) and events (28%). Apps and social media came last, with just 9% saying they are where meaningful relationships are formed.
The study also found that 83% of people feel more open towards others when travelling, while almost three-quarters (72%) said they would like more opportunities to socialise offline.
The results reflect wider concerns around loneliness and social isolation. More than half (52%) of respondents said they were dissatisfied with their current social relationships, while 66% felt everyday life simply does not provide enough opportunities to meet new people.
When asked what was making it harder to build friendships, almost half (47%) blamed the decline in spontaneous social interactions. A third cited lack of time, while 25% admitted they were unsure where to start and 21% said social anxiety was a barrier.
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 around declining social connection.
Researchers believe that many of the traditional places where friendships once developed naturally – including pubs, cafés and community spaces – are playing a less significant role in modern life. Instead, shared experiences, particularly those centred around travel, are becoming the spaces where meaningful relationships are most likely to grow.
The findings support that trend. 66% of respondents said they have formed a genuine connection with someone while travelling, while more than half (52%) described relationships formed on trips as more authentic than those developed in everyday life.
Shared experiences were cited as the biggest reason why travel creates stronger bonds, with spending extended periods of time together helping deepen connections. Others said stepping away from everyday routines, escaping social expectations and leaving behind predefined roles made it easier to connect with new people.
The results suggest that for many people, travel is becoming about far more than sightseeing or taking a break. Increasingly, it is being viewed as an opportunity to make lasting friendships and help combat feelings of isolation.
Credit: www.weroad.com
