Travel Beats Social Media, Work and University for Building Lasting Friendships

Travel Is Now the Top Way to Meet New People, New Research Finds

A new survey from travel company WeRoad has found that travel has overtaken work, university and introductions through mutual friends as the top place people form meaningful new connections.

The study of 5,000 adults aged 20 to 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.

Why More People Are Building Friendships Through Travel

The findings come as 66% of respondents said it is harder to meet new people than it was in the past – an eight per cent increase compared with similar research conducted in 2025.

The research suggests people are increasingly turning away from digital platforms in favour of real-world experiences as they seek IRL human connection.

Travel ranked first as the place where meaningful relationships are formed, 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 were where meaningful relationships are made.

Travel Encourages Real Life Social Connections

The study also found that 83% of people feel more open towards others while travelling, while almost three-quarters (72%) said they would like more opportunities to socialise offline.

Loneliness Is Driving People to Seek New Experiences

The findings come against a backdrop of growing concerns about loneliness and social isolation. More than half (52%) of those surveyed said they were dissatisfied with their current social relationships.

Almost half (47%) blamed the decline in spontaneous social interactions for making it harder to build new friendships, while a third cited a lack of time. A quarter (25%) said they were unsure where to start, while 21% pointed to social anxiety as a barrier.

The findings were 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 declining social connection (FFI please see attached).

Why Travel Creates Stronger and More Authentic Friendships

Researchers suggest traditional places where friendships naturally formed, such as pubs, cafés and community spaces, are becoming less central to people's lives. Instead, shared experiences – particularly those centred around travel – are emerging as environments where relationships can develop more naturally.

The study found that 66% of respondents 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.

Asked why travel creates stronger bonds, 60% said shared experiences were the key factor, while 43% pointed to spending extended periods of time together. Others said leaving behind their normal routines, the absence of social expectations and fewer predefined roles made it easier to connect with other people.