New research shows that holidays are the best way to make friends | News
Travel has overtaken work, college and even mutual friends as the top place where people form meaningful new relationships, according to new research.
A survey of 5,000 adults aged 20 to 40 in Britain, Italy, Spain, France and Germany found that almost half (45%) believe travel is now the best way to meet new people – outperforming traditional social environments such as work, university and introductions through existing friends.
The findings come as two-thirds (66%) of people say it is more difficult to meet new people than in the past, marking an increase of eight percent compared to similar research conducted in 2025.
The research, by travel organization WeRoadsuggests a growing need for real-world social experiences as people increasingly move away from digital platforms in search of real human connection.
While travel came first for forming meaningful relationships, work and university came in second (33%), followed by friends of friends (31%), sports and hobbies (29%) and events (28%). Apps and social media come in last, with only 9% of respondents saying that’s where meaningful relationships are formed.
The research also shows that 83% of people feel more open with others when traveling, while almost three-quarters (72%) say they want more opportunities to socialize offline.
The findings reflect broader concerns about loneliness and social isolation. More than half (52%) of respondents said they were dissatisfied with their current social relationships, while 66% said everyday life does not provide enough opportunities to meet new people.
Nearly half (47%) blame the decline in spontaneous social interactions making it harder to build new friendships, while a third cite a lack of time. Others pointed to uncertainty about where to start (25%) and social anxiety (21%).
The research was cross-referenced with international surveys including the OECD report on loneliness and the World Happiness Report 2025, both of which highlight growing concerns about declining social connection.
Researchers suggest that traditional places where friendships developed naturally – such as pubs, cafes and community spaces – are becoming less central to people’s lives. Instead, shared experiences, especially those surrounding travel, emerge as opportunities in which relationships can develop more naturally.
The research shows that 66% of respondents have formed a real connection with someone while traveling, while more than half (52%) describe the relationships formed during travel as more authentic than those created in everyday life.
When asked why traveling creates stronger bonds, 60% said it was because of shared experiences, while 43% pointed out spending longer periods of time together. Others said leaving their normal routines behind, the lack of social expectations and fewer predefined roles all made it easier to connect with others.
The findings also suggest that travel is increasingly seen as more than just a break from everyday life; many people see it as an opportunity to build friendships and combat feelings of isolation.
Credit: www.weroad.com
