Travel is my passion. I love seeing new places, trying new foods, and just taking in the atmosphere of being there. I am always excited by the history, culture, beauty, and diversity of a new country or city. One thing has grown on me over the years: meeting new people.Conversations are a great way to make yourself feel at ease while travelingI don't consider myself to be an extrovert. It is also not my nature to be an introvert. I can be energized by good conversation, but it is also possible to sit down and read a book. Personality is a matter of opinion. There is no one right or wrong. Things are always a continuum. Maybe I'm right at the 50th percentile.One thing has changed slowly over the last decade. I feel more at ease in my skin and conversation that used to be frightening no longer bother me. Unwanted conversation with strangers used to be something I didn't like. It is now something I enjoy. It's something I don't pursue as often as I could, but I am much more open to it.It took practice to be able to engage in conversation with someone. This is a goal that will last a lifetime. My communication skills are a mess. I am more aware of them. Many times, I have been quick to talk, slow to listen, quick to leave a conversation if I'm in a hurry, and often quick to interrupt a conversation. It's easy to slow down and see the possibilities. It can also help reduce stress. It was often that I realized that I didn't have to rush. I still often go into mission mode (e.g. At airports. I am trying to slow down and take in the journey of my life. This has allowed me to be more open to having conversations.However, not everyone is willing to be involved. This is evident in my January trip to Colombia. One taxi driver in Bogota could barely speak three words to me, even though I tried asking some questions. Later that day, I had a great conversation with an Uber driver. The last evening was filled with great conversations with a Cartegena bartender. I'm happy with how the conversations turn out. I'll ask a few questions. If you don't get a response, let someone know.Openness is a virtueI don't tell anyone everything about me. Some people may ask me basic questions about my life, such as where I live and what I do for work. I tend to steer the conversation towards where I am currently visiting. However, I am open to listening and love to talk. If they are open to sharing their stories, I can sometimes learn a lot. I may hear about their autistic child's achievements during COVID lockdowns. They might teach me Spanish slang. They may also somberly share the realities of caring for Venezuelan impoverished families.All you need is to be open. This is all you need. The initial discomfort can be frustrating if you don't enjoy talking. It is only by getting past discomfort that we can grow. One of the greatest parts about traveling is growth.Funny (or not) about me is how I approach conversation in foreign countries differently to the United States. It seems that I find it much more enjoyable in foreign countries. My mind is always in a foreign place. It is easy to become self-absorbed and distracted in the U.S., especially when you are on a hectic work trip or during the day.Bridging the Language GapIt is one of the greatest obstacles to speaking fluently in another country's language. This is why I think it's important to learn at least some language before you travel. You don't have to worry about some destinations. Many parts of northern and western Europe, including the Netherlands and Scandinavia, are easily accessible for English-speaking travelers. It is one of our travel privileges.If you wish to communicate with anyone, you will need to learn the language in another country. If you are trying to make friends with the locals, this can be a problem. It is important to try. Even if you have perfect command of the language, if you don't care about getting to know your Uber driver or hotel waiter, what is the point?Learn Spanish if you love Latin America. This language is very useful in many countries and is also one of the easiest languages to learn for English speakers. You can choose to learn a foreign language if you are determined. Although it may seem overwhelming, you will not know how much you'll be able to do until you actually try.Struggle. Keep your head up. You can learn some basic language skills and try conversation. It's unlikely you'll regret itLast ThoughtsTraveling can bring you amazing moments. A few months back, I was pleasantly surprised by an Amtrak encounter that changed my life. In the past I've done many crazy things, including helping hitchhikers on my own trip. There is never a dull moment in conversation. You just have to try.
