How to Keep Up With Friends You Meet Abroad

Travel friends
Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash

Meeting new people is one of the greatest parts of traveling. Whether you’re sharing a bunk in a hostel dorm room, on the same three-day hike, or simply get chatting on a train, some of our most rewarding friendships are made while traveling. However, it can be tricky to stay in touch once you return to your respective home countries. Here are our top tips for keeping up with your international pals.

Download Marco Polo

Are you never able to pin down a time for a video call? Marco Polo is a great app for friends in different countries. It lets you record short videos so you can give each other a snapshot of your lives and keep up to date with no time pressure.

Schedule Virtual Hang Outs Like Games or Movie Nights

Virtual hang-outs are a lovely way to do a fun activity together, even when you’re thousands of miles apart. In our post-pandemic world, it couldn’t be easier to host watch parties, virtual game nights, and more!

Update Your World Clock & Weather App

This is a simple one but it’s super helpful. Add the location of wherever your friend is based to the world clock and weather app on your phone. This way, you can imagine what it’s like where they are and feel more connected.

Plan Video Calls Like IRL Meet Ups

You’re both leading busy lives and navigating multiple time zones. That makes it hard to enjoy spontaneous catch-ups. Schedule video calls in your diaries as though you’re meeting a friend for coffee IRL.