Of all the amazing experiences you’ve had abroad, which do you remember the most? Do you remember the hotels and hostels? Do you remember the bars? Could you tell me about the trains you took, the medieval churches, or any of the city parks?

And perhaps you do remember the hotels and hostels. Though when you think about these memories, why do they stick out? What’s the common theme? For me at least, my most memorable moments abroad have always been shared with the people I meet.

Traveling since 18, I’ve frequented my fair share of bars. And while I can’t tell you what I drank, where I was (though admittedly that may have been an affect of the alcohol), or how much money I spent each night, I can recall exactly who I was there with.

Like the night out in Nice in 2010, where I met Amy and Alex at a Laundromat and we ended up dancing all night. We spent the evening ripping Alex’s shirt from his back to examine his running of the bulls scars (below). Or my 19th birthday in Prague, where a very cute group of Englishmen paid for absinthe shots all night (I guess I do remember what I spent that night!).

I remember Daniel from Germany, he joined myself and friend Tom (above) in Pompeii. And then there was a handsome American named Mike. After having met in passing in Africa, he truly did end up being for life! (If you’re not a regular reader, Mike and I met in Africa, spent the day together, kept in touch, and arranged to keep meeting up around the globe. We’re now married and run this blog).

The point is, the most memorable moments abroad are often defined by shared experiences and friendships at the time. You may have only just met, but you’re the best thing to ever happen to each other in that city, and you’ll describe that person to your kids as “the one I went skydiving with in Nepal”.

Why the Friends You Meet Travelling Are For Life

You can hover over this (or any image) to quickly pin it!

Let’s be honest, many of the travelers we meet may only be in our lives for a day. But we appreciate these people for the time we shared together. And some of those we meet do stick with us forever. But even if you don’t stay in touch, the best memories in your lives include each other and that’s a bond which ties you together for life.

The friends you meet traveling will see you at your worst, though do not discriminate or judge. They give you the clothes off their own back when the airline loses your bag, and spend time with you when you’re homesick and depressed. They’ve watched you dance on tables, and maybe walk home topless. They’ve also seen you at your best and most inspired.

And you can be whoever you want to be.

The friends you meet traveling offer a clean slate, and you might not even have the six degrees of Kevin Bacon to connect you. They don’t have a set idea of how you act in their mind, and perhaps it’s this knowledge that allows you to let your guard down and show each other the best of who you are. Travel friends appreciate and know you for who you are in the present. There are no ties to yesterday, and no baggage to get in the way.

But best of all, there are no expectations from friends you meet traveling, and no need to “fade out” the friendship or “let life get in the way”. “Travel friendship expectations are beautifully, almost comically low. As free spirited as you both are, your travelling friends don’t need constant updates and Skype calls. You share a mutual love and respect for each other and there’s no need to constantly validate that.” – Taryn Stenvei.

How to Meet Other Travellers

So the friends you meet traveling are for life. Awesome! But how do you actually meet them? When I started traveling there weren’t the sleuth of technology, apps and start-ups which are around today. You were forced to be that outgoing person if you wanted to meet and make new friends, when for some people this can be quite hard, and you were generally limited to interacting with those who were staying at the same hostel. I can’t imagine all the people I possibly missed meeting because they were not in my hostel, or because we simply didn’t cross paths.

Though nowadays it’s becoming easier and easier to connect with all travellers around you, and you can find and interact with like-minded travellers before you even arrive. If only apps like Travello had been around back then!

Say Hello to Travello

If You Travel You NEED Travello

A social network set up exclusively for travellers, Travello is a free app which has absolutely blown up on the travel scene – everybody wants it on their phone. They were Outbound – but they’re now Travello! You can find travellers around you, match travel plans, find events and deals, interact on the noticeboard, and best of all, it has a Wi-Fi finder! You’ll never be without internet again!

Travello is being used in over 170 countries by thousands of travellers, and it’s become the most mainstream app where travellers connect. While now an essential for solo travellers, it’s been created for all travellers and all interests and ages, so it doesn’t matter if you’re a backpacker, corporate traveller, adventurer, expat or couple, the app doesn’t pigeon hole anyone, and is made to suit everybody’s needs. I’ve even continued using it after having returned home to connect with travellers and help them experience my hometown.

It’s free with no annoying advertising or in-app purchases, so when you consider that coupled with the below amazing functions, downloading the app should be a no-brainer.

Here’s What It’s Got:

This is the Part Where You Download the App!

Click to download now on iPhone or Android:

INSPIRED? PIN THIS TO YOUR TRAVEL PINTEREST BOARDS ↓

Megan is an Australian Journalist who has been travelling and blogging since 2007, with the main aim of inspiring others to embark on their own worldwide adventure. Her husband Mike is an American travel photographer, and together they have made the world their home.

Committed to bringing you the best in adventure travel from all around the globe, there is no mountain too high, and no fete too extreme! They haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on their list.

Follow their journey on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram.

Photo credits: Pinterest image of women in Copenhagen by Moyan Brenn.