How to Make New Friends on Vacation – Tips for Parents & Kids

Ever heard of a ‘’friendcation’’ before?

Imagine if there were a way to take a trip that actually feels like a real break — for you and your kids. That’s where the idea of a “friendcation” comes in: traveling with friends, preferably another family whose kids can buddy up with yours.

But what if you are traveling solo with your little one? 

Making friends while traveling is especially important when you have kids, even more crucial if your child doesn’t have siblings to play with. Kids need playmates to enjoy games and activities, while parents often appreciate adult company, turning the vacation into a more social and shared experience for everyone.

Making friends while traveling can be effortless, especially in Greece, where the relaxed lifestyle encourages connections not only with fellow travelers and families but also with welcoming locals, who make visitors, especially families, feel right at home.

Here are 5 tips for making new friends while even planning your family vacation in Greece:

1. Meet other traveling families 

There are many other families travelling to the same destination as you, and you will meet them along the way. 

From Facebook groups and other family-focused portals and groups where travelling families exchange ideas and connect, to the journey itself, from the airport queue to the check-in desk, there are plenty of opportunities to meet and connect with fellow travellers even before reaching your destination.

2. Choose wise your accommodation

Traditional cottages, bungalows, hotels, and resorts with Kids Clubs each offer unique privileges for families. Kids are more likely to make new friends while enjoying the facilities, swimming pools, seaside areas, and beaches.

Kids Club activities provide the perfect environment for your little ones to play and socialize, giving parents the opportunity to relax, knowing their children are having the best time ever.

Want the perfect stay for meeting new friends? The Kids Love Greece team can help you choose the best family-friendly accommodation and Kids Club options for your trip!

3. Meet up with locals: Parks, playgrounds and local festivities

Parks and playgrounds are ideal locations for kids to find playmates, and in Greece, nearly every neighborhood has at least one! These spaces not only allow children to enjoy walks, cycling, and observing nature but also serve as lively social hubs. 

During the summer months, traditional Greek feasts are often held in parks and natural areas, bringing together locals and travelers to celebrate tradition and frequently include even free family friendly activities for kids! These events are perfect for making new friendships and give families an extra reason to return and reconnect with friends they’ve made.

4. Volunteer and connect with a mission

Another wonderful way to make new travel friends is to dedicate some, or even all, of your vacation time to community service activities at your chosen destination. By joining other families in giving back, kids have the valuable chance to connect with peers through meaningful experiences. 

Whether it’s helping care for a shelter of stray dogs and cats, cooking together for a good cause, or assisting the local community in setting up an open-air feast, these shared moments create friendships and memories that will hold a special place in their hearts forever!

Ready to give back while you explore? Contact the Kids Love Greece team to join meaningful family-friendly volunteer experiences on your next trip!

5. Just ask!

When looking for information about a local activity or event, or even the time of the next bus, don’t hesitate, just ask! In times where Google is our go-to, we often forget to notice who is right beside us. Vacation days, especially with kids, are a great reminder that what we truly need is to feel part of the community around us. 

And it often starts with something as simple as a friendly “Hi!” or “Kalimera!” In the land where hospitality was born, just ask, and you can be sure the answer will come with a smile, and maybe even some familiar faces to greet you on your next trip to Greece!