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New ways to make friends while traveling
Posted by: Sean O'Neill, Monday, Dec 13, 2010, 3:46 PM

friends travel
(Courtesy moriza/Flickr)

We hear a lot about companies trying to help you get vacation tips from friends. But a few companies are going a step further. They're trying to help you travel with acquaintances and like-minded strangers. Here are some new ones of note:

Globetrooper Helps you connect with like-minded people (usually complete strangers) to plan experiences abroad. About 1,400 people, mostly Aussies, have "liked" the year-old service on Facebook so far.

Vacation Relation This is for Spring Breakers only. Teaming up with StudentCity shortly, this site will let young people find out if their far-flung friends are going to be at a warm-weather destination at the same time as they are.

Travel with Spirit Want to do some faith-based traveling with a fellow Christian? Post an ad in the forums of this site, which also spotlights nifty package trips and suggests destination ideas.

Rent a Friend Yes, it's come to this. People in cities around the world offer their time on an hourly basis to accompany you to attractions, etc. A $20 an hour rate is common.

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Reader Comments

There is a great site called sofa surfing I believe which has members from all over the world - home owners will let you kip on their couch for a night or two for free, and it seems to be sccessful. Also try some sites like www.drinkingpartners.com which allows you to make friends with people from different companies in advance.

Posted By Greg Lane on December 16, 2010, 6:38 AM

Thanks for the tip, Greg. I believe the site is CouchSurfing.
Also, AirBnB.com is another way to stay in the homes of locals, though you pay a small fee.

Posted By Sean O'Neill on December 16, 2010, 4:14 PM

Hostels are always a great place to meet people while traveling!! They can be found all over the world, even in the US! Check out www.hiusa.org for a listing of some great ones.

Posted By Amanda B on December 22, 2010, 2:06 PM

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