You’ve been there.

You show up to a community dinner, co-working meetup, or a beach bonfire. You laugh, swap a few stories, maybe even follow each other on Instagram…

and then… that’s it.

Another connection lost to the digital void.

As someone who’s been solo traveling since 2014 and living as a digital nomad since 2020, I’ve danced this dance in nearly 40 countries, across more than 30 cities. In the past five years, I've hopped between continents, cultures, and coworking spaces. And while I’ve loved the freedom, I’ve also come face-to-face with the loneliness that sometimes lingers after the event ends.

In the early days, I went to every event trying to work the room. I’d meet as many people as possible, high on adrenaline and introductions. But the next day, I’d feel depleted. Empty, like I had expended all this energy without making any true connection.

Eventually, I realized I needed to shift my approach. I stopped chasing quantity and started prioritizing quality. My new goal became this: connect deeply with just a handful of people. I’d listen with intention, find a genuine connection point, and then, if it felt aligned, suggest a one-on-one hangout after the event. Coffee, coworking, a walk—something more intimate to build on the spark.

That’s one of the reasons I created Passport to Connection, a platform dedicated to helping travelers go beyond surface-level interactions and into real, lasting friendships. Through play-based events and workshops I’ve hosted in cities around the world, I’ve uncovered a few key insights that might just help you transform your next event acquaintance into a friend for life.

1. Shift From “Networking” to “Noticing”

At events, it’s easy to default into performance mode by introducing yourself, sharing your elevator pitch, and collecting contacts. But meaningful connection starts with noticing others. Noticing who seems shy, who lights up when they talk about a hobby, who laughs easily.

When I started noticing instead of just presenting, I stopped trying to impress and started trying to connect. That simple shift cracked open deeper conversations.

According to Dr. Dan Siegel, clinical professor of psychiatry at UCLA School of Medicine, when we feel seen and understood—when someone truly notices us—it activates our brain’s right hemisphere, responsible for processing emotion, nonverbal cues, and relational depth. This kind of attuned presence fosters deeper empathy and a stronger relational bond.

2. The Power of the “Second Invite”

Most travelers rely on serendipity. But deep connection often requires intention. The most underrated (and powerful) move? The second invite.

It’s not about waiting for someone to suggest hanging out again. Take the lead:
“Hey, that conversation was fun—wanna grab coffee tomorrow?”
“Going for a hike this weekend if you’re around!”

Making the second move turns a moment into momentum.

In fact, social neuroscience research shows that consistency and proximity are key ingredients to forming close relationships. According to Dr. Susan Pinker, author of The Village Effect, face-to-face interactions—even casual ones—stimulate neurotransmitters like dopamine and oxytocin that build trust and reduce stress.

3. Play Builds Trust—Fast

That’s why I center play in my events. When we laugh, collaborate, or get silly, we drop our guards. Our nervous systems relax, and something shifts. We stop analyzing and start feeling. And it’s in those playful moments that trust begins.

I’ve seen strangers bond over a group improv game and then travel together a week later. Play is a shortcut to authenticity.

Research backs this up. A 2013 study published in the American Journal of Play found that shared play increases feelings of safety and belonging, and activates the brain’s social engagement system—helping us connect faster and more deeply.

In neuroscience terms, play reduces cortisol levels (the stress hormone), while increasing oxytocin and endorphins—chemicals that contribute to trust, social bonding, and positive emotions (Panksepp, 2005).

4. Ask Questions That Go Beyond the Basics

Instead of “Where are you from?” try:
— “What’s been the most unexpected part of your nomad journey?”
— “What activity do you do while you travel that lights you up?”
— “What helps you feel grounded while you travel?”

Deeper questions lead to deeper answers—and show that you’re genuinely curious about who they are beneath the travel highlight reel.

According to a 2017 study from the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, people who asked follow-up questions during conversations were rated as more likable and socially skilled. It’s not just what you say—it’s how much you care.

5. Be Helpful Without Expecting Anything

One of my favorite ways to foster connection is by being useful. I’ll listen for cues—maybe they’re looking for a good yoga studio, a reliable scooter rental, a quiet place to work. Then I’ll share a tip, a resource, or even introduce them to someone else who might be helpful.

When you offer support without expecting anything in return, people remember that. It builds a foundation of trust—and sometimes that simple gesture becomes the beginning of something deeper.

Social bonding is linked to the release of oxytocin, a hormone that increases generosity and cooperation. Studies have shown that helpful behaviors and mutual support increase long-term relational satisfaction, even among acquaintances (Zak, 2005).

Bonus: Name the Friendship

I know this sounds cheesy, but I’ve started naming the connection when it feels right.
“I love your energy and excited to be friends!”

Naming it can help anchor the bond in both your minds and opens the door to staying in each other’s lives beyond the event.

From Connection to Community

Travelers aren’t flaky, they’re untethered. We’re all seeking something. A place to belong. A person to understand us. A conversation that lingers longer than the wifi signal.

And the magic I’ve discovered through building Passport to Connection is this: when you’re intentional about how you show up, your next lifelong friend might be sitting next to you at that random rooftop gathering.

Don’t let it end with a wave goodbye.