So you are looking to travel or maybe returning to a city you've called home since you've been gone or somewhere completely new and you want peeps around for this wild ride we call life. Post-school it can be a bit tougher to make connections since not everyone is in the same boat starting fresh in a place. Depending on your job, you could make connections at work but what if you want a work-life balance? It's still nice once in a while to go to happy hours or bonding events with your co-workers although you don't need to be their best friend. What if you work remotely? Well, you could make connections at coffee shops or a co-working space... needless to say you'll still want more ideas. Here are some to create a community!
Connect with a religious organization/club/gym. Some examples of Jewish organizations I'm either a part of or think would be helpful when arriving in a new city to celebrate holidays are- YJP (Young Jewish Professionals), joining the JCC gym, The Jewish federation in the town/city, Temples/ Shuls/ Synagogues in the area. Attend events at organizations like One table, Moishe house to help keep traditions surrounding holidays.
Volunteer in an organization that you care about. Some organizations that I've worked with are Sharsheret a breast cancer organization that helps women and their families facing breast cancer, the American Diabetes Association, donating my hair to multiple organizations, or helping put on a book festival!
Take a class in an interest of yours (like working out- Yoga, Zumba, Barre, a pasta-making class, painting class, learn a new language or run with a club team, etc.)
Join apps like meetup, bumble friends, and join location-specific pages/groups on social media to see what cool things are to do in the area.
Attend networking events in your line of work.
Ask your friends and family if they know of anyone to connect you to in the new city you are going to.
Go on a group trip to make friends or a significant other! Examples- Cruises, retreats for holidays or hiking, etc., some group travel options Birthright-Taglit, JDC entwine, G Adventures, Intrepid Travel, Contiki.
Nanny or Dog sit to not only make some extra money and be around some cuties but to also find other connections, that could remind you of your loved ones at home.
Attend a bar trivia night.
Sit at a communal dining table.
Stay at a hostel when traveling and attend their live music nights, tours, workshops, or just spend time in the communal spaces.
Couchsurf while traveling or meet up with others on the app at a local coffee shop.
Instead of getting an entire air b n b for yourself, stay in a room in someone's home and get to know a local.
Get to know your neighbors and attend a neighborhood BBQ.
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