How to Make Friends on Holiday: Your Guide to Barstool Besties (And The Best Brews)

Let’s be honest. We’ve all been there. You land in a gorgeous new city, the sun is shining, the local beer is calling your name, and you realize… you’re talking to a palm tree. Solo travel is awesome, but sometimes you just need a co-pilot for that third round of tequila or someone to genuinely appreciate how amazing that street taco is. Even if you’re traveling with family or a long-term partner, finding a temporary crew adds an extra layer of pure, spontaneous magic to any trip.

We’re not talking about deep, soul-bonding friendships here—though that occasionally happens. We’re talking about barstool besties, hiking high-fivers, and that person who agrees that ordering two desserts is a necessary investigative process. If you want to transform your solo sunset drink into a spontaneous party, you need a strategy. Preferably one fueled by good beer.

Get ready to ditch the awkward silences. This is our highly unprofessional, slightly inebriated guide on how to make friends on holiday—the easy way.

The Pre-Game Strategy: Choosing the Right Watering Hole to Make Friends on Holiday

Before you even open your mouth, you need to understand that location is everything. You wouldn’t go hunting for a gourmet burger at a vegan convention, right? The same logic applies to finding your temporary travel family. Your habitat dictates your haul.

Hostels Aren’t Just for Twenty-Somethings Anymore

Forget the stale reputation. Many boutique hostels now offer private rooms and incredible common spaces—specifically designed for forced mingling. The communal kitchen, the rooftop terrace, or, most importantly, the lobby bar are goldmines. People there are literally paying money to meet others. That’s half the battle won.

The Dive Bar vs. The Fancy Lounge Conundrum

If you prefer deep conversations and maybe a slight chance of karaoke, hit the local, slightly sticky dive bar. These places are inherently casual and invite conversation about everything from local politics to the quality of the floor peanuts. If you head to a swanky cocktail lounge where everyone is dressed to impress, they’re probably more focused on their Instagram feed than whether you want to split a cab back to the hotel.

Pro Tip: Look for places with communal seating (long tables, horseshoe bars). It’s physically harder *not* to talk to the person next to you when your elbows are touching.

Breaking the Ice: The Art of the Beer-Fueled Compliment

So, you’ve found the spot. You’re seated at the bar. Now comes the moment of truth: the conversation starter. Forget the weather; everyone knows the weather. Your goal is to be interesting without being intense.

Step 1: Focus on the Drink (It’s Always Relevant)

People are proud of their drink choices. If someone has ordered a local microbrew you’ve never seen, ask about it. “Wow, that’s a deep amber color. Is that a local IPA? How’s the hop profile?” This shows genuine curiosity and gives them an easy, low-stakes topic to talk about.

• The Shared Struggle: If they look confused staring at a huge menu, commiserate! “I swear, half the fun of traveling is trying to translate ‘pale ale’ in six different languages. What are you risking tonight?”
• The Observation: “I noticed you went for the Lager. Good choice for this humidity, right?” It’s simple, observational, and opens the door for them to offer their background (where they’re from, why they’re traveling).

Remember, the goal in learning how to make friends on holiday is to make the other person feel seen and heard. Good conversations are like good beer: refreshing, slightly unexpected, and leave you wanting more.

The Power of the Shared Round (And Why Custom Brews Connect People)

There is no faster way to solidify a new holiday bond than the mutual act of buying or receiving a drink. It’s an ancient ritual that transcends language barriers. If they bought the first round, be swift and definitive on the second. Don’t fumble for your wallet—own the moment.

This is where the spirit of brewing and sharing really shines. Think about it: the best experiences in life, whether you are running a bar or just trying to survive a Tuesday, revolve around connection. Sometimes that connection starts with a truly unique pint.

We believe that every perfect shared moment deserves a perfect shared brew. If you’ve ever considered bringing a truly personal touch to your own gatherings—or maybe even opening your own niche side project—you realize the value of a bespoke product. Learning <a href=