Making friends in Barcelona. Copyright Thomson Cruises
When you go on holiday, what makes you happy? Is it exploring new places, trying new food and experiences, catching up on sleep and perhaps just having a break from your usual routine? How about meeting new people?
Making friends on holiday
Thomson Cruises worked with researchers from Yale University to look at the effect of the friendships that you make on holiday. Interestingly, they found that such connections can boost your happiness, long after a trip. They looked at the Twitter accounts of seven million holidaymakers before, during and after a trip, and showed that people experience a happiness boost of 10% if they bond with up to five new people from different cultures during their holiday. I’m not surprised by this – one of the things that I remember the most about my travels is the people that I meet.
Larry Lamb travel videos
Thomson sent popular actor Larry Lamb ( you may have seen him in Eastenders, Gavin & Stacey or I’m a Celebrity….Get Me Out Of Here!), off on a Mediterranean cruise on board their newest ship, the TUI Discovery 2. They challenged him to meet local people along the way and to share his experiences on camera. Larry stopped off at Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza and spent time with some interesting local characters in each place. There are three short ‘Cruise Mates’ videos from the trip showing the actor’s adventures in each location – the videos are interesting to watch, and I’m impressed by Larry’s Spanish skills!
The first stop is Barcelona, where Larry eats at the famous Boqueria market and chats to the owner of a celebrated tapas bar there. He then helps out at a flamenco dance and music session by drumming a cajon, a traditional wooden instrument:
In Palma Larry meets a local cycling expert and explores the city and the surrounding hills with him by bike.
Larry Lamb cycling. Copyright Thomson Cruises
In Ibiza Larry goes for a boat ride with a local fisherman and then helps out in the kitchen of a popular chiringuito (a fish shack) on the beach.
Larry Lamb on a boat trip. Copyright Thomson Cruises
You can follow Larry’s journey here: https://cruise-mates.co.uk
I agree with Larry when he says: ’Wherever you go, it’s all about the people you get to meet’. He says: ‘I teamed up with Thomson Cruises to show that people aren’t restricted to just staying on the ship – there is a wealth of amazing people from different cultures and backgrounds that cruise-goers can meet when they step ashore at a new destination. Hopefully the films we have created will inspire holidaymakers to try cruising and meet their very own Cruise Mates.’
Over to you
Do you enjoy meeting new people when you’re on holiday? Have you made any lasting friendships on your travels?
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Thomson Cruises.
I always remember more clearly the holidays where I’ve got to know people. Like you I was impressed by Larry – he does seem very cosmopolitan in the films! I’d like to meet the man who’s worked in the Boqueria market for his whole life. I bet he has some interesting tales to tell.
Nell (Pigeon Pair and Me) recently posted…Vatnahalsen Høyfjellshotell, and why it’s good to talk to locals
Yes, the market man would be very interesting to talk to, and also the flamenco dancer and musician.