Making friends in new places

RVers are some of the friendliest and most interesting people on the planet, but if you don't find a way to meet them, you'll never know any of their exciting stories. 

Many campgrounds have a community campfire pit near the office or clubhouse, and they usually have a campfire one or two nights a week.

When you check-in, find out if and when they have a community campfire.

When you see people sitting around a campfire at their campsite, walk up and say something complimentary about the fire or some other small talk. They'll likely invite you to bring a chair and join them if you start a conversation.

Campfires are a great way to meet interesting people, whether a community campfire at a campground or one next to an RV.

One unique thing I enjoy and find interesting is that you'll find retired people, young people, couples, solo RVers, seasoned RVers, and brand-new RVers all sitting around the fire sharing stories.

RVers are people who make decisions and make things happen. If they had not made a decision and taken action, they wouldn't be living in an RV.

Most RVers have led interesting lives, traveled to unique places, and done unusual things. When talking with RVers, the conversations are never dull.

More ways to meet interesting people

• Ask a lot of questions. When you ask questions, people open up and talk to you. Ask people you meet in the campground and in town--shops, restaurants, watering holes, etc.

• Find and attend local music jam sessions. Music stores are a great place to ask where and which nights you can find jam sessions. You'll meet the locals at jam sessions.

• Don't get in a hurry. I like to stay in one place for at least a month, and most of the time, much longer. Tourists are usually on a one or two-week vacation, and they want to see and do everything in that timeframe. You don't want to go to the tourist attractions--not if you're looking to meet people.

• Be flexible. Be ready to change your plans at the drop of a hat. Many RVers say that their plans are carved in Jell-O. In other words, their plans are shaky. Some of my most memorable and fun times were when I did things that were not planned.

• Be patient. Sometimes you'll go someplace, and it may seem like it's not what you expected, and it's a boring place, but don't give up too quickly. Be patient, and see what develops. After all, you're not in a hurry.

• Walk around the campground and talk to people. When you're talking to people, listen. Don't interrupt them, and don't be in a hurry to say something. Listen to what they have to say, and comment on what they've said. Ask questions.

One of the best and most rewarding parts of my RV travels are the interesting people I meet and the friends I make along the way.

Bottom line: Music and campfires are two things that bring people together, but as I've described above, there are many other ways to meet people.