Travel is an opportunity to open ourselves up — to the unknown, to possibility, to happenstance. Many of those unintended moments have to do with the people we meet while traveling. Some only make fleeting impressions, a few words and a face; others can make their way into our lives, or stay in our thoughts for years. We’re constantly saying that people are just as important as places when it comes to travel, and this week, we want to hear about the people who have made your travels special.

This Thursday, 12/10 at 2pm ET, join us to focus on the personal aspect of travel and share your people-centric travel stories!

If you are unavailable during the chat time but would still like to participate, feel free to schedule your tweets according to the times listed below:

Q1 – 2:00pm EST
Welcome to our #PassionPassport chat on Travel Encounters! Where are you joining us from?

Q2 – 2:05pm EST
Start us off with someone who stood out in your travels. Where did you meet them? What struck you about them? ​

Q3 – 2:10pm EST
Have you had a total stranger become someone close to you because of travel? Tell us that story.

Q4 – 2:15pm EST
Travel love stories: Have you witnessed one? Been caught up in one?

Q5 – 2:20pm EST
While traveling, do you prefer spontaneous meetings or seeking people out? Why?

Q6 – 2:25pm EST
Other than language, what do you find the greatest challenge in connecting to people on the road?

Q7 – 2:30pm EST
Have you been somewhere that makes meeting other travelers easier? How so?

Q8 – 2:35pm EST
Which one person, past or present, would you like to meet in your travels? Why? ​

Q9 – 2:40pm EST
What activities have you taken part in that are good for meeting locals?

Q10 – 2:45pm EST
Do you have a set travel “squad,” or do you like to mix it up? ​(Tag someone!)

Q11 – 2:50pm EST
Who is one person you’d like to travel with? (Tag them!) Where do you want to go?

Q12 – 2:55pm EST
What golden rule would you offer to a traveler about approaching another person?