This is always a good opportunity to munch and mingle in good company.

Bonus -- I met my friend on a solo rail journey...

Twenty-two years ago I met Soo-Tsu on a train going from Chicago to Albuquerque. He and his family were from Malaysia; Soo-Tsu had just graduated from university in the USA. He was twenty-two then and I was fifty-eight. Despite our age difference we spoke for three days as the train crossed the country. I remember how intelligent and gentle he was then.

The next time I met Soo-Tsu was when he was travelling through Canada a few years later. Without hesitation I offered him accommodation in my home and he was just as pleasant then as had been during our first encounter. Many years passed and we kept in touch sporadically. Several years ago Soo-Tsu, who is now living in Singapore, read about me in a local magazine. He contacted me via email and I, in turn, promised to call him if my travels ever took me to Singapore.

I travelled to Singapore last year and we met for breakfast before I flew back to Penang. Soo-Tsu is now 42 years old, much more worldly than the young student I first encountered. He has already earned a bit of gray in his hair; he is as polite, clever and considerate as I remembered him to be many years ago. Once again there were no silences in our conversation.

Evelyn Hannon, Editor, Journeywoman.com

Check with your country's consulate in the city you are visiting.

Are they hosting any activities or exhibits that you can attend?

If you were a Canadian visiting China this year you could have attended a piano recital or an art exhibit in Beijing that was sponsored by the Canadian government.

Don't be afraid to participate in the banner events of the city.

For example: I was in Sydney during Gay Pride Festivities. I'm neither Australian nor gay but that certainly didn't stop me from joining the celebration and marching in Sydney's Gay Pride Parade.

It was a real hoot and I met some very charming folks in the process.

Don't have time to volunteer at home? You can 'do good' at your destination and I promise it will 'do good' for you in return.

A perfect example is this travel story about a middle-aged guy who volunteers to take care of babies in Thailand. Click here to be inspired.

Take an educational course in the country you are exploring.

When I've gone on the road for longer than a month I enroll in at least one week-long class along the way.

This insures that, at least, I will have people to interact with for that length of time.

Add to it the bonus of learning about my classmates' culture through their eyes.

And, if I'm really lucky I might be invited home to meet their family.

Ed. note: If you are invited to someone's home and would like to offer a small gift make sure that your offering is culturally correct.

Don't be afraid to ask questions.

If you're at an onsen (hot spring bath) in Japan or hamamm (bath) in Morocco ask the other women in the changing room about proper decorum.

Females are generally wonderful communicators.

I've started more great conversations by asking for help than one can possibly imagine.

Visit the local university.