When traveling abroad or even domestically, numerous opportunities abound for meeting the local residents of your destination. Getting to know these people can afford a unique and personal experience that can become the highlight of your trip. This article offers steps on how to meet locals while traveling.
Steps
1Chat with locals online. Dozens of instant messaging websites and traveler forums allow you to connect with people who live where you will be visiting. Don’t be hesitant to ask them for suggestions and recommendations on what to visit, where to travel, and where any locally popular attractions are located. This will let you get a sense of how the people in the area really live.
2Talk to people on your way. On the plane, train, cruise, or bus ride to your destination, try starting a conversation with someone. Chances are you may find a person native to the area or who knows someone that lives there.
3Ask questions. Upon arriving at your destination, ask the staff or concierge at your hotel, resort, or lodge where the locals hang out. You may receive a much more personalized answer than a traditional guidebook can provide.
4Visit smaller towns. While most tourists spend much of their trip exploring big cities, schedule a day or two to stop in smaller towns or suburbs outside the city where more locals are usually found. Strike up a conversation with a friendly looking stranger at a restaurant or store.
5Be polite. Kindness goes a long way, especially from tourists visiting a foreign destination. Make sure to research the customs, traditions, and cultures of the people you’ll be interacting with, and always greet people in a friendly manner or you risk insulting them.
6Use community-marketplace platforms. Various travel communities allow you to use services that locals provide, including accommodation, dining experiences and transport. These allow you to immerse yourself into the local culture, and see their lifestyles from a first-hand perspective.
7Repay locals’ efforts with gratitude. Be a friend to them and let them ask about you.
