Sometimes when we travel, we don’t want to feel like such a tourist and instead enjoy a more local experience. But how do you meet locals in a new city? It’s not easy, but plugging in to the community can give you a deeper travel experience.
Stay with a Local
Use sites like CouchSurfing or Tripping for free stays with locals. But just remember to be a good guest and not to take advantage of their hospitality. If shared space isn’t your thing, try apartment rentals with Wimdu, Roomorama or AirBnB. You can choose from renting an entire apartment or only rooms. I recommend setting aside at least one night to spend time with your host, sharing a meal and learning more about their city.
Meet Up with Locals
There are groups in every city that cater to every interest. I’ve met locals at Travel Massive events, which can be found all over the world. Also reach out to alumni groups and friends of friends. If those methods fail, check out Meetup.com or the meet ups on CouchSurfing.
Dine with Locals
Mealsharing is like CouchSurfing for dinner, offering you the chance to have a home-cooked meal with a local. Not only does it give you someone to talk to, but also lets you sample the regional fare. You can also find restaurants via local websites and newspapers to see where the “real folks” are spending their time.
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