Some of the most memorable moments in travel don’t come from the landmarks we check off a list, but from the people we meet along the way. Sharing a meal, joining in a community event, or even having a chance encounter on a train can leave a lasting impression long after you’ve returned home. Yet, for many travelers, meeting locals and making real connections can feel intimidating — how do you step beyond the tourist bubble and build genuine connections? The good news is, with a little openness and intention, it’s not only possible but deeply rewarding.

Stay Where Locals Live

Hotels in tourist hubs often keep you surrounded by other travelers. Instead, consider guesthouses, homestays, or vacation rentals in residential neighborhoods. Not only do you get a more authentic sense of daily life, but you’ll also have natural opportunities to interact with neighbors, shopkeepers, and hosts who can share insider tips.

Additionally, I have been surprised by how many business travelers stay in guesthouses across the pond. Americans tend to stay in hotels and we rack up the rewards points. But across Europe, business travelers more often stay in smaller, family run places that offer a more familial environment. This is a great way to meet regional guests and commuters who visit the area frequently.

Join Local Tours and Experiences

Not all tours are created equal — skip the big buses and look for locally led walking tours, cooking classes, or art workshops. Platforms like Airbnb Experiences or local tourism boards often highlight small group activities run by residents. Because these tours are led by locals who are passionate about sharing their culture, they often spark meaningful conversations and friendships.

Another tip: don’t book your tour until you arrive in the country of your destination. We have had repeated and consistent success booking from a local provider after arriving at our destination. Not only are the last minute local prices significantly less expensive, but the operators are often more open to customizing the tour to suit your timing or your preferred route. (exceptions to this rule are huge international attractions where demand is high and prices do not vary, such as the Vatican, the Louvre, and Stonehenge)

Learn a Few Phrases in the Local Language

You don’t need to be fluent to make a great impression. Even learning simple greetings, “thank you,” and “please” can open doors. Locals usually appreciate the effort, and it often leads to warmer, more personal exchanges. Carrying a small phrasebook or using a translation app can also help when conversations go deeper.

Quick Conversation Starters Abroad

Not sure how to start a chat with someone new? Here are some safe, friendly questions that work almost anywhere:

• “What’s your favorite local dish / restaurant?”
  Food is a universal topic and often leads to great recommendations. You may hear about a more authentic place to get a local dish or a great recommendation for a hip wine bar.
• “Is there a part of town or one site that you’d suggest I explore?”
  Locals love sharing their hidden gems — and you may discover a place you’d never have found otherwise. I was only able to discover one of my favorite hikes in Hawaii because a local on Molokai told me about a secret trail that led to the highest waterfall in all of the islands.
• “Do you know if there are any festivals or events happening this week?”
  A perfect way to learn about cultural happenings and community gatherings.
• “Where do you usually go for coffee (or tea)?”
  This question often sparks more casual, everyday insights than guidebooks ever will.
  • “What’s one thing you’d tell a visitor not to miss?”
    It gives people a chance to share something personal and meaningful about their home. You will often hear about places that don’t get mentioned in guidebooks. This is how we found out about the timeout market in Lisbon, the most amazing local food court.

Tip: Even if you don’t share a common language, a smile, respectful body language, and a few learned phrases go a long way toward opening doors.

Attend Community Events

Markets, festivals, sports matches, or open-air concerts aren’t just fun — they’re gathering places where locals relax and connect. Keep an eye out for flyers, ask your host about upcoming events, or check community boards online. Joining in gives you a chance to experience local traditions firsthand while naturally meeting people in a social setting.

If you are a runner, try to time your trip to coincide with a local 5 or 10k. It is super fun to come home with the finisher tee shirt. We’ve done this in a number of locales, most notably the 5K in the Galapagos Islands. If you are a surfer, travel when there are competitions. If you are a musician… well, you get the idea. It is easy to meet locals when you have the common shared bond.

Volunteer Your Time

If you’re staying in a destination for more than a few days, consider a short-term volunteer opportunity. Whether it’s helping with a beach cleanup, joining a community garden, or participating in a language exchange, volunteering creates meaningful, shared experiences that often lead to real connections.

While in Hawaii, we once volunteered for the Ironman World Championship. We were assigned to check-in bikes one day and to help manage ‘hot corner’ the next, which is a busy intersection where racers on both the bike and run courses pass through. We got to meet not only the racers, but so many of the amazing organizers and local sponsors and vendors. It was a very cool experience.

Eat Where the Locals Eat

Skip the tourist-heavy restaurants with menus in six languages. Instead, ask a shopkeeper, taxi driver, or your host where they’d go for a casual lunch. Better yet, look for family-run eateries, street food stalls, or local cafes where conversations flow more easily. Food has a way of breaking barriers, and you might leave with more than just a full stomach.

Be Curious and Open

Meeting locals and making real connections isn’t about collecting acquaintances — it’s about showing genuine interest in their lives and culture. Ask open-ended questions, listen more than you talk, and don’t be afraid to share your own stories. Respect cultural boundaries, but also be willing to step a little outside your comfort zone. Often, it’s your curiosity and warmth that invite connection.

The Takeaway

Travel is more than places — it’s people. By staying where locals live, seeking out authentic experiences, and approaching each encounter with openness and respect, you’ll not only see more of a country’s heart but also start making real connections and carry home friendships and stories that guide your memories for years to come. In the end, the connections you make may just become the highlight of your journey.