The nature of traveling full-time often leaves us desiring deeper connections with the people and communities local to the places we stay. While there are plenty of easy ways to meet tourists as we travel, here are some thoughts and ideas on how to connect more deeply with local communities as you travel the world.

Why It’s Worth Your Effort

There are a few great reasons to seek out local connections when you travel full-time.

1. There’s no better way to get to know a culture than through someone who’s from there, or has lived there for ages. When strange situations arise and you need some advice, your local friends can help!
2. While tourists are often fun and can get you a companion for a meal, they’re probably leaving soon. Local friends will be around as long as you are.
3. Finding hidden gems. Some of the most wonderful places I’ve gone in the world were because a local told me about them. They’re way better than guide books for finding intriguing places, often with few or no tourists in sight.

Meeting locals is different than meeting tourists, of course. You may easily gravitate to tourists by nature of having a similar background or speaking the same language. Getting to know a local is more akin to the time and depth of creating a new friendship. So, here are a few ideas to kick off those friendships:

Find A Favorite Restaurant Or Cafe

One of the ways I’ve met local friends is to frequent a coffee shop or restaurant while I’m living someplace and striking up a conversation with the employees or owner. Over time, they recognize you and conversation gets easier. In Costa Rica, my favorite coffee shop while in La Fortuna was, surprise, La Vaca Purpura. (If you didn’t know, I love cows, so it was a natural fit!) The owner and I became fast friends and I saw her most days. I felt great knowing that someone in town knew me, and she is an awesome human being. One night, she invited me to have dinner with her and her husband and I ended up in a part of town, and a restaurant, I would never have gotten to without her. Time and time again, this has been a favorite way to meet locals!

In the photo above, that’s me with Julio, the manager of the first hotel where I started my travels in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. We had long conversations, he told me about Costa Rica, it’s politics, and introduced me to its culture. (Here’s a post I wrote about my time getting to know him.)

Find Community Events

Local events are a great way to meet local people! Check out your local supermarket and community center/church and head to their bulletin board. It’s usually full of workshops, meetings, even volunteer requests. Going to those events will undoubtedly put you in touch with great locals.

When I lived in Kerikeri, New Zealand, I went out to a local restaurant for a drink and was so captivated by a table of international women dining together that I had to talk to them. I went to the women at one end of the table and asked what they were celebrating. It turned out they were all part of a local Latin Fit dance class, and just enjoying each other’s company! I joined the class a couple of weeks later and those ladies became wonderful friends.

Go To Local Artisan Fairs

Another great way I’ve found to connect with locals is by going to craft fairs. The booths tend to be run by locals. Start off with items you love, and get chatting. If you go back every week, you may just make some new friends!

Try A Toastmasters

I happen to enjoy public speaking. While you may not, if you’re willing to give it a go, and if there is a club in your community, it’s a great way to both see the same people over and over, and also make friends quickly because there is a lot of laughter each week!