Over the past few years of wanderlust and travel, I have learned that the best travel experiences for me, usually involve meeting local people where I go. I recall my first trips being largely about events and places, but I quickly learned that to get a deeper, more profound and awesome experience, connecting with locals is the best way to truly experience a place.
When you are able to connect with locals while you are out wandering in foreign lands, you are establishing a connection to a local network. This gives you a plethora of local insight and knowledge on things to see, do, avoid, etc. Locals will typically show you the collest bars, food joints, activities, and so on. They arn’t a hostel or hotel looking to profit off you or hurd you along with the rest of the tourist. They are people that have lived in the place and know what’s really up/really good. Further more you get a first hand experience of every day life for people living in the region you are visiting.
Backpacker trails are all good and well, but to get a deeper experience, and a better understanding of a place, I highly recommend trying to connect with locals rather than fellow travelers.
But how? Here are a few tips I have found to be useful for connecting with locals wherever I go. 
Couchsurfing.org This is a great online worldwide network of (for the most part) open minded people looking to connect with locals around the world. Whether or not you choose to stay at someones house or just connect via the forum, Couchsurfing.org is an easy and safe way to connect with locals. Most cities also have a weekly meeting at a pub, bar or park with a mix of locals and travelers (check the forums for each city to find out where/when the local meet is).
Other Apps and Social Media Apps like Badoo, Skout, MeetUp, Tinder and so on, are great ways to try and connect with locals. Although some of these apps are seen as “hook up/dating” apps, many users are there just to chat and make friends.
Old Fashioned Ice Breaker Forget about technology, just walk on up to someone and spark up a conversation. The good old asking for directions is an easy ice breaker, although you can strike up a convo on just about anything. If you don’t make the effort, you never know what connections you are missing out on.
Developing Nations Project I started the Developing Nations Photography Project in order to give back while I traveled. A bonus is that it allowed me to interact with locals and changed the dynamic of the interaction. I went from being the outsider snapping photos of people, to a new friend, giving gifts and exchanging stories with locals.
Reach Out To Your Own Network We all have our own networks of friends, family, co-workers, etc. Thanks to the internet we are able to stay connected with these people from anywhere in the World. Want to meet up with locals, why not reach out to your own network. See who has relatives or friends where you are/or where you are going.
Find Local Interest Groups You have interests surely; sports, games, dancing, activities, hobbies, etc. Use the internet to find local groups that share similar interests as you. Similarly ask around, you are sure to find people with similar interests who will invite you into their local networks.
I use to be a fairly shy person. I believe travel has had a great hand in making me more comfortable approaching strangers. Remember a stranger is just a friend you haven’t made yet. Also remember that we are all human, we are all looking to connect and share this human experience with each other. Surprise yourself and surprise others by reaching out.
The next trip you go on, I challenge you to try and connect with at least a couple locals. Don’t let excuses get in your way, just go for it. Language barriers are not an excuse, I can tell you from experience. Just look at the photo below of me singing my heart out in Vietnam at a Karaoke bar with some Vietnamese friends I made. Whether it’s a one off experience, or something that develops into a life long friendship, I guarantee you won’t regret it. 
Do you have an awesome story of a local experience abroad? Share it below.
