Get out there and make friends

Building on Aaron Marshburn’s “Making Friends Model,” in Resources, Madeline Reddington in frommers.com, offers five ways to connect to locals while traveling. Reddington explains,

Most travelers realize in short order that our experiences abroad — and in other unfamiliar territories — are greatly enhanced by spending time with those who know it best, the locals. Whether you stay at their home, spend a weekend with them, or even chat over a beer, you’ll be opening yourself to a more intimate and genuine experience of your destination.

Reddington also recommends Triptrotting.com where travelers can connect with like-minded locals for offline meet ups.

The advice builds on the idea: Who knows the destination better than local residents?