Reasons You Should Make Friends With a Local

One of the best parts of traveling to a new country is learning all about the culture from the locals. If you aren’t going to try and make friends, why bother going in the first place? Here are a few ways locals liven up your travels.

They’ll Help Your Language Skills

Locals are often happy to help you hone your speaking skills, so chat one up and hang around him as long as possible. He’ll increase your ability to communicate while showing you around.

They Know the Best Places

Locals can tell you all about the local hotspots that tourists don’t really know about. A lot of popular restaurants are only popular because a couple tourists left great reviews. A local can tell you where the best eats really are.

You’ll Avoid Scams

Scammers and pickpockets often target tourists. Locals can spot these guys from a mile away and make sure they steer clear of you during your trip. It’s like having your own personal anti-theft protection, except in human form.

The Want to Know You

Seriously, locals love meeting foreigners and learning about places they haven’t been yet. The conversations tend to flow easily because either you or he will have an endless array of questions to ask, and probably plenty of differences to laugh about.

You Won’t Feel as Lonely

Traveling solo can get lonely, so you need a friend around to help keep you busy. Plus, once you leave you’ll have a friend for life who will be there if you ever decide to return.