Ah, the elusive local. Even the most intrepid travelers may struggle when it comes to conversing with natives. There they are in plain sight, thousands of them, but somehow it can be so challenging meeting a new friend.

It may be challenging, but what better way to get to know a travel destination than by speaking with someone who grew up there? Take a look at these five tips on how meet the locals.

1. Learn about the culture

Before you leave for your travel adventure, take the time to learn about where you’re going. Read up on their culture, history, etiquette and whatever else interests you. Rent a few films from their famous directors, watch a few documentaries. Look up some fast facts on your destination’s culture. What type of clothing do they wear? What’s a common greeting? How big is their personal bubble? One thing that makes the world so interesting is how vastly cultures differ from one another. Waving and making a lot of eye contact may be the norm in one culture, but in another it could be considered weird or offensive. Here’s a site to get you started on your quest for cultural knowledge:

http://www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette/cultural_etiquette.htm

2. Get off the beaten path

Sure, you might enjoy hitting the beach, strolling through museums or going to nightclubs where there are a bunch of other people speaking your language, but it’s most likely not what the locals are doing. Try to find restaurants and shops that are more of a hang out than a tourist trap. Look at the local newspapers, magazines and blogs of your destination to find out where everyone’s going. Using public transportation is a style of grassroots travel that will also help you bump into a native and support sustainable tourism.

One sure-fire way to meet a local is to stay with one. This is an especially great idea for those of you traveling on a budget (which is mostly everyone). Not only is staying with a local less expensive than staying in a hotel, but it’s also far more culturally fulfilling. Find someone to stay with by checking out these sites:

Couchsurfing

Homestay Booking
3. Stray from your travel group, follow your own interests

You don’t need to wander around by yourself, but it’ll be hard to meet someone new when you’re constantly surrounded by ten of your travel buddies. Once you and your group arrive at the bar, beach or destination of your choosing, separate yourself from the pack. Make yourself approachable and open for conversation. If you feel uncomfortable, grab one friend from your group and peruse the crowds together.

Following your passions and doing what interests you will inevitably lead you to others with similar interests. If you are a history buff, leave your group behind for a while and stroll through the historic center of town- who knows who you’ll bump into. If loud music and late nights are more your thing, check out the local papers or ask a music shop about the best place to go out. The further you get off the beaten path, the more likely you are to meet some true friends!

4. Know key phrases

Make an effort to speak the language by learning the lingo and actually using it! No one is ever going to be fluent in a day, a week, or even a year- but any effort you make will be greatly appreciated- and will likely lead to a good laugh or two. Start by knowing a greeting and a simple complementary phrase. And of course, no one can resist a little good old fashioned flattery. Check out some online resources such as Omniglot or pick up a Lonely Planet phrasebook for even more useful info that will surely get the conversation started!

5. Just keep smiling

Don’t get discouraged if you’re having trouble speaking with a local; the ease or difficulty of this task depends on where you travel. Make sure you stay positive and remain approachable—sulking in the corner isn’t going to help you reach your goal. Remember that at the base of things we’re all humans, so keep it real by showing your smile and you can get anywhere in this world!