How to Make Friends With Locals While Traveling

One of the questions I often get from other travelers is how to connect with locals. Meeting fellow travelers is usually easier — they’re also exploring, open to meeting new people, and often looking for companions to experience the area with. But for me, the real connection comes from getting to know the people who call that place home.

Whether they’re born and raised in the country or have been living there for years, these connections tend to offer a deeper sense of place. It’s not just about meeting someone new but about learning from them — how they see the world, what they value, and how they move through their day-to-day lives. And when you open yourself up to that kind of connection, the rewards are profound.

Be Genuinely Curious About Everything

Curiosity is your greatest tool for making meaningful connections. Sure, it’s easy to ask about popular tourist attractions or well-known dishes, but going beyond the basics is where the real magic happens. It’s about paying attention to the small things — those subtle, unspoken gestures that hold cultural significance.

One small example, when I was in Laos, I learned that saying “sa bai dee” wasn’t just about the words. Bringing your hands together in a prayer gesture and bowing your head slightly communicates respect and genuine warmth while saying “sa bai dee.” I noticed that when I did this, people smiled more deeply and sometimes even asked if I was Lao. That tiny gesture opened doors to richer conversations and connections.

I met someone I traveled with for a while in Laos, and she later told me that she knew it was because of me that we experienced what we did. I did not expect or realize it at the time. But looking back, we were invited into homes, joined in celebrations, and even shared meals. I believe it was because I took the time to learn and show respect for the cultural norms, not just as a visitor but as someone genuinely curious about their way of life. Yes, being of Southeast Asian origin helped me navigate some situations, but I practice this everywhere I go and have experienced similar connections in different countries.

Or consider my time in Mexico. Locals there explained that saying “no” directly can feel too blunt, even rude. Instead, they often say, “Maybe not now” or “Maybe later.” I asked about this because I was genuinely curious — not to judge, but to understand. And in that understanding, I was able to adjust my own approach, making it easier to connect on a deeper level.

This doesn’t mean changing who you are. It just means being open to seeing how people express themselves and respecting it. And when you’re a foreigner in their country, this small act of curiosity can go a long way.

Taking the Good with the Bad

It’s easy to fall in love with the surface-level aspects of a culture — the food, the beauty of the place, the celebrations. But if you’re really interested in forming deeper bonds, don’t shy away from the more complicated sides of people’s lives. Think about your closest friends. You don’t just know the good things about them; you also know their struggles, fears, and imperfections.

Traveling can be the same. Ask questions that go beyond the postcard version of a place. What challenges do people face here? How do they cope with change? What are they proud of, and what frustrates them? When people feel that you genuinely want to understand their world — the good, the bad, and the in-between — they’re more likely to open up and let you in.

Learn Some Words From the Language

I won’t spend too much time on this topic because I think it’s widely known that this is important when visiting any country at this point. But I will just give it a quick plug. I know that speaking a foreign language can be intimidating. You might feel shy or embarrassed about not pronouncing things correctly. But a simple “hello,” “thank you,” or “how are you?” in the local language can be incredibly powerful. It shows effort, respect, and a willingness to connect.

Even if you are struggling, like everything in life, it’s about how you approach something new. Do it with a smile and confidence and people will feel that lightness even if it can be frustrating at times.

Show Real Gratefulness

It’s not just about saying “thank you.” It’s about finding little ways to give back. Maybe it’s cooking a dish from your culture, sharing something about your life, or simply being present and truly listening. It’s about making the exchange feel mutual rather than transactional.

When I was in Serbia, my friend’s mother invited me for lunch and prepared a traditional dish called sarma. Before going, I bought her a bouquet of flowers to thank her for her hospitality. Later, I painted a small gift to commemorate our time together. These gestures weren’t grand or expensive, but they were thoughtful. And in every language, thoughtfulness is universally understood.

And remember, most people you meet abroad are sharing their lives with you knowing that you’re just passing through. They don’t owe you anything, yet they’re giving you a glimpse into their world. Recognizing that and finding small ways to reciprocate can transform a fleeting interaction into a lasting connection.

We never want to be coming from a taking energy. Even if we don’t mean to, a lack of self-awareness can unintentionally lead us to take more than we give. It’s in that awareness — in being present and intentional — that the energy of the exchange becomes more balanced.

These are just some of the ways I’ve found to deepen my connections with locals while traveling. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re also someone who wants to experience more than just the highlights of a new place. You want to feel like you’ve truly been there — that you’ve seen people, not just places. And in my experience, that kind of travel is the most rewarding kind of all.