How to Connect to a New City you Visit
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Arriving in a new city, especially on your own, might be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. You can always turn an unknown journey into something spectacular. When you leave your familiar surroundings, the air will likely get thicker or lighter, the ground may be different in comparison to your regular terrain, and you may even notice a distinct aroma unique to these locations. You could get a shove in the belly to turn around and rush back to where things are safe and familiar. It's all up to you. Should you press on with the adventures that lay ahead, or should you escape to your nest and brood? If you prefer the former, here are some tips for acclimating to a new city.
Explore like a local.
While downtowns and touristy districts can provide insight into a city's charm, getting a true sense of a place requires venturing beyond the gleaming major avenues and into the neighborhoods where locals live, work, and play. How do you go about doing this? Inquire of baristas, drivers, bartenders, and concierges about local life - where to dine, where to hang out, and how to view the city through the eyes of a native.
Collect information as you get around.
You don't simply learn about a city by visiting various locations within it; you also learn a lot by physically commuting to and from those locations. You don't have to just ask the locals for directions; you can also have a conversation with them about interesting topics and learn from their point of view. Engage in nice conversations with the folks around you when you're out sipping coffee or waiting in line. This will allow you to get a sense of the city through the words of locals. Inquire about cool hangout spots and cool places of town that tourists tend to overlook. Sometimes you'll find that locals are just as uncomfortable or shy to communicate with you as you are, but building a connection, no matter how small, is important.
Look for fresh experiences.
The whole goal of stepping away from your usual surroundings is to experience a new way of life. Don't limit yourself in any way. It's fine to plan a trip with comprehensive to-do lists tailored to your interests, but you also need to be daring. Experiment with things that aren't on your list. Try a new meal and a new drink to excite your taste senses. If you haven't done so already, take a boat ride, go camping, or have a mud bath. Do something that makes you wonder if you really did it.
Attend local events.
Participating in local events can help you feel more at ease in your new surroundings. This is where you'll find folks who share your interests and with whom you'd like to connect. Check out Eventbrite to see what's going on in your area.
Consider staying with a local.
Why not live like a local instead of staying at a hotel? Couchsurfing and Airbnb are two websites that can connect you with people who are prepared to offer their homes and experiences. There's nothing quite like waking up in a seemingly familiar setting.
Take advantage of public transit.
It will be much more difficult to establish your bearings if you take a taxi everywhere, and it is usually not particularly long-term sustainable. Taking public transit will make you feel more independent and allow you to pick up more cultural cues.
Put your adventure hat on.
You've already taken the first step by opting to travel to a new location. After all, it's not something that everyone can accomplish! Don't underestimate your adventurous spirit; keep pushing yourself to do new things and meet new people.
Don't get too worked up if things don't click right away; remember, you can't expect everything to be flawless in a new place; it's all about experimenting and exploring. However, with a little trial and error, you'll be sure to come across some fantastic moments, and who knows, you might just find your home away from home!
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