Comment by dougmwne

This sounds like a bit of a travel novel fantasy to me. Always the same obsession with meeting the “real” people of the place and making an “authentic “ connection. Fact is, most people have no interest in hanging with or babysitting a tourist for free. They have their own lives, routines, friends and hobbies to focus on. They have no need for your naïve perspective on their hometown. They have no interest in being a prop for your instagram or character in your stories. Other travelers are the perfect people to connect with. They are sharing your same moment and need to experience or consume a place. You have a shared interest in travel and specifically travel to this place. They are much more likely to be open to a new an temporary connection to spend the day with and will be open to trading the information that tourists need to navigate and experience a place.