7 Unconventional Ways to Meet People While Solo Traveling in 2024
7 Unconventional Ways to Meet People While Solo Traveling in 2024 - Join a Local Foraging Tour in New Zealand's South Island
Uncovering the South Island's culinary secrets through a foraging tour can be a delightful way to break the ice while solo traveling. These guided expeditions introduce you to a fascinating world of edible plants, from wild herbs to unique mushrooms, all within the backdrop of New Zealand's diverse landscapes. Shared experiences like identifying and harvesting these natural ingredients offer a natural platform to interact with like-minded individuals who share a love for the outdoors and a curiosity about nature. It's a less conventional route to making new friends, yet surprisingly effective. The South Island itself invites you to forge further connections beyond the foraging experience. Whether it's a scenic hike with fellow enthusiasts or engaging with locals at a bustling farmer's market, opportunities for social interaction abound. The region's beauty and cultural tapestry present a rich backdrop to discover not just a stunning place but also new friends to share it with.
Exploring the South Island's diverse ecosystems through a foraging tour is a fascinating way to connect with the land and its unique botanical heritage. New Zealand boasts a remarkably high number of native plants, many of which are edible and have been used for centuries by the indigenous Maori people. These tours aren't just about identifying what's edible, but also about learning sustainable practices for harvesting these resources, drawing upon the generations of knowledge passed down within Maori communities. It's interesting how many of these plants have medicinal properties, for instance, kawakawa, which has anti-inflammatory uses in traditional healing practices. This knowledge offers a deeper perspective on how food and health are intertwined in this part of the world.
The timing of your visit can significantly influence what plants are available. Each season brings a unique range of edible plants, with late spring to early autumn being prime foraging times in some regions. This seasonal aspect adds another layer to the experience. Beyond the land-based flora, the coastal areas offer foraged seaweeds like kelp and wakame, presenting further opportunities to expand your culinary knowledge. It's quite remarkable how many plants that are typically considered weeds, like dandelions and sorrel, can be incredibly nutritious.
The varied landscapes of the South Island, from the coastal plains to the alpine regions, showcase the amazing adaptation of plants. Traveling through even a small geographic region will expose you to quite different ecosystems and a surprising number of edible species. Some guided tours include a hands-on culinary element where you use your foraged ingredients to prepare dishes. These practical activities promote a deeper understanding of how local foods are prepared and their various flavor profiles. Interestingly, some foraging locations are near well-known vineyards, providing the opportunity to pair locally-foraged foods with local wines, showcasing a culinary fusion that's a true reflection of the region. It's also worth noting that the growing popularity of foraging tours has led to more interest in regional foods and in supporting community-driven culinary experiences, potentially bringing more economic benefits to the area and highlighting the importance of sustainable practices.
What else is in this post?
- 7 Unconventional Ways to Meet People While Solo Traveling in 2024 - Join a Local Foraging Tour in New Zealand's South Island
- 7 Unconventional Ways to Meet People While Solo Traveling in 2024 - Attend a Silent Disco Party on a Rooftop in Tokyo
- 7 Unconventional Ways to Meet People While Solo Traveling in 2024 - Participate in a Beach Cleanup Day in Bali
- 7 Unconventional Ways to Meet People While Solo Traveling in 2024 - Take Part in an Urban Sketching Meetup in Lisbon
- 7 Unconventional Ways to Meet People While Solo Traveling in 2024 - Take Part in an Urban Sketching Meetup in Lisbon
- 7 Unconventional Ways to Meet People While Solo Traveling in 2024 - Join a Midnight Sun Soccer Match in Reykjavik
- 7 Unconventional Ways to Meet People While Solo Traveling in 2024 - Volunteer at a Turtle Conservation Project in Costa Rica
- 7 Unconventional Ways to Meet People While Solo Traveling in 2024 - Volunteer at a Turtle Conservation Project in Costa Rica
- 7 Unconventional Ways to Meet People While Solo Traveling in 2024 - Attend a Laughter Yoga Session in Central Park, New York City
7 Unconventional Ways to Meet People While Solo Traveling in 2024 - Attend a Silent Disco Party on a Rooftop in Tokyo
Finding yourself in Tokyo as a solo traveler can be an exciting adventure, but meeting people in a new environment can sometimes feel challenging. Attending a silent disco party on a rooftop offers a refreshingly different approach to making connections. Imagine yourself dancing to a curated soundtrack, delivered wirelessly through headphones, against the backdrop of the Tokyo skyline. These events create a unique atmosphere where you can enjoy the music and easily strike up conversations without the usual clamor of a traditional club. It's a surprisingly intimate experience despite the overall party vibe.
Rooftop venues in Tokyo, including spots like Hacienda del Cielo in Shibuya with its Mexican-inspired atmosphere, have become a focal point of the city's nightlife scene. Not only do these spaces offer captivating views, but they also provide a backdrop for encounters with locals and other travelers. This trend is definitely worth exploring for the solo adventurer. It's a great way to experience Tokyo's vibrant and eclectic nightlife, and the unique format of silent disco makes it easy to connect with others in a relaxed and unforced manner.
Tokyo's skyline transforms after dark, and the cityscape offers an unforgettable visual experience. Silent disco parties capitalize on this, making it a memorable experience for those seeking a unique social interaction while solo traveling. This new wave of rooftop experiences creates opportunities to explore the city beyond just tourist hot spots. The silent disco format offers a chance to engage with others on a more personal level, potentially fostering meaningful connections. Beyond that, they showcase another facet of Tokyo's diverse and ever-evolving social scene.
Attending a silent disco party on a Tokyo rooftop offers a unique blend of social interaction and sensory experience. These events leverage wireless headphone technology, allowing participants to enjoy personalized music without amplified noise. This approach is particularly suited for rooftop spaces where sound restrictions are a concern. Interestingly, the elevated setting itself seems to contribute to a heightened sense of excitement and happiness, which science suggests might be related to being at a higher altitude. The rooftop environment, combined with the individual control over the sound, creates a unique auditory experience. The sounds bounce off nearby buildings and blend with your chosen music, crafting an intriguing soundscape.
The social dynamic at a silent disco is a study in contrasts. While participants are ostensibly 'alone' in their auditory bubbles, this can paradoxically lead to more authentic interactions. It's as if the headphones serve as a social lubricant, fostering more genuine conversations as participants feel less inhibited. The idea of silent discos originated in the late 2000s as a way to circumvent noise restrictions, demonstrating the creative nature of party culture. And in Tokyo, it's found a perfect niche. The way individuals dance is often more spontaneous and uninhibited, potentially due to a decreased sense of being judged.
Furthermore, the ability to choose between different music channels adds another intriguing layer to the social interaction. Silent disco events can attract a wide range of ages and musical preferences. Attendees may bond over shared musical interests or simply be pleasantly surprised by discovering a new genre. In this sense, these parties are a kind of sonic democracy, fostering inclusiveness. Often, these events are also relatively inexpensive compared to traditional nightclubs, making them a more budget-friendly social option for those exploring the city.
Rooftop silent discos also seamlessly incorporate Tokyo's diverse culinary landscape. The venue often offers food and beverage options. It's not uncommon for local food vendors to be part of the scene, providing a chance to try regional street food while socializing with others. This cultural exchange over shared bites adds another dimension to the experience. Tokyo offers so much for solo travelers and this is a fantastic way to experience its vibrant scene while connecting with other individuals from all walks of life.
7 Unconventional Ways to Meet People While Solo Traveling in 2024 - Participate in a Beach Cleanup Day in Bali
Joining a beach cleanup effort in Bali is a great way for solo travelers to engage with the local community and meet new people who share a concern for the environment. Organizations like One Island One Voice regularly host large-scale cleanups, bringing together thousands of people to remove tons of debris and prevent it from polluting the ocean. These events contribute to a healthier ecosystem and also cultivate a positive, shared experience, making it easier to strike up conversations with others. Bali's beautiful beaches, while popular, face challenges from pollution, and these cleanup efforts are crucial to preserving them. Participating in such initiatives can be both personally fulfilling and a chance to form friendships with like-minded travelers or locals, offering a unique way to connect while traveling alone. With regular cleanups happening across the island, you'll find numerous opportunities to contribute to a good cause while fostering new social connections within Bali's vibrant community.
Bali's beaches, renowned for their beauty and diverse marine life, are facing increasing environmental pressures. Research suggests that microplastics in the waters are disrupting local ecosystems and potentially affecting fish populations, a concerning development in a region so dependent on tourism.
Beach cleanups in Bali attract a mix of tourists, locals, and environmental groups, creating a dynamic atmosphere and a safe space to share travel stories while working toward a common goal: preserving the natural environment that's crucial for Bali's economy.
While Bali's beaches are a tourist draw, the sand's thermal properties can pose a challenge during hotter months. The unique geology that contributes to the allure of these beaches also highlights the importance of responsible interaction with the environment, as sand temperatures can exceed air temperatures significantly.
Participating in beach cleanups can be beneficial beyond simply helping the environment. Studies show that being near water promotes psychological well-being, potentially reducing stress and increasing happiness, making it a socially enriching and revitalizing activity for solo travelers.
Beach cleanups can lead to unexpected culinary discoveries. Shared snacks during breaks often prompt conversations about Balinese cuisine, which commonly features ingredients with potential health benefits, like turmeric with its anti-inflammatory properties.
Tourism, specifically peak seasons, plays a significant role in the frequency of beach cleanups in Bali. The increased influx of tourists leads to faster accumulation of plastic waste, prompting a more frequent need for cleanups initiated by communities and organizations.
The cooperative nature of beach cleanups fosters strong interpersonal connections. A study revealed that working together can lead to stronger bonds, so the experience of cleaning up the beaches can potentially yield lasting friendships, as travelers and locals connect over a shared purpose.
During cleanups, you might encounter unexpected treasures among the debris—coins, lost items, and objects washed ashore. These objects can evoke the stories of their previous owners and provide an intriguing glimpse into local history and culture, which may fascinate an inquisitive mind.
Beach pollution isn't just an aesthetic problem; it can negatively impact the local economy. Research indicates that a pristine beach attracts more visitors, which in turn supports local businesses. Therefore, beach cleanups, in addition to environmental benefits, have a direct positive impact on the local economy.
Recent years have seen a shift in the organization of beach cleanups. Apps and social media have become invaluable tools, boosting participation significantly. A 2024 survey revealed that digital platforms increased participation rates by 25%, raising global awareness of Bali's environmental issues and improving engagement among solo travelers searching for enriching experiences.
7 Unconventional Ways to Meet People While Solo Traveling in 2024 - Take Part in an Urban Sketching Meetup in Lisbon
Joining an urban sketching meetup in Lisbon offers a unique and engaging way to meet people while traveling solo. These events, often organized by groups like the Lisbon Sketch Club, typically take place in charming cafes during the colder months or in interesting outdoor locations. The beauty of urban sketching is that it's completely open-ended—participants can choose any subject that inspires them, from the lively street scenes to the city's historical buildings.
Urban sketching is not just about developing drawing skills, but it's also a global movement that celebrates capturing life on location. It's a fantastic way to explore the city and learn more about Portuguese culture through drawing. The friendly, welcoming environment fostered by these groups promotes artistic expression, fosters connections between those who share a love of sketching, and creates an opportunity to connect with both locals and other travelers. It’s a rewarding way to experience the charm of Lisbon and build new friendships along the way. The emphasis is on enjoyment and fun, rather than artistic perfection, so don't be afraid to join even if you don't consider yourself a skilled artist.
7 Unconventional Ways to Meet People While Solo Traveling in 2024 - Take Part in an Urban Sketching Meetup in Lisbon
Exploring Lisbon through urban sketching can be a fascinating way to connect with the city's architectural variety. Lisbon's cityscape is a blend of different eras, from older Gothic structures to more modern buildings, making it a perfect canvas for architectural enthusiasts and curious minds.
The Alfama district, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Lisbon, presents an intriguing backdrop for sketching. Its network of narrow streets and alleyways showcases the historical development of urban planning, providing a fascinating visual study for anyone interested in how cities evolve. Sketching in this setting becomes a way to understand the city's past, a theme that can serve as a basis for shared discussions among participants.
The act of sketching itself can spark interesting conversations. Studies have shown that drawing can enhance memory and spatial awareness. It's a curious phenomenon that the focus on capturing what you see on paper can potentially improve how you understand the complexity of structures. In this context, a shared observation of a building or street scene can lead to deeper exchanges about the details of Lisbon's design.
Urban sketching groups in Lisbon seem to be quite diverse, with both seasoned artists and those who are just starting to experiment with drawing present. It creates a nice blend of different skill levels that fosters a supportive environment for sharing tips and techniques, potentially inspiring future collaborative projects.
Lisbon is a recurring location for urban sketching festivals. This global phenomenon of 'urban sketching' highlights how drawing on location can spark interest in the unique aspects of each city. This emphasis on the local context underscores how artistic expression can become a way to document and express a city's evolution and culture.
Sketching outdoors can also be a surprisingly relaxing activity. Research indicates that being outdoors and engaging in creative activities can reduce stress and improve mood, leading to an overall sense of well-being. It provides a calming atmosphere conducive to connecting with others who share similar interests.
Lisbon itself has a rich cultural background, and that's also reflected in its architectural diversity. Studying the elements that show influences from various cultures through sketching can spark engaging conversations about historical connections among sketchers. It's fascinating to see how diverse architectural styles coexist within a single city.
Sketching often leads to unexpected detours into Lisbon's culinary scene. During sketching sessions, conversations often drift to nearby cafés or restaurants. These natural breaks create opportunities for participants to share food experiences and discuss local cuisine, extending the connections beyond the act of sketching itself.
Art supplies in Lisbon are reasonably priced and readily available. This accessibility allows for spontaneous sketching sessions, and sometimes sketchers swap supplies or offer tips on techniques. These little moments of resource sharing can lead to fun connections between travelers and locals alike.
Finally, one of the benefits of joining a sketching meetup in Lisbon is the low cost of participation. Many groups offer sketching sessions for free or for a small donation, making it a budget-friendly activity for solo travelers who are looking to engage with the city and its residents on a deeper level.
7 Unconventional Ways to Meet People While Solo Traveling in 2024 - Join a Midnight Sun Soccer Match in Reykjavik
Experiencing a Midnight Sun soccer match in Reykjavik is a unique way for solo travelers to connect with locals and fellow adventurers during the Icelandic summer. These casual games, played under the continuous daylight of the midnight sun, create a laid-back environment perfect for interaction and friendly competition. Soccer holds a significant place in Icelandic culture, making these matches lively and engaging events. Participating, regardless of your soccer skills, can be a fun and memorable way to break the ice and meet people who share an interest in the sport or simply the unique atmosphere of Reykjavik during the summer months. It's a chance to experience a piece of Icelandic life while simultaneously expanding your social circle. The shared experience of the sport, combined with the unusual setting of the midnight sun, makes these matches an ideal platform for sparking new friendships and interactions.
### Join a Midnight Sun Soccer Match in Reykjavik
Reykjavik's midnight sun, reaching its peak around the summer solstice, presents a rather unique opportunity to experience the city's soccer culture. The sun dips below the horizon only briefly before rising again, meaning extended periods of daylight and, consequently, longer playing time. It's a fascinating quirk of nature that has a noticeable impact on Reykjavik's summer sports scene.
One of the appealing aspects is the accessible nature of these matches. Often open to players of all abilities, it's an inclusive way to immerse yourself in a local pastime and connect with both residents and other travelers. There's little pressure to be a seasoned athlete, which is a welcome aspect for those venturing into a new environment on their own. It's a low-effort entry point into a new social circle.
Playing soccer under the midnight sun comes with an interesting twist: the unique combination of bright light and comparatively cool temperatures. Some studies suggest cooler environments can actually improve athletic performance by reducing the risk of overheating, possibly leading to a more enjoyable and energetic game. This, in turn, creates an interesting dynamic.
Soccer, of course, is a fantastic form of exercise. A typical match can burn a significant amount of calories—somewhere between 400 and 700 per hour, depending on intensity. So it's a chance to stay in shape while socializing and exploring a new place. It's a win-win on a number of fronts.
In Reykjavik, like many places, the soccer field is a microcosm of cultural diversity. You'll often meet players from various backgrounds and nationalities, allowing for some stimulating conversations and friendships forged through a shared interest. It is interesting to see how soccer can act as a social connector across different backgrounds and origins.
The city itself is home to a network of amateur soccer clubs, many of which encourage participation from visitors. It’s an illustration of how sports can build social bridges and transcend language barriers.
Interestingly, Iceland has developed a particularly robust approach to sports science, especially in soccer. Their training methods and focus on science-backed approaches have contributed to the country producing exceptional players, creating a system that could potentially be a model for those interested in understanding the science behind fitness.
It's worth mentioning that team sports have a positive impact on mental well-being. The combination of physical activity, social interaction, and the sense of belonging that comes with being part of a team can be particularly beneficial for those traveling alone. It helps combat loneliness and reduces stress. It is quite interesting to see how engaging in these activities can support positive mental health.
Most matches are followed by social gatherings at nearby pubs or cafes. This post-game tradition serves as a fantastic extension of the game, fostering deeper connections and building social networks among participants. It helps solidify the bonds formed during the game.
Finally, it's a relatively inexpensive way to experience Reykjavik's social scene. Participating in these matches is often free or involves a nominal fee, making it an accessible activity for travelers who want to connect with locals without a large budget. It's a prime example of a way to be both social and economical.
7 Unconventional Ways to Meet People While Solo Traveling in 2024 - Volunteer at a Turtle Conservation Project in Costa Rica
Immerse yourself in the vibrant biodiversity of Costa Rica while connecting with fellow conservationists by volunteering at a sea turtle project. Participating in initiatives like Turtle Love provides a chance to actively contribute to protecting endangered species. You'll be involved in hands-on tasks like patrolling beaches during nesting season and safeguarding turtle hatchlings, forming bonds with fellow volunteers who share a passion for conservation.
The cost of these programs varies, generally ranging from a reasonable $315 to up to $700 per week, making it a relatively affordable option for solo travelers looking for a meaningful experience. Weekends often offer opportunities to explore the surrounding natural wonders of Costa Rica, enriching your journey beyond the conservation work. These projects often emphasize community involvement and education, promoting awareness of the crucial role human actions play in preserving delicate ecosystems.
By engaging in these efforts, solo travelers can experience a fulfilling blend of social connection and environmental stewardship. Whether it's assisting with turtle egg relocation or simply enjoying the beauty of Costa Rica's beaches, these volunteer initiatives offer an unconventional and rewarding avenue to encounter like-minded individuals while traveling solo.
7 Unconventional Ways to Meet People While Solo Traveling in 2024 - Volunteer at a Turtle Conservation Project in Costa Rica
Costa Rica's shores are home to a remarkable five out of the world's seven sea turtle species, making it a hotspot for their protection. Participating in volunteer programs within these crucial habitats is a chance to contribute to conservation efforts while getting up close with some of the ocean's most ancient creatures. It’s an intriguing twist on meeting people while traveling solo.
Sea turtles are incredible ocean travelers. Loggerheads, for example, have been documented migrating over 10,000 miles between feeding and breeding areas, demonstrating impressive navigation abilities that scientists are still trying to fully understand.
Beyond simply tracking nesting sites, these conservation programs also involve closely monitoring the health of local turtle populations. Researchers gather scientific data, including nesting success rates, which can reveal important insights about the broader health of coastal ecosystems.
Volunteers play a critical role in collecting valuable data on environmental conditions and human impacts on turtle behavior. Interestingly, research has found that noise pollution from human activities can significantly affect nesting success rates.
The Pacific coastline of Costa Rica is a biodiversity haven. Looking at historical climate records, one can see how changing temperatures affect the success of turtle hatchlings. Ideally, turtle eggs need a fairly constant temperature around 29°C (84°F) to develop properly. This kind of data is invaluable for designing conservation strategies that protect these unique habitats.
Leatherbacks, the largest of all sea turtles, can grow to incredible sizes, weighing in at over 2,000 pounds. They're well-adapted to colder waters, due to their ability to regulate body temperature. This highlights the fascinating adaptations found in these ancient animals and makes studying them all the more intriguing.
Turtle hatchlings demonstrate impressive instinctual behaviors as they immediately head towards the ocean after emerging from their nests. This powerful drive can be disrupted by artificial lighting at night, causing disorientation and a high mortality rate. Thankfully, volunteers can help by building safer pathways towards the water.
Working alongside others to protect these vulnerable ecosystems provides a unique way to bond with fellow volunteers and local community members. The shared experience of contributing to conservation efforts often leads to friendships and connections that last beyond the time spent on the beach.
The Olive Ridley turtles in Costa Rica have an unusual nesting behavior called an 'arribada', where hundreds of thousands of turtles come ashore to nest at the same time. This truly awe-inspiring event offers volunteers a rare chance to witness remarkable collective behavior in the natural world and share that experience with others.
Beyond the turtles themselves, the surrounding ecosystems offer further opportunities to learn about local wildlife. Volunteers may spot everything from vibrant macaws to howler monkeys, providing yet another layer of shared exploration and conversation among the group. It's quite interesting to see how these projects become windows into the diversity of Costa Rica's fauna.
7 Unconventional Ways to Meet People While Solo Traveling in 2024 - Attend a Laughter Yoga Session in Central Park, New York City
Finding yourself in New York City as a solo traveler can sometimes feel a little isolating. One unique way to quickly connect with people is by attending a Laughter Yoga session in Central Park. This practice, which blends laughter exercises with yoga breathing techniques, creates a surprisingly welcoming atmosphere. The sessions, designed for all fitness levels, offer a fun and accessible way to combat feelings of loneliness or isolation that can creep in when traveling solo. You'll find yourself engaging in exercises that encourage genuine laughter, which naturally fosters a sense of connection with others in the group. Held daily within the serene backdrop of Central Park, these sessions provide a tranquil environment to both improve your physical and mental well-being and connect with like-minded individuals. It's a fairly low-pressure way to connect with a vibrant community, whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just curious about this unconventional approach to fitness and social connection. You might be surprised at how readily conversations flow while laughing with strangers in the beauty of Central Park. While it might seem a little odd at first, these events are quite common now, and it's an easy way to make new connections, as it’s an open environment that attracts locals and travelers alike, often making it easy to connect with others and experience a different side of the city.
### Attend a Laughter Yoga Session in Central Park, New York City
Laughter yoga blends laughter exercises with yogic breathing, potentially increasing oxygen uptake and improving cellular function. Research suggests that laughter triggers the release of endorphins, hormones associated with a feeling of well-being. It's interesting how something as simple as laughter might have such measurable impacts on health.
One of the intriguing aspects of laughter yoga is its ability to reduce stress. Studies show that it can lower cortisol levels, a hormone linked to stress responses in the body. This makes it an effective tool for stress management, particularly in a fast-paced city like New York. It's fascinating how a simple, joyful activity can have such a noticeable effect on the body's hormonal balance.
Humans are naturally drawn to social interaction, and laughter yoga seems to amplify this tendency. It promotes the formation of stronger bonds within a group, fostering trust and a sense of belonging. The idea that laughter could be a catalyst for increased social connections is quite interesting.
There's some evidence that laughter may have a positive impact on the immune system, boosting the production of antibodies and activating immune cells. While the connection is not fully understood, it raises the possibility that attending laughter yoga sessions could have a tangible impact on a person's general health. It’s intriguing to consider the role laughter could play in our natural defenses.
The act of laughing appears to affect multiple brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex and limbic system, areas involved in emotions and decision-making. This suggests that laughter yoga could stimulate cognitive processes and creativity, which in turn might contribute to a richer social experience. It's a fascinating idea that laughter can act as a kind of mental workout.
While often associated with fun and play, laughter can also contribute to calorie expenditure, with estimates ranging from 10-40 calories burned during 10-15 minutes of laughter. It's a surprising finding that something as enjoyable can also contribute to physical activity. It's a bit of a hidden fitness benefit.
Laughter yoga practitioners report improvements in emotional resilience, developing the ability to manage life's challenges more effectively. This type of emotional strength potentially makes individuals more open to social interaction and builds more satisfying relationships. It’s an interesting concept that laughter could have a positive effect on our psychological adaptability.
Laughter, a fundamental aspect of human interaction, transcends language barriers and cultural differences. Laughter yoga sessions in Central Park, or anywhere else, can create a unique environment where people from various backgrounds connect through shared joy. It's a testament to the universality of human emotions and how laughter can build connections in a globalized world.
The application of laughter yoga in therapeutic contexts, such as addressing symptoms of depression and anxiety, speaks to its potential in enhancing mental well-being. A happier disposition might naturally contribute to social engagement and the formation of new friendships. It’s interesting to consider the therapeutic applications of something as simple as laughter.
Laughter yoga in public spaces like Central Park is often free or inexpensive to participate in. This creates a more inclusive environment for people from various backgrounds, potentially bridging cultural divides and connecting visitors with locals. The ease of access to these sessions makes it a very convenient way to engage with a new city and discover new social connections.