Ask the receptionist at your hotel about any expatriate bars in the neighborhood. Expatriate bars are restaurants, clubs, or bars where people from a particular country congregate. They are a great way to meet other people from your country who speak the same language as you.
Stay at a hostel instead of a hotel. Hostels are similar to hotels but are designed for budget travelers. They cater to a younger audience, but hostels have evolved to meet the needs of all types of travelers. Most hostels have a community kitchen and dining area that are great for meeting other travelers.
Choose to sleep in a group room. Hostels, guest houses and some hotels offer the option of sleeping in a room with other travelers. To some, the idea of sleeping in a room with a stranger is unpleasant, but actually it gives you a great chance to meet someone in the same town looking to do the same things as you are. Group rooms are cheaper too, giving you more money to experience the local culture.
Join an internet based travelers network. Websites like the hospitality club, couchsurfing, and global freeloaders were created by travelers to make it easier to meet other people in a foreign land. They are free to join and you can use the websites to find local events to meet other travelers and hang out with the local population. The sites are also used to arrange accommodations in a guest house.
Bring a translation book with you and learn the basic phrases of the local language. Being a foreigner or a tourist can cause the local residents to distrust you. Taking the time to learn phrases like "hello", "thank you" and "how are you today?" are good ways to express your kindness towards them and it will often cause them to be more open towards you.
