A café along the Jordaan Canals in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Most travelers realize in short order that our experiences abroad – and in other unfamiliar territories – are greatly enhanced by spending time with those who know it best, the locals. Whether you stay at their home, spend a weekend with them, or even chat over a beer, you’ll be opening yourself to a more intimate and genuine experience of your destination.

Triptrotting.com, a community where travelers can connect online with like-minded locals for offline meet ups, selected 22 year-old Yolanda Clatworthy last summer in a competition sponsored by budget airline Air Berlin. As its “Ultimate Triptrotter,” Yolanda visited more than ten cities gathering experiences sharing with locals.

Here are five tips for planting yourself in authentic cultural experiences whenever you travel — from the experts at Triptrotting and its Triptrotter, Yolanda Clatworthy.

Continue reading this article on Frommer’s