11 Secret Local Apps That Unlock Authentic Travel Experiences

4. Niche Meetup App Diving (e.g., Meetup - Local Focus)

Ignore the generic "expat" or "traveller" groups. Instead, use apps like Meetup (or local equivalents) to search for highly specific, local hobby groups meeting during your visit. Think neighbourhood book clubs, amateur photography walks, language exchange cafes frequented by native speakers, or community gardening sessions. Participating requires stepping out of your comfort zone but offers direct, authentic interaction with residents around shared interests, not forced tourism encounters.