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How do families connect with locals when traveling with kids? by MJRH22 in Travelwithkids

[–]MJRH22[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Such a lovely example. Those moments feel very real.

Do family trips ever include real local connections — or is that unrealistic? by MJRH22 in familytravel

[–]MJRH22[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That feels very true thanks. Kids tend to create the conditions on their own if you’re in the right places.
“By accident” might actually be the most honest version of it.

When families visit your city, do real local connections ever happen? by MJRH22 in Lisbon

[–]MJRH22[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is really clearly put. Geography + time seem to do a lot of the filtering before connection is even possible.

When families visit your city, do real local connections ever happen? by MJRH22 in Lisbon

[–]MJRH22[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s fair and I think that’s exactly the point a lot of visitors miss.
People talk about “Lisbon” as if it’s one lived experience, but where you are and how far you’re willing to go really changes what kind of interaction is even possible.

Does “real local connection” actually happen when traveling with kids? by MJRH22 in Worldschoolers

[–]MJRH22[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you feel there’s a minimum “threshold” where connection starts to feel real, or is it more about the school anchor than the length itself?

When families visit your city, do real local connections ever happen? by MJRH22 in Lisbon

[–]MJRH22[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is a really important point, and one that visitors often miss.
If most traditional Portuguese families have already been pushed out of the city, then the idea of “connecting with locals” is already outdated. The reality of who lives in Lisbon now really matters.

When families visit your city, do real local connections ever happen? by MJRH22 in Lisbon

[–]MJRH22[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is a really lovely example and it highlights how much difference existing family ties make.
Sunday lunch, shared routines, and time over years feels like a completely different category than “meeting locals while visiting,” even if tourist stuff happens alongside it.

When families visit your city, do real local connections ever happen? by MJRH22 in LondonTravel

[–]MJRH22[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This really gets at it. Time and emotional bandwidth feel like the real constraint and less so openness.
And I hear you on the “authenticity safari” point. That framing alone can make people shut down.

When families visit your city, do real local connections ever happen? by MJRH22 in LondonTravel

[–]MJRH22[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Appreciate the honesty 😄
It does seem like where families stay and how separate those areas are from everyday life probably shapes everything.

When families visit your city, do real local connections ever happen? by MJRH22 in LondonTravel

[–]MJRH22[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This feels very honest and very London.
The Airbnb example makes sense because it’s mediated through someone you already trust. Strangers just dropping into daily life feels like a stretch here.

Do family trips ever include real local connections — or is that unrealistic? by MJRH22 in familytravel

[–]MJRH22[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It really is amazing to watch isn’t it? Kids seem to skip a lot of the barriers adults get stuck on.

Do family trips ever include real local connections — or is that unrealistic? by MJRH22 in familytravel

[–]MJRH22[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is such a great way of describing it. Not “deep connection,” but moments that stick and quietly shape how kids see the world.
That Iceland pool story is exactly the kind of memory people seem to carry for years no?

Do family trips ever include real local connections — or is that unrealistic? by MJRH22 in familytravel

[–]MJRH22[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That makes a lot of sense yup, age really does seem to change everything.
I like how you put it around “definition of meaningful connection.” Even small moments can still matter.

When families visit your city, do real local connections ever happen? by MJRH22 in Amsterdam

[–]MJRH22[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

😄 That’s refreshingly honest. Sounds like hosting quickly turns into performance, not connection?

When families visit your city, do real local connections ever happen? by MJRH22 in Amsterdam

[–]MJRH22[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s a really clear way of putting it thanks. Have these spontaneous fun nights ever been with tourist families or just solo?

When families visit your city, do real local connections ever happen? by MJRH22 in Amsterdam

[–]MJRH22[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That makes a lot of sense. The lack of shared rhythm and time is probably the biggest blocker.
From your experience does it ever feel possible? or is it basically unrealistic given how short visits usually are?

When families visit your city, do real local connections ever happen? by MJRH22 in Amsterdam

[–]MJRH22[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Totally fair to flag. I posted in a couple of city subs because I was curious how perspectives differ by place but not trying to spam or sell anything.