The Merits of Talking to Strangers While Traveling

What's the worst piece of travel advice you've ever received?⁠ 🤔⁠ Along with "don't travel solo" - which I obviously don't listen to 😉 - I'd have to say "don't talk to strangers" would be high on my list.⁠ ✅⁠ In my experience, not talking to strangers during your travels only prohibits you from truly experiencing the local culture and enjoying yourself.⁠ 🌎⁠ Interacting with locals is how you’ll learn about everyday life, customs, rituals, business, food, clothing, and other facets of local life.⁠ 🥘⁠ Additionally, conversing with other travelers and exchanging tales from the road makes the trip more interesting, and gives you people to explore with. Honestly, there are people I met in hostels, at money exchanges, and on walking tours from 10+ years ago that I still talk to today!⁠ 🍻⁠ What bad travel advice would you add to this list? #BeyondTheGuidebook⁠