If you’ve read a lot of my articles, you probably know that I am big on getting off the tourist track and seeing some “authentic” local living—because in my experience, a lot of travelers see a candied up, worn out, and expensive side of the countries they visit. I could go on all day with reasons why, really, but then, I do that already. Today, I want to look at a fresh perspective. It’s an idea I’ve been thinking about lately and I want to talk about why sometimes it’s perfectly okay to stick to the tourist traps and expat “ghettoes.”

Here are 5 reasons for you to chew on while en route.

1. Let’s Face It—It Really Can Be a Blast

I’ll admit it—hanging out in the expat spots and tourist bars can be a blast. These places are naturally party meccas, and even the locals who congregate there tend to be the fun-loving, open-minded types. You’ll never be short of people to carouse with when you travel the world’s big travel destinations, that’s for sure—your biggest danger is usually that you’ll have too much fun. And you probably will.

2. Meet Travelers from the World Over

I come to Thailand to meet Thais. I go to France to meet French people. When I went to Hawaii, I wanted to meet some native Hawaiians. I don’t come to meet Asia to meet Europeans, for instance.

But having said that, every time I do go to these places, I meet amazing people from all over the world. They are often well-traveled, intelligent, and tons of fun. Most have great stories to tell, and if you make it a point to collect Facebook handles and emails, you might end up with free places to stay all over the planet. Not a bad deal.

3. It’s No Less a Part of That Country

One thing a lot of people forget, even me at times, is that a tourist destination is no less a part of the country. A country and culture is in constant flux, evolving as it adapts to changing media, technologies, and, yes, tourism. So the people who are in constant contact with tourists and living that action-packed lifestyle are no less a part of the country than anyone else.

They are living a different lifestyle, and it’s important not to forget your experiences with them are not necessarily the kind you’d have with people from other parts of the country, but they are still a sub-culture there. I’m going to have a different experience visiting a punk bar in San Francisco than if I spend the night in Salsa Club there, for instance, but that doesn’t make either of them less San Francisco, does it now?

4. It is Convenient

I’ve been very fortunate to get to live here in this country for two amazing years. I try to spend a month at least everywhere I go. But that doesn’t mean everyone is so fortunate, and sometimes people don’t get to stay long.

In these cases, you might be better off just accepting the fact you’re only going to get the chance to spend a week trudging beaches and lying in lawn chairs at the resort spas. Poor you. Try to get out to a few locals-only spots if you can, but if not, don’t beat yourself up about it.

And keep in mind that the less exposure you have to a new culture, the more dangerous your cultural misunderstandings can be, especially if alcohol is involved. So be on your best behavior.

5. Snobs Are Annoying

No one likes a stuck up snob, whatever their reason. As adamant as I often am about my own travel inclinations, I try my best not to act like one. Sometimes I’ll find myself in the middle of nowhere and I’ll notice another foreigner and will say hi or try to talk to them, just because it seems odd not to as we have something obvious in common and are both strangers. More often than not, in these far off places, you’ll find yourself being ignored or blown off, as if your presence is somehow a threat to their experience.

I can’t help but laugh.

The world is full of interesting and amazing people to meet, and I stand by my choice to get as deep into a new culture as I can, but don’t overdo it. You might miss out on some chances for great travel experiences, and you might miss the chance to meet some of the most unique people on Earth—world travelers.