One of the best ways to get to know a destination is to see it with a local.

Here are some easy ways to arrange that experience.

One organization called Like-a-Local offers experiences with local guides in major cities throughout Europe.

You can choose from a number of experiences, such as a visit Amsterdam’s museums and galleries with an art lover, or a tapas crawl with a foodie in Barcelona.

Another program called Dine with the Danes invites visitors to Copenhagen and Denmark to enjoy “home dinners” with local hosts.

And if you travel with Grand Circle Travel, the majority of their trips abroad include dinner at a family’s home, or even an overnight stay.

Your tour leader will give you a cheat sheet of phrases, like “this is delicious” in Chinese.

And remember to bring a small gift, and even pictures and postcards from home to share with the family.

For more helpful ideas on what you need to know before you go, visit our Travel Planning section.

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