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Your Happy Family Travel Expert

Meet the superhero squad behind Meet the Locals!

It started with two sisters…

There was Dominique, the redhead with green eyes; and Isabelle, the brunette with blue eyes. (Don’t try to figure out who is the oldest—they’ve already taken all the info offline!)

They’ve been working together since the days when they had to clean up their playroom! Even then, it was clear that Dominique was the right brain and Isabelle was the left brain of the team. This combination would prove indispensable later in life.

With a unique family expertise…

In 2012, the dynamic duo launched a unique collection of guides with the famous brand Lonely Planet: traveling with your family in Europe! (Sorry folks, this family series is only published in French.)

Once this new style of guides gained popularity, the sisters’ friends began asking for advice on tours and trips in Paris. With so much interest, the sisters decided in 2017 to take their family-oriented expertise from book to business!

France, Then the UK, and now Italy

Meet the Locals for Families flourished in Paris. Most of their clients were anglophones who loved the tailor-made tours and personal hospitality so much that they asked for travel advice for other cities as well.

In 2019, the sisters decided to expand their business to their second home- London! This city was their obvious next step; ever since writing a family guide about London for Lonely Planet, the duo knows it like the back of their hands! The cities may be different, but the spirit is the same: creating an amusing and educational experience for kids, sharing culture, and ensuring that everyone in the family, regardless of age, can have fun while learning!

Then in 2024, Edinburgh joined the family! Using a winning formula of learning through fun, Scotland’s capital comes to life, offering a wealth of history and culture for all the family to enjoy. Combine it with London, take a train, and in just five hours, you’ll find yourself immersed in Celtic delights and a warm Scottish welcome.

And coming in 2025, Italy! Experience the wonders of Rome, Florence, and Venice. From the ancient splendor of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, the artistic treasures of Florence, to the enchanting canals of Venice, each city offers an immersive blend of history, culture, and adventure. Our tailor-made tours bring Italy to life, ensuring fun and meaningful experiences for every member of the family!

A "Mary Poppins" Team…

In order to make the most of your experience, Meet the Locals for Families has handpicked enthusiastic and knowledgeable experts to be your guides! These kid-friendly pros have serious expertise, but don’t take themselves too seriously. They are first and foremost fantastic storytellers who know how to keep your loved ones of all ages entertained.

While they may not fly with umbrellas or pull lamps from their bags, these ladies and gents have been trained to engage even the most reluctant, shy, or tenacious children. They can even sing supercalifragilisticexpialidocious- test them if you want! Dominique and Isabelle knew that in order to craft the best family-friendly tours possible, these engaging guides were the key. Everyone here at Meet the Locals is excited to be your happy family travel experts!

Do you want to unmask the superhero squad?
Click on the photos below!

Superwoman
Wonder Woman
Superman
The good Fairy
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Dominique aka Superwoman

Dominique co-founded Meet the Locals for Families after a career in marketing for the luxury hotel industry. She also launched a series of Lonely Planet travel guides for families. For her, curiosity is a cardinal virtue and daily laughter is indispensable.

My favorite quote

“Between possible and impossible: two letters and a state of mind.” - Charles de Gaulle

My superpower

I speak fluent cat!

Isabelle aka Wonder Woman

Before co-founding Meet the Locals for Families, Isabelle worked in the aviation industry (not as a pilot but in finances). To Isabelle, organization is second nature. Figures, charts, and tables hold no secrets from her. Her cheerfulness lights up the team.

My favorite quote

“A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.” -Nelson Mandela

My superpower

I excel at Excel sheets!

Thomas aka Superman

Though he was born in Paris, Thomas cannot stop traveling the world! With voyages under his belt to England, Argentina, and the U.S., Thomas loves something in every country he visits. He even found his wife overseas! Now he’s back to his native town with one idea in mind: making sure each traveler stopping by will have a super experience with Meet the Locals!

My favorite quote

“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” -Milton Berle

My superpower

I can read people’s minds!

Albane aka the Good Fairy

During her Tourism studies, Albane discovered Italy on an Erasmus exchange and couldn’t resist returning to work in tourism. Back in Paris, she followed the light and joined Meet the Locals! As the Good Fairy, she sprinkles a touch of Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo to make every family adventure shine with joy.

My favorite quote

“All grown-ups were once children... but only few of them remember it.” - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

My superpower

I can make miracles happen even without a magic wand!

So sorry to not have you with us!

For France

  • Cancellations made 7 days or more prior to the date of your tour will receive a full refund. Exceptions are: for tours with tickets we charge a 20% cancellation fee; for the Eiffel Tower and Versailles tours (see below for specific cancellation charges).
  • Cancellations made between 7 days and 48 hours prior to the date of your tour will receive a 50% refund.
  • Bookings cancelled within 48 hours of the date of your tour will be charged in full.

For Eiffel Tower activities:

  • Cancellations made 5 days or more prior to the date of your tour will receive a 60% refund.
  • Bookings cancelled within 5 days of the date of your tour will be charged in full.

For Versailles:

  •  Cancellations made 7 days or more prior to the date of your tour will be charged a 250€ cancellation fee.
  •  Cancellations made between 7 days and 48 hours prior to the date of your tour will receive a 50% refund.
  • Bookings cancelled within 48 hours of the date of your tour will be charged in full.

For Workshops and Classes:

  • Cancellations made between 15 and 29 days prior to the date of your workshop/class will receive a 50% refund.
  • Cancellations made between 7 and 14 days prior to the date of your workshop/class will receive a 25% refund.
  • Bookings cancelled within 7 days of the workshop/class will be charged in full.

For cruises, Tuk-tuk & Sidecar:

  • Cancellations made 10 days or more prior to the date of your tour will receive a full refund.
  • Cancellations made between 10 days and 5 days prior to the date of your tour will receive a 50% refund.
  • Bookings cancelled within 5 days of the date of your tour will be charged in full. 

For United Kingdom

  • Cancellations made 14 days or more prior to the date of your tour will receive a full refund. Exceptions are: for the tours with tickets we charge a 25% cancellation fee.
  • Cancellations made between 14 days and 7 days prior to the date of your tour will receive a 50% refund. 
  • Bookings cancelled within 7 days of the date of your tour will be charged in full. 

For black cab tours:

  • Cancellations between 4 weeks and 15 days prior to the date of your tour will receive a 50% refund.  
  • Bookings cancelled within 14 days of the date of your tour will be charged in full. 

For Italy

  • Cancellations made 7 days or more prior to the date of your tour will receive a full refund. Exceptions are: for tours with tickets or cruise in Venice we charge a 20% cancellation fee.
  • Cancellations made between 7 days and 48 hours prior to the date of your tour will receive a 50% refund.
  • Bookings cancelled within 48 hours of the date of your tour will be charged in full.

For Workshops and Classes:

  • Cancellations made 10 days or more prior to the date of your workshop/class will receive a 50% refund.
  • Bookings cancelled within 10 days of the workshop/class will be charged in full.