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.
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!
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!
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!
And now, in 2024, Edinburgh! Using a winning formula of learning through fun, Scotland’s capital is brought to life, where a wealth of history and culture offers something for all the family to enjoy. Combine with London then take the train and in just five hours you will be immersed in Celtic delight and a warm Scottish welcome!
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!
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.
The banks of the Seine, preferably after dark
Little Venice
Raiding bakeries for chouquettes
Scones with jam and clotted cream
“Between possible and impossible: two letters and a state of mind.” - Charles de Gaulle
I speak fluent cat!
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.
Auvers-sur-Oise
Columbia Market
A slice of flan with a flute of champagne—or just the champagne!
Shortbread
“A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.” -Nelson Mandela
I excel at Excel sheets!
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!
Saint Germain des Prés
Sitting with the squirrels at St. James Park
A fresh baguette with some Comté or Roquefort
Crispy fish and chips
“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” -Milton Berle
I can read people’s minds!
After her studies in English and Cultural Management, Liz followed the light until she found Meet the Locals for Families! Even without a fairy wand, her magic enchants all the moving parts required to create a seamless experience for your family.
Jardin des Plantes
The Museum of Natural history
My sister’s homemade profiteroles
Haggis
“Not all those who wander are lost.” -J.R.R. Tolkien
I can make miracles happen even without a magic wand!
This Brazilian was living in New Zealand when he met a French girl; love brought him to France and his passion for traveling brought him to Meet the Locals. Now his goal is to make your family trip a magical experience, even if he has to cast a charm or two!
Tuileries Garden
The Orbit
Mousse au Chocolat
A cold pint of lager beer
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” -Albert Einstein
I can fix nearly anything even without my spell book!
Originally from France, Agnes has worked in various blue-chip companies and traveled the world, mainly in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. She loves the multi-cultural life that London offers and has decided to make it her home for the last 30 years. For her, there is always something new and stunning to discover in this city, and she will be happy to share her favorite places with you.
Les Batignolles
The Tin Tabernacle in Kilburn
A Tarte Tatin with vanilla ice cream
Hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows
“If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito." -Dalai Lama
I can dispense magic fairy dust!
