LOCAL EXPERIENCES

Per the Travel Channel....  More travel companies are catering to travelers wanting to experience a destination through the eyes of the people who live there by offering unique ways to connect with locals. Black Tomato, a bespoke luxury adventure company, tailors trips to include immersive experiences that connect travelers with local experts, such as arranging a meeting with a bossa nova musician in Brazil or a private tour of the Sydney Opera house with a local vocal coach. “Foreign travel is all about engaging with other people and other cultures,” says Tom Marchant, co-founder of Black Tomato. “Technology once thought to be detrimental to authentic travel experiences is now helping travelers connect and scout out local encounters.” Travel start-ups geared to local experiences are popping up, such as EatWith.com, which connects hosts who love to cook with travelers who want a taste of local cuisine, and OneFineStay.com, which provides travelers with homes abroad so they can truly live like a local while on vacation.