Yesterday Agnès Poirier wrote about how the Parisian Greeter scheme failed to live up to its promises. However, all hope is not lost. Around the world, greeter programmes are still going strong.
These days, my first point of call for local contact tends to be travel-networking sites, but I have also had successful experiences with greeters. Often completely free, these volunteer-run schemes aim to break down the barriers between tourists and locals, offering the chance to escape standard group tours and get a unique experience. All things being equal, you might even make a new friend out of it.
If you want an alternative travel experience next time you go away, here is our pick of greeter programmes around the world. All are free of charge, but you are usually expected to cover the volunteer's expenses (transport, museum entry etc).
Have you tried any of these? Perhaps you faired better with the Parisian service? Or can you share a network we´ve missed? Post your tips and experiences below.
Jamaica: Meet the People
My first foray into greeting was back in 2003, when I signed up for Jamaica's long-running Meet the People programme. My local host took me to a family party in the Kingston suburbs, where sorrel punch was flowing, dancehall music blasted from speakers on the lawn and the homecooked spread was some of the best food I had on the island. Launched by the Jamaica Tourist Board back in 1968, Meet the People teams up visitors with local volunteers who share a common profession, hobby or interest. They'll also match children based on age groups and hobbies. Once you've confirmed your travel plans, simply sign up online and wait to be paired with one of over 700 locals.
Buenos Aires, Argentina: Cicerones
More recently, I tried Buenos Aires's Cicerones, who offer free, tailormade city tours. I simply emailed them expressing an interest in the architecture around the Recoleta barrio and, a few days later, a retired professor came to my hostel door to take me on a free, informal walking tour. He helped me gain access behind normally closed doors. I also finally learnt the secret of one of the city's most beautiful and least-visited buildings: El Palacio de las Aguas Corrientes, a 19th-century water folly housing a rather bizarre collection of vintage toilets.
This non-profit organisation founded in 2002 matches you with a non-professional guide willing to take you on a tailormade tour. Sign up alone, or with family or friends, in groups of no more than six. Typicallly lasting from two to three hours, tours are tailored to visitors' requests: a walking tour of a neighborhood, a visit to a museum, a night at the theatre, or even just a friendly chat over a cafe con leche. Cicerones say they offer "free assistance without any sort of restrictions". Within reason, we presume.
Chicago: Chicago Greeter
Has Obama-mania got you craving more Chicago? Contact the Chicago Greeters. Another tourist-board offshoot, they will help you choose from 25 neighborhoods and 40 popular interest areas, including fashion, film, ethnic Chicago and public art. The service is open to all, "whether your first or fiftieth Chicago visit, a new resident, or a resident entertaining out-of-towners". Reserve online or call +1 312 744 8000.
Melbourne, Australia: thatsmelbourne.com.au
City orientations are available in English seven days a week (excluding Good Friday and Christmas Day). They depart from the Melbourne Visitor Centre at Federation Square. If your native tongue is not English, check out their online calendar of languages. Japanese, Swedish, Greek and Indonesian are all covered. thatsmelbourne.com.au
Nantes, France: greeters-nantes.com
If you don't have any luck with Paris, try some western hospitality in Nantes. You are asked to fill out an online form at least one week before your arrival. Tours last a minimum of two hours. You can come alone, with your family, or in a group no more than six. greeters-nantes.com
Other greeter programmes
Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate, UK
New York City, US
Adelaide, Australia
Toronto, Canada
Houston, US
