A few questions asked often of us :

Who uses your services and why?
InTouch Travel is a "gateway" to provide hosts with a platform to promote themselves directly to guests. InTouch Travel acts as an agent for the host, who in turn provides services for a specified program. Our guests are experienced travelers who want to spend at least part of their vacations getting closer to the people and the culture of the places they visit. InTouch provides introductions to compatible, reliable friends in those communities.

How does InTouch Travel work?
We offer you an invitation to become immersed in local life; we introduce you to local people—not "official" tour guides—interested in sharing more of their professional and personal lives. We work with our own network of hosts worldwide.

Who are the hosts?
Our hosts are people who grew up speaking English and who now live and work in another culture, or who have developed an excellent fluency in English as part of their lives. They come from all walks of life. Think of them as old college pals, distant friends or long-lost cousins.

Where do they live?
Our hosts live throughout the world, mostly in Europe, in city centers, suburbs and in the countryside. In fact, we encourage travelers to visit our out-of-the way hosts because they usually have more time and do not receive as many visits as their fellow hosts in major cities.

How much do the hosts get paid?
The hosts receive an honorarium for their effort. But they're not official tour guides working "on the clock." They have the same interests that you do: getting to know people on a personal level, taking pride in their communities and sharing their local culture. We see InTouch Travel as a win-win situation for all concerned.

How do you develop your network of hosts?
Mostly through referrals. Our hosts and friends refer their friends to us and vouch for them. We ask prospective hosts to complete a thorough and rigorous interview. Plus we count on you as the traveler to share your observations, comments and recommendations with us.

Can I contact my host directly?
Some of our hosts (indicated with a symbol) prefer to deal with travelers directly. Click on their link and you will be in direct contact with the host to set dates, determine rates, and make your travel arrangements.

What differentiates your program from other travel services?
InTouch is a groundbreaking new style of travel. We offer you the opportunity to become immersed in local life by introducing you to people who are willing to share their professional and personal lives. We introduce you to the best of two worlds: their in-depth expertise, and their rich connections to local culture.

How many days do I spend with a host?
Most visits are two or three days long. Two days are the minimum. Many guests visit more than one host in the course of their vacation.

How long is the day?
Generally, your host will meet you at your hotel after breakfast; you spend the whole day together, ending shortly before dinner (usually around 7 PM).

Who pays for meals and entry fees?
Unless it's specifically indicated otherwise, your host takes care of local expenses. Lunch & dinner is not included, however.

Can I invite my host for lunch?
Normally, lunch with a host isn't included in our programs, but lunch can be an integral part of the day, a chance to continue your wine education during the meal; or learning on a more intimately level about way of life and culture. Let us know if you'd like to do this; it's entirely optional. Your host would make reservations at restaurants with appropriate wine lists; or that reflect customs & traditions. And all you'd have to do is invite your host to be your guest at lunch.

What other services do you offer apart from introductions to the hosts?
We are able to enhance our introductions with lodging and other amenities to complement your travels, such as hotel accommodations, train tickets, car rental, airport transfers and additional reservations as a supplement to your InTouch program.

Isn't this a bit like "People to People" and student ambassador programs?
It is, a bit. We promote international understanding and friendship by meeting local people and participating in local activities. People to People has a variety of educational and humanitarian programs. InTouch Travel offers a unique style of cultural tourism, designed for your personal enrichment.

What kinds of programs do you offer?
Your encounters with local residents become the highlights of any trip. And we offer two ways to make it happen: IN DEPTH: a day to learn from your host's special expertise, and CLOSE UP: a day sharing your host's daily life. Our website will feature a photo, a name, a story, a suggested two-day program, and other particulars your host is sharing with you.

Do you work with travel agencies and tour groups?
Yes, of course. Travel agents earn a travel agency commission of 8%. Tour operators and larger groups should contact us for special conditions.

Tell me about the guest questionnaire.
In addition to the necessary contact information, we hope you will tell us as much as possible about yourself and your expectations for your vacation. So that we can enhance your visit, we offer you a choice of lodging and other amenities to complement your travels. We share your background information with your host, of course, but not with anyone else.

Can I select more than one date with the host of my choice?
We encourage you to suggest more than one date to meet with your host, in fact we ask you to select two or three different dates. Your host may have a prior commitment that requires his undivided attention.

Can I book just one day with my host?
Yes. Normally, hosts prefer to devote two full days to the InTouch experience, but if you really don't have time, you can book a single day for a €25 (per guest) administrative supplement.

How long does it take the host to confirm a date?
Within 48 hours (the time the host needs to rearrange his own work/social calendar to fit you in) he will reply. He might suggest a preferred date that fits his schedule better, he also might reply that you can choose any of your preferred dates.

What if the host has a prior commitment on the requested date?
Your host may suggest alternate activities or alternate dates.

How many people can travel with a host?
We suggest that two people (a couple or two friends traveling together) visit with one host at a time. The larger the group, the more difficult it will become for you to immerse yourselves into local life.

How do we get around?
In cities, you will usually travel by taxi or public transit; in the countryside, you will probably want to rent a van for your party.

Will I visit my host's home?
Some hosts do offer home visits.

How can I be sure it is safe to travel with a host?
We know our hosts personally. They have been screened and approved by our experienced regional managers. Our hosts must renew their participation annually and must keep their information updated in the interim.

What assistance is available to travelers on the road?
With your final tour documents, you will receive the telephone number and email address of your designated coordinator.

What about language problems?
Our hosts are proficient in English, native speakers or highly fluent. In addition, travelers are asked to indicate what languages they speak and their degree of proficiency.

Why do you quote prices in Euros?
Most of our hosts live in euro-denominated countries and are compensated in euros. Your bank statement will reflect the US Dollar equivalent. InTouch Travel, by the way, is an American company, and we depend on favorable exchange rates as much as you do.

Is lodging included in the price of an InTouch program?
Hotel accommodations are not included in the price of your InTouch program. However, as a convenience to our guests, we are able to book lodging on your behalf in specific neighborhood hotels selected and recommended by your host. For an idea of prices at these neighborhood hotels, per double room per night, including breakfast, please refer to the section of our website titled "What We Do."

Can I book my own hotel?
While you are more than welcome to arrange your own lodging, we can also do this for you.

Our hosts have recommended a selection of neighborhood hotels especially convenient for InTouch guests, and we can take care of the booking on your behalf, often at preferential rates. Just let us know when you make your reservation with InTouch.

You pay the hotel or B&B directly. We provide the hotel with your credit card number to guarantee the reservation and charge you a minimal one-time booking fee. Think of it this way: you're visiting a friend who takes care of all the arrangements for you.

What can I expect in the way of lodging?
Your host has selected neighborhood hotels in four basic categories. You pick the category of lodging that fits your budget: deluxe, first class or standard tourist or Bed & Breakfast (generally the same price as a standard tourist hotel). These accommodations are in mutually convenient locations and are vouched for by your host.

Can I come back another time to visit my host without involving your company?
After you leave, staying "InTouch" with your new friends is up to you. We're pleased if the introduction went well. And remember: we can find new friends for you in other places, too.