New Program Matches Travelers with Locals for Tours and Activities in Sweden

We've said it a million times: One of the most rewarding ways to experience a new place is by getting to know somebody who lives there.

The West Sweden Tourist Board is making that a lot easier for travelers to do with a new program called Meet the Locals. It matches visitors with residents willing to lead a variety of cultural, natural, and culinary activities in western Sweden, a region that encompasses forests, lakes, islands, and the country's artsy second city, Gothenburg.

To participate, simply go to the Meet the Locals website and browse the offerings, which include nature walks, street art tours, and informal get-togethers to sample live music, coffee, and baked goods. Once you find something you'd like to try, use the contact info listed on the site to make arrangements.  

Fees are set by the local; some experiences are free or have only small charges to cover supplies.