Local Friend Connectors sit at the heart of Friends of Friends Travel Connect (FFTC).  We also call them Local Connectors or simply Connectors. 

Connectors are not tour guides, travel agents or employees. They are trusted friends, friends of friends and people connected through shared interests who choose to be part of FFTC because they enjoy welcoming others, sharing what they love about their city, town or region, and helping travellers feel less like strangers.

Local Connectors will usually be women. However, couples or gender-diverse people may also be included where there is a clear fit with FFTC's values, boundaries, and mutual comfort.

Connectors may be retired professionals, experienced travellers, artists, gardeners, food lovers, academics, community leaders, empty nesters, local historians, creative people, or simply generous people who believe in the value of connection. 

What matters most is not a formal title but warmth, trust, local knowledge and a willingness to help others experience a place more meaningfully.

Every connection will be different
For some travellers, a connection may begin with a coffee, a conversation, a neighbourhood walk, practical tips about getting around, or even knowing where to find a good hairdresser. 

Members may want to connect through culture, creativity, nature, sport, events, heritage, food, learning, wellbeing or communities of shared interest.
For those returning to places connected to family, heritage, culture, or memory, a Local Connector can offer something especially valuable: a gentle bridge back to a place that may feel both familiar and unfamiliar. 

Rather than offering a standard itinerary, FFTC looks for trusted local pathways into the people, places and experiences that make a journey feel more personal, meaningful and alive.

Growing Trusted Interest Pathways
FFTC will continue to develop trusted partnerships and local connections around shared interests such as art, sporting events, heritage, food, gardens, wellbeing, learning, culture and community life.

Over time, this will help FFTC build a wider pool of trusted options, so travellers can connect not only by destination but also by the interests, needs, passions and experiences that make travel more meaningful.

Fees and Contributions
Because FFTC values people’s time, care and local knowledge, we are upfront that Local Connectors may receive a fee or contribution. 

The amount will depend on the type and level of engagement. A simple meet-and-greet would usually involve a modest fee, while more involved support, shared activities or hosting would involve a higher agreed fee. 

This will be discussed clearly with traveller members and Local Connectors before any arrangement is finalised, so everyone understands the inclusions and boundaries. This approach helps the arrangement feel respectful, transparent and comfortable for everyone. 

Supporting and Developing Local Connectors 

FFTC supports Connectors in sharing ideas, building confidence, and learning from one another as the network grows across cities, countries, and regions.

This may include online conversations, local gatherings, shared learning, exchange of stories and local knowledge, collaboration around trusted interests, and support for those who may later become Lead Connectors.

FFTC does not aim to turn Local Connectors into formal tour operators. It aims to build a thoughtful network of trusted people who help make travel more personal, connected and human.

Growing the Network

Some members may choose to become more involved over time. A traveller welcomed in one place may later decide to become a Local Connector in her own city or region.

In this way, FFTC grows through circles of trust: friends, friends of friends, Local Connectors, and people connected by shared interests and values. As the network develops, each connection will be supported by clear expectations, verification and appropriate due diligence.

Lead Connectors
As local networks mature; experienced and well-regarded members may be invited to become Lead Connectors.

Lead Connectors may help by welcoming new members and connectors, encouraging local gatherings, identifying shared-interest activities, strengthening local friendship networks, building relationships with trusted organisations and partners to continue growing FFTC in a thoughtful and sustainable way.

Friend → Friend of a Friend → Trusted Local Network → Meaningful Journey

    Contact us.   Email: connect@friendsftc.com