It’s exciting to travel—to arrive in a country and explore someplace new. But, imagine what it might be like to take that trip along with a seasoned pro. Someone who has made travel a lifelong passion. Someone who strives to create a memorable experience for you and help you learn the most you can, while showing you all the nooks and crannies of your new destination. That’s the experience of traveling with a professional tour director when you take an escorted tour.

Tour directors have seen it all—they know the mistakes travelers make and the tricks that can save time and effort. Since they handle all the details on the ground—transportation, hotel check-ins and sightseeing—they’ve got some useful tips to make your trip go smoothly. And as educators and guides, they know the best ways to experience and enjoy more when exploring a new town or country.

Grand European Tours, specialists in escorted tours to Europe, employs over 110 seasoned tour directors to lead their trips through Europe and other destinations. In a recent interview with 12 of these tour directors, Grand European Tours gathered the following tips:

1. Don’t be a tourist.
Mingle with the locals. Try to learn a few key words or phrases in the local language and be a courteous guest.