Accommodation is an important facet of any vacation. Not just because it’s your place of rest, but also because it’s a pivotal gateway into your surroundings. One method of maximizing your exposure to the culture of your destination is to opt for a homestay.

A homestay is acquired lodging in a local’s home, instead of a hotel, campsite, or hostel. This is a very immersive form of travel and reaps many rewards for culturally oriented travellers.

Here are 7 Unmatched Advantages of the Homestay Experience.

1 » Character

While the stiff competition amongst hotels drives them toward identical offerings and esthetic similarity, homestays are refreshingly distinctive. Homes come in all shapes and sizes with differing décor and surrounding ambiance.

2 » Element of Surprise

Expectations are the root of all disappointment. This is especially true of the hospitality industry. With the proper attitude, the homestay experience helps to minimize expectations by introducing the element of surprise. Opening yourself up to new experiences results in unexpected rewards.

3 » Personal Attention

Many homestay families are well adjusted to the hosting experienced. Unlike alternative accommodation styles, homestays offer a high degree of personalized attention and interaction between the host and guest.

4 » Local Knowledge

Nobody knows a country like locals. For an authentic representation of how life is lived in any country, homestays are unrivaled. Locals are able to provide insight into untouristed activities, local customs, and cultural nuances that would otherwise go undisclosed.

5 » Home Cookin’

Restaurants are available to anyone; home cooked meals are confined to homes. Local home cooking is a gateway into authentic cuisine. This can drastically differ from the styles offered at the local restaurants. Some homestays even invite guests into their kitchen to watch the food being prepared.

6 » Cost

Homestays are typically cheaper than hotels (depending on the style of hotel you are accustomed to). The main point is that a homestay’s offer is fundamentally different than a hotel’s. Hotels provide a means of experiencing traditional comforts and amenities no matter where you are. Homestays, however, provide authentic living conditions of the destination regardless of the accustomed comforts and amenities of the guest.

7 » Friendships

Rarely do you get a chance to connect with local people the way you do during a homestay. The relationship is one of mutual respect and admiration and often grows into a friendship.

In the end, homestays are beneficial on many levels. While travelling, it is often an advantage to mix it up and dabble with differing styles of accommodation. Adventure holidays provide a diverse mix of accommodation for each tour. Take a look at our Vietnam adventure trips, Morocco cycling tours, or Guatemala adventure vacations tours for more details.

Happy Travelling!