The lodging scene has seen massive transformations over the recent years. With budget traveling promptly becoming the utmost priority for most travelers who wish to see more of the world for less, homestays are gaining much popularity from carefree backpackers and business travelers alike.
Hotel stays at central locations often come with hefty price tags. These locations are usually a stone’s throw away from business districts and city centers where public transportation is aplenty, bringing about convenience to travelers. Coupled with extravagant rooms and great views of the city, these stays are most likely to burn a big hole in one’s pockets. With homestays, rooms are available at much cheaper rates as you are usually sharing the property with other dwellers in a more personalized setting – this could mean sharing the space with your hosts who own the property. If you are visiting friends or family away from the city or local attractions where accommodation is of concern due to the scarcity of hotels, staying in homestays could be your best bet as it is relatively easy to source for one in residential areas. There is undoubtedly no limit to where homestays are located – they operate under the premise that people are allowed to rent out their spare rooms or spaces to travelers at lower rates than that of hotel rooms.
The amenities equipped in these homestays offer many value-added packages to your stay. In addition to the generous breakfast spreads and occasional meals that your hosts may prepare for you during your stay, you are often welcomed to use their kitchen to whip up your own meals. Washers and dryers can come in handy when you are on a long vacation. As toiletries are normally provided, you can easily pack light for your trip. For business travelers, readily-available iron and ironing board at these homestays can do wonders to your crumpled business attire. High-speed unlimited internet access offered in homestays can be of benefit to both business and casual travelers alike. Some hosts provide parking as well as transportation cards for the convenience of their guests. Flexible arrangements can also be executed personally between hosts and guests for early or late check-in and check-out timings due to amenable rules enforced on them. Besides, guests are almost guaranteed peace and serenity since homestays typically house less than 10 people in one property.
The most efficient way to learn about a local culture is through human interaction. More often than not, human interaction is kept to a minimum in hotels where the only conversation you may have is with the hotel check-in staff. In homestays, however, hosts often offer the best advice when it comes to traveling locally. Recommendations on eateries, places of interest and activities could provide the best representation of the place and its culture. It is not uncommon to meet people of the same interests during your stays, be it your hosts or the other guests in the property. Long-lasting friendships can be easily formed with these people, adding a personal touch to homestays. Some hosts even have adorable pets living in the same property for you to cuddle freely and interact with. It is undoubtedly a compelling experience to be allowed access to the same inner sanctum of the locals – understanding their everyday lives as well as admiring their choices of artwork, food and music. This is a great trade-in from the cookie-cutter hotel experience as personal differences and beliefs are duly accepted by both the hosts and guests. Nevertheless, hosts will still respect your privacy should you prefer anonymity and minimal interaction during your stay.
Listings with detailed write-ups on homestays provide accurate information on the properties. Valuable insights on homestay conditions can be obtained through honest reviews by past guests, making the task of selecting suitable homestays for your sojourn fuss-free. An overlap in budget-friendliness, comfort, location, trustworthy hosts can be easily achieved with ample research. With user-friendly platforms, it is easy to send personal messages to your potential hosts to inquire should you have any questions regarding the property before placing a reservation for your stays.
Respectful cohabiting is definitely the way to go for a great travel experience. After all, you are paying substantially less for more space and at the same time live like a local. By staying in homestays, you are the epitome of a responsible traveler – engaging in culture and simultaneously contributing to the local economy.