Every traveler in a post-covid world has been looking for that complete authentic experience. The more curated the packages are, sadly the less of a local and homestay experience you’re likely to receive.

I have found the most heartwarming experiences in a homestay-style guesthouses whenever I was out travelling the world. It made me feel right at home, when the cutest grandpa or grandma comes out serving their homemade pies or daal, or even sweeter when they tuck you in night.

It made travelling in remote places and long journeys a very comforting experience — which beats any “tour” or curated versions of homestays.

Staying with a real family means spending days and hours getting to know their culture, history, language and customs. It’s a complete intimate experience without a hefty price-tag.

But finding these homestays and getting the all-in authentic experience can be a challenge sometimes if you’ve no idea where to start or begin.

I’ll be sharing some of my experiences with homestays and the best ones you should be visiting.

What is a Homestay?

some of the best homestay experiences in albania, theth

A homestay means having a lodging or arrangement where a group of people stay with a home of a local family rather than formal accommodations.

You get a dose of their lifestyle, customs and enjoy homecooked food without any frills.

If you’re seeking for more immersive and authentic experiences, a homestay experience has been rising in popularity as people ditch cold resorts in exchange for warmth and hospitality.

In a homestay environment, you will have your own rooms but share common areas such as the living room, kitchen, and even meals with the host family.

Now, homestays are actually more common in places where there’s no infrastructure for formal hotels and instead tourism is high but options for accommodation comes through community-based tourism programs, online platforms or sometimes arranged with local families directly.

Why even consider a homestay?

If cookie-cutter experiences, drab hotels and resorts are something you’re done with, then homestays are actually the perfect experience. Here’s why you should consider a homestay.

Cultural Immersion: One of the most compelling reasons to choose a homestay is the opportunity for cultural immersion. Instead of observing local life from a distance, you get a front-row seat to the daily routines, traditions, and customs of the community.

Living with a local family opens doors to a deeper understanding of their way of life, allowing you to forge connections that go beyond the typical tourist experience.
Authentic Local Cuisine: The best part about homestays are the homemade food! You get to have direct access to the way they make meals from traditional dinners to cooking lessons. I think this cultural exchange is invaluable and elevates the entire homestay experience.
Travel Tips: I found host families the best way for them to share the history of where they come from, and even some secret hiking trails to have the best views and scenic spots.
Language and Communication: Living with locals provides an immersive language experience that no language app can replicate. Your host family becomes your language teacher, helping you navigate the intricacies of communication and enhancing your overall travel experience.
Warm Hospitality and Personal Connections: Hotels can be impersonal, but homestays offer a warm, personalised touch. Your hosts aren't just providing a bed; they're welcoming you into their homes and lives. And you really get to build that connection!

Travel has made everything accessible, but homestays stand as a gateway to authenticity. It’s just the kind of transformative experience you need when everything gets TOO much in life!

How to find the best travel homestays

Most of my homestay travel experiences happened when I was in the mountains and away from civilization, where the only form of staying somewhere are with families — sometimes they’re on Google Maps, but sometimes they’re not!

But for that ease of experience, I have found much success in the following apps:

Homestay.com: This is a dedicated platform for finding homestay accommodations. The site connects travelers with local hosts in over 160 countries. It offers a user-friendly interface, detailed property listings, and secure booking options.
VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner): VRBO is similar to Airbnb where you get access to vacation rentals, but most importantly there are options for homestays. You deal directly with the property owners and makes for a great experience especially if you’re coming in large groups.
Booking.com: This site needs no introduction — while it is mostly focused on hotels, you’ll find guesthouses and homestays in a lot of countries. Just look out for the extra touches done by the hosts, and read the reviews.
Couchsurfing.com: While not strictly a homestay platform, Couchsurfing connects travelers with hosts willing to offer a free place to stay. It's a platform built on the principles of cultural exchange and building connections. Hosts may offer a spare room or a couch for travelers, creating a unique and budget-friendly way to experience a destination.
WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms): WWOOF is a global network that connects volunteers with organic farmers. In exchange for a few hours of work per day, volunteers receive room and board. This experience is an excellent way to immerse yourself in sustainable living, learn about organic farming, and engage in cultural exchange.
Workaway: Similar to WWOOF, Workaway connects travelers with hosts who provide accommodations in exchange for volunteer work. However, Workaway is not limited to organic farming and includes a wide range of opportunities, such as helping with language exchange, community projects, and more.
HelpX: HelpX is another platform that facilitates cultural exchange between travelers and hosts. It covers a variety of opportunities, including farmstays, homestays, and volunteer work. Travelers can browse through hosts' profiles and find placements that match their interests and skills.

The Best Countries Worth Exploring For Homestays

There are homestays in almost every corner of the world. But if I were to recommend the best homestays that I have been to: here are the ones.

1. Indonesia

From the beaches of Bali to the jungles of Sumatra, homestays offer a chance to appreciate Indonesia's stunning landscapes in a more intimate and sustainable way.

In places like Amed away from Bali’s Canggu and Ubud, the homestays offer an intimate experience with the local customs and their way of life.

In Lombok, before my climb up to Mount Rinjani, I stayed in a family homestay in Sembalung and got access to their coffee farm where they brewed a home-made cup of coffee from their garden!

2. Laos

In Laos, homestays are more rural than usual but this was the place where I experienced traditional Laotian life. While cycling their mountain karst ranges, I stayed with locals, managed to play a game of football and even had the opportunity to connect with the hosts farming activities and handicrafts.

3. India

India holds a special place in my heart — the Himalayan mountain ranges have some of the best culture, landscapes.

I stayed in Zomsa Cultural Village, a beautiful 100-year-old mud house showcasing Lahauli traditions and cuisine. In another instance, while cycling through the Himalayas, I also stayed at a homestay called ‘Darcha Baralacha’.

It was gorgeous with the most beautiful view of the Bhaga river and glaciers in Lahaul region. Tenzin 's family had this whole garden with organic produce of the freshest vegetables like peas, cauliflower and potatoes. It was comforting to have a slice of home while journeying through these mountains and be reminded of simple things!

4. Nepal

Beyond the homely atmosphere, Nepal's homestays often serve as a base for trekking and exploring the diverse ecosystems — their homestays are often called teahouses making for the perfect stop when venturing deep into the mountain ranges.

There are no shortage of homestays in Nepal where you can experience Tibetan culture, have the best butter chai and enjoy momos and dal bhat through a local.

5. Balkans

small cottage houses and homestays in montenegro

The Balkans regions comprising of Bosnia, Croatia, Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro are dotted with countless homestays. On a trek to the Peaks of the Balkans, I stayed with a Muslim family in Albania and Kosovo and was treated to such heartwarming hospitality.

Fresh honey and bread, with delightful dumplings in the most comfortable bedding and heaps of blankets and the company of their large family made for a very heartwarming night.

6. Central Asia

homestay experience in arslanbob central asia

In Central Asia, community-based tourism runs deep in the valleys. I stayed in a little walnut forest called Arslanbob in Krygyzstan.

Hayat, the humble and ingenious guy has turned a once popular place among locals into a sustainable source of income for many inhabitants in Arslanbob. He has about 20 homestays at the moment and wants to ensure that the visits are done in harmony with the environment.

Located in the Babash-ata mountains with a scenic backdrop of Kyrgyzstan’s snow-capped peaks, Arslanbob sits at 1,400m above sea level.

Homestay Experiences and Living With A Local

When it comes to truly experiencing a destination, there's no better way than living with a local through a homestay experience. Stepping out of the familiar comfort of a hotel and into the warm embrace of a local home can be an incredibly enriching adventure.

It allows you to veer off the beaten path and delve deep into the heart of the destination, forging genuine connections with the people and traditions that define it.

From waking up to the aromatic aroma of homemade breakfast to engaging in meaningful conversations that transcend language barriers, homestays offer a rare opportunity to witness a way of life that no travel guide can capture.

You'll not only be a spectator, but an active participant, discovering hidden local gems, learning traditional cooking techniques, and even joining in festive celebrations.

Homestays truly offer a unique and authentic experience that leaves an indelible mark on your travel memories.

Tell me in the comments below some of your most memorable homestay experiences and memories.

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