Homestay: Your Guide to Choosing the Ideal Homestay

Planning a trip and looking for accommodations that provide more homey comforts and local immersion? Then a homestay could be the perfect lodging solution.

Homestays offer a more authentic travel experience, with the chance to stay with a local family and experience daily life in a new destination. Follow these tips to find the ideal homestay for your next adventure.

Research Homestay Options

The first step is researching homestay options in your chosen travel location. Homestays can be found in most popular tourism destinations worldwide. Search online platforms like Airbnb, VRBO and Booking.com using keywords like “homestay” and your location city or region. Results will showcase homestays ranging from a simple room in someone’s home to entire apartments, villas or cottages hosted by local families.

Read reviews, view photos and compare listings to get a sense of the homestay amenities and character. Look for Superhost badges and high review scores to identify reputable hosts. Consider the homestay’s proximity to sights you want to visit, along with conveniences like WiFi, laundry, or a kitchen. Narrow your options to a few top contenders.

Communicate with Your Host

Reach out to your potential host with any questions before booking. Friendly communication is key for a positive homestay experience. Clarify details about amenities, number of guests allowed, check-in procedures, language spoken by the host, and local attractions or transit options to help you get oriented. Share your travel style and interests so your host can provide relevant tips. Establish an open channel of communication.

Check Cancellation Policies

Be sure to review the homestay’s cancellation and refund policies before booking. Many homestays have flexible policies allowing cancellation for a full refund when done well in advance of your stay. However, some have stricter policies requiring payment upfront or deducting fees for late cancellations. Choose a homestay with policies that give you peace of mind in case your plans change unexpectedly.

Understand House Rules and Customs

Homestay hosts often have house rules and local customs to follow that are helpful to know before your visit. This may include removing shoes when entering, refraining from smoking indoors, when quiet hours begin, where you can access in the home, etc. Ask about any important house guidelines so you can be a respectful guest. Learning some key phrases in the local language is also appreciated.

Arrange Airport Transfers

Public transportation may be limited, so discuss airport pickup options with your host. Many will offer to pick you up for a reasonable fee or even include it complimentary with your stay. This airport shuttle service provides a smooth start to your trip without having to navigate a new place on your own. Some hosts may also provide transfers to popular sites or arrange tours.

Pack Light

Since homestays involve living in someone’s home, it’s respectful to pack light and keep belongings contained in your room. Travel size toiletries, multipurpose outfits, collapsible luggage and laundry soap can help prevent overpacking. Ask your host in advance about laundry facilities. Packing appropriate clothing that aligns with local cultural norms is also worthwhile.

Purchase Travel Insurance

Unforeseen circumstances can arise when traveling. Protect your trip investment by purchasing travel insurance to cover costs if you need to cancel due to illness, flight changes or other covered reasons. This provides peace of mind if you must cancel your homestay last minute.

Respect Your Host’s Home

Your homestay is both accommodation and your host’s home, so be sure to treat it with respect. Ask before inviting additional guests over or rearranging any furniture or items. Keep noise levels, mess, and food consumption reasonable. Offer to take off your shoes. Avoid intruding into your host’s private living space or overburdening them. Getting a local SIM card prevents hogging their phone.

Be Flexible

Approach your homestay with an open mind and flexibility. Remember you are staying in someone’s home, not a hotel. The accommodation may be simpler than expected. Not all homestays will offer hotel-style daily cleaning service. Provide your own toiletries. Your host’s daily schedule may not revolve around your needs. Keep an easygoing attitude and you’ll gain more from the cultural immersion a homestay offers!

Experiencing local life is a highlight of homestays. Follow these tips to choose a homestay and be a respectful guest. Communicating with your host and understanding customs allows you to settle in smoothly. Pack light, give space and embrace cultural learnings for a rewarding homestay stay!

Blog Feature Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash