Keeping up with the times and adapting to the requirements of today's Indian tourists has necessitated the emergence of a significant new travel trend that has attracted a lot of attention. This trend is the homestay, which travels lovers have been incredibly interested in. People tend to say things like "home is where the heart is" for a good reason. When we think about it, just the sound of the word "home" gives us a feeling of warmth and a sense of belonging. But what exactly is a homestay, and why should you book one rather than a hotel room? Let's find out.
In many ways, the notion of a homestay is similar to that of a bed and breakfast. On the other hand, hotels are establishments that temporarily provide lodging. The rivalry between homestays and hotel franchises owned by megacorporations is quite high in terms of publicity. Conversely, most hotels are the same and provide comparable services. There are ten reasons why staying at a homestay is preferable to staying in a hotel.
1. Get An Authentic Local Experience
The point of travel is to broaden one's horizons and get immersed in the destination's culture. There is no way to have a more genuine experience than by spending a few nights in the home of a local family while participating in a homestay program. Hotels may be able to give luxury, but they seldom let guests feel the real spirit of the destination they are visiting.
2. An Authentic Feeling of Being in a "Home Away From Home"
After staying in a hotel for even a few days, one begins to long for the ease and convenience of one's own home. Homestays provide a welcoming environment that makes you feel like you have never left home. You are free to do anything you want whenever you want, including taking in the scenery from the balcony, walking about the property, or doing anything else.
3. See Beyond The Tourist Trail
The host of your homestay will be able to show you about the area more effectively than any guidebook you could ever read. They make it a point to get more information about the surrounding region so that they may advise their clients on the most picturesque and time-efficient routes to take when traveling about the area, making sightseeing much easier.
4. Savour The Local Cuisine
There is just nothing that can compare to the coziness of meals served at home. Undoubtedly, the most enjoyable aspect of staying at a homestay is the delectable dinner prepared in the host's kitchen. By staying there, you will have the opportunity to discover what goes into the preparation since most hosts are eager to share their top-secret recipes with their guests.
5. More Peace, More Quality Time
Homestays are a fantastic option for vacationers hoping to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Because of their more intimate size compared to hotels, homestays often do not allow more than ten people to stay there at once. This indicates that you will have more opportunities to spend quality time with yourself, your family, or your friends. These less inhabited, less visited regions provide an opportunity for privacy.
6. Contribute To the Local Economy
A homestay host family operates a modest and unpretentious business to supplement their household income. When you stay in a homestay, you make a direct contribution to the community's revenue and, as a result, assist the location in growing and thriving. It's a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the community you visit on your travels.
7. Revel In Good Company
One of the nicest things about living in homestays is meeting new people and making new friends. The people who run homestays are often kind and outgoing; as a result, you will probably wind up having lengthy and deep chats with them, and you may even make a new friend.
8. An Affordable Alternative
A decent hotel franchises will have services provided by trained professionals and can easily attend to the visitors' requirements; nevertheless, such hotels may sometimes be rather pricey. On the other hand, homestays provide a different option that is hygienic, inexpensive, and free of any hidden fees.
9. Safe, Especially For Solo Travelling
Because families often maintain homestays, it is in their best interest to ensure that their property is secure for guests traveling there. Some people believe that going on trips alone is the most enjoyable way to see the world since it allows for more personal growth and discovery.
10. Experience New Cultures First-hand
You will have the opportunity to understand better the culture of the location you are traveling to if you choose to stay in homestays there. Your host will provide a glimpse of the local culture, including how people interact with one another, what they eat, and how they dress.