When we think about travelling, we often picture hotels and resorts. But real travelling is not just about where you stay but, how you stay. Homestays capture the true spirit of a place while hotels that are mostly just commercial space designed for guests.
A true homestay experience is about being welcomed into someone’s home, sharing their living space, and being a part of their daily life, even if it’s only for a few days.
More than just a room
Unlike hotels, homestays are not about fancy rooms, polished lobbies and room service. They’re about the warmth of a home and the simple beauty of experiencing life as the locals do. Staying at a homestay is staying at a home away from home, meeting friendly hosts, sharing stories and eating fresh home cooked food.
I believe half the travel experience lies in where you stay. If you truly want to experience a place in its entirety, staying in a homestay is the way to go.
The Taste of Home
One of the best parts about staying at a homestay is the food. You get to experience local cuisine the most authentic way. It’s always the best feeling to wake up to a hearty home-cooked meal made with locally sourced ingredients. Every meal becomes an experience, and sometimes the host will show you how they prepare the meal.
The Local Way of Life
Staying at a homestay means you get to experience how the locals live their life. In a country as diverse as India, each place has its own distinct culture, geography, and the unique circumstances of its people.
You will get to experience different types of housing with their unique interiors. Your host may give you a tour of the local neighbourhood, tell you some stories of the place and show you some hidden gems known only to the locals. You also get to see how they go about their daily lives.
It’s these small, personal touches that turn your travel experience into something unforgettable.
A Sustainable Choice
Homestays and sustainability go hand in hand. Homestays do their part in keeping their surroundings clean and often take measures to conserve the environment. Some homestays follow eco-friendly practices and make conscious efforts to make the place better.
Staying at a homestay also supports the local economy in more ways than you think. It directly helps the homestay host family in earning a livelihood. The local shops, vegetable vendors, etc. would also be supported by the way of the homestay that you stay at.
By choosing a homestay, you’re not only supporting the environment but also giving back to local communities and helping their economies thrive, which in turn encourages sustainable tourism.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a true homestay experience isn’t just about where you’ll sleep, but about the feeling of belonging even if it’s for a short while. It’s the unique experiences and meaningful interactions that you have during your stay.
Personally, I always choose to stay at a homestay wherever I travel. They’re not only more affordable, but they also offer incredible home-cooked local food, Tthe hosts are warm and welcoming, often going out of their way to share travel tips, show me around, and even tell me stories about the history and culture of their place.
But most importantly, choosing a homestay feels right because it gives me a richer travel experience while also allowing me to travel more responsibly and sustainably.
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