If you are looking to put your feet up and get pampered, homestay is, perhaps, not your kind of holiday. Although defined as an affordable alternative, it is not your run-of-the-mill holiday that is packaged to include a checklist of must-see destinations. As the name indicates, it is a stay in a home of a local resident to get a firsthand experience of their day to day lifestyle, witness little snippets of their culture, and hear their stories of the land that they call their own.
As vacations shed their traditional dimensions to adopt and adapt to the changing demands of travellers who are forever seeking more from their visits to newer destinations, there is a rise in demand for affordable accommodations that open up avenues to experience local communities, their lifestyle and culture. And homestays have just gotten more popular. They are untailored, have elements of unpredictability about them, and include nuances of adventure, albeit in a more local context. It is an up-close and personal experience of the local culture and heritage to turn the holiday into an experience that can be best described as real and genuine.
But, for reasons best known to frequent travellers in this part of the world, it is one concept that is yet to catch on. Perhaps, the following list of interesting homestay destinations might just help tilt the scale in its favour…
Kerala, India
For expatriates from this south Indian state, a homestay might not be the only alternative to travel, but for all others bit by the travel bug, a visit to this beautiful place on a homestay basis might just be the antidote to relax and experience its scenic vistas. The backwaters of this coastal town are replete with peace and serenity that people living in metros yearn for. There are heritage homes that double up as homestay options, presenting architectural splendours of the land. They are convenient for individuals as well as groups and offer a wealth of opportunities to explore its scenic and cultural delights.
Amazon Rainforest, Brazil
For those who have rainforest included in their bucket list, Brazil’s Amazon Rainforest is an ideal destination to visit and experience its richness. There are eco-lodges and camps under the forest canopy to choose from, with the option of being paired with an indigenous family. These accommodations are an extension of the nature-endowed place, with simple structures erected from locally sourced materials. They are traditional in style and offer an opportunity to feel one with nature; local guides will make the trip all the more special with tips and insights on the ecosystem.
Sydney, Australia
Australia has a big share of homestay organisations that are aimed at providing alternative accommodation options for students and even individual travellers, but for those looking to zero on one particular place to experience the country on a more personal level, Sydney is the destination. A homestay is the most economical option here, and most of them are designed to offer an authentic local experience. The Sydney harbour, resplendent with tourists and visitors soaking in the panorama, presents a taste of Australia in all its myriad dimensions. For water sports lovers, the place has myriad options to enjoy the sea and the sand alongside its thriving city life.
Tokyo, Japan
It is the main city in Japan and is the best place to experience the country’s heritage and culture as well as its technological developments. And a homestay will present the best of both. Cultural exchange and an insight into the fascinating traditions and colourful costumes is guaranteed at any of the homestays; a visit to the city centre will prove to be a learning experience in modern technology. Friendly locals will go out of their way to present little snippets of the country’s culture and also open up the vast avenues to savour local delicacies.
Havana, Cuba
Cuba’s capital city Havana has been described as the king of homestay destinations, as homestays are structured to create interesting options for travellers and tourists from around the world. There is an old-world charm about the place that endears one to it instinctively. People sitting outside homes chatting with neighbours will seem like a page taken out of stories written in the last century. There is a friendly mien that is best savoured with a walk around the place. A homestay will present a slice of Havana in all its glory, whether it is its laidback look and feel or the culinary heritage that it boasts.