Homestays allow travelers to experience local culture by living with a host family. Travelers should inform their travel agent of personal preferences and be aware of customs in the host country. Bringing a gift for the hosts and participating in family activities is important. Homestays can be arranged through travel agencies or specialized websites.
People traveling to other countries may not want to spend their time with a tour guide provided by the tourism authority and may not want to stay in a chain hotel. In some countries, this desire to experience “real” culture can be realized through a family. A homestay means that the traveler lives with a family for at least part of their journey. This allows the traveler to experience life as it is experienced on a day-to-day basis in the host country. A homestay can often be arranged through a travel agency or through websites that specialize in matching families and travellers.
A traveler looking for a family should first inform the travel agent of their personal preferences. Are you a smoker, for example? Is he vegetarian? An observant Jew? Allergy to animals or certain foods? Traits like these should be taken into consideration when matching a host family and guest. The traveler should also remember that he is visiting the country to absorb some of his culture, and therefore should expect to experience new things in his guests’ homes.
A homestay can be a great experience if the traveler follows a few simple guidelines. First, he needs to familiarize himself with the customs of the country he is visiting. Most host families are tolerant of a few faux pas, but the traveler should ensure they are aware of basic courtesy, such as taking off one’s shoes before entering a home in Japan. Kindness in any country is the key to making the stay happy.
Second, a traveler should never arrive at a homestay without a gift for the hosts. A bottle of wine or a gift of chocolates is welcome, as are mementos of the visitor’s country, such as postcards, or pens and mugs with the name of their state or company, for example.
Third, a traveler should remember that this is a home, not a hotel. There is no room service. He should make his bed every morning, offer to help with the dishes or the laundry, and so on. Depending on the country, hosts may refuse to allow them to help, but they’ll appreciate the offer. As much as possible, a traveler should also participate in family activities. As much as possible, it should never be a hindrance to the hosts’ usual routine.
Students often have the opportunity to join a homestay as part of an academic program, and these are usually memorable. A family opens a window to another culture as few other experiences can. It’s a win-win situation where everyone learns something new.
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