Is family style accommodation a good place to stay while travelling?
In which countries have you tried it? What are the pros and cons? Would you try this type of accomodation again?
You are visiting a country for the first time - and you really want to experience it as much as possible. I am sure you're a bit nervous but excited to go. According to you what is the best way to really discover a country? Would you consider a family-styled accommodation a good choice? Where you can really mix with the locals; visit places that you would not have dreamed possible if you were living in a hotel and experience the local food and culture 'live'. On the whole who considers living with locals of a country a good choice?
Reply to this Hello Marylene 😊
Usually I let that depend on what type of accodation is available in a particular country. Generally I would prefer the greater independence of staying at a hostel or in a beachhut and then meeting people more independently. Family accomodation is OK if they dont treat me as too much a part of the family. That could get a bit wearing.
I stayed in family homes for most of my time in Kyrgyzstan. That was OK because the family generally left me to myself. Also I stayed in a family run beach hut on Koh Pha Ngan in Thailand. That was also OK for the same reason. Last time in Krakow, Poland I stayed in a family run place too and was left in peace.
I usually avoid curious families who want to take me home and look after me in their homes as a guest. Those tend to need more attention than I am willing to give them.
Mel
Reply to this I would prefer living with the locals upon visiting one country... Its not that I am saying having a family-styled accommodation is a disadvantage, it really depends on what kind of family bonding you possess... If you really have great time having your family as a companion then be it!! But there were situations being a tourist in one country that you could do things to the very extent of your life with your very own peers... Peers at your own age, same level of interests and adventure.... having a companion with a locals could give great2x advantage, for they knows best what the most tourist destination that their country possess.... Hope it helps.., God Bless!!!
Reply to this When I went with my family, we decided to do something a little different and rented an apartment. The accommodations were terrific, everyone had their own room, we had a washer to do our laundry, we had a full sized kitchen, and we got to know the people in the neighborhood. This was in Florence, Italy and I would highly recommend it to anyone. The other great thing about it was that we were out of the tourist areas of the city which allowed us an authentic experience, including knowing the people in our neighborhood, and shopping at the local market. This was my first experience in renting an apartment vs. hotels and hostels, and I will do this again anytime I will be in an area more than a couple weeks.
Reply to this Well I have never stayed in a homestay.. only with friends or friends of friends
BUT... our family has been a homestay family full time for 4 years now
Many of our students stay for a month then move onto share houses... they use us a safe place to arrive (we have been checked out by an agency, have blue cards (to say you have no child law offences) and somewhere to get food while they find someplace else to live)
we have had students for one week to 6 months - many students are happy to leave after a few weeks - desiring more fun, late night, party lifestyle that Australia has to offer (with 3 small children we might be considered a little boring 😉with a short homestay they get their fix of local lifestyle and have actually met some australians. This would be one good side of homestay - actually eating local homecooked food, family interactions etc
then there are the students that want to stay longterm -some by choice, some forced as they are under 18 (by the international school, not by us) these ones become part of our family and we love them so much and still keep in contact. I will say this is nearly 90% asians as they enjoy the children alot more and seem to enjoy being part of our family.
Australia is expensive so homestay is a cheap option - $200 a week is pretty steep but we provide a room with all furnishing, unlimited internet, food etc... so this is very cheap in comparison.. but hey no price can beat privacy if that is what you want because here you have 3 children who want to jump over you and play with you 😊
I don't think I have answered anything 😊 but this is our story as a homestay family - and we love it - we are very spoilt with lovely gifts from all around the world from our students. My girls know many countries, and have kimono's, chopsticks, Rio Christ statue, origami books, thai silk scarves, tasted food from many countries, Hello Kitty gifts and the list goes on.. I think it is the best education which is an upside to having to share our house with strangers !
Reply to this Home stays can be really fun and clearly offers a in depth experience that you might not have been able to achieve while staying in a hotel,
Last one was in minority village in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan province China and was an amazing experience!
Although very short (one night stop while trekking the area) really enjoyed it!
Did lots of home stays when student too (Ireland and England) and yes agree with Bobbie, it was then a great way to optimize the budget!
Reply to this Something a bit like a homestay but also different is the
Couch Surfing experience. You get to meet the locals and stay with them, finding out about the local culture, places to see that arent in the guide book, places to miss that are in the guidebook, and whats its like to live there etc etc . The amount of contact you have with your host is up to you and your host, but most people are in this for the contact and exchange of ideas and info, and the idea that all its about is a free bed is wrong. There are all sorts of different people signed up (its all free) from all ages groups and walks of life.
Reply to this Well, I guessif you are a person who wants to experience something different, homestay could be a good choice. It's totally different experience!
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