Homestays - Home away from home

Close your eyes for a moment and think of the word ‘home.’ Did you just smile? Doesn’t it bring a delightful sense of warmth to your heart; and evokes a sentiment, of love and belonging? As most of us have been traveling for years, we were too little to understand the concept of a vacation. Most of the time, we stayed in hotels in every place we visited. But as we grew up, we grasped the charm of setting out on an adventure by opting to stay in a home away from home or better called- ‘A Homestay’.

Many people are still unable to distinguish a homestay from a hotel. While a hotel is a kind of accommodation that provides lodging and meals to its guests, they also offer many state-of-the-art recreational facilities and amenities.

A homestay is, very simply, part of someone’s home that is converted into a hotel and is similar in concept to that of a bed and breakfast. This is a much more preferable option, and here are the top five reasons why

Treated like a Guest at home:
There is a saying that goes, ‘Athithi Devo Bhava’ which translates into, ‘The Guest is God’. It gives you homely vibes and you are treated like a guest in someone’s home. It takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the city and lets you escape into a peaceful paradise. You also get to enjoy more peace and quiet with your family and friends

Delicious home-cooked meals:
In hotels, the food you get is usually not local and more westernized to suit the taste buds of the visitors. The best part about staying in a homestay is undoubtedly the scrumptious homemade food which allows you to learn what goes into the preparation of the local cuisines and also score some secret family recipes.

They are a cost-effective option:
They are relatively cheaper when compared to hotels or resorts, especially during peak season. The most pragmatic reason to choose a homestay over a hotel is, of course, that they offer guests a clean and affordable alternative with better experiences.

Learn from the locals:
No one knows a place better than the locals and by staying with them as a guest in their home; you have access to the best information on the place you are staying in. While you may be able to get a lot of information online, your host or guide can help you with information that you will not receive online or on the brochures.

Form a great bond with other travellers:
You never know whom you may encounter on your travels, and the best part about homestays is that you can engage in some enlightening and entertaining conversations with other guests. Some people may even end up being one of your closest friends. Believe me when I say you will land up making more memories while residing in a home stay than in a hotel.