There are several reasons why you should consider staying at a homestay in India, especially if you have never stayed at one before. The following list highlights the top 10 reasons why you should stay at a homestay in India!
1. Get to know local people
One of our favorite parts about living with a homestay family was getting to know local people. We got to be part of their lives, and they became part of ours. Our homestays took us to their friends’ houses, we invited them out to dinner and played games at each other’s houses. It was like having a small village all within walking distance!
2. Learn more about Indian culture
Once you’ve left home, it’s easy to lose your sense of place—homestays offer one way to stay connected. At a homestay, you can immerse yourself in local culture: whether it be trying new foods, learning about local customs, or even practicing yoga and meditation. Here are 10 reasons why you should try it out for yourself!
3. Discover hidden gems of your destination
When you stay with a local family, you have access to their home and hear stories of their lives. You can also learn about new restaurants, sites, and attractions that aren’t found in typical tourist guidebooks. Because homestays are usually cheaper than hotels or guesthouses, traveling with a host family allows for greater travel experiences overall.
4. Save money on accommodation
A homestay can be cheaper than staying in a hotel and will often have better amenities. Not only are you saving money, but you’re also getting a taste of what it’s like to live with locals; who better to ask about local spots and restaurants than someone who actually lives there? Plus, if your host is kind enough to cook for you, then your food costs will drop even more. Bonus: many hosts offer their guests breakfast as well as dinner and transportation around town.
5. Get a taste of real life
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Indian culture then homestays are an excellent way to do it. Staying with a local family gives you an insight into their daily lives—including their eating habits, living conditions, and traditions. Not only will your understanding of Indian culture increase, but you’ll also gain new friends and have unforgettable experiences.
6. Relax more
When you travel abroad, it’s easy to feel stressed out by language barriers and new customs. By staying with local Indian families (through a homestay program), you can get more comfortable with Indian culture, while also having fun getting to know your host family. This deeper connection will allow you to explore new parts of India (and have a deeper appreciation for its people and traditions) than if you had stayed in a hotel or hostel.
7. Explore new places on foot
By walking instead of taking a cab or other means of transport, you’ll have a better understanding of your surroundings and get to know your neighborhood. It’s a great way to explore new places; if you see something interesting on your walk home, make sure to stop by it on another day.
8. Experience home-cooked meals
You might not be used to eating three meals a day prepared by your host family, but you’ll quickly realize how much better home-cooked meals are than food from restaurants or takeaways. Not only will you find yourself saving money (homestays tend to have lots of free food), but you’ll also be eating better than ever before.
9. Make friends with local families
Meeting up with your new homestay family before you arrive makes everything easier when you get there. Your host family can go over things like how to get around, where to go for fun stuff, and what kinds of food they eat so that you’re prepared when it comes time to do your own grocery shopping. They’ll also give you contact information for them so that if anything happens while you’re on vacation—like, say, your phone dies—you have a way to reach them.
10. Feel safe and secure
A homestay provides you with a sense of security. You’re not just living with complete strangers, but people who are there to look after you. It’s also very comforting to be able to come home and rest knowing that someone has your back – especially if you’re still new to your surroundings and haven’t made lots of friends yet.