In my opinion, homestays are suitable for most teenagers while taking a vacation because of their unique features. Not only for teenagers, but it is also a good idea for family vacations too. So, if you are looking for reasons to choose homestays, this article is for you.
What is a homestay?
A homestay is basically a kind of accommodation that allows visitors to rent a room or a house from local families. These days, we can see homestays are widespread as they are known for having the fascinating cross-cultural exchange, the riveting lifestyle of the locals - its unique point. Besides, its price is affordable. Thus, a lot of students prefer staying here either for their studies or their relaxing vacation.
The idea of homestays is thought to have originated in Japan, the UK, and France around 1950-1970. Yet, over time, it has been developed in lots of unique ways by our 'Gen Z' generation. Teenagers now often rent a whole house, but only stay in one room.
The rest of the rooms are for rent (again) for other students living nearby. This way, the hosts both have a certain profit and still have a fun time with same-age people. So what about you, standing up and starting your own business?
Why is homestay an ideal choice for your vacation?
1. Living like a local
Being a guest of a homestay, you can have a deeper look into the local customs and culture. Yet, nowadays, it's easy to learn those things on the Internet or books, but the only way to really know them is to experience them first-hand. Your host or the guests staying with you can show you about that: the lifestyle, the traditions, and these experiences can't just be found in other forms of accommodation. Each culture has different features, but overall, they are all captivating, and I think everyone should know as well as understand as deeply as possible.
Besides, there are some affordable and good local restaurants that you should try once around the homestay. Living in a homestay will provide you with more opportunities to experience local cuisine, as well as local events and places that most tourists and other visitors to the country will be unaware of. Or try going to the local market, seeing their specialties, and I bet after that you will say "WOW!"
Meeting the local people, seeing their beautiful smiles is also a great reason for choosing to stay in a homestay. Of course, they are super familiar with their places, so go ahead and ask them where to go, what to eat, how to get to the destinations, ... Sometimes, this helps much more than the tourist websites.
2. Get the comfort of a home
Homestay can be defined as "A home away from home." Why?
By choosing to spend time here, you definitely have a 'feel like home' feeling. I dare to say, it is worth trying because it will leave you with a kind of warm and interesting experience that you will never have if you stay in a luxury hotel.
Comfort from a vacation may just come by looking at the tranquil view from the balcony, going to the market to buy food, and then having a cozy meal with people you love. Or it is just simply staying together, spending hours and hours with your family and friends after days of working or studying. Bonding.
3. Learning a new language
One of the ideal ways to learn a new language is to live and have regular conversations with natives. So ... why don't you take this chance of getting to know one more language while taking a vacation? Just go there, talk with people, you will definitely immerse yourself in its beautiful words and interesting ways of pronunciation. In fact, engaging in daily conversation is way more helpful in developing a range of words and conversational skills than attending any language classes.
If you choose to spend your vacation in either a hotel or a hostel, inevitably, you will only fall among and hang out with people who speak your language. Nevertheless, the more language you get used to, the more benefit you have in the future.
Homestays that make me so impressive
I did have a chance to experience lots of impressive, beautiful homestays. So here are some of them and, I think you really should take a look at them.
Orestay in Halong, Vietnam
Orestay, this place is simply what you expect for a relaxed and peaceful vacation. Located in Halong, one of the most tourist attractions in the world, Orestay has a wonderful view of airy space. Besides, it has a diversity of kinds of rooms: double-bed rooms, single-bed rooms, and also a dormitory where you can stay and make friends with new people.
Basil Boutique Villa in Hoi An, Vietnam
Here are some advantages of this homestay: having a swimming pool, an adorable mini-bar that will always be there to serve you nice drinks, a wide yard, a dreamy rooftop room, and a tiny sauna room. Moreover, I was really impressed by the house's decoration and its theme: cute and modern. One of the best things here is the host is super nice and friendly with everyone and I think that is partly why I was very comfy in Hoi An.
Autumn House in Hanoi, Vietnam
Waking early in Autumn House, you will smell a pleasant guava fragrance - Hanoi's outstanding feature. Though it is pretty small, it will definitely bring a warm and cozy feeling to you. Like the house's name, the best time to stay in it is Autumn: yellow leaves falling, which makes the romantic season; the smell of earth and also rain.
Terrace House 39 in Bangkok, Thailand
You wish to stay in a beautiful, nice house with your big family and still near the downtown? Terrace House is your perfect choice.
It has three facades, so each room has received lots of sunshine as well as width. The house is specially decorated, which will create a convenient inspection space in every position. I am most impressed by the first-floor garden and the fourth-floor balcony with dreamy waterfalls, trees, and rocks, giving every single guest a feeling of relaxation. Besides, the window system is designed quite intelligently, enabling the guests to check in by themselves.
If you want to have a further look at other homestays around the world, you can either go to homestay websites or apps like Airbnb, VRBO, Flipkey, WIMDU.
Overall, homestays are the kind of accommodation I would like to stay in the most during my vacation. However, if you are someone who desires to have privacy or accommodation services, a homestay might not seem to be a good idea for you. Besides, if you are asking yourself after reading my article how to book a good homestay, here is the answer: use the app named Airbnb to book the rooms based on those previous customers' reviews and their rated stars.
