Around the world in 8 homestays: two travellers share priceless experiences

Seasoned travellers George and Dee have been all around the world in the last year, staying in homestays along the way. They enjoy the personal nature of a homestay, meeting people and getting a 'real life' insight into the local culture. They say that each of the hosts they've stayed with has gone 'above and beyond' to make their stay as enjoyable and culturally immersive as possible.

Tell us about yourselves

We are Australians - George from USA and Dee from New Zealand. We live in Brisbane and are both retired. We've always enjoyed travelling, but especially so now that we have the time. We met while travelling in Africa over forty years ago. Back then, we stayed in youth hostels or camp grounds. Our favourite transport was hitch-hiking because we got to meet so many interesting people along the way, and were often invited to stay. As we matured, we adapted to touring by bicycle, motorcycle and car. We now try to use public transport as much as possible.

What type of travellers are you?

We are budget travellers. We look for interaction with local people when we travel. We are interested in culture, history and food. We like to spend several weeks in a small area which gives us a chance to get used to the rhythm of a place. We sometimes swap our home for a month or more and that gives us a local base.

Why did you decide to book homestay accommodation for your trips?

We discovered Homestay.com by chance on the internet. We have found our hosts to be exceptionally warm and eager to share their culture and lifestyle with us. We have often been invited to meet with their friends and relatives to share in meals and conversation.

What do you enjoy about staying in a homestay?

We enjoy the personal experience that homestays offer. All of the hosts are interested in talking to us and make time for this.

Have you enjoyed your experiences meeting your homestay hosts?

Our hosts have been equally wonderful. They have been ready to help us arrange side trips; personally take us on a guided tour; warn us of tourist pitfalls; share meals with us; all the while feeling free to come and go as we please and feel at home. We have always been given a cheerful greeting, clean and comfortable beds, clean bathroom facilities, local foods for breakfast and often a local delicacies for dinner.

What process did you go through when choosing a homestay and a host to stay with?

We travel on a tight budget, so price is a big factor, sometimes staying outside city centres where the price may be more reasonable, and we can use public transport to get into the city. We often exchange several emails or SMS messages. We usually book our homestay while travelling, and we pick hosts that have a prompt reply rating. Since we only make one request at a time, we can't wait several days for the initial response. We read the reviews other travellers have posted. We try to find a host that has a common interest, but are open to new experiences too. Our hosts have been single women and families with big homes and gardens or small upstairs apartments. But they are all local and give us an opportunity to experience daily life in another culture. We cannot get this in a hotel.

How does staying in a homestay when travelling enhance your experience?

We get a very thorough understanding of the country and people.

Do you think homestays offer good value for money?

We feel that we get a priceless experience that costs next to nothing.

What are some of your favourite memories from your homestay experiences around the world?

It would be hard to single out one - they all offered so much in their own way. One comparison would be our return trip to Thailand. The first time we stayed in hotels and had a pleasant time seeing the sights and experiencing the culture. The second time we visited Thailand through a Homestay.com host and can say that there was no comparison - the second time was magic.

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Check out the homestays George and Dee have stayed in and read the reviews they've posted on each of their host's profiles:

• Bangkok, Thailand
• Pula, Italy
• Alghero, Sardinia
• Ciampino, Italy
• Genoa, Italy
• Glasgow, Scotland
• Edinburgh, Scotland
• Christchurch, New Zealand

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