Living like a local is all the rage. But what about living with a local? Homestay.com gives travelers the chance to do both (and for as little as $14 a night!).
Ever wanted to stay on an organic farm in Thailand, a treehouse in Costa Rica, your own private island off Nicaragua, a temple home in Bali, or a yacht off the Greek Islands? To showcase the sheer variety of homestays the website offers around the globe, below I’ve shared a selection of quaint and quirky, weird yet wonderful–but always homey–homestays.
An accommodation marketplace with 50,000 listings across 150 countries, Homestay.com adds a layer of authenticity to the travel experience by putting hosts at the heart of every stay. When staying in an empty vacation rental, guests get a bed; at a homestay, guests get a home away from home, a personal concierge for travel tips (where to go, what to do) from a hyper local perspective, a taste of authentic fare from a host who’d be delighted to cook a feast, and much more.
Temple, Gianyar, Indonesia (from $14 per night)
This traditional Balinese house, steps away from Pulagan Rice Field UNESCO World Heritage Site, has its very own family temple, called a “mrajan,” right on its premises.
Grass Roofed House, Pernaja, Finland (from $71 per night)
This quirky, grass-roofed house, named Villa Nordica, is located in the Pernaja, six miles from the nearest city center, Loviisa. For an extra cost, host Roya will take guests on a fishing trip to Merikarvianjoki.
Treehouse, Costa Rica (from $71 per night)
In the hills of San Antonio de Escazu, this treehouse is prime for spotting hummingbirds, admiring flowers and fruit orchards.
Organic Farm in the jungle Village, Thailand (from $29 per night)
Wah and Poh grow everything from bok choi and lemongrass to longan and lychee in Northern Thailand’s Karen Village, which is home to Sino-Tibetan speaking groups of people. While there, guests can learn the art of Karen weaving, go trekking, elephant riding, bamboo rafting, and bathe in waterfalls, which are all close by.
Yacht, Greek Islands (from $213 per night)
Test your sea legs and sail from one Greek island to another aboard a 50-foot yacht with Steph, Andy, and their two ship cats, Puss and Fluff. The yacht is docked just off the coast of Poros.
Private Island Zopango, Nicaragua (from $169 per night)
Ever dream of staying on your own private island? Well, now you can–and at an affordable rate. On this 75,000+ square-foot Zopango Island, Casa Zopango offers families complimentary pick up from the marina and free kayak use.
Lakeside Retreat, Halifax, Canada (from $64 per night)
This secluded, one-of-a-kind home, which boasts a 2006 honorable mention in Architectural Digest and scenic lake views, is perfect for those looking for a weekend escape.
16th Century Artist’s Cottage, Avignon, France (from $126 per night)
This classic stone French house with an artistic twist set in Provence has nearby two boulangeries and a farmer’s market, plus has an enclosed garden with a barbecue and an alternative collection of books and films from which guests can peruse.
Romantic Villa, Mykonos, Greece (from $131 per night)
Tucked away in Kounapas, ten minutes away from the bustling nightlife of Mykonos and the island’s beautiful beaches, this homestay boasts a rooftop on which guests can view the most striking sunsets.
Converted Barn, New Zealand (from $73 per night)
This converted barn overlooks Mount Taranaki, an active for quiescent volcano, and is ten minutes away from the small country town of Hawera.
Viewpoint, Rotorua, New Zealand (from $233 per night)
This modern, luxurious home has panoramic views of Rotorua, which is known for bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs, as well as a cultural center for the Maori people as well.
Mountain Home, Zakopane, Poland (from $23 per night)
Mountain and outdoor lovers will find their delight at this wooden chalet in Zakopane, a resort town in the extreme south of Poland, at the base of the Tatras Mountains. Wintertime beckons skiiers, while in summer, mountain-climbers and hikers flock to the destination.
About Homestay.com
Homestay.com is an accommodation marketplace dedicated to the homestay travel experience, where the host is present for every stay. With more than 50,000 hosts offering places to stay across some 150 countries, Homestay.com enables travelers to stay in the home of a local resident while they are there. Focused as much on people as it is on places, Homestay.com puts hosts at the heart of amazing travel experiences. The company was founded by Tom Kennedy, co-founder of HostelWorld.com, and Debbie Flynn, a veteran of the education travel industry. Homestay.com is funded by Delta Partners Ltd.