Living Local: Why Your Family Should Try a Homestay or Farmstay
There’s something about staying in a hotel that, while comfortable, can feel a bit... disconnected. You wake up in a generic room, eat a buffet breakfast that could be anywhere in the world, and interact with staff whose job is to keep things as polished and impersonal as possible. But what if your trip could feel more like stepping into someone’s home, sitting around their dinner table, and swapping stories about life? What if your kids could actually experience the daily rhythm of a new culture, rather than just watching it from the outside? That’s where homestays and farmstays come in. These aren’t just accommodations; they’re immersive experiences that can transform the way your family travels.Homestay vs. Bed & Breakfast: What’s the Difference?At first glance, a homestay and a bed & breakfast (B&B) might seem similar. After all, both involve staying in a house rather than a hotel. But the key difference is the level of interaction with the hosts and the overall atmosphere.Homestays are about cultural exchange. You’re staying with a local family, and depending on the setup, you might share meals, take part in household activities, and really get to know your hosts. It’s a chance to step into someone else’s daily life and experience a destination through their eyes.Bed & Breakfasts are more like boutique guesthouses. You’ll have a cozy place to stay and usually a nice homemade breakfast, but the hosts often maintain more of a professional role rather than a personal one. You’re less likely to spend your evenings chatting with them in the kitchen or joining in family celebrations.A homestay is an invitation into someone’s world. A B&B, while charming, is more about comfort and hospitality without the deeper personal connection.Levels of Interaction in a HomestayNot all homestays are the same when it comes to host involvement. Some families will fully integrate you into their daily lives—inviting you to cook with them, join family outings, or celebrate local festivals. Others may be more hands-off, providing you with a room but largely leaving you to do your own thing. Before booking, it’s important to set expectations:Highly immersive homestays: You’ll be part of the family, sharing meals and joining activities. Great if you’re looking for deep cultural exchange.Moderate interaction: You may share meals and chat, but hosts also respect your personal space.Limited interaction: Some homestays function more like small guesthouses, where you might only see your hosts briefly.Reading reviews is key here—past guests will usually give a good sense of how involved the hosts are. If you want an immersive experience, look for mentions of meals, family outings, or cultural activities. If you prefer more independence, seek out places where guests note having their own space.Comfort Levels in Homestays: Expect the UnexpectedHere’s something that travellers—especially those used to hotels—should know: comfort levels in homestays can vary a lot. Some homes are modern, with private bathrooms, WiFi, and all the amenities you’d expect at home. Others are more basic, reflecting local living standards. You might find yourself using a squat toilet in rural India, sleeping under mosquito nets in a Cambodian village, or adjusting to no hot water in a remote Andean homestay. For families, this can be a fantastic learning experience. Kids get to see how people live in different parts of the world, gaining appreciation for both the comforts they take for granted and the diverse ways people create home environments. That said, if certain amenities are non-negotiable for you (like a private bathroom or strong WiFi for remote work), check the listing details carefully before booking. Homestays are typically a more budget accommodation option compared to hotels, but prisces can also be very reflective of the comfort level available.Finding Family-Friendly HomestaysOne challenge with homestays is that many are designed for solo travelers or couples, meaning it can be harder to find a host who can accommodate an entire family. But don’t worry—there are some fantastic resources out there that specialize in family-friendly homestays. Check out Homestays with Kids, a site dedicated to connecting traveling families with welcoming host families around the world. These hosts are used to having children in their homes, most have kids themselves (yay, built-in playdates!) making the experience smoother and more enjoyable for everyone. Other platforms like Homestay.com and Workaway also offer family-friendly options, though you’ll need to filter carefully to find the right fit.Farmstays: Where Kids Actually Want to Wake Up EarlyIf your family is more into wide-open spaces and hands-on experiences, a farmstay might be just the thing. These are working farms that welcome guests, giving kids a chance to collect eggs, feed goats, milk cows, or even help with harvesting crops.Why families love farmstays:They’re a screen-free paradise: Instead of asking for iPads, kids are too busy running around, helping with animals, and getting muddy.Beautiful rural locations: Farms are often situated in stunning rural locations, offering the opportunity to connect with nature and get away from the hustle-bustle of city life.They teach important lessons: Understanding where food comes from and seeing how much work goes into farming gives kids a newfound appreciation for their meals.They offer built-in adventure: Horseback riding, animal feeding, fishing, and hiking? Yes, please.Curious? Farm Stay USA and Farm Stay Planet have fantastic options across the globe.Tips for a Smooth StayCommunicate Beforehand – Some hosts speak perfect English, some don’t. A little effort to learn key phrases or download a translation app can go a long way.Check Reviews Carefully – Get a feel for the level of interaction, comfort, and host expectations before booking.Be Open-Minded – Things may not run on your usual schedule. Meals might be earlier or later than expected, and customs may be different—embrace it.Jump In and Participate – The more you engage, the more you’ll get out of the experience. Whether it’s cooking, farming, or just chatting, make an effort to connect.Prepare for Different Comfort Levels – Be flexible. If you’re staying in a rural village, don’t expect five-star amenities. Pack accordingly and embrace the adventure.Make Sure the Space Works for Families – Use resources like Homestays with Kids to find hosts who are happy to accommodate children.The Bottom LineIf you want your next trip to be about more than just sightseeing, if you want your kids to remember more than just the hotel pool, then give a homestay or farmstay a try. It’s travel, but with heart. It’s adventure, but with a personal touch. And it just might be the most rewarding experience your family has together.So, where will your next adventure take you? Let us know if you’ve ever stayed in a homestay or farmstay—we’d love to hear your stories!
Lisa Dosooye
May 02, 2025