Staying with a local host when travelling

Among the traditional holiday accommodation options (hotel, rental, camping...), some travellers choose to stay with a local host.
What are the advantages and drawbacks of this kind of accommodation?
How do you choose the right host and place?
What should you watch out for?
Below, we give you some tips.

Staying with a local host when travelling

Staying with a local host lets travellers share the home, meals, and often the activities of their hosts. This approach to travel offers a unique and enriching human and cultural connection.

The advantages of staying with a local host:

● A unique experience: Staying with a local host while travelling is a unique experience for people looking to immerse themselves in the local culture. Unlike traditional hotels, this type of accommodation allows for direct interaction with local residents, offering a window into their way of life. Daily exchanges make it possible to understand their way of life and cultural traditions in a more personal way.
● Costs: In addition to the cultural aspect, staying with a local host also has a notable financial advantage. Costs are generally more affordable than those of hotels, making this type of accommodation particularly attractive for travellers on a limited budget. This saving doesn't come at the expense of the quality of the experience — on the contrary, it often gives access to unique places to stay.
● Flexibility: Flexibility is also another major advantage of this type of accommodation. Hosts are often willing to adapt to their guests' needs, whether it's meal times, personalised travel advice, or even organising local activities. This personalised approach is hard to match in the more formal setting of a hotel.

Discover our 5 tips for a memorable stay with a local host

1. Choose the right type of accommodation

Choosing the right type of accommodation is essential for a successful travel experience. Each type of accommodation has its advantages and drawbacks, and the choice will depend on your needs in terms of budget, comfort, safety, social interaction and cultural experience.

Here are some key differences between the types of accommodation available to you:

● Bed and breakfasts: These are establishments run by local owners who offer rooms to rent in their home, with breakfast included in some cases. Bed and breakfasts offer an authentic experience and can provide good cultural immersion.

● Couchsurfing: Couchsurfing connects travellers with locals willing to offer a sofa or a room for free. It's an ideal option for travellers on a tight budget and those looking to meet new people. Quality and comfort can vary, and safety is an aspect to consider seriously.

● Home exchanges: This concept lets two parties swap their homes for a given period. It's a cost-effective option since it eliminates accommodation costs. It requires planning and mutual trust, since you're entrusting your home to strangers and vice versa.

● Pet sitting: Pet sitting involves looking after someone's pets, and sometimes their home, while they're away. In exchange, the pet sitter can stay in the house for free. It's an interesting option for animal lovers who want a change of scenery.

● Airbnb and other peer-to-peer rental platforms: These platforms let you rent apartments, houses or private rooms directly from individuals. They offer a wide variety of accommodation at different prices. Airbnb, for example, offers a broad range of options, from budget stays to luxury experiences.

● Timeshare: Timeshare is a holiday ownership concept where several people hold usage rights to a property for a specific period each year. Advantages include sharing the cost of ownership, access to larger or more luxurious accommodation, and the option to exchange it for other destinations.

2. Prepare your stay with a local host

Preparing your stay with a local host is a crucial step to ensure an enjoyable, hassle-free experience.

First of all, work out how you want to travel: backpacking, with several suitcases, alone, as a couple, or with children? Also choose your means of transport (car, train, plane, etc.).

Then, do thorough research on the accommodation you're considering. Read reviews left by other travellers, find out about the amenities available and make sure you understand the house rules. Also look into the price of the accommodation to find the best value-for-money option.

It's also important to find out about the destination. Learn about local customs and practices to avoid any cultural missteps. This includes basic knowledge of the local language, social norms, and expectations around hospitality.

Plan a schedule for your stay. While interacting with your host can enrich your experience, it's good to have your own itinerary so you're not too dependent on them.

Finally, remember to arrange your means of transport and find out about the highway code. Depending on the location, you may be able to get around by rental car, public transport, or even by bike.

3. Clearly communicate your expectations and needs

Clearly communicating your expectations and needs is essential when preparing a stay with a local host. It's recommended to contact your host in advance to clarify points such as necessary equipment, the temperature of the accommodation, and the availability of kitchen utensils or equipment if you're travelling with young children.

You have two options:

● Careful preparation: getting in touch with your host before the trip lets you get to know each other better, understand the comfort of their home, their habits, the rules to follow, and whether other guests will be present. This approach reduces surprises and ensures the accommodation meets your expectations.

● A spontaneous adventure: Some travellers prefer to set off without a fixed plan, looking for accommodation on the spot. This method suits adventurers ready to deal with the unexpected, accepting the risk of not finding accommodation or ending up with a less welcoming host. However, this approach can also lead to extraordinary encounters, particularly in countries known for their warm hospitality.

Good to know: Before you arrive, find out what language you'll be communicating in with your host. Sharing a common language, even at a basic level, makes exchanges and mutual understanding easier. It's also wise not to bring valuables or too much cash on this type of stay, to avoid scams. It's also best to keep your money on you rather than leaving it lying around in the accommodation.

4. Respect the house rules and adapt to the local way of life

Respecting the house rules and adapting to the local way of life are fundamental aspects of a successful stay with a local host.

A helpful attitude is appreciated with this type of accommodation. Offering to help with everyday tasks, such as preparing meals, is an excellent way to show your appreciation for your host. This not only fosters a warm, friendly atmosphere, but also lets you actively take part in the life of the household.

5. Ensure your safety and wellbeing

Ensuring your safety and wellbeing is essential when choosing to stay with a local host. A few important measures should be taken:

● Take out good travel insurance: Adequate travel insurance is essential. It should cover emergency medical care, accidents, and ideally trip cancellations or unexpected disruptions. If something goes wrong, good insurance can make a big difference.
● Bring any necessary medication: If you're on treatment or might need certain medication, make sure to bring it with you. It's also wise to have a first-aid kit.
● Give your exact address to loved ones: Always let someone you trust know where you're staying. Give them the exact address, your host's contact details, and your travel plans.
● Favour staying as a pair for added safety: Staying with a local host as a pair can increase your sense of security. Having a travel companion can be reassuring and useful in a difficult situation.

Good to know: To stay with a local host while travelling, specialised websites such as Airbnb, Couchsurfing, or Homestay offer a range of options suited to different budgets and needs. Prices vary considerably, from free, as with Couchsurfing, to higher rates for bed and breakfasts or Airbnb rentals, depending on the level of comfort and location. It's important to compare offers and read descriptions and reviews carefully to find accommodation that matches your expectations and your budget.

Also read: 4 types of budget accommodation while travelling

Article written in collaboration with We are the words.