Theres No Place Like Homes: Some Facts About The Growing Trend Of Homestay

Theres No Place Like Homes: Some Facts About The Growing Trend Of Homestay

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The growing phenomenon of homestaying also sometimes known as crashpadding and couchsurfing is based on a simple premise: Hotels are hopelessly overpriced.

As a result people have realised they can provide budget friendly alternatives to travellers, by offering up the spare space in their own homes and charging a reasonable amount for it. This spare space does not have to adhere to any strict guidelines or meet any bureaucratic standards, it could be anything from a sofa bed or futon - to a king size double, complete with en-suite.

What about hostels?
The alternative to expensive hotels is commonly perceived to be hostels. However, since hostels tend to be pretty uncomfortable and often require you to sleep in a communal space they are usually mostly frequented by GAP year students looking for a grubby warts-and-all travelling experience.
Homestay a brief history
There are numerous companies that have cropped up to fill the need for reasonably priced, decent accommodation. One of the first was Couchsurfer which embraced a hippy kind of ethos, where people offered their couches and rooms for nothing other than the hope that the favour may be returned by like-minded individuals.
This something-for-nothing style of travel perhaps reflects the best in human nature, generosity, openness and warmth. However, the trusting approach to security means that Couchsurfing isnt for everyone.

Show me the money
Taking the community elements of Couchsurfing and combining them with a financial incentive are numerous other homestay networks. These include the American website AirBandB and other, newer networks, like the London-based Crashpadder.com. These sites ensure the homestay experience is mutually beneficial for the host as well the guest. The price of the accommodation is determined by the host, who will take into account the cost of nearby hotels, the facilities they have available and the size of the room amongst other things.

Safety first
The benefit of these newer, monetised homestay sites are security related. When a potential guest uses the likes of Crashpadder.com they have to register a credit card for payment. By doing this their details, including their address are recorded and stored by the site and used to confirm their identity, should the need arrise.
What do you get for your money?
Many people find that the beauty of homestay is that every experience is different. Unlike the experience you tend to have with cookie-cutter hotels, each homestay host will tend to personalise their guests stay. Obviously every home is individual and it can be genuinely fascinating and a real privilege to be invited into someones private space - but above and beyond that different facilities may be available for the guest. Some hosts may keep themselves to themselves and leave their guests to their own devices, while some will choose to include breakfast or an evening meal in their rate. Others may go so far as to turn down the sheets in the evening and even leave a mint on the pillow!

A personal touch
The other nice thing about a homestay is the fact you get to stay with real human beings, with real hands-on knowledge of the local area. It can give you the chance to interact with the family, bunch of friends or couple youre visiting and benefit from their top tips, whether its the best way to avoid the morning rush-hour or where to find the nicest local restaurant. A homestay experience can really teach you that when it comes to friendly, affordable accommodation theres no place like homes.

About the Author:
Crashpadder.com PR - find out more about us at crashpadder.com or take a look at crashpadder.com/how-do-homestays-work. Alternatively feel free to get in touch via crashpadder.com/contact-us



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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