Staying Local: Homestays, Guesthouses, and Community-Based Tourism

Travel is evolving. Today’s explorers crave more than just sightseeing—they want to connect, learn, and leave a positive impact. Staying local through homestays, guesthouses, and community-based tourism offers an authentic, immersive experience that goes far beyond traditional hotels. This guide explores how these options enrich your journey, support local communities, and help you discover the true heart of every destination.

Why Choose Local Stays?

Choosing a homestay, guesthouse, or community-based tourism experience is about more than just finding a place to sleep. It’s about stepping into the daily rhythms of a place, sharing meals and stories, and building genuine connections with people who call your destination home. These stays offer:

Cultural immersion: Live as locals do, learn their customs, and participate in daily life.
Personalized hospitality: Enjoy warm welcomes, home-cooked meals, and insider tips.
Economic impact: Support local families and businesses directly, helping communities thrive.
Unique memories: Create stories that last a lifetime, from cooking lessons to village festivals.

The Power of Homestays

What Is a Homestay?

A homestay is when travelers stay in the home of a local family, sharing space, meals, and experiences. This arrangement fosters cultural exchange and provides a window into everyday life.

Benefits of Homestays

Affordability: Homestays are often more budget-friendly than hotels, with added value like meals and laundry included.
Cultural Exchange: Guests learn about local traditions, cuisine, and language, while hosts gain new perspectives from visitors.
Comforts of Home: Enjoy a cozy, welcoming environment and the support of a family, which can ease homesickness for long-term travelers.
Language Learning: Living with locals is a natural way to practice and improve language skills.
Local Insight: Hosts share their favorite markets, hidden gems, and traditions, helping you experience the destination authentically.
Independence with Support: While you’re cared for, you also have the freedom to explore and create your own adventures1 4 6 9 11.

The Impact on Communities

Homestays empower local families by providing income and opportunities to share their culture. The money you spend circulates within the community, supporting local businesses and encouraging the preservation of traditions and heritage6.

Guesthouses: Intimate and Authentic

What Makes Guesthouses Special?

Guesthouses are typically small, locally owned accommodations, often located in residential neighborhoods. They offer:

Personalized Service: Hosts provide individualized attention, from tailored breakfasts to arranging tours.
Community Feel: Shared spaces encourage interaction with other travelers, fostering a sense of camaraderie.
Local Knowledge: Hosts offer valuable recommendations and insights into the area’s culture and attractions.
Affordability: Guesthouses are generally more affordable than hotels, offering great value without sacrificing comfort3.

Why Stay in a Guesthouse?

Experience daily life: Stay where locals live, shop, and socialize.
Forge connections: Meet fellow travelers and make new friends.
Support small businesses: Your stay directly benefits the local economy.

Community-Based Tourism: Travel That Gives Back

What Is Community-Based Tourism (CBT)?

CBT is a form of tourism owned and managed by local communities. It aims to distribute benefits widely, preserve culture and nature, and foster meaningful exchanges between visitors and hosts2 5 7.

What Can You Expect?

Locally designed experiences: Activities are based on the community’s culture, nature, and skills—think guided nature walks, fishing with local families, or learning traditional crafts.
Participation in daily life: Guests might help harvest crops, cook meals, or join in festivals.
Sustainable impact: CBT supports social and environmental initiatives, builds local skills, and may include opportunities for volunteering or learning about conservation.
Simple, comfortable accommodation: Expect clean, welcoming lodgings, but not luxury. The focus is on authenticity and connection.

Success Stories

In places like Puno, Peru, community-based tourism has transformed local economies, empowered residents, and preserved cultural heritage. Guests enjoy experiences like artisanal fishing, textile workshops, and local cuisine, while their visits fund community projects and training5.

Real-Life Experiences: The People Behind Local Stays

The most memorable part of staying local is often the people you meet. Homestay hosts are cultural guardians, sharing stories, customs, and the history of their communities. In Bhutan, for example, the Dorji family welcomes guests with tales of Bhutanese history, traditional cooking lessons, and insights into the country’s unique approach to happiness and sustainability8.

In Costa Rica, community cooperatives like Coope San Juan offer forest walks, birdwatching, and cooking classes, all led by local women and youth. The revenue supports conservation and community development, making every stay a force for good7.

How to Find and Book Local Stays

Research platforms specializing in homestays and guesthouses. Look for reviews and stories from previous guests.
Seek out community tourism organizations or cooperatives. Many have websites or social media pages.
Ask for recommendations from fellow travelers or local tourism offices.
Be clear about your expectations. Communicate dietary needs, allergies, or preferences in advance.

What to Expect During Your Stay

Warm hospitality: Hosts often go out of their way to make guests feel at home.
Shared meals: Enjoy home-cooked dishes and learn about local ingredients and recipes.
Cultural activities: Participate in cooking, farming, crafts, or festivals.
Simple comforts: Accommodations may be basic but are usually clean, safe, and welcoming.
Opportunities for learning: Hosts may teach you new skills or share stories about their lives and community.

Tips for a Meaningful Local Stay

Be open and respectful: Embrace differences and show curiosity about your hosts’ way of life.
Participate: Join in daily activities, whether it’s helping in the kitchen or attending a local event.
Communicate: Share your interests and ask questions—hosts appreciate your engagement.
Practice responsible tourism: Conserve resources, minimize waste, and respect local customs.
Give back: Consider bringing a small gift from your home country or contributing to a community fund.

The Lasting Impact of Local Stays

Staying local isn’t just about where you sleep—it’s about how you travel. By choosing homestays, guesthouses, or community-based tourism, you:

Support economic empowerment: Your money goes directly to families and communities, helping them thrive6 7.
Preserve culture and traditions: Your interest encourages hosts to maintain and share their heritage.
Foster environmental awareness: Many local stays are located in sensitive ecosystems, inspiring guests to adopt sustainable travel habits.
Build global understanding: Cultural exchange breaks down stereotypes and builds lasting friendships.

Final Thoughts: Make Your Next Trip Local

Choosing a homestay, guesthouse, or community-based tourism experience transforms travel from a transaction into a connection. You’ll return home with more than just photos—you’ll have stories, friendships, and a deeper appreciation for the world’s diversity. As you plan your next adventure, consider staying local. It’s a choice that enriches your journey, supports communities, and helps keep the spirit of travel alive for generations to come.

What’s your most memorable local stay experience? Share your stories and tips in the comments to inspire others to travel local and make a difference!