Exploring a new destination is a fantastic way of enjoying travel, but to really get a taste and a feel for the atmosphere and culture of a town or city, staying there for an extended period really offers a more complete picture of your destination. In order to do this, many solo travelers will move away from the traditional hotels and hostels which can be expensive in the long run, and will look to rent a room in a home with others also living in the city.


While it is possible to share with other travelers, the really authentic experiences can happen when you rent a room from a local family who are looking for a temporary lodger.

 

Meeting Your Landlord And Their Family

For many people arriving in a new city and renting a room, the first real contact you will have with the local people will be when you meet your landlord who will be renting you the room, and often they will also have their family there too. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the local culture, and if you know about the family you are staying with beforehand, taking small gifts can really help them to warm to you straight away. As you will usually be spending some time every day with those who are renting the room to you, making a good first impression will make them reciprocate, which can give you a window into their lives and the culture of the local people.

 

Enjoying Districts Outside The Normal Tourist Zone

Another of the benefits that comes with renting a room from a local family is that as well as receiving the family's welcome, you will also be able to explore their local area.

This is often very different from the main tourist areas where the major hotels are located, and while it is worth checking to make sure the room isn't in a bad area of the town or city, seeing a suburban district can offer a different perspective on your destination. This also forces you to get out and learn more about the area of the city where you will be staying, as there will be fewer sanitized organized tours outside the main tourist zone. 

 

Getting A Taste Of Local Cuisine

One of the greatest reasons that many people will give when they declare that they love travel is that it gives them the opportunity to embrace the local cuisine. Staying with a local family instead of in a hotel or hostel makes it much easier to eat as the locals eat, and many families will be willing to include you in their evening meal as a part of your rental agreement. Your hosts will often also be able to introduce you to the best street food stalls, bakeries and other food producers in the area too, which can be a revelation that many travelers will not be able to enjoy.

 

Supporting Small Local Businesses

The landlords that offer their rooms out for rent will usually be local people who are just looking for a way to bring in a little extra income, and the best examples will see you welcomed into the embrace of local family life. This also means that any rent that you pay will directly benefit the landlord, and will also support all of the local businesses and retailers that the landlord uses too.

 

The Best Ways To Find Room Rentals Available In Your Destination

There are some great websites that can allow you to arrange a room rental before you arrive in your destination, and one of the most popular is Airbnb, which offers flat and house rentals, as well as room rentals staying with local families. There are plenty of other sites that also offer similar services such as Bedycasa and Roomorama that can also be used to find rooms for rent with local families. Another approach that some travelers will take is to book a local hostel for the first few days, and then to arrange accommodation once they have arrived in their destination.