5 ways to be a better homestay guest
Cultural differences can make homestays tricky – so follow these tips for a rewarding, enlightening experience
1. Do your cultural homework
Don’t pat a Fijian on the head or point the soles of your feet at an Indonesian. Most homestay owners – especially those used to Westerners – are very forgiving of cultural gaffes, but learning “I’m sorry” in the local language is simple politeness. See our guide to South East Asia etiquette…
2. Don’t gossip
People won’t trust you if they think you’ll talk about them behind their backs. And don’t post gossip or judgements online – people in the remotest of places can be remarkably tech-savvy.
3. Don’t move between homestays in a village
4. Ask before taking photographs
Not everyone wants to be the object of your photos. Ask your hosts if it’s appropriate to give a gift, such as a token sum of money, in exchange for a photo.
5. Listen more than you talk
You’ll learn a lot. People in remote villages get weary of hearing visitors advising them to stand up to the government / mining / logging companies. Keep your counsel and you’ll stay friends.
Most homestay operators barely make a profit; they do it mostly for the love of meeting new people. So don’t haggle too much over prices – it’s your trip, but their livelihood.
Want to have an authentic cultural experience and save money on accommodation? It sounds like homestays are for you! Browse our favourites at Homestay.com
Words: Sarah Hitchner, cultural anthropologist
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