Homestay Experiences

Stay like a local, not a tourist

There's a moment that happens in every homestay—usually within the first few days. You're sitting at the dinner table, sharing a meal prepared with care, laughing at a joke that transcends language barriers, or helping with some small household task. And suddenly, you realize: you're not a guest anymore. You're with friends.

This is what we mean by going beneath the map.

Homestays aren't about observation—they're about participation. They're about waking up to the smell of breakfast being prepared in a kitchen that's now familiar, learning to make traditional dishes side-by-side with your host, and discovering that "home" can exist in places you've never been before.

We don't offer homestays because they're trendy or Instagrammable. We offer them because they changed us. Living with families and amongst friends across South America and Africa taught us more about culture, connection, and what it means to be human than any guidebook ever could. And now, we want to share that transformative experience with you.

What Makes Our Homestays Different

These Are Our Friends, Not Transactions

Every family we connect you with is someone we know personally—people we've shared meals with, people we trust, people who are genuinely excited to welcome travelers into their homes. These aren't Airbnb listings or impersonal arrangements. These are relationships built over years, and we're inviting you into that circle.

Cultural Immersion, Your Way

Homestays can look different depending on your comfort level and interests:

Help prepare traditional meals and learn family recipes passed down through generations
Participate in daily routines—market visits, farming, fishing, or craft-making
Attend local celebrations, religious ceremonies, or community gatherings (when appropriate)
Learn the language in the most natural way possible: conversation over coffee
Simply observe and absorb—there's no pressure to "do it all"

Safety and Support, Always

We know that staying with a family in an unfamiliar place can feel vulnerable. That's why we:

Carefully vet every host family personally
Provide detailed pre-trip information about your hosts, their home, and what to expect
Stay in regular contact throughout your stay
Are available 24/7 if any issues or questions arise
Conduct post-stay check-ins with both you and the host family

Flexible Integration with Your Travels

Homestays can be:

Standalone experiences (3-14 days focused entirely on immersion)
Part of a larger custom itinerary (a few days with a family, then onward to other adventures)
Extended cultural deep-dives (several weeks or even months for those seeking profound connection)

What to Expect

Before You Arrive:

Family Profile - We'll share information about your host family, their home, their community, and daily life rhythms
Cultural Preparation - Guidance on local customs, appropriate behavior, gift-giving etiquette, and how to be a respectful guest
Language Basics - Essential phrases and communication tips (even if your hosts speak some English)
Direct Connection - We'll facilitate initial contact between you and your host family so you can begin building rapport
Logistics Support - Clear information on how to get there, what to pack, and what's provided

During Your Stay:

Private or Semi-Private Accommodations - Comfortable sleeping arrangements that respect your privacy while keeping you connected to family life
Home-Cooked Meals - Authentic cuisine prepared the way families actually eat (dietary restrictions accommodated with advance notice)
Daily Life Participation - As much or as little as you're comfortable with—from helping in the kitchen to joining work activities to simply observing
Cultural Exchange - Opportunities to share your own culture, stories, and perspectives
Flexible Schedule - Balance between structured activities and free time to explore or simply be present
Check-in Support - We'll message you mid-stay to ensure everything is going well

After You Leave:

Lasting Connections - Many of our travelers maintain relationships with their host families for years
Photo Sharing - Families often love receiving photos from your time together
Feedback Session - We'll debrief with you to hear about your experience
Stay in Touch - We can facilitate ongoing communication if you and your hosts wish to stay connected

Who Homestays Are For

Solo Travelers seeking genuine connection and a break from the loneliness of traveling alone

Couples wanting to experience something deeper than resort romance

Families hoping to show their children how the majority of the world actually lives—with joy, community, and resourcefulness

Students & Gap Year Travelers looking for meaningful cultural immersion and language practice

Anyone tired of surface-level tourism and hungry for authentic human connection

Who Homestays Might Not Be For

We believe in honesty, so here's the reality:

Homestays require openness, flexibility, and cultural humility. They're not for everyone, and that's okay.

Consider carefully if you:

Need consistent WiFi and modern amenities
Prefer predictable schedules and complete independence
Are uncomfortable with language barriers or different living standards
Expect Western-style privacy and personal space at all times
Aren't willing to adapt to local customs, meal times, and household rhythms

We're not saying you need to be a seasoned backpacker or anthropologist—just that you need to approach the experience with curiosity rather than expectation, and grace rather than judgment. If homestay is not for you, we are happy to plan a more tailored travel package for you, with possible day visits to our hosts, as you like.

The Transformation You Can't Plan For

We can tell you about the families, the locations, the activities. We can prepare you for the logistics and cultural differences.

But we can't prepare you for the moment when a grandmother takes your hand and tells you (through translation or just through her eyes) that you remind her of someone she loved. Or when a child who was shy on day one is sitting in your lap by day three. Or when you wake up in the morning after an unforgettable night out thinking “that is the most fun I have had in years.” Or when you realize that "home" has nothing to do with buildings and everything to do with belonging.

That's what happens when you go beneath the map.

That's what our homestays offer. Not a vacation. A homecoming in a place you've never been.

Come Stay With Us