I love staying with strangers in a new destination because they give me information about the area that I can’t get from a tour guide. I learned about the best spaghetti in Rome and the best shopping deals in New York from the people that I stayed with when I visited.

I also learn about new things that don’t have anything to do with the area. One woman made handmade European toys and educational games so I learned about that while I stayed with her. Another invited me to stay on a farm with her where I learned about living the rural life.

I would enjoy this method of travel even if it cost a lot of money. It’s a nice perk, though, that staying with strangers tends to be even cheaper than staying in hotels!