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Archive for May, 2009

The Popular Homestay Destinations In India

Sunday, May 17th, 2009

The concept of a homestay seems popular globally, especially in Indian. Homestays just that it has change a little bit in the present day world. Home stay in India could be as interesting as traveling. These homestays are “home away from home.”

A “Homestay” is a form of cultural exchange in which a traveler visiting or staying temporary in another country, lives with a family in the host country. Homestays are different from boarding-house or hotel experience. It involve relationships between people from various fields. In home stays, a traveler can only rents a room in the residence of local owner at an affordable price. A traveler can book a room at a homestays for short periods (one night or a weekend) and for longer times (a vacation period, a term, several terms).

While homestays can occur in any destination worldwide, some countries do more to encourage homestay than others as a means of developing their tourism industry. Homestays are the best option to explore India, an incredible and mystical land. Homesatys are a part of tourism industry. These are considered as the best alternative to hotel accommodation in the hospitality sector . Homestays provides ample of opportunities to a traveler to know and gather information about the region and its native. It enables the holidaymakers to come across the culture, lifestyle and cuisines of any place in its pristine elements unlike hotel accommodation. Most of the homes have their own unsung history to tell. These homes are run by the families who have inherited the culture and hospitality style from their great inheritors.

Some traveler don’t want to spend their entire trip with the guide. So they apt for these cool and calm homestays where they can have a great encounter with the “real” culture of the region. Homestays have an edge over the Hotel accommodation as guests gets the opportunity to live with the host family at least for a part of his or her trip and enjoys the ambiance of a sweet home. It also helps a traveler to experience life as it is lived day to day in the host country.

A homestay can often be arranged through a travel agent, or through Web sites that specialize in matching families and travelers. Here, the visitor has to rent a room from the local family. Before booking the room it is compulsory on the part of the traveler to give proper information about himself or herself to the travel agent or the Websites. So, that they can arrange home according to the wishes of the travel.

There are some basic guidelines which a traveler should follow while staying in a homestay such as acquaint himself/ herself with the customs of the country he or she is visiting, never arrive at a homestay without any gift for the hosts, its important to always remember that it is a home not a hotel. So, there will be no room service. It will be appreciated if the visitor participates in some of the family activities.

Homestays are a win-win situation for both the parties. Homesatys enables the host family to earn some additional money from the holidaymakers in return of their hospitality and services. It is not strictly considered as a business due to its low profitability but as a cross cultural exchange.

Some of the popular homestay destinations in India are: Karnataka, Goa , kerala, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Rajasthan. All these state has some beautiful and awesome homestays namely Hermitage Guest House at Belgaum and Our native village Resort at Hessaragahtta, Karnataka, Gramam Homestay at Cochin and Kerala Village Homestay at Ernakulaum, The Bungalow, at Vypeen, Kannankeril Homestay at Cochin, Kerala, Elephant Valley Hotel at Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu.

What are you waiting for? Planning a trip to Indian right now and get experience in the hospitality of the host family at these homestays. Homestays are truly home away from home.

Choosing A Best Youth Hostels In Barcelona

Sunday, May 17th, 2009

If you were a young people of student age (from 18 to 30), you will be enjoyed special prices with youth hostel when you travel. youth hostel prices are from $15 to 40, depending on where you go and what kind of room you want to hire.

Most of the youth hostels provide bedding accommodation in dormitory rooms that sleep two, four, six, twelve, fourteen or sixteen people. There are hostels that offer private rooms or separate dormitories for girls and boys but you get the best priced deals if you go for mixed dormitories that accommodate fourteen to 16 people. It is safer to book for a group of friends in one go but you can take your own chances.

You can keep your belongings in safes or lockers instead of hauling a backpack to a nightclub. They are for free in some youth hostels, while others require a payment for the lockers. Many youth hostels also provide heated water and air-conditioned comfort during the summer. Here are some of Barcelona’s best youth hostels:

The Ideal Youth Hostel:

The Hostel befits its name with the facilities and services it provides to those who take up the accommodation. It is ideally situated near the buzzing Barcelona city center in close proximity to Ramblas boulevard. It is hard to believe that it is one of the least expensive youth hostels in Barcelona with the services such as 24 hour reception desk, free Internet access for your laptop, common room and breakfast. There is no curfew or lockout to bother you. Plus you can enjoy the presentations at the opera house next door.

Alberg Juvenil Palua:

This youth hostel is conveniently located in the Barri Gotic section near Ramblas and the Barcelona city center. It has an extensive bike parking and free lockers facility. There are kitchen facilities and the breakfast is included in price. A large common room with a TV add up to the perks of the hostel.

INOUT Hostel:

One of the lower priced hostels in the city, the INOUT offers a great deal. It is located further from Barcelona, and requires a 25-minute ride to Ramblas. However, there is much to be desired, despite its seemingly remote location. The hostel is located in Collserola Park.

Collserola Park features 25 hectares of forests, gardens, and sports fields. The hostel also offers the option of ordering a picnic basket and homemade tomato bread. There are various organized trips to the city or to the country. Additionally, the hostel has a messenger boat that can take you to Barcelona’s famous beaches.

With these guides, you will have many options to choose a youth hostels if you travel to  Barcelona. Moreover, by using the wise men’s way, you will also save your money and enjoy your stay at this European destination.