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ToursHomestays & Local Immersion

Homestays & Local Immersion Transformative Tours & Trips

2,679 Homestays & Local Immersion trips. Tours from 261 tour companies. 10,458 reviews. 4.6/5 avg rating.

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Transformative
Burgundy: A Cruise Along le Canal de Bourgogne
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Burgundy: A Cruise Along le Canal de Bourgogne

By Back-Roads Touring
none
4.8/5 Excellent
25 reviews
Large Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Dijon, Paris

Highlights

  • Cruise on a floating boutique along a peaceful, vineyard-fringed canal
  • Get a taste of Burgundy's wine-making heritage at Chateau du Clos de Vougeot
  • Discover the citadel of Besancon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel, Local Immersion & Homestays, Small Ship Cruise, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"I would steer clear of Backroads until Covid is over. We were on the Costa Rica tour when a fellow traveler tested positive. The guides refused to require that all travelers and staff wear masks or be tested. They kept repeating that they were following CDC guidelines, but this was not the case. CDC guidelines state that after an exposure, one should wear a tight fitting mask for 10 days when interacting with anyone and should be tested starting 5 days after exposure. Our group of six was appalled by their policy and left the tour returning to the US. Also be aware that their biking equipment was very substandard. We were riding in the rain with bikes that were difficult to stop on steep slopes, as they were not equipped with disc brakes. They also were not equipped with mirrors or lights. The front derailleurs were also very poorly adjusted as most of the riders threw their chains during the ride. Meals and the hotel were very good. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html Two calls to Backroads have not been returned."

Trip dates & details
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7 days From$3,499
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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Impressions of Russia
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Impressions of Russia

By Back-Roads Touring
none
4.8/5 Excellent
25 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Moscow, St. Petersburg

Highlights

  • Explore fascinating monuments of Russia’s imperial and communist past
  • Craft your own unique Christmas decorations and traditional church candles
  • Experience rural Russian living with an overnight stay at an eco-farm and a traditional shashlik for dinner

Themes

Cultural, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"I would steer clear of Backroads until Covid is over. We were on the Costa Rica tour when a fellow traveler tested positive. The guides refused to require that all travelers and staff wear masks or be tested. They kept repeating that they were following CDC guidelines, but this was not the case. CDC guidelines state that after an exposure, one should wear a tight fitting mask for 10 days when interacting with anyone and should be tested starting 5 days after exposure. Our group of six was appalled by their policy and left the tour returning to the US. Also be aware that their biking equipment was very substandard. We were riding in the rain with bikes that were difficult to stop on steep slopes, as they were not equipped with disc brakes. They also were not equipped with mirrors or lights. The front derailleurs were also very poorly adjusted as most of the riders threw their chains during the ride. Meals and the hotel were very good. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html Two calls to Backroads have not been returned."

Trip dates & details
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10 days From$3,799
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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India's Golden Triangle (Delhi and Taj Mahal)
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India's Golden Triangle (Delhi and Taj Mahal)

By Adventures within Reach
preferred
5/5 Excellent
54 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Agra, Agra Fort, Amber Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, India Gate, Jaipur, Jama Masjid, Qutab Minar, Red Fort, Taj Mahal

Highlights

  • See India's greatest highlights in just 7 days!
  • Visit the incomparable Taj Mahal
  • Travel to Agra, 200 KM away by road, with sightseeing along the way
  • Explore fascinating Jaipur, the fabled Pink City
  • Explore Delhi
Show more

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"Just got back from an incredible adventure. Bhutan was more than I could have ever expected. There was an abundance of good travel karma throughout the trip. The guide, Bhim, was great, very accommodating, and personalized the trip in many amazing ways, and though him I got to know the people and the culture close up and personal. The whole thing went off without a hitch. Bhutan was the most amazing place I have ever been."

Trip dates & details
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7 days From$945
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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9- Day Andes, Incas, and Amazon
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9- Day Andes, Incas, and Amazon

By Adventures within Reach
preferred
5/5 Excellent
54 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Andes Mountains, Cusco, Lima, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Puerto Maldonado, Sacred Valley, Santo Domingo

Highlights

  • Wander legendary Machu Picchu
  • Experience the incredible Amazon Rainforest
  • Explore Cusco & traditional Andean Villages in the Sacred Valley

Themes

Cultural, Family Friendly, Local Immersion & Homestays, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"Just got back from an incredible adventure. Bhutan was more than I could have ever expected. There was an abundance of good travel karma throughout the trip. The guide, Bhim, was great, very accommodating, and personalized the trip in many amazing ways, and though him I got to know the people and the culture close up and personal. The whole thing went off without a hitch. Bhutan was the most amazing place I have ever been."

Trip dates & details
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9 days From$1,330
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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Journey into Olkola Country
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Journey into Olkola Country

By Adventure Tours Australia
none
4.9/5 Excellent
74 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Cairns

Highlights

  • Join the Olkola people's long journey home, and help them preserve their culture and landscape by building a sustainable future through eco-tourism
  • Be part of the rediscovery of almost two million acres of traditional Olkola land on a pioneering adventure, where every day can bring a new surprise or unpredictable encounter
  • Journey through a living cultural landscape, an incredible environment that gains greater meaning through authentic experiences and authentic stories from the traditional custodians
  • Their return to country helps safeguard the history and knowledge of the Olkola people and their lands – learn about the backbone of their culture firsthand

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"Μου αρέσει πολύ και θαυμάζω τα υπέροχα καταπληκτικά τοπία τις πανέμορφης Australia’s I love it and admire the wonderful amazing landscapes of beautiful Australia's"

Trip dates & details
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6 days From$2,845
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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Myanmar Adventure
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Myanmar Adventure

By Adventures within Reach
preferred
5/5 Excellent
54 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Bagan, Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon

Highlights

  • Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon
  • Bagan
  • Trekking in Kalaw
  • Inle lake

Themes

Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Family Friendly, High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, Local Immersion & Homestays, Transformative, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"Just got back from an incredible adventure. Bhutan was more than I could have ever expected. There was an abundance of good travel karma throughout the trip. The guide, Bhim, was great, very accommodating, and personalized the trip in many amazing ways, and though him I got to know the people and the culture close up and personal. The whole thing went off without a hitch. Bhutan was the most amazing place I have ever been."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
8 days From$1,595
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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Best of Asia - Thailand and Beijing 11 Days 9 Nights
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Best of Asia - Thailand and Beijing 11 Days 9 Nights

By Affordable World
none
4.7/5 Excellent
99 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Ayutthaya, Beijing, Great Wall of China, The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square

Highlights

  • Visit the Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Trimitr) to see its solid-gold Buddha
  • Discover Bangkok
  • Explore Ayutthaya, home to the UNESCO-listed ruins of the medieval capital of Siam
  • Explore Beijing
  • Visit Qianmen Street was a commercial and entertainment hub due to its convenient location
Show more

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, Relaxing Retreats, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We did the tour to Bangkok and Phuket in off season. We were concerned about the weather and if we would get a sub-par experience. But we had a wonderful time and would definitely recommend Affordable World!! Great company. Very organized and thorough. Our tour guide was amazing! He explained all of our stops and even some extra tid bits about the country. We were transported in air conditioned vans/sprinters to every stop. We felt right at home!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
11 days From$1,599
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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Majestic China & Yangtze River
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Majestic China & Yangtze River

By Affordable World
none
4.7/5 Excellent
99 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Beijing, Chongqing, Great Wall of China, Shanghai, Xian, Yangtze River

Highlights

  • A cruise along the dramatic landscapes of the majestic Yangtze River highlights this journey through China´s “Golden Triangle Cities"
  • Visit the Great Wall, which is one of the man-built architectures that can be seen from the low orbit of the earth.
  • Visit to Tiananmen Square, the world-famous and historic Tiananmen Square, or “Gate of Heavenly Peace”. Located in the heart of Beijing
  • Visit one of the three towns (depending on local river conditions): Shibaozhai, Fengdu, or Wanzhou.Shibaozhai's main attraction is a majestic 12-story tall wooden pagoda, built 400 years ago without use of a single nail.
  • Spend the day free or take the tour to witness the famous "Terra Cotta Warriors."
Show more

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Relaxing Retreats, Small Ship Cruise, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We did the tour to Bangkok and Phuket in off season. We were concerned about the weather and if we would get a sub-par experience. But we had a wonderful time and would definitely recommend Affordable World!! Great company. Very organized and thorough. Our tour guide was amazing! He explained all of our stops and even some extra tid bits about the country. We were transported in air conditioned vans/sprinters to every stop. We felt right at home!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
14 days From$1,999
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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Homestays & Local Immersion Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
10,458  Reviews
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Excellent
5,897
Great
2,080
Average
346
Disappointing
88
Terrible
47
T

Trusted Customer

May 2024

Written on

Irish Elegance

The visit to Ashford Castle was incredible! I felt like royalty. Everyday brought new experiences, both expected and unexpected. The exhibit surrounding the Book of ...

Tour:  Irish Elegance (Summer, Classic)

T

Trusted Customer

May 2024

Written on

Irish Elegance

We missed a few places that I was looking forward to seeing.

Tour:  Irish Elegance (Summer, Classic)

T

Trusted Customer

May 2024

Written on

Irish Elegance

We were pleased with the pace and timing allotted to our daily stops and destinations, and the variety of activities included (carriage ride, ferry crossing, morni...

Tour:  Irish Elegance (Summer, Classic)

T

Trusted Customer

May 2024

Written on

Irish Elegance

Irish Elegance A superb tour…beautifully crafted to see all the highlights and experience will not disappoint! Simon our tour director was brilliant, funny, incredib...

Tour:  Irish Elegance (Summer, Classic)

R

Robert Thomasson

May 2024

Written on

Irish Elegance

It is a good sample of Ireland and gives you a cross-reference of the Irish people and the landscape. The tour stops at very interesting locations and is well worth ...

Tour:  Irish Elegance (Summer, Classic)

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Homestays & Local Immersion Tour Selection Trips

  • Do your research and ask questions. Homestays can be a wonderful insight into local life, but occasionally hotels are falsely advertised as "home stays".
  • Be a courteous guest. Tidy up after yourself, and look out for house rules, such as taking your shoes off before entering. Your host should enjoy having you as much as you enjoy staying there!
  • Stretch beyond your comfort zone! You may encounter squat toilets, cold showers and strange new foods, but it's all part of the experience. And who knows, you may find you have a taste for boiled frog or fried crickets.
  • Spend time with your hosts. A homestay is more than simply renting a room - it is a chance to get involved with a family's way of life. And don't forget that the reason many people agree to host is to learn about your culture, too.

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