Staying in a homestay on a solo travel adventure

With her camera in tow, Jasmine from the USA, is on a solo travel adventure in Bali and beyond. Staying in a homestay has offered her a true insider experience and smooth adjustment to travelling alone, while her hosts have done all they can to make her feel a part of their family during her time with them.

Tell us about yourself

I'm a curious-minded, dark chocolate loving, leap-of-faith believing, 26 year-old hungry to learn about the world from as many people, young and old; places, far and near; and things, old or undiscovered as I can. All while trying to fund my wanderlust by capturing shots of this adventure with my trusty camera.

What type of traveller are you?

I'd like to think of myself as a "go-with-the-flow" kind of traveler. When I was younger, I travelled a lot throughout the states for athletics and most recently for work trips at my old PR job. The trips were always well structured and itinerary-driven, I knew when and where I needed to be at all times. So I think traveling on my own without any agendas has given me the freedom to nurture a more care-free spirit.

Traveling to Kenya a few years back, I'd have to say, was the biggest adventure I've achieved up until now. A close friend of mine and I decided we were sick of having conversations with friends about making plans to travel but never following through. So one night after a few beers, we decided right then we were traveling that summer - no matter what, no excuses. And we did! Such a beautiful country with awe-inspiring people - I highly recommend it. It was a completely life-changing experience in more ways than I ever imagined. I credit Kenya for igniting my desire to travel and learn about different cultures. That country will forever hold a piece of my heart.

Why Bali?

Why not! Bali is such gorgeous place with so many hidden gems begging to be explored it would be silly to overlook it.

Plus this is the perfect place to be if you're trying to grow spiritually while also looking for creative inspiration (both which I am currently doing). There are literally breath-taking temples everywhere you look and don't even get me started on the beautiful beaches. They don't call it "The Island of the Gods" for nothing.

What is it like travelling solo (particularly as a female solo traveller) ?

As a first-time solo female traveller, I'd have to say the experience so far has been fairly enjoyable. The good thing is you're alone and there is no one else to lean on. The bad thing is you're alone and there is no one else to lean on. I love a good challenge and there's nothing more challenging than being in another country, alone, where English is not the first language, and not to mention you're a woman.

Even though there's a stigma around being a solo female traveler, it really isn't as terrible as a lot of people have made it out. Obviously, you need to keep your wits about you and trust your instincts at all times but once you get the hang of being solo, it can be pretty awesome. It forces you to get out of your comfort zone and maybe do or say things you wouldn't normally if you were with a group.

Of course, there are moments where I've thought "what the hell am I doing" but I think those are the times I've really understood how strong I can be on my own. Even if it isn't always pretty, there are constantly valuable lessons I’m learning about myself and how I interact with the people around me. That alone is so rewarding.

How is travelling solo different to travelling with others?

You're 100% responsible for the way your traveling experience ends up. There is no such thing as the blame game in solo travel. If you overpaid for some crappy food and didn't like the service, can't fault anyone else for picking the restaurant. On the flip side, if you had a great conversation with a complete stranger, pat yourself on the back because you had the courage to talk to them. It's all about how you decide to take the good and bad when you’re flying solo.

Why did you choose to book homestay accommodation?

When it came to deciding where to live for the first month, it was between a homestay or a hostel. Since I'd never really travelled alone long-term, I figured it would probably be a good idea to stay with locals from the island and that’s where Homestay.com had the advantage. I thought I'd get a more authentic experience and it would help me make a smoother transition. Also, I think my parents would have had heart attacks if I told them I was staying in a hostel with a bunch of young backpackers. They were comforted by the fact that I was going to be with people who understood the ins-and-outs of the island.

What are the advantages of staying in a homestay when travelling solo?

There a so many advantages to staying in a homestay when you're traveling alone. Not only are you getting a true experience of what it's like to live here, you get the insider knowledge of the do's and don'ts of things to do, places to see, food to eat, etc. It really is invaluable.

Why did you choose to stay with your hosts Made and Ayu?

Made was one of the first profiles I came across on the website. I was immediately drawn to the fact that he was a local, born and raised in Bali, he loved music, learning about his guests, and he wanted to show people true Balinese culture. Plus he is a huge family man and I'm sucker for a nice family.

Tell us about your homestay experience.

I definitely think I won the Homestay lottery. Made, his beautiful wife Ayu, and there three daughters (Oka,19; Niki,13; Niti,7) are the loveliest people I've had the privilege of getting to know. He's such a hard-working man and they will bend over backwards to make you feel comfortable and welcome in their home. Made will even be your personal tour guide and show you things you might have missed if you weren't from the island.

The food Ayu cooks is beyond delicious and truly authentic Balinese cuisine. Side note, she makes a mean banana pancake breakfast that I’m most definitely going to take back to the States.

I've been here for just about a month now and I've gotten to know each of them so well. Just thinking about all of their individual quirks and personality traits makes me smile. If I had to sum them up in a few words I'd say they love music, food, laughing, and being together as a family. They've grown on me tremendously and I considered them like family now.

Tell us about your time in Bali

Bali has been more than what I could have ever imagined. All the research I did prior from reading travel blogs and looking at pictures of the people and the island really didn't do this place justice.

I've had the privilege of staying in a really nice village just on the outskirts of the hustle and bustle of the main tourist attractions so I feel like I'm really in the thick of true Bali life.

I could sit here for hours writing about how safe I feel even at night, how the locals are so genuine in wanting to get to know you, how even though the heat can sometimes feel like you're stuck in a car with no A.C. you look around and realize it's well worth the sweat because this place is without a doubt mesmerizing. The list goes on but it wouldn't compare to actually jumping on a plane and experiencing it for yourself.

I've heard it said before that there is something magical about this island and I am a full-fledged believer.

Where to next?

I'd love to explore more of Southeast Asia - Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Myanmar, etc. because it's so affordable for shoe-string travelers like myself. I am open to going wherever the wind blows me, so suggestions are always welcome.

It's hard to say no to the freedom of traveling solo once you've tasted its sweet nectar but I can honestly say I will never turn down a friend or family member if they want to pack up and come along for the ride.

Would you recommend solo travel to others (particularly anyone who's hesitant to try it)?

Solo travel is an absolute must for everyone, especially those who are hesitant. It will push you to your limits and then even further and the payoff is so worth it. You learn that far off places of the world are so accessible and most people are just as curious about you as you are them.

Spending time with yourself is so important because no one will understand you better than you. So if you're teetering on whether you should go solo, just take the leap, buy the ticket and go! Don't wait for anyone else to live your life.

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