Homestays - the cheap, local way to travel

Homestays are a great way to save money, get to know locals, gain insider's tips about the local area and minimise your impact on the environment. They are the next step up from the popular couchsurfing network - it may not be free, but for a low price you'll have your own comfortable room, generally en-suite, and you'll still benefit from having a genuinely personal experience. Homestays can be found in many popular European cities and are a wonderful budget alternative for pricey chain-like hotels prevalent in urban areas.

Stephen Rapoport is the founder of CrashpadderGreentraveller has teamed up with the Crashpadder network to feature a range of fantastic homestays in European cities. The company's founder, Stephen Rapoport, says:

"Crashpadder.com is an accommodation marketplace for those of us who want to save money when we travel, whilst reducing our carbon footprints. As Crashpads are spare bedrooms in friendly locals’ homes they are not only more affordable but also more sustainable, having little or no incremental carbon footprint associated with each stay.

Carbon Coach Dave Hampton carried out an independent assessment of Crashpadder.com rooms environmental impact and determined that they have a carbon footprint that is 80%-90% smaller than that of the equivalent hotel stay."

**************************

Top five homestays in Europe:

Gorgeous homestay just outside of Florence

Homestay in Florence, italy

A wonderful twin room with en suite bathroom in a tranquil homestay overlooking the Chianti Hills. Within easy distance to vibrant Florence, this budget option even includes breakfast or an evening meal.

See the full listing of Homestay in Florence

Stunning roof terrace of the West London homestayHomestay in West London, UK

A luxurious double bedroom in a gorgeous grade II listed property in West London. Only a 5 minute walk from Paddington and just minutes from vibrant Notting Hill and beautiful Kensington Gardens. Great value for money in central London.

See the full listing of Homestay in West London

Homestay in Barcelona, Spain

Attractive en suite double bedroom with stunning garden and in an amazing location near the buzzing local cafes, restaurants, independent shops and the beach of Barcelona.

See the full listing of Homestay in Barcelona

The fully equipped kitchen of the Ghent houseboat homestayHouseboat homestay in Ghent, Belgium

A unique 2 bedroom houseboat in Ghent, with fully equipped kitchen and panoramic views of the canal. A great value, quirky and comfortable base from which to explore the cobbled streets, restaurants and numerous cafes of Ghent.

See the full listing of Homestay in Ghent

Homestay in Brighton, UK

Modern en-suite bedroom overlooking a peaceful garden, within easy distance to the quirky seaside town of Brighton and the beach. Perfect for a good value weekend away by the sea.

See the full listing of Homestay in Brighton