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I'm planning on going to Estonia (alternatively Lithuania and/or Latvia) and I'd like to experience a normal Tallinn/Riga/Vilnius life. I'm referring to the small thing, such as (but of course not limited to) eating a breakfast. If I stay at a hotel, I know that I'll have some bacon, eggs and coffee with a croissant. As I do at every hotel.

So this time, my plan is to see the real way of the locals.

Hence, I have two questions.

  1. Is it wise to do that in Estonia to begin with or should I have consideration against it?
  2. If it is, where can I get in touch with locals willing to host me (I'm willing to pay and I have no special requirements)?
gerrit
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Konrad Viltersten
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1 Answers1

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Airbnb and Couchsurfing are two services often used to find accommodation hosted by locals.

Airbnb accommodation is paid and varies from mansions to hay bales. By specifying "Shared room" or "Private room" in your search, you can often find rooms, mattresses, etc. in apartments or houses occupied by locals. The degree of interaction with your host depends on the specific stay; reading descriptions and reviews will help you find the experience you want.

Couchsurfing is free of charge, but guests are expected to contribute a reasonable amount in terms of conversation, chores, maybe a gift, etc (leave your accommodation nicer than you found it).

You can probably find the homestay experience you're looking for on either site, the difference being that, because of Airbnb's cost, its hosts will generally expect slightly less in terms of nonmonetary contribution from guests (although gifts, conversation, and helping with chores are certainly welcome).

On the whole, accommodation from either site will be safe and pleasant; as with any part of the sharing economy, reviews and ratings provide information you can use to increase your chances of a positive experience.

Urbana
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