Thursday, May 26, 2016

SERVAS International Homestays


Ted.  Two challenges often arise while traveling. How can one reduce one’s spending and how can one meet real people in other countries? For some folks, an answer to both of these issues is Servas. Founded in Denmark shortly after WWII, members of this international organization believe they are creating “World peace, one conversation at a time!” The concept is simple. Servas travelers enjoy two night homestays with Servas hosts free of charge. Payment is made with time spent exchanging experiences, cultures and ideas. Judy and I have been Servas hosts and occasional travelers since 1981. Our son once said, “It would be OK if I never travelled again because the entire world has sat at our dining room table.” In contrast to programs like Couchsurfing, Servas travelers and hosts are carefully screened so that everyone is safe and positive experiences are the norm.  We have made lifelong friendships in several countries and all we had to do was open our home and show complete strangers good, old-fashioned American hospitality. To learn more about how to host international guests, or stay with hosts in other countries, visit usservas.org in the US and servas.org in other countries.  And yes, Servas homestays will be an important part of our future travel plans!

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