Immersive ways to travel
When I think back on the most memorable moments from my trip so far, they’ve all been about connection—with people, places, and new ways of living. Slow mornings, learning a new culture, meeting locals, and sharing good conversation. If that kind of travel calls to you too, here are three immersive ways I’ve explored the world—and how you can too:
1. House Sitting with TrustedHousesitters
About two months into our trip, we booked a house sit through TrustedHousesitters. We knew we’d need a break, and wanted to slow down, reset, and get a feel for everyday life in a new place.
Our sit was in a small town in Nova Scotia, in a beautiful home right on the water, with four dogs to care for. The owners were away on holiday, so in exchange for looking after the house and animals, we stayed rent-free. It was the perfect pause—a chance to breathe, save money, and enjoy simple pleasures like walking the dogs at sunrise and cooking at home.
It’s such a great way to live like a local and keep your travel budget in check—especially on long trips.
2. WWOOFing
Early into our time in Canada, we signed up to WWOOF and spent two weeks working on a farm on Vancouver Island. I wanted to meet locals, slow things down, and personally, I was keen to get some hands-on experience working the land.
The experience gave us a beautiful rhythm to our days—working in the mornings, sharing meals with our hosts, and enjoying free time in nature. Most WWOOF hosts offer free accommodation and food in exchange for a few hours of help each day, and it’s such a rewarding way to contribute and connect.
3. Homestay.com
If you’re curious about culture and community, Homestay.com is a great place to start. While travelling solo in Japan, I spent four nights in a rural town just outside Tokyo with a young woman who hosted through the site.
Each day she took us out on a new adventure—tea houses, strawberry picking, hiking—and we’d often share dinner and stories in the evenings. She even introduced us to her family. It was such a heartfelt, authentic way to learn about Japanese culture and make real connections along the way.
At Camp Hoppi, we value local experiences, hopping off the beaten path, supporting small communities, and learning about the world through real connection. These three platforms have helped me do exactly that while travelling independently—and the best part? You can try them for a weekend or for months at a time.
Have any immersive travel experiences or platforms you love? I’d love to hear them—drop your ideas below ✨
