Traveling does not only include going somewhere on the world. It becomes much more intense and fulfilling when you meet people, talk to locals, experience a country's culture. Staying with a local is a great chance to do so:) The other way around, it makes interesting people come and stay at your place and completes the circle of "give and take" :)

I lived in Canada for a while and went to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia for a week during winter when no one else went there. So mainly there were we and the locals. After bringing back rented skis, a nice lady began talking to us and after a while invited us to her home to have some food with them although we never met before. I have never experienced this unbelievable frankness, trust and friendliness by a stranger ever before and after. This little gesture impressed and kind of shaped me in a very positive way:)