A farm stay is a specialty vacation that allows travelers to have an immersive experience either working on a farm or assisting with farm-related upkeep while learning about nature.
Farm stays have recently gained popularity in the United States, though they have been common internationally for decades. People today—particularly millennials—have developed a keen interest in exploring nature, sustainability, and farm-to-table dining, which is why farm stay vacations are most popular among this group.
Not only ideal for millennials, farm stays offer something for everyone. They are great for empty-nesters looking to check things off their bucket lists, busy professionals in desperate need of sabbaticals, and families who want to expose their children to real-world nature excursions.
These rustic getaways are a far cry from traditional luxury vacations, but farm stays are highly sought-after experiences that few get to partake in. They allow vacationers to serve as both guests and farmhands. Here, we will explore the ins and outs of farm stay vacations and share some helpful tips for making the most of one.
What’s Different about a Farm Stay Vacation?
A farm stay is very different from traditional vacation experiences involving resort-like atmospheres. What makes these vacations so different is the fact that nearly everything you experience will involve direct participation. From helping out with farm-related chores to participating in group outdoor activities, there are plenty of opportunities to commune with nature on a personal level.
Instead of being constantly entertained and pampered, farm stays are a great way for individuals and families to feel as if they are making a contribution. Though these can be considered working vacations, farm stays allow you to reconnect with nature and experience a simpler way of life. Farm stay experiences vary depending on the company you choose to go with but there are a variety of experiences for families, couples, and solo travelers.
Important Things to Know about Farm Stays
Every farm offers visitors a unique experience, and vacation farms typically focus on a specialty. For example, a dairy farm may offer guests a chance to experiment with making cheese, or visitors can work with plants on a vegetable farm and use fresh ingredients to prepare meals.
Schedules on farms also vary widely, mostly because farm life starts much earlier in the day than many people want to get up on a typical vacation. This is something to consider when researching farm stay vacations, particularly if you plan to bring children along. Some farms are strictly adults-only and feature a combination of interactive farm activities as well as standard resort experiences like spa treatments and leisure activities.
Another thing to keep in mind is the cost of accommodations and meals. As with traditional vacations, the cost of farm stays is largely based on the amenities and activities offered. Some farm stays allow visitors to stay for low- or no-cost in exchange for helping out with farm work, while others charge a standard per-night rate.
Farm stays offer a range of accommodation options, including cabins, tents, and bed-and-breakfast-style rooms. Most farm stays offer breakfast; others include meals that consist solely of food produced on the farm itself. Always check with your travel agent to plan the farm stay that works best for your needs.
Is a Farm Stay Right for You?
Deciding to forgo a luxury vacation for a farm stay has many benefits and can show you a way of life you may not have experienced before. If you are a nature enthusiast or are looking for a way to unplug from the hustle and bustle of city life, a farm stay vacation may be right for you.
For children, farm stays can be particularly beneficial, teaching them core values like empathy and teamwork as they work to maintain the land and care for animals. Parents can reconnect with their children by sharing stories about their farm stay experience. Couples or solo travelers can have some much-needed time away from the pressures of the corporate environment.
Farm stays consists of more than just attending to animals and learning about agriculture. Many farm stays offer activities like outdoor sports as well as communal campfires, fishing, bird watching, and even cattle herding. If you are okay with getting dirty and learning something new, a farm stay may be right for you.
Always remember to do your research on proper farm attire, accommodations, and what you can expect from a farm stay experience. Following these tips will ensure that your farm stay vacation is memorable and meaningful.