Friendstay (for hosts)

Hey there — thanks for spending your time on this webpage. I hope it resonates with you.

I’m experimenting with a low-impact, minimalist way of living and traveling that I’m calling Friendstay. My first two hosts have given me the confidence to try this more intentionally as a form of regional nomadism and Earth-conscious living, rooted in friendship and community.

I feel community and human connection are becoming rare in modern life — between the rise of AI, a cultural push toward self-sufficiency, and a quiet drift toward isolation.

Friendstay is my way of leaning in the opposite direction: connecting with people on deeper communal levels and strengthening our shared human experience.

Here’s the gist: I'm practicing near-total non-ownership and travel extremely light (two backpacks and a small bag of groceries). Aside from a few sentimental relics left with family and friends, these are my only material possessions. Week to week, I cook simple meals and carry my own sleeping mat and bedding; so my hosts don’t need an extra bed, couch, or any special setup — just a flat spot I can lie down overnight and a few square feet for my things (ideally at room temperature).

I’m looking for hosts who can accommodate my simple needs for short stays of either 3 nights or 1 week, whichever feels right.

In exchange — and in harmony with the mission behind Friendstay — I offer:

• friendship and cultural exchange
• a healthy dinner or two (I cook and provide the ingredients)
• light chore help (cleaning dishes, tidying, taking out trash — basic support)
• a small thank-you gift (monetary or otherwise, as appreciated)

Hosting is meant to feel easy. I’m self-contained, tidy, mindful, and low-impact. I handle my own cooking and cleanup, and my aim is always to blend into the household rhythm rather than add to it.

So! If you — or anyone you think might be interested — has a free corner of floor space, an open living-room spot, or even a flat area in the backyard for a few days, and wouldn’t mind hosting a calm, respectful guest, I’d be grateful for a place to land.

Thank you so much for considering — truly. Whether or not we can work out a stay, I appreciate your openness. 🙏

P.S. If you’re curious about the philosophy behind Friendstay, you can read more here at matthewavl.com/friendstay, where I'll be chronicling my experiences and learnings.