When I visit a new city, I don’t just want tick off a list of tourist attractions, I like to get to know the city. Where do the locals eat, where do they go out for drinks and what do they do in their spare time – because that’s what I’m interested in too!
So whenever I go travelling, I try to stay at apartments that feel like home. For instance, we stayed at that cute apartment in Lisbon right in the heart of the Old Town surrounded by local restaurants and bars. Or in Milan we had that cosy apartment in a beautiful residential area where we bumped into a super friendly Italian guy who gave us some great tips for the city. But the other day, I thought it would be amazing to stay at a place that is different to home – like a houseboat or even a lighthouse by the sea.
That’s when I came across Booka Rentals. It’s a holiday accommodation platform that lets you book extraordinary places such as houseboats, glampings, lighthouses and treehouses around the world. Plus, ice hotels and haunted houses are in the pipeline too. Exactly what I was looking for!
1. Houseboat
I went to Amsterdam a long time ago and ever since wanted to go back and why not stay in style?! Looking through all the options on Rent a Houseboat, there seems to be something for everyone’s needs and budget. One houseboat that caught my eye, is in the historic old harbour with the opportunity to go swimming from the deck next to the boat and a private terrace to relax – I mean, doesn’t that sound great?! Plus, for £58/night it’s totally affordable even for a budget traveller such as me.
2. Lighthouse
I love the sea and can totally imagine myself staying in a lighthouse. I find it super relaxing to watch the ocean and listening to the seagulls. I love a good view, but I can get a bit scared of heights. Luckily, staying in a lighthouse doesn’t always mean that you stay at the top. Sometimes, they do have a cottage on the ground floor which would be perfect for me.
3. Glamping
When I was little, we used to go camping all the time. I still enjoy being outside in the nature but haven’t been camping recently because of the lack of ‘luxury’. Glamping seems to be the perfect way to combine the proximity to the nature and a bit of luxury. So that’s something I would definitely try as well – now I just have to convince Charlie!
4. Treehouse
More childhood memories and another amazing way to spend your holidays: Living in the treetops surrounded by amazing views, quietness and birds. An experience I certainly wouldn’t forget and it also makes a great story to tell people.
Now it’s your turn: Would you consider staying on a houseboat or in any of the above? What is your ideal holiday accommodation? Let me know in the comments section below.
photo credit: Booka Rentals
4 Comments
Nina Martin
6. January 2017 at 9:53 amWater is one of Amsterdam’s defining characteristics. An original way to enjoy Amsterdam is to stay on one of the city’s houseboats,located in some of the city’s most picturesque spots, these floating bed & breakfasts are fully equipped and conveniently located. You actually get to know the city from a different perspective and experience something truly unique
Thomas Mulrooney
13. September 2016 at 3:38 pmI went to Amsterdam as part of my honeymoon last month (we also went to London) and one of the things we did was go on a cheese and wine boat tour down the canals. We had a great guide and one of the things he pointed out were the houseboats moored up on the canals.
It felt a bit voyeuristic looking through the windows of these boats as we went past, but I’m guessing they’re used to it. The majority of them looked amazing and even better than my house! I was really surprised at how luxurious they were inside, and it made me a bit jealous of that lifestyle.
We stayed at a hotel called Die Port Van Cleve just near Dam Square when we were there, but I’ll definitely look into renting a houseboat for the next time we go (and we will go back as we loved it!).
Sina Meyer
10. October 2016 at 5:41 pmThanks for sharing Thomas! That sounds amazing and I’d totally be the same looking through the windows to get a glimpse of their lifestyle 🙂
I always wanted to stay on a houseboat, so definitely have to go to Amsterdam again.
DiarionViaggio wins Booka Blogging Contest 2016 - English
1. July 2016 at 12:39 pm[…] – Secret-Traveller.com with the article ‘4 Awesome Holiday AccommodationsYou Must Try’ […]