From riad to ryokan: How authentic and alternative accommodations are fuelling the curious global traveller

A race to be the first, a desire to live like a local, and a continued focus on value for money – reveals what is driving travellers to stay in homes, tree houses, boats and beyond

Ever dreamt of staying in a secluded lodge to observe wildlife in its natural habitat? Or of spending a holiday in an idyllic country house? Well, you are not the only one., the global leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, has today released new research coupled with its own global data to reveal what inspires travellers to look further than the familiar and leap into the unknown by selecting alternative places to stay for their next holiday.


Desire to be different

Holidays are an opportunity to mix up the normal routine and to try something new, with research revealing one third of global travellers (37%)* plan to stay at least once in a unique accommodation like a castle or treehouse and 30% saying they would book a villa, holiday home or apartment in 2019.

The research also discovered that travellers are on a mission to express their individuality, while also striving to impress their friends, with 26% of global travellers turning to accommodation types that make a statement and is unique so they can look like a trendsetter.

Live like a local

Staying in alternative accommodation types can also offer an inspiring change of perspective and unlock authentic experiences. It allows travellers to explore the local surroundings of the destination and embrace a home away from home.

It gives them the opportunity to find hidden gems only locals would know about, with almost half (49%)** of global travellers agreeing that staying in a home-type accommodation lets them see areas of a city or parts of a country that they wouldn’t have explored otherwise.

Budget Friendly

Aside from allowing travellers to explore destinations like locals, alternative types of accommodation can also offer the opportunity of more affordable travel. With so much of the world waiting to be discovered, this is one major incentive that almost half (45%)** of global travellers agree with, stating that staying in a home-type accommodation allows them to feel that they are getting the most value for their money.

Olivier Grémillon, Vice President at, explains: “We are seeing a clear trend among travellers to try unique types of accommodations and we understand that the perfect stay may look different for each of them.” “So, whether it’s an icy igloo, a cosy cabin or luxury villa you’re after – offers more than 5.8 million instantly bookable homes, apartments and other unique places to stay to make sure that your next special experience is just a few clicks away.”