There are people who define themselves as true nomads. A tent or changing a hostel a day is the same to them, because looking around is the only thing that matters.
And then… there are travellers like me (and many of you), who like travelling but need a place to call home no matter where they go and how long they will stay.
Maybe you don’t know that this kind of strange home-loving-nomads are able to learn much about their destination and enjoy it also thanks to the accommodation.
From Costa Rica beach house to the interior living philosophy of Northern Europe, from the small classy apartments in the hearts of European cities to the crazy interiors and window views in Valletta, let’s see some kind of accommodation that will allow you to learn a lot about your destination and live it like if you were home.
A place to enjoy the landscape
jon flobrant – unsplash
There are countries whose essence and local philosophy of life is bound to local wild nature, with vegetation that you’ll hardly see anywhere else in the world.
Costa Rica (the happiest country in the world according to the happy planet index) is an example of it. Green and peace is what makes the difference in this country that is actually one of the most peaceful (in all senses) and safe in the world.
Costa Rica is the headquarters for the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and there’s the seat of the United Nations‘ University for Peace, they have no defence army and local policies are aimed at the peaceful wellbeing of citizens.
If you visit this country, a home in the green where the sound of the air and water is a constant companion is what you need to get into the local mood. A place that lets you fully enjoy the contemplation of that immense wildness, allowing you to discover and understand more than what you could get from dozens of travel guides.
Northern attitude and way of life, conveyed through the interiors
Those who know me personally and those who follow me on Instagram (from this moment on, you’ll be one of them, right? 😉 ) know that I have two attitudes: the first is to try to live with few, little frills, giving space just to the important things and the bare essential: I periodically get rid of the unnecessary and make room for new things. I try to be as less detrimental as possible to the environment both with my eating and living habits.
I learned when I was in Stockholm that in Sweden they have a name for this attitude, i.e. Lagom.
Lately, I’ve grown fond of a new (for me) northern Europe concept: the Danish Hygge. I have always wondered what was that sense of well-being I feel with soft lights on, candles, a comfortable sofa, a good book and a few loved ones next to me. No need to talk (I understand this may sound weird for an Italian girl), sharing silence is a way to get more intimate.
I thought the only reason of this attitude was that I’m not 20 years old anymore and I’ve become boring but that wasn’t an acceptable explanation, since I was like that even in my 20s.
kinga cichewicz – unsplash
Then I understood that this attitude, quite weird in Italy where we like to go out and have fun, talk much and make noise, has an exact name in Denmark, and it’s Hygge (I learned it thanks to my passion for interior design to tell the truth), that is, happiness in the messy but cosy intimacy of one’s home.
I do not know why I love hygge… maybe because when I was a creature of the enchanted forest I lived in the North.
I recommend that you take a long trip to Sweden and / or Denmark and spend time with the locals if possible, to understand this aspect of both countries and make it somehow “yours”
If you can, go there during the long cold season: it will be hard at the beginning but you’ll learn about the importance of waiting. Waiting for the snow to melt, waiting to have something interesting to say before talking. And you’ll get the importance of sharing. Sharing moments of intimacy, sharing the same sofa while doing two different things and sharing silence.
Local history experienced from a home in the old town
A window over Madrid
What’s the main feature that distinguishes Mid and South Europe (quite crowded) towns from the rest of the world?
I’ll tell you what: architecture and history, what in Italy they call the Centro Storico.
Old towns are full of history and still highly populated in Europe: they keep on being the beating heart of city life. No matter if there’s no space to park the car or the personal living space is very tiny, no matter the city and crowd noises, living in the old historic area is still the most fashionable and enviable opportunity in Italy, France, Spain, Germany, Portugal, England.
If you come from the North of Europe or from any country where the personal living space is very wide (US, Canada, America, Scandinavia) I suggest you spend a period living in an apartment located at the heart of an old historic town.
You’ll learn about the importance of being close to people, the charm of communicating from one window to the other as if mobile phones had never been invented, the challenge of a true, not virtual, community.
Living in a small historic apartment in any old town of any European city will make you live, love and understand the past and the bonds between history and modernity of any of these places.
Try and imagine having your first coffee in the morning while watching out of the window of an apartment in the heart of Montmartre in Paris.
It will be like having your first portion of local discovery while you relax and have breakfast.
Do the same in Valletta.
This is one of the weirdest cities in Europe, with both an Arabic and European landscape, and an architecture that tried to imitate the colonies’ style but can’t help preserving an original and unique touch.
Choose your apartment in one of the lovely old towns in Italy and, after a couple of days, you’ll have neighbours and… friends that will be friends forever.
Travelling also means this, in the end: living, loving, learning… being shocked by local culture.
36 Comments
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Sabrina
This is really a great post. Traveling is one of a great idea about giving yourself a break and going to some great adventures like exploring every places. Thanks for sharing this post!
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Neha Rai
Some great tips here. If one can save on accommodation cost, they can spend more in other areas. I use Couch surfing when I travel to Europe. People are very friendly and accommodating. Thanks for sharing.
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Karla
You hit the nail on the head! I am very particular in choosing an accommodation. However, I only stay on a hotel if it’s sponsored. If I’m on a budget, I choose to mingle with other travelers staying in a hostel.
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Samantha
I couldn’t agree more with this post. I think an accommodation is definitely key in having a great trip! Seems like you picked an amazing place for your trip!
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Stephanie
I love the idea of going away and finding a cute place to stay and making new friends whilst on holiday
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Sarmistha Goswami
Costa Rica seems like a lovely place. I never thought about visiting it but now I do, after reading your post 🙂 I too look for homely comfort even when am travelling, so I can totally relate to your thoughts here. Thanks for sharing.
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Cristina
Accommodation is so important for me when I travel. I’m definitely more into the fluffy pillows, blankets and candles vibe!
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Vanessa Costa
What a cool post! Super manual for those who want to travel independently and enjoy the trip! For me, accommodation is the important part of my trip.
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Amalia
The right accommodation can make such a difference when out and about exploring! Costa Rica must be amazing, I just imagine green nature everywhere!!
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Javier sarmiento
i never traveled anywhere outside the United States, but from your description, it’s great! i love the imagery as well.
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Ana Ojha
I have never stayed in Airbnb or tried Couchsurfing but I have always lived in hotels. I feel more comfortable staying in a hotel rather than sharing my room with someone. Whenever I’m booking any hotel, I’m obsessed with the view from the room’s window…lol!
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Komal
Seems like you are a person who knows how to travel well! Costa Rica has been on my bucket list and I love the places you stayed!
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David Elliott
All this just reminds me that I need to go out and do some more traveling. I do love to travel and I love. your thoughts on it. I know that vistas and landscapes make all the difference.
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Trisha
I don’t get to travel often. But this is a useful resource to keep in mind when I do. Thanks for sharing.
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Stephanie Sherlock
It’s true. You have to make sure your accommodations are going to make you happy. If you are a no frills traveler than any accommodations will do but if you care about your accommodations you don’t want to fill like you settled on a trip or vacation. I like to end my trip with a few days at the nicest place I can afford, then I know I the special feeling and magic of 5 star accommodations will be with me when I leave.
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Sabrina - In My Suitcase
traveling is cuddling ourselves. So, why con’t we cuddle in the very best way?
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Nayna Kanabar
I love this post when I get a chance to travel, I try and source affordable accommodation that is in a safe area and its clean. Obviously good location is also important and great views too.
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Vanessa Palma
I love the idea of a house like the one in Madrid. I have rented many homes and rented out of BnBs during my travels and enjoy them so much more than a hotel.
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EG III
The most memorable part of travel for me does not consist of guided tours and landmarks. But, as you say, embracing the local culture through living, loving and learning. It’s a truly beautiful thing to walk away from a destination with more than just photos, but lifelong friends.
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Rose
I haven’t traveled very far but I do take into account the price of things, compare pricing as well as check with people I know have visited that area.
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suchi
Ah this is so informative and helpful.Lot of things to actually think about when booking a location, it’s so good to know.
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Laurence
Thanks for the tips! An accommodation with a great view is worth it after the tiring day of touring around. And you can even stay/stop for 1 day just to enjoy the place too before leaving.
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Lilia
Ah this is so informative and helpful. I honestly don’t even think about these things when booking a location but it’s so good to know. X
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inbar shahak
Sound like you travel well and really getting to know culture and people during your travels, I had no idea that Costa Rica is the happiest place in the world, it does make a lot of sense, I come from extremely loud nation as well so I can totally understand your need of quiet 🙂
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Soonjoo
Great post to read! I travel often but I never thought about these accommodation hay makes travel much great experience.
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Melanie williams
Great post. I always book a room with a review or in a place which has the landscape at your doorstep, then I can simply enjoy and relax x
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London Mumma
I have never gone down the Airbnb route, but it is something that I am planning on experiencing this year.