"Home away from home" - accommodation providers often use this slogan to advertise their hospitality. The booking platform Booking.com has found out which places really feel like a home away from home and where people are the most hospitable.
It is often not spectacular landscapes or world-famous sights that make for an unforgettable trip, but the encounters with local people. The booking platform Booking.com has identified the destinations where locals are particularly friendly and where tourists feel welcome. These 8 places were voted the most hospitable in the world.
Despite overtourism and sometimes disrespectful travelers, they still exist: the moments when tourists are surprised or even touched by the courteous friendliness of a country's locals. It doesn't always have to be an emergency situation where locals rush to help. For example, you sit with a panino on the steps of Arezzo Cathedral and are brought plastic glasses of red wine by an elderly signora - because the bread roll "tastes much better" with it.
Guests who book their stay via Booking.com have similar travel stories to tell. From over 370 million verified reviews, the platform has now identified the places where authenticity and warm hospitality are convincing. These eight stand out in particular and also serve as inspiration for destinations that are still largely untouched by mass tourism:
Montepulciano, Italy
The rolling hills of Tuscany, Renaissance architecture and traditional wineries give the town an unmistakable charm. Family-run accommodation ensures that guests feel immediately welcome. Here, authentic culture blends with a warm welcome.
Magong, Taiwan
The harbor town on the Penghu Islands delights visitors with its relaxed island life and maritime flair. Hosts are happy to share local insider tips, and travelers appreciate the open, attentive nature of the locals.
San Martín de los Andes, Argentina
Nestled between lakes and mountains, the city is a paradise for nature lovers. The combination of outdoor adventures and warm hospitality makes every stay special.
Harrogate, Great Britain
Elegant parks, traditional teahouses and Victorian charm characterize the spa town. Visitors praise the attentiveness of the hosts, who combine modern service with British serenity.
Pirenópolis, Brazil
Colonial architecture and lush nature form the perfect backdrop for charming guesthouses, known as "pousadas". Guests appreciate the personal service and quickly feel at home.
Swakopmund, Namibia
At the intersection of the desert and the Atlantic, the city offers both adventure and relaxation. According to travelers, feel-good factors are the reserved cordiality of the Namibians and accommodation with a family character.
Noosa Heads, Australia
Beaches, national parks and a relaxed lifestyle make the coastal town attractive. At the same time, hosts attach great importance to quality and personal service.
Klaipėda, Lithuania
The lively port city surprises with its maritime history and creative cultural scene. Small hotels and guesthouses create a personal atmosphere in which visitors are often welcomed with genuine warmth.
