10 adventure holidays and outdoor vacations for you to see the world
What better way to explore a new destination than by going outside, discovering the sights first hand and learning about the culture through meeting the locals. We’ve put together a selection of our favourite homestay hosts who can offer you a holiday with a difference. Ski across Mount Blanc, discover southern Italy on horseback, hike through the Andean mountains to explore Machu Picchu or step aboard a yacht as you discover your next adventure.
1. Karen in Oban, Scotland
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Discover Scotland through a homestay with Karen. She’s been hosting for over 15 years and loves the interaction with her guests, making sure they experience all the local places of interest. From beaches, walking trails, cycling tracks, live music, good cooking and barbecues, her home in Oban offers it all. The house itself is placed within the town of Oban, in walking distance to all amenities and restaurants. Karen enjoys mountain biking and is happy to take guests with her so they can discover the landscape.
2. Silvia in Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Stay with Silvia and tick the Camino de Santiago off your bucket list! She lovingly restored her 400 year old home which is the perfect place to put your feet up after the pilgrimage walk of the Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St James. Silvia has a love of interior design and art and this creative flair is clearly seen throughout her colourful homestay. Silvia describes her area as “a beautiful city and a hidden gem.” The neighbourhood, barrio de San Pedro, is known as the entrance to the historic area of Santiago de Compostela. Full of family run restaurants and cafés, cultural festivals and beautiful parks, there is plenty to discover in this beautiful city, even if you'd rather skip the hiking part of the holiday!
3. Steph and Andy in Leros, Greece
Step on board this unusual homestay to explore the Greek islands with hosts Steph and Andy on their yacht, the Norna Biron. Experienced sailors, the 15m sailing yacht has been their home for the last eight years. Try your hand at water skiing, fishing, and diving straight from the yacht or simply relax in the hammock on the main deck at the end of the day. Steph and Andy will show you a side to Greece that most tourists never get to experience. If you want an unforgettable trip, this is the one for you.
Book a homestay with Steph and Andy.
4. Rocco in Accadia, Italy
If you love horses then Rocco’s homestay in the southern half of Italy is just what you’re looking for. He shares his country home with his wife, four children and the family’s four horses. The cottage is surrounded by open countryside and woodland, ideal for discovering on horseback during a long trek. The family regularly take their guests for guided treks to show them their favourite views in the area and can cater for families with young children. Apart from horse-riding, Rocco also loves to fish and cycle; his guests are welcome to borrow mountain bikes to discover Accadia.
5. Ralph in Sauverny, France
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Ralph’s homestay is the perfect escape for those looking for an outdoor retreat. His home is located in the beautiful French village of Sauverny, 200 metres from the boarder with Switzerland. It’s an ideal base for walking, hiking, skiing or touring France and Switzerland. The incredible views surrounding his home are second to none. The back garden boasts stunning views of Mont Blanc and from the front of the house you can enjoy scenery of Jura. Although Ralph’s home is surrounded by the countryside it’s easily accessed by Geneva airport which is only twenty minutes away by car.
6. Grzegorz in Zakopane, Poland
Meet Grzegorz, our host in the winter capital of Poland, Zapone. His spectacular cabin homestay is located close to Tatra National Park and Nosal ski resort so it's is the ideal home for any winter sports enthusiast or outdoor adventurer. There are excellent conditions for hiking through the mountains into the neighbouring Koscieliska valley throughout the year and for those who enjoy skiing, you’ll love the numerous peaks of the Western Tatra Mountains. The large family rooms in the homestay are perfect for those travelling with children or small groups and each room offers incredible views of the mountains and surrounding forest.
Book a homestay with Grzegorz.
7. Joan in Urubamba, Peru
Have you always dreamt of seeing Machu Picchu and hiking through the Andean mountains? You’ll love Joan’s homestay which is perfectly located for your trip. Her home is situated in the scenic setting of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and offers great views of the surrounding Andean mountains. Joan has been hosting guests from all over the world for the past two years. Her home is walking distance from Plaza las Armas where you can enjoy local restaurants serving traditional Peruvian food or take in the incredible food market.
8. María and Ruben in El Calafate, Argentina
Hosts María and Ruben live in an antique-filled rustic cottage in southern Argentina. They love all outdoor activities and their area is the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring the region. Visiting the spectacular National Park Los Glaciares is an absolute must. Located 45 minutes away by car, it is well worth the journey to take in the incredible glacier views or to kayak with María and Ruben among the icebergs. They love hosting as they get to share their culture and way of living as well as learning more about life in the different countries that their guests visit them from.
9. Andrew in Estcourt, South Africa
Andrew's homestay offers a retreat for those visiting the Drakensberg Mountains and is surrounded by their spectacular natural beauty. The homestay is built from a structure of straw bales, a traditional way of building in the area. The mountains offer lots of hiking trails for all experience levels and the region is also known for ancient bushman rock art which can be seen in many spots throughout the mountains. For those interested in horse riding, there are plenty of trails close to Andrew’s home. Andrew likes to use the best of ingredients when preparing food for his guests. He has his own organic vegetable garden, hens that produce fresh eggs every day and he even bakes his own bread.
10. Pierina in Puerto Maldonado, Peru
Stay with Pierina in her charming eco homestay for a nature retreat with a difference. Enjoy discovering the local dishes through the delicious vegetarian breakfast buffet made fresh for guests each day. Pierina teaches a yoga class every morning and all guests are welcome to join in. The homestay is located within the protected forestland of Peru and is a charming way to discover the jungle and the open-plan style rooms will make you feel fully immersed in the woodland surroundings. Pierina has been hosting for four years and told us that she loves learning about her guests by chatting to them in the evenings around the campfire.
Written by Michelle O'Beirne
Michelle has loved travel since childhood, when her Mum joined an airline & she travelled with her everywhere from Bordeaux to Barbados.
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