Houseboats

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What is a houseboat?

As its name implies, a houseboat is a type of lodging that's over water, whether it's a lake, a river, or a canal. A houseboat is a great option if you're looking for a quirky way to spend your vacation. These picks vary widely in terms of style and luxury, and you can choose from a range that includes posh yachts and vintage boats.

Why should I stay in a houseboat?

There are plenty of perks that come with choosing a houseboat over conventional accommodation. Opting to move your sleeping quarters off dry land onto water is an adventure in itself. But you could also get the convenience of being able to move your accommodation from one place to another if you opt to rent a houseboat that you can actually sail down a waterway.


Where do you find houseboats?

The city of Srinagar, nestled between the peaks of the Indian Himalayas, has had houseboats on its lake for many centuries. The houseboats you can rent here now tend to be stationary, but travel down to Kerala and you'll be able to book yourself a stay on a mobile houseboat. These lodging options are also available in laid-back Mediterranean destinations, as well as opulent getaways in the US, where you can rent a yacht with a sunbathing deck and other luxuries.


How much does it cost to stay in a houseboat?

Houseboat rental rates depend on the type of vessel you're booking. A basic houseboat in Srinagar or a Keralan skiff, for instance, will cost you less than 100 dollars. If you choose to go all out on your vacation and rent a swanky yacht featuring large, ritzy rooms and the services of a skipper, you can expect to shell out thousands of dollars a day.


How to book a houseboat

Interested in booking a houseboat? You can just go to Expedia and do the same steps that you would when searching for a conventional hotel. Expedia's search engine will allow you to filter the results according to accommodation type, and give you the option of bundling your accommodation with flights and car rentals.

What do houseboats offer?

Staying on a houseboat gives you an unforgettable experience that no other types of vacation stays can. No other lodging allows you to take it with you wherever you go. The sense of mobility that you get by sailing from one destination to another is exhilarating. A houseboat is also a great medium for immersing yourself in the local culture. If you stay on a houseboat in Kerala, for example, you'll get the opportunity to meet the residents of the area's backwater homes. Similarly, you could be a nature explorer when you stay on a lakeside boat in a mountainous region.


Houseboats vs hotels

What's the difference between houseboats and hotels? If you're an intrepid traveller who's eager to try something new, choosing between staying in a conventional hotel room and a quirky houseboat is quite easy. You'll have plenty of opportunities to explore a destination's culture, heritage, and history when you're travelling at your own pace and leisure on a houseboat. Keep in mind that if you stay on a standard boat, your lodging will most likely be basic, with no-frills sleeping quarters below deck and shared bathrooms.


Houseboat close to me

On Expedia, you can easily search for a houseboat nearby and before you know it, you'll have found the perfect aquatic accommodation. You'll have a considerable number of choices all around the world, from the lakes of northern India to the quaint canals of the Netherlands, each houseboat with its distinct quirks and vibe.