Booking.com launches ‘Taste of Home Asia Pacific’ research revealing that food is playing a central role in shaping the holiday home experience in 2025. Travelers across the region are increasingly selecting holiday homes that offer accessibility and freedom to dine, host and/or cook in unique, authentic spaces and destinations. These culinary moments are becoming more than just mealtime, they are opportunities for connection, cultural immersion and creating lasting memories that transform food into cultural gateways rather than just travel highlights.
The diversity of food trends and preferences profoundly influences how travelers explore the world, with holiday homes emerging as the accommodation of choice for culinary exploration. Holiday homes are a chosen accommodation type for this culinary exploration, with 97% of APAC foodies altering their cooking and eating habits whilst traveling.
For the Thai market, Holiday homes have become a popular choice among Thai travelers seeking authentic local experiences, whether through tasting regional cuisine or spending quality time with family. The top five preferred types of accommodation for Thai travelers: Beach House at number one (57%), followed by private villas (32%). Guesthouses or homestays rank next (31%), with glamping (29%) or tent stays and rural retreats (26%) completing the list.
In addition to holiday homes, dining out is also a holiday highlight for foodie travelers, with 54% regularly eating at local restaurants whilst abroad. Additionally, 34% book holiday homes for better access to local dining experiences. Ultimately, 88% of Thai travelers have chosen a destination solely to visit a particular restaurant or food establishment. This led to the “chef” role in holiday homes to shift. Only 22% of Thai travelers default to their mum as cook. Younger generations are now confidently taking the lead, blending family recipes with new ideas. Gen Z (25%) most often cooks family recipes, compared to Millennials (19%), Gen X (21%), and Boomers (18%).
Beyond dining at local restaurants, many Thai travelers also enjoy sourcing fresh ingredients from local markets and preparing their own meals during their stay. Popular dishes include seafood dishes (51%), BBQ or grilled meals (48%), shared group meals (33%), breakfast dishes (31%), and local or regional specialties (22%). A growing trend highlights a shift toward communal cooking or group cooking (45%), with travelers favoring quicker and easier recipes (33%) and cooking local dishes from the area they’re holidaying in (32%).
Thai travelers expect holiday homes to have essential facilities such as basic cookware (73%), outdoor cooking facilities (62%). Scenic outdoor dining areas are also increasingly appealing to guests (62%). The preference for homestays over other types of accommodation stems largely from the privacy they offer, as well as greater freedom to dine without fixed mealtimes (45%) and the flexibility to choose between cooking or eating out (31%).
“Booking.com’s Taste of Home research shows that food continues to be at the heart of holiday home travel. Travelers are increasingly choosing holiday homes not only for comfort, but for the chance to explore authentic local experiences and embark on culinary journeys that inspire and connect them to the community. These stays become lively experiences where guests can genuinely connect with the destination and feel at home—a true home away from home—through shared meals, local tastes, and the joy of cooking together.” says Branavan Aruljothi, Area Manager at Booking.com.
