Hungry for Travel: How Food is Shaping Holiday Home Stays in Asia Pacific

Booking.com’s Taste of Home Asia Pacific report reveals a delicious trend: food is now a central force shaping how travelers choose and experience holiday homes across the region.

Culinary Travel Takes Center Stage
- 97% of travelers say they change their cooking and eating habits while on holiday.
- Holiday homes offer flexibility, privacy, and kitchen access, making them ideal for food-focused getaways.
- 82% of Australians have chosen destinations specifically to visit a restaurant or food spot.

Who’s Cooking Now?
- The traditional “mum as cook” role is fading—only 13% still default to her.
- Gen Z leads the kitchen revolution:
- 38% cook family recipes
- 23% cook their own meals
- 32% cook to host others

Kitchen Personas Emerging
Travelers are expressing their foodie identities through four distinct personas:
Traditionalist: Comfort foods, family recipes
Experimente: Tries new recipes and cooking methods
Minimalist: Prefers simple, quick meals
Socialite: Loves communal cooking and entertaining

Trolley Tourism & Portable Pantries
- 88% of Aussie travelers visit local markets; 96% among frequent holiday-home bookers.
- Travelers pack their own spices, sauces, coffee machines, and BBQ tools—creating a “portable pantry.”
- Popular stays include beach houses (48%), city apartments, and private villas.

Why It Matters
Holiday homes are no longer just places to sleep—they’re culinary playgrounds where travelers connect, experiment, and celebrate. Food is transforming these spaces into immersive cultural experiences.