Visiting a new country is an adventure in itself. Because houseboat rentals are so popular and geared toward tourists, most local rental companies have an online presence that allows you to view pictures of their properties and pricing options before you book. A simple search online will return a handful of easily accessible results on any of these locations, helping you decide how and where to spend your next vacation.
Dal Lake, Srinagar, India
Kashmir is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque places in the world. Srinagar, considered the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is home to Dal Lake. Surrounded on three sides by snow-capped Himalayan peaks, Mughal gardens and floating lotus gardens, it is nicknamed “the crown jewel of Kashmir”. Houseboat rentals here are surprisingly affordable. For an average cost of INR 2,000 per night ($37 or more, depending on the conversion rate), two people can rent a very spacious houseboat with all the amenities common in the area. Prices go up for Wi-Fi and full service for all meals.
Murray River, Australia
The Murray River, Australia’s longest river, meanders through the Australian Alps and ends in the southwestern region of the country. Native Australians and a handful of international tourists flock to the Murray River on vacation as a way to take in the natural beauty of Down Under and unwind from their hectic, technology-infused lives. Rental companies along the Murray River offer everything from budget rentals to five-star accommodation. Depending on the season and type of charter boat, one-week rental prices range from $1,200 to $4,400 Australian dollars. Rentals usually include a capacity of 5 to 8 people.
Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe
Lake Kariba, directly on the Zimbabwe-Zambia border, offers a number of houseboats that allow travelers to spend time exploring Africa’s natural beauty in luxury. The man-made lake, built in the late 1950s and early 1960s, is adjacent to two national parks and two safari areas in Zimbabwe. It is also a popular place for lovers of fishing with species such as Vund, Barbo, Labeo, Bagre, Tilapia and tiger fish, among others. Houseboats are usually available with a nightly rental fee, ranging from $250 to $1,700 per night.
Whangaroa Harbour, New Zealand
Just 25 miles north of the Bay of Islands, Whangaroa Harbor is surrounded by beautiful green landscapes including rocky cliffs, green mountain-like islands and inlets, startlingly blue water, sea caves, volcanic rock formations and some of the pristine oceans. wildlife in its natural habitat. If you’re lucky, you might even see some visiting orca whales. Also, because New Zealand is in the subtropics, the beautiful summers and warm winters make Whangaroa Harbor a comfortable getaway no matter the time of year. Houseboat rental companies here want to give you the best possible experience and even give you a full operational and safety briefing when you board. Well-maintained boat rental prices range from $700 for a weekend to $2,000 or more for a full week.
Amsterdam, Holland
Originally, houseboats in Amsterdam expanded housing for a population of buildings with limited land options. Today, they have become a fashionable way of living, or at least vacationing, in one of Europe’s most popular cities. Houseboats sit on the Amstel River or one of the city’s many canals, giving residents easy access to urban life. When booking, guests can choose houseboats that are stationary or can navigate the city’s waterways. Houseboats, like land-based rentals, come in a variety, from a small private home to a shared bed and breakfast. Daily rates start at €65 and go up to €300.
No matter where you’re going in the world or which location you want to check off on your bucket list below, there are plenty of ways to travel beyond traditional transportation and accommodation options. Houseboats, with their ease of mobility and relative affordability, allow you to see an entire area without navigating heavy traffic or hectic train schedules. Houseboat vacations are a great way to create memories for a lifetime.
