"Sharing economy" website Airbnb enables people across the world to rent out their homes and spare rooms.It's become very popular with tourists looking to get a little closer to the locals than the typical five-star hotel allows. Here are the fastest-growing destinations, judged by annual growth in bookings.
Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan +7,000%
Bargain-hunting travellers have flocked to Chuo-ku, says Liz Connor in the Evening Standard. A little off the traditional tourist track, the Osaka suburb is home to a fantastic shopping district and trendy nightlife, while the "bustling" Kuromon market, known as "Osaka's Kitchen", is famous among foodies for its fresh vegetables and seafood. Also worth exploring are the Ura-Namba alleyways, with their hidden "izakaya" (taverns), specialising in skewered meat. But the main draw is the spectacular 16th-century Osaka Castle, which was built by warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi and played a significant role in the unification of Japan under his rule.
Average price per night (1 April, based on two sharing): £120
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The Thai capital's "old town" district is named after the lamphu trees that once lined the canals, says Chawadee Nualkhair in The Guardian. It is also a "treasure trove of old-style Thai street food". The most famous vendors have been plying their trade for decades, "nourished by several generations of culinary know-how". Fragrant dishes, such as curried rice khao gang and gang som goong (sour curry with shrimp), await intrepid foodies, while vendor Khao Gaeng Rattana, to be found in Nang Loeng Market, inspires "an almost cult-like following" among peoplehappy to sample whatever is on themenu that day.
Average price per night: £33
Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur +1,200%
The Malaysian capital's "Little India" district is undergoing "a rapid transformation", says Airbnb. Upscale flats and a shopping mall are springing up alongside traditional street stalls selling saris, spices and silks. While you're there, grab a cheap bite to eat. Brickfields is a haven of vegetarian restaurants banana leaf rice and curry puffs are popular. For something a little different, Al Nafourah serves up delicious Middle Eastern fare. If the hubbub all gets a bit much, retreat to the bright-red Maha Vihara temple for some much-needed "peace and relaxation".
Average price per night: £49
Capucins, Bordeaux +960%
In Europe, this French suburb is the fastest-growing destination with Airbnb users. Start your day like a local by getting in line for fresh baguettes and almond-pastry Jsuites. That way you will discover why, in a region best known for its wine, Capucins is affectionately known as the "belly of Bordeaux", says Katie Amey in the Daily Mail. Make sure to leave room for lunch fresh oysters and "great" tagine dishes from the city's "major attraction", the March des Capucins. After that, you can walk it all off through the small squares and streets of St Pierre to "rediscover the Bordeaux of the 18th century".
Average price per night: £42
Koukaki, Athens +800%
Koukaki in Athens is anotherwanderer's dream. Two streets in the Greek capital, Drakou and Olymbou, have been closed to traffic and turned into a "pedestrian playground" with a "caf-like feel". Restaurants and bars have placed tables outside, so grab a beer and a book "and watch the parade of people go by". O Pmampas (The Father) has a wide selection of beers to choose from, while Edodi is a "foodie haven"for "creative Greek cuisine". The suburb is also home to many of the city's ancient treasures the Acropolis is just a short stroll away.
Average price per night: £48
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Chris Carter spent three glorious years reading English literature on the beautiful Welsh coast at Aberystwyth University. Graduating in 2005, he left for the University of York to specialise in Renaissance literature for his MA, before returning to his native Twickenham, in southwest London. He joined a Richmond-based recruitment company, where he worked with several clients, including the Queen’s bank, Coutts, as well as the super luxury, Dorchester-owned Coworth Park country house hotel, near Ascot in Berkshire.
Then, in 2011, Chris joined MoneyWeek. Initially working as part of the website production team, Chris soon rose to the lofty heights of wealth editor, overseeing MoneyWeek’s Spending It lifestyle section. Chris travels the globe in pursuit of his work, soaking up the local culture and sampling the very finest in cuisine, hotels and resorts for the magazine’s discerning readership. He also enjoys writing his fortnightly page on collectables, delving into the fascinating world of auctions and art, classic cars, coins, watches, wine and whisky investing.
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