The search for an authentic travel experience has officially moved from the postcard view to the kitchen bench. If your perfect holiday itinerary now starts with ‘Where can I find the best local market?’ instead of ‘What tour should I book?’, you’re part of a massive, delicious movement. New research from Booking.com’s ‘Taste of Home Asia Pacific‘ report confirms that for Kiwis, food is no longer just a holiday activity—it’s the driving force behind the entire trip. The holiday home, with its fully stocked kitchen, has become our ultimate tool for culinary adventure, offering a freedom and connection that a hotel simply can’t match.
When Food Dictates the Flight Path
The research, based on a commissioned survey of over 8,000 travelers across Asia Pacific, reveals how food-driven experiences profoundly influence travel decisions. As Kiwi travellers seek more meaningful and personalized stays, holiday homes have emerged as a key part of this evolving trends. The numbers from the new report are clear and authoritative: our appetite is calling the shots. A massive 74% of Kiwi travellers admit that food influences their travel plans, and an adventurous 71% have actually chosen a destination solely to visit a specific food spot or restaurant. We’re travelling with our taste buds, and we need an accommodation that keeps up.
This is exactly why holiday homes are winning. They’re selected not just for comfort, but because they provide the crucial ingredients for a true foodie escape: flexibility (a motivator for 53%) and, critically, easy access to a proper kitchen and cooking space (50%).
Laura Houldsworth, Managing Director Asia Pacific at Booking.com, perfectly sums up this shift in priorities, saying, “In 2025, one theme stands out: food is at the heart of every holiday home experience. Travellers are increasingly choosing homes not just for comfort, but for the opportunity to cook, host, and dine in spaces that feel personal and authentic.”
Trolley Tourism and the Communal Kitchen
Forget dining schedules—the fun lies in creating your own. The communal kitchen is now the hub of the holiday. Almost every single traveller (99%) reports cooking or preparing a meal in their holiday home, proving that getting hands-on with local ingredients is a core part of the experience.
Interestingly, the Taste of Home Asia Pacific Report research shows that traditional roles are being flipped on their head. Only 14% say the ‘mum’ leads the cooking; instead, it’s the partners and spouses who most commonly take charge (40%). This highlights the social and shared aspect of food-led travel in a holiday home setting.
The adventure starts before the stove even heats up, though. We’re embracing Trolley Tourism, with a massive 84% of travellers actively enjoying visiting local markets and supermarkets while they’re away. It’s the best way to immerse yourself, supporting local producers while gathering fresh ingredients for a feast. And for those nights when the exploration has wiped you out? Delivery is a typical move, with 81% having used a local delivery service, a convenient trend led by younger travellers (Gen Z and Millennials).
The Best Seat in the House
When daydreaming about their ultimate foodie escape, travellers say they picture a classic, relaxed setting. More than half (57%) rank a beach house as their top accommodation choice for a food-focused trip. This points to a desire for easy-going, sun-drenched meals and barbecues, often enhanced by items brought from home—such as a favourite seasoning or portable BBQ tool—among the 83% who bring food or cooking-related items with them.
The evidence is overwhelming: the holiday home is no longer a secondary option; it’s the primary stage for deep-dive culinary adventure. It offers the space to experiment with local dishes, the freedom to host, and the social setting to forge unforgettable memories. It’s time to book your trip, but be sure to include a few dedicated trips to the farmers’ market in your itinerary first.
