Finns do it, Swedes do it, even the Japanese do it. Although it originated in Britain the B&B concept is catching on around the world

Bed and Breakfast Around the World

Not only is it economical it is also a way to meet local people, eat home-cooked traditional foods and get a grass roots view of the country you are visiting - something that is hard to come across in the impersonal confines of glossy international hotels.

In some countries B&B accommodation is available in private homes, in others small guest houses or pensions and what they all have in common is the personal touch. They are run by individuals who are interested in meeting people from around the world and are keen to show off their culture and hear about yours.

So, here is a sample of what you can expect when you go bed and breakfasting around the world.

Canada and the USA

B&B’s are not necessarily the cheap option to staying in hotels, as they are in other countries although overall they are less expensive than staying in hotels, and one of the things you will notice immediately is how up-market they are.

Hosts go to no end of trouble to make their establishment unique and they love to show it off. Many are historic homes furnished with antiques and memorabilia; one day you might find yourself in a Greek Revival mansion in Mississippi; another time it could be an artist’s loft in Manhattan or an elegant Georgian house in downtown Toronto. What they have in common is fabulous breakfasts. Par for the course is freshly baked bread, blueberry muffins, home-made jams, pancakes with delicious fruit syrups - not for those fighting the battle of the bulge!

Availability

B&B’s are scattered all over the United States and Canada and you won’t have a problem finding accommodation in private homes. However, you will not often see a board in front of the house or a sign in the window advertising B&B. Many hosts prefer to register with bed and breakfast reservation agencies which have been established in most areas.

Alternatives

Bed and breakfast inns are larger than most private homes and are often buildings of historic interest. They are usually family-run and price-wise they fall somewhere between family homes and hotels in rates charged and services provided.

Bed and Breakfast Around the World - Australia

Everyone comments on how friendly Australians are and B&B here means a particularly warm welcome. There is a great variety of places to stay: apart from conventional family homes there are historic houses, country homesteads and inner city townhouses. You can find B&B’s throughout Australia - from major cities, towns and resort areas, to remote country regions and small villages.

Breakfasts are hearty and you can find yourself facing a huge plate of steak, eggs, sausages, the lot. However, if this is a bit to much for you Australia has an incredible variety of fruit - all the things we are used to at home plus dozens of wonderful tropical fruits like strawberry mangoes, hairy red rambutans, jackfruit or mangosteins. If you’re in the Outback or the Northern Territory, you could be offered “bush tucker” in the form of camel or crocodile steaks, although they may leave the witchety grubs for the Aboriginel people1

Availability

Private b&b accommodation is widespread.

Alternatives

Farm stays are very popular and can be found even in remote areas.

Bed and Breakfast Around the World - Finland

B&B in Finland is “Bådd & Frukost”and some establishments will also offer the opportunity to enjoy a sauna - thought by many Finns to be a spiritual as well as a cleansing experience.

Don’t expect a fry-up for ‘frukost’ here. Continental breakfast are normally served: fruit, yoghurt, cereal, often with fresh berries and a Finnish touch of black rye bread.

Availability

They are easier to find in rural locations than in the cities. They don’t usually put out signs so finding them could be tricky if you are just driving around. It would be best to book through agencies.

Alternatives

Working farms which offer B&B can be found all over Finland.

Bed and Breakfast Around the World - France

In France ‘Le Bed & Breakfast’ est arrivé. From small private homes or farms to elegant chateaux there is a huge choice. A relatively new concept in France, B&B has really caught on.

Some hosts will offer a cooked breakfast but usually Madame will pop down to the local boulangerie for freshly-baked baguettes and croissants and the jam on the table is often home-made. Hot chocolate is sometimes served at breakfast, but coffee and tea are, of course, readily available.

Availability

There are B&B’s all over France. The term ‘Le Bed & Breakfast’ is commonly used, rather than ‘Chambre d’Hote’. It is relatively easy to find places without booking ahead, although reservations are advisable during busy periods.

Alternatives

‘Accueil Paysan’ is an association of working farms that offer a ‘real farmhouse welcome’. Here you will live ‘en famille’ and experience farm life at close quarters.

Bed and Breakfast Around the World - Germany

Look for the sign “Zimmer Frei” (rooms free) . A red sign reading “Besetzt” means no vacancies.

Sausage is on the breakfast menu in Germany but don’t expect sizzling porkers like you get at home. Here it’s cold sausage - what we would call cold meats, i.e. salami, smoked ham, etc. You’ll also be offered boiled eggs, various types of bread and cheeses and jams.

Availability

Private bed and breakfast accommodation is readily available all over Germany. Private accommodation can either be booked direct or through the local tourist or booking office listed for the town or village in question.

Alternatives

There are numerous ‘Gasthofe’ or Gasthauser (country inns); pensions or ‘Fremdenheime (guest houses).

Bed and Breakfast Around the World- Japan

Japan may seem an unlikely place for B&B’s and there isn’t really anything that is the equivalent of the private home B&B. However, they do have family run small inns called ‘Minshuku’ , or Japanese Inn, which are a delightful alternative. The rooms are furnished in traditional Japanese style; many hosts speak English and are very keen on meeting overseas visitors.

Chopsticks are not mandatory when enjoying a Japanese breakfast. You will be offered a choice between a western-style continental or traditional Japanese which varies with the region but could be smoked fish, rice, miso soup (a light broth) plus green tea or coffee.

Availability

The Japanese Inn Group comprises inns nationwide, including in Tokyo and Kyoto. Depending on the season, it is advisable to book at least one week in advance.

Alternatives

‘Welcome Inns’ comprise a range of accommodation from hotels, ryokan (traditional Japanese-style inns, and pensions. They are small to medium in size and cater for the budget-minded traveller.