19
May
2021
|
23:51
Europe/Amsterdam

Two for One

Two for One: Booking.com Presents Destinations Where You Can be in Two Places at Once

Travel has had to take a backseat for the past months, but our wanderlust hasn’t. For many this hiatus from travel has left them even more keen to explore, with two in five (40%)* of New Zealander travellers stating that they have a heightened desire to see the world when all travel restrictions have been lifted, according to recent Booking.com research. Further, research also found New Zealanders are among the most likely of global travellers to be re-writing their travel bucket lists at 67%, equaled with Australians and topped only by Thai travellers (78%)**. While time away from travel for some has put things into perspective, for many it's been a time to plan ahead for the long-awaited return to travel - 43% of Kiwi travellers have used the extra time spent at home to plan future trips.

For those in the throes of planning, capitalise on your wanderlust when it’s safe and possible to do so again by adding to your bucket list a destination where you can be in two places at the same time and have double the experience. With its mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, Booking.com shares the below unique locations to inspire future travel plans for those who want to make up for lost travel time and visit as many places as possible.

France and Switzerland

If you’re dreaming of staying in two countries at the same time, Arbez Franco Suisse is the place to make those dreams come true. Located right on the borders of France and Switzerland, this charming chalet hotel offers guests the opportunity to sleep with their feet in France and head in Switzerland. The hotel’s kitchen, dining room and some of the guest rooms are divided by the line separating the two countries. Guests can wake up in France and enjoy their meals in Switzerland without even leaving the accommodation.

Belgium and the Netherlands

Combining two countries and cultures, the unique municipality of Baarle is probably one of the most complicated towns in the world. Split between the Netherlands and Belgium, it’s not simply divided into two parts with one border - it’s actually full of separate pieces of land and a network of intricate enclaves of Belgium within counter-enclaves of the Netherlands. The nationality of the town’s citizens is usually determined by the location of their home.

Where to stay: Schaluinenhoeve is a great base to explore this complex municipality from. Located on the Netherlands side of the border, this charmingly renovated farm turned hotel is surrounded by lush greenery for visitors to enjoy. If looking to rest your head on the Belgian side instead, book a stay at the Het Venneke B&B. Not far from the municipalities many borders, this accommodation is formed of a converted cozy, old, rustic stallion farm.

Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere – Ecuador

Located right on the Equator, Quito is Ecuador's capital and one of the largest equatorial cities. High in the Andes, Quito is one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Cities in the world and its stunning historic center is home to various monasteries, baroque churches, and charming cobblestone streets. Located just outside the city is the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo or Middle of the World City, a museum park and monument which highlights the exact location of the Equator.

Where to stay: El Crater is set against the panoramic backdrop of the active Pululahua Volcano with private balconies offering views of the nearby Equator Monument. It features ethnic Ecuadorian architecture designed from hand-crafted stone, contemporary interiors and an art gallery that features an extensive collection from renowned Ecuadorian artists. El Crater`s restaurant offers a 360-degree view of both the northern and southern hemispheres and serves Ecuadorian cuisine, exotic cocktails and canapés.

Atlantic and Indian Ocean – South Africa

Cape Agulhas is the southernmost point of Africa and is said to be the official dividing line between the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Imagine having one foot on the Atlantic and the other in the Indian Ocean. Also on this special cape you’ll spot The Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, built in 1848 it’s the second oldest working lighthouse in South Africa. Climb to the top and admire the breathtaking views of the two mighty oceans meeting along the rocky coastline.

Where to stay: Located in the coastal town of Agulhas, just a short walk from the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, the Agulhasbestview offers cozy and self-catering cottages with stunning ocean views as far as your eye can see.

Nevada and Arizona - Hoover Dam, USA

Set on the border between the US states of Nevada and Arizona, the stunning Hoover Dam gives you the option to not only be in two places at once, but also two time zones (Mountain and Pacific)! This engineering marvel is recognised as a National Civil Engineering Landmark and guests should book a tour to learn and appreciate its history and importance.

Where to stay: Just a short drive from the Hoover Dam itself in the heart of Boulder City, visitors can find the well-equipped Best Western Hoover Dam Hotel. Boasting smart rooms and onsite facilities including a swimming pool and fitness center, this accommodation is a great base to explore the nearby attractions.

North American and Eurasian Tectonic Plates - Þingvellir National Park, Iceland

Straddling the border of two states or countries to be in two places at once can be exciting, but what about straddling two continents? If this interests you then take your bucket list to Iceland, the only inhabited island in the world where tectonic plates and ocean ridge are visible on land, allowing travelers the unique opportunity to walk between two continents at once.

Where to stay: Hotel Grimsborgir Luxury Rooms and Apartments offers comfortable suites and apartments just a short drive from the UNESCO-listed Þingvellir National Park, the best place to view and walk along the joining of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Guests can admire the sky and surrounding mountains from the room’s balcony, terrace or from one of 14 outdoor hot tubs.

For travelers looking to book their 2021 getaways, Booking.com is sharing Getaway Deals where discounts start at 20 percent and are valid for stays until 30 September 2021. In addition, Booking.com is bringing the great value of its Genius program to even more customers by giving all account holders access to the program’s Level 1 benefits, with no minimum number of previous bookings to qualify, including access to exclusive 10% discounts at hundreds of thousands of participating properties around the world. All travelers have to do is download the Booking.com app, log in and look for the Genius logo to identify associated benefits, discounts and perks.

*Research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who have traveled for business or leisure in the past 12 months, and must be planning to travel in the next 12 months (if/once travel restrictions are lifted). In total 20,934 respondents across 28 countries and territories were polled (including from 999 USA, 496 from Canada, 497 from Mexico, 997 from Colombia, 999 from Brazil, 499 from Argentina, 995 from Australia, 499 from New Zealand, 999 from Spain, 996 from Italy, 996 from France, 999 from UK, 996 from Germany, 498 from Netherlands, 499 from Denmark, 499 from Sweden, 498 from Croatia, 1001 from Russia, 498 from Israel, 997 from India, 994 from China, 499 from Hong Kong, 497 from Thailand, 496 from Singapore, 499 from Taiwan, 997 from South Korea, 500 from Vietnam and 995 from Japan). Respondents completed an online survey in July 2020.

** Research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who are planning to travel in the next 12 months. In total 28,042 respondents across 28 countries and territories were polled (including 1003 from Argentina, 1002 from Australia, 1000 from Brazil, 1001 from Canada, 1000 from China, 1002 from Colombia, 1001 from Croatia, 1003 from Denmark, 1002 from France, 1005 from Germany, 1004 from Hong Kong, 1000 from India, 1002 from Israel, 1000 from Italy, 1000 from Japan, 1002 from Mexico, 1000 from Netherlands, 1000 from New Zealand, 1003 from Russia, 1000 from Singapore, 1003 from South Korea, 1005 from Spain, 1001 from Sweden, 1000 from Taiwan, 1003 from Thailand, 1000 from UK, 1000 from USA and 1000 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in January 2021.