First Encounter with Iceland

When I first set foot on Iceland's magical land, I was deeply attracted by its unique countryside guesthouses. Why choose to stay in rural guesthouses instead of chain hotels in big cities? Because only this way could I truly experience Iceland's primitiveness and purity.

Every detail at the countryside guesthouses in Iceland was memorable. Opening the window in the morning, I was greeted by pure Icelandic air, with volcanic landscapes rolling in the distance and leisurely grazing Icelandic horses nearby. The breakfast was also unique, with freshly baked rye bread, local smoked salmon, paired with a warm cup of special Icelandic coffee - absolutely the best way to start the day.

Reykjahlíð Guesthouse is definitely one of the best countryside guesthouses I've stayed at in Iceland. Located 4.2 kilometers from the city center, it boasts a high rating of 4.6 based on nearly 2,000 genuine reviews. This rating isn't earned easily. I remember being deeply moved by the hostess's warm hospitality during my first stay. She not only introduced the surrounding attractions in detail but also recommended the best time and location for aurora viewing. While the room facilities weren't luxurious, they reflected warmth and thoughtfulness everywhere. The bedding was made of local wool, which was particularly comfortable, and at night we could see the starry sky directly through the skylight.

The Blabjorg Guesthouse in Borgarfjörður Eystri gave me an even bigger surprise. Although this guesthouse had fewer reviews than Reykjahlíð Guesthouse, its 4.7 rating proved its quality. What impressed me most was its location, situated right by the fjord. Waking up in the morning, I could see the magnificent fjord view just by opening the window, and if lucky, could spot seals playing in the water. The public areas were thoughtfully designed, with a viewing deck facing the sea where you could wait for the aurora at night. The kitchen was well-equipped, and we often cooked together with travelers from around the world, sharing food and travel stories.

The most special experience at Iceland's countryside guesthouses was soaking in hot springs. Many guesthouses have their own geothermal pools, maintaining a temperature of 38-40 degrees year-round. I remember once soaking in the hot spring pool with dancing aurora overhead - that feeling was simply indescribable. Iceland's hot spring water is rich in minerals, supposedly good for the skin, and after soaking, you feel completely relaxed.

Deep into Japan

In Japan, I found the accommodation experience completely different from Iceland. Japan's most representative unique accommodations are Minshuku (guest houses) and Pensions (holiday houses). These two types of accommodation each have their characteristics, allowing me to deeply experience Japan's cultural charm.

At a Minshuku in Kyoto, I experienced true Japanese living for the first time. Opening the wooden sliding door revealed a neat tatami room. The tatami was layered with soft futons and blankets, and though different from regular beds, I was conquered by the comfort the moment I lay down. The room decoration was minimalist, with a calligraphy work hanging on the wall and a small tea table in the corner, with a carefully trimmed garden outside the window. Every morning, the hostess would prepare traditional Japanese breakfast, including miso soup, grilled fish, natto, rice, and various side dishes. Although we had to share bathrooms with other guests, this became a unique cultural experience. Japanese bathing is very particular - they wash their bodies clean before entering the bathtub. This shared space design gave me opportunities to interact with travelers from around the world and hear their travel stories.

At a pension in Hakone, I experienced a different style of Japanese accommodation. It perfectly blended Japanese and Western elements, maintaining traditional Japanese features while incorporating modern comfort facilities. The rooms had both tatami areas and Western-style beds and sofas. What surprised me most was that each room had a private outdoor hot spring. I couldn't wait to soak in the hot spring on the first night. Sitting in the warm spring water, gazing at Mount Fuji's silhouette in the distance, listening to insects and birds - that comfort is unforgettable.

In Japanese accommodation experiences, what moved me most was the hosts' attentive service. They would inquire about your arrival time in advance to ensure timely reception; explain room facilities in detail; recommend local food and attractions; and even help plan the optimal sightseeing route. This meticulous service attitude is a microcosm of Japanese culture.

Breakfast at the pension was also special, usually offering both Japanese and Western options. Japanese breakfast included rice, miso soup, grilled fish, and other traditional foods, while Western breakfast had bread, fried eggs, bacon, etc. All ingredients were very fresh, and the presentation was elegant. The breakfast dining room usually had large floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing you to enjoy Japanese natural scenery while dining - an experience hard to find in regular hotels.

Pleasant Surprise in Korea

Speaking of accommodation experiences in Korea, I must mention BoA Travel House in Seoul. This guesthouse's location is absolutely fantastic, near Hongdae subway station. The Hongdae area is a paradise for young people in Seoul, with streets full of vitality and creativity. From the guesthouse, you can walk to numerous popular cafes, unique shops, and street performance venues.

BoA Travel House's rooms are thoughtfully designed, with each room equipped with private bathroom, air conditioning, TV, separate entrance, and refrigerator. This design gives guests complete privacy without worrying about disturbing others or being disturbed. The room's decoration style is modern, using simple black and white colors paired with wooden furniture, making it both stylish and cozy. The mattresses are from Korean local brands, particularly comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep every night.

What surprised me most was the guesthouse's public areas. The first floor has a stylish lounge area with walls covered in postcards and photos left by travelers from around the world. The kitchen facilities are complete, and I often cooked there myself, meeting many friends from various countries. There's a small garden on the roof where you can drink beer and enjoy Seoul's night view.

The staff all speak fluent English, which is very convenient for foreign tourists. They not only recommend local food and attractions but also teach you how to use Korea's subway system and tell you which areas to be careful about. I particularly like their hand-drawn maps marking many local food spots and hidden attractions that only locals know about.

After staying in Seoul for a week, I discovered that Korean guesthouses really pay attention to details. For example, they prepare power adapters in rooms for tourists from different countries; bathroom toiletries are all from well-known Korean brands; they replenish free mineral water and instant coffee daily; even garbage sorting is done meticulously. These details might seem small, but they make the staying experience perfect.

Unexpected Encounter

In Rodport, South Africa, I unexpectedly discovered an amazing high-end guesthouse - Homestay Travel Guest House. This guesthouse completely overturned my impression of African accommodation. It not only provides luxury rooms with air conditioning and flat-screen TVs but also has gardens, swimming pools, and barbecue facilities.

Each room is carefully designed, incorporating African decorative elements such as animal pattern cushions and tribal-style murals. The bedding is high-quality cotton material, particularly comfortable to sleep in. The rooms are also equipped with coffee makers for enjoying fresh South African coffee anytime.

What surprised me most was the guesthouse's outdoor area. The garden is planted with various South African native plants, colorful and fragrant. The pool area is designed very humanely, with not only a swimming pool but also sunbathing loungers and parasols. In the evening, we often held BBQ parties in the barbecue area, sharing food and chatting with other guests.

The staff are very warm and friendly, helping you arrange various local activities like wildlife viewing and wine tasting. Every morning, they prepare abundant African special breakfasts, including fresh tropical fruits, homemade bread, local special coffee, etc.

What touched me most was that the guesthouse owners are a couple who love traveling. They would sit in the garden chatting with guests in the evening, sharing their travel stories and local culture. Through their introduction, I learned a lot about South African history and culture that you can't find in travel books.

Global Perspective

After visiting so many places, I discovered that while guesthouses worldwide have different styles, they all strive to create the best accommodation experience for travelers. Now almost all guesthouses provide free WiFi, which has indeed become standard. But each place has its uniqueness, like the shared bathroom culture in Japanese guesthouses which is rarely seen elsewhere.

In Iceland, guesthouses focus more on integration with nature. Many guesthouses are built far from cities, allowing guests to fully experience Iceland's natural beauty. Room designs are also very environmentally friendly, using renewable energy as much as possible, reflecting Icelanders' emphasis on environmental protection.

Japanese guesthouses focus more on preserving traditional culture. Whether in guesthouses or holiday houses, you can see elements of traditional Japanese architecture. From tatami to kimono, from bathing etiquette to dining manners, every detail reflects Japanese cultural essence.

Korean guesthouses perfectly blend tradition and modernity. Although facilities are very modern, Korean characteristics are retained in details. For example, they prepare Korean-style slippers in rooms and provide traditional Korean skincare products in bathrooms, allowing people to experience Korean cultural charm.

South African guesthouses give a sense of luxury mixed with wildness. They are usually built in places with beautiful natural environments, with interior decoration incorporating African elements while maintaining modern comfort. This unique style lets people truly experience African charm.

From an accommodation perspective, each country has its unique culture and traditions. Some places emphasize privacy, while others promote shared spaces; some places emphasize modern facilities, while others maintain traditional features. These differences constitute the charm of world travel.

Final Thoughts

After visiting so many places and staying at so many unique guesthouses, my biggest realization is: a guesthouse is really not just a place to sleep. It's a window to understand local culture, a link to connect with local life. Each guesthouse tells local stories and shows local culture in its own way.

In Iceland's countryside guesthouses, I felt Nordic people's philosophy of living harmoniously with nature; in Japanese guesthouses, I experienced Japanese people's ultimate pursuit of details; in Korean guesthouses, I saw the perfect blend of tradition and modernity; in South African guesthouses, I experienced African passion and enthusiasm.

These accommodation experiences have made my travels more colorful. Through communication with locals and experiencing local lifestyles, I'm no longer a hurrying tourist but truly integrated into local life. Isn't this the true meaning of travel?

So, next time you travel, try these unique guesthouses too. Believe you will also gain different travel memories and experience different cultural charms. Each stay is a new cultural exploration; each guesthouse is a starting point for a new story. Let's explore this colorful world together through unique guesthouses!