While the tourist information website Enjoy England firmly believes that Britain offers the best bed and breakfast accommodation on the planet, UK holidaymakers should be reminded that the B&B is not exclusive to these shores. With many websites that offer private holiday lettings direct from the host appearing on the market, it is as easy to find great B&B accommodations in Rome as it is to find in the Lake District.

Take private holiday lettings company Wimdu’s offers in Amsterdam, for example. While they are not strictly listed as Bed and Breakfasts, many of the rooms available that are in the host’s home offer breakfast and a level of comfort that anyone who has enjoyed a stay in a B&B would agree is exactly the same. You should not write off potential accommodation if it does not explicitly label itself as a B&B. The term ‘bed and breakfast’ is extremely British so when looking at places to stay in foreign countries, take into account the level of knowledge- or indeed lack of it- that the person advertising the room may have about British culture. While the humble B&B has been a preserve of British life since the middle ages, it is almost unheard of in most corners of the globe.

If you choose to book your holiday accommodation through a private lettings site and find that you cannot find anything akin to a B&B in the listings, you should feel free to contact the host directly, to see if there is any way they can accommodate your needs. Many hosts are happy to adapt their service if their accommodation is located in their home, although it is recommended that you make some effort to embrace the local culture, otherwise you will miss out on the unique experience, packed with local knowledge and tips that your host is likely to provide.