Esther van Onna

Esther is our expert on two of our break-even travel principles: an even distribution of people and an even distribution of experiences.

Esther van Onna – Expert on places to stay and slow travel

The memories of accommodations that I visited as a child are still very much alive. From the grand estate with the stately driveway in France to the modest holiday home with the musty bedrooms in Germany – they all made a lasting impression. When I was old enough to travel alone I found myself drawn to one-of-a-kind places to stay. It was a time-consuming hobby at first. I mean, who else asks to see all the other rooms before checking out? But in 2013, when bloggers and influencers were still a rarity, I decided to take the plunge and combine my background in marketing and communication with my creativity and passion for travel. Local Hideaways is an independent and carefully selected collection of special places to stay. The collection spans the globe and all price ranges. Every single local hideaway has been tried and tested. This essentially means that I have personally stayed there and can vouch for its quality. I’ve also started to consult accommodation owners on how to add value and market their Hideaway. A little word of advice: don’t spread the word.

Esther’s thoughts on the future of travel

The demand for small-scale accommodations with a personal touch is increasing rapidly. As is the number of travelers who steer away from the beaten track. Local experiences will be at the heart of one’s itinerary. Furthermore, a growing number of people seek to disconnect from their fast lifestyles. I predict that digital detox will be a new form of luxury, and that people will no longer ask for the Wi-Fi code upon arrival, but for a locker to store their devices in.

Ask Esther about one of a kind places to stay / local experience worldwide / slow travel & digital detox / how to market your accommodation.