| The popularity of houseboats is gaining strength as | | | | "houseboating" emerged as people tried to find more |
| time goes by, especially in the United States. They | | | | ways of being able to interact with water more. The |
| have become a primary option for families and friends | | | | modern concept of houseboating in the United States |
| who would want to take a break from their daily | | | | is said to have come from the waters of Lake |
| routines and try something new. Some people would | | | | Cumberland, which is located in Kentucky. Lake Union |
| take the idea of living in a houseboat on a whole | | | | in Seattle is also a haven for houseboats. |
| different level and turning it into a way of life. | | | | Living on a houseboat |
| Houseboats are basically boats which have been | | | | There are two main situations that come into play |
| modified or have been designed to be able to | | | | when thinking about living in a houseboat. The first one |
| accommodate individuals or families who would want | | | | is that an individual or a family would like to live on a |
| to live afloat waters. A houseboat is (as the name | | | | houseboat for good. The next one is that someone is |
| implies) a combination of a boat and a house and is | | | | thinking about living on a houseboat for a vacation. |
| primarily used for the purposes of dwelling. There are | | | | Well, if one is thinking about living on a houseboat for |
| houseboats which have motors and can be used to | | | | good, he might as well try it first to see whether he |
| travel, while other houseboats are stationary, usually | | | | would really want to live on a houseboat permanently |
| tied-up to a single place. | | | | or not. |
| Houseboats all over the world | | | | Living on a houseboat can be compared to a normal |
| All over the world, houseboats are being patronized. | | | | life in a subdivision or a rented apartment. The basic |
| There are countless numbers of styles and functions | | | | activity, which is "dwelling' basically stays the same in |
| of houseboats. Some houseboats are permanent | | | | different locations. However, there are many factors |
| places of residence by local people, such as in | | | | that come into play when you live on a houseboat. |
| Southeast Asia, while some houseboats are rented as | | | | Safety and security are two main things that one has |
| vacation hotels. Houseboats are also popular in Kerala, | | | | to consider when looking at a houseboat. Another |
| India, where dense populations live by the Dal Lake. | | | | issue is space, a houseboat may not be as spacious |
| One can find the most exquisite and expensive | | | | as the normal house in a subdivision, if you know what |
| houseboats in Europe, particularly in the waters of | | | | I mean. Another important issue is access- when you |
| Amsterdam in Netherlands. Amsterdam is home to a | | | | live on a houseboat, you may have to transfer to a |
| number of houseboat- hotels which have become | | | | place which is far from other important places such as |
| favorites of visiting foreigners. Aside from these | | | | Wal-Mart or the convenience store. Other things like |
| houseboat-hotels, there is an estimated 2,500 families | | | | parking space, cost of transferring and the overall |
| are living in houseboats in Amsterdam. | | | | sturdiness o the houseboat should also be considered. |
| Down south, in Australia, houseboats are also | | | | One might need to go into a houseboat vacation to be |
| well-known, especially in the River of Murray. One can | | | | able to appreciate the beauty of living in a houseboat |
| find houseboats of different functions and sizes in this | | | | and be able to make an objective assessment |
| river. There are motorized and stationary houseboats | | | | whether to live in one or not. There are many |
| here, some of which serve as primary residence while | | | | companies that are offering houseboats for vacation. |
| some are used as holiday shacks. | | | | Just make sure that you canvass as many companies |
| In U.K., the narrow boats, which traverse the canals, | | | | as you can to be able to spend a nice time in the boat |
| also serve as a dwelling place for some. One can | | | | which you would prefer. |
| even rent one of these boats if he needs a place to | | | | Houseboats are nice. Living in a houseboat is also a |
| stay in for the night. | | | | nice thing to think about, however, it is not meant for all |
| In the United States, houseboats have gained a | | | | people. Think about it thoroughly until your mind and |
| stronghold. During the 1940s, the activity that is | | | | your heart agrees with a specific decision. |