Most people who love to travel get a kick out of new and novel experiences — it’s part of travel’s endless appeal, after all. Around any corner can be some unexpected, fun, informative surprise. Seasoned travelers are often trying to think of new places to check out, trying to find “the next” best beach, mountain, urban, or rural destination.
One thing that travelers sometimes overlook are the options for novel, quirky accommodations on their trips. They might spend months planning transportation, sightseeing, or food — but the default lodging is often a typical hotel. And there’s nothing wrong with that, of course — but if you’re up for a new level of adventure, check out these outside-the-box accommodation ideas from around the world.
Remember watching Swiss Family Robinson as a kid and thinking that looked like the most amazing adventure ever? Treehouses are not just for kids! From the jungles of the Amazon to towering tamarind trees facing the South China Sea, there are plenty of treehouse lodgings that look like something pulled straight from a childhood reverie. You can look at gorgeous photos and start filling your head with high-up dreams here.
An ice hotel
The cold and snow are definitely not for everyone, and if you’re strictly a warm-weather kind of traveler, this might not sound appealing. But if you are at all fascinated by Northern cultures and the mysteries of a winter wonderland, this might be just the thing to pass a freezing weekend while waiting for Spring to arrive. Many of these hotels are extremely well-appointed, with luxurious design, high-end restaurants and bars, spas, private igloo suites, and even wedding chapels located right in the structures themselves. Take a look at this list to start thinking about your next frosty foray.
The ultimate in recycling
Taking the idea of overnight accommodations well beyond just the remodeling of historic buildings, people all over the world have found unexpected objects, forms of transportation, and natural spaces and have transformed them into comfy, beautiful places to spend the night. Train cars, airplane hangars, caves, lighthouses, windmills, boats — basically, the only limit is the imagination.
Video courtesy of Glamping.com
Camping for people who don’t like camping
Want the best of camping — fresh air, breathtaking views, cozy fires, wildlife watching — without the crick in your neck or the twigs in your morning coffee? You could try “glamorous camping,” otherwise known as glamping. Spend the night in wall-tents, yurts, teepees, or island huts that feature nothing but the most luxurious amenities.
If you’re ready to take a vacation and rest your head in a space that’s definitely outside the typical hotel room, check out Host Unusual. From beach huts and castles to treehouses and more, this site allows you to search for lodging ideas from all over the world that will really send you on a trip.
