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When it comes to booking accommodation, hotels and hostels tend to be the first port of call. However, if you’re looking to infuse some extra adventure into your trip, there are plenty of wonderful and wacky alternatives.

In fact, accommodation should never be seen as a mere afterthought – it can really transform your experience of a place. Even if you’re more of a luxury hotel kind of person, it is definitely worth trying a more unconventional option at least once.

Here are some out-there accommodations and where you can find them.

A Historic Castle in the Scottish Highlands

If there’s anywhere that lends itself to a few nights in a medieval castle, it’s the Scottish Highlands. What better backdrop than rolling greenery and breathtaking mountains?

Although not so far removed from the hotel experience, a castle offers a more authentic way to experience Scotland and all of its history. Four poster beds and medieval décor will transport you back in time, and with plenty of stunning locations to choose from, you can really immerse yourself in the surrounding nature.

If there’s anywhere that lends itself to a few nights in a medieval castle, it’s the Scottish Highlands.

A Lighthouse in Norway

Accommodation doesn’t get much quirkier than this: a lone-standing lighthouse in the beautiful port of Ålesund, Norway. Whilst it’s technically part of the Hotel Brosundet, there’s no denying that Molja Lighthouse – or Room 47 as it’s known locally – is an experience unlike any other.

The interior has been designed by the same company responsible for Oslo’s opera house, and visitors can enjoy the best of both worlds – a rustic feel combined with modern facilities. This is the perfect little hideaway for a relaxing Nordic break.

An RV in Australia

They say the journey is as important as the destination, and this is definitely true when travelling by campervan. It’s perhaps not as out-there as some of the other accommodations we’ve listed, but it is certainly one of the most adventurous ways to travel.

With its vast open spaces, beautiful coastlines and thrilling outback, Australia is one of the best places to pick up an RV and hit the open road. Use a site like campanda.com to find your preferred vehicle type and check out our selection of the five best Australian road trips.

For those who have ever wanted to spend a couple of nights in an iconic Airstream travel trailer, a new glamping experience awaits you on Australia’s NSW South Coast.

For those who have ever wanted to spend a couple of nights in an iconic Airstream travel trailer, a new glamping experience awaits you on Australia’s NSW South Coast.

A Tropical Treehouse in Puerto Rico

If you’re going for the tropical experience, it doesn’t get more authentic than these treehouse rentals in Rincon, Puerto Rico.

Travellers can choose between the Sunset Hooch – a self-sufficient treehouse complete with master bedroom and kitchenette – and the Buddha Hooch, which is considerably larger and even has a penthouse suite which can be reached by ladder.

Exotic beaches, shops and restaurants are all nearby, but the spectacular views alone are enough to make this accommodation worth booking.

A Houseboat in South Africa

If you want all the luxury of a hotel but in a more unusual setting, Kraalbaai Houseboats are the ideal accommodation. Moored in the Langebaan Lagoon – an hour away from Cape Town by car – these floating houses are nothing short of idyllic.

There are two options to choose from: the Larus Houseboat and the larger Nirvana Houseboat, both with open decks, kitchen facilities and plenty of sleeping space. Aside from the beautiful accommodation, the location has everything – picture-perfect turquoise waters, outdoor activities galore and, of course, fresh seafood.

If you want all the luxury of a hotel but in a more unusual setting, rent a house boat in South Africa

PRODUCTS YOU SHOULD HAVE WHEN STAYING IN ALTERNATE ACCOMMODATION: ↓

 

Powerfly Solar Powered Backpack

LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

CamelBak Chute 1L Water Bottle

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Megan is an Australian Journalist and award-winning travel writer who has been blogging since 2007. Her husband Mike is the American naturalist and wildlife photographer behind Waking Up Wild; a website dedicated to opening your eyes to the wild & natural world.

Committed to bringing you the best in adventure travel from all around the globe, there is no mountain too high, and no fete too extreme! They haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on their list.

Follow their journey on Facebook, TwitterYouTube, Pinterest and Instagram.

    20 Comments

  1. Another Nice Post

    • Thanks Justin :) Glad you enjoyed the post!

  2. The castle in Scotland looks stunning. As well as the Lighthouse in Norway, both are locations I’d love to spend some time at. I’m heading to Oz in December for a wedding and there is a chance I could be glamping it up in an RV.

    • Castles in Scotland are incredible – we stayed in one back in 2011, and felt as though we’d stepped into a fairy tale for the night :)

      Definitely consider an RV if you’re coming to Australia later in the year – many glamping sites have stationary RV’s which are pretty fun for overnight stays, but they’re a great way to travel long distance with rentals too :)

  3. I always love castles! Feeling like a princes. Kidding aside, great experience!

    • You and me both! Castles in Scotland are incredible – we stayed in one back in 2011, and felt as though we’d stepped into a fairy tale for the night :) Really does make you feel the magic and wonder of being a kid again!

  4. I would love to stay in a castle! That seems so cool. The lighthouse would be really amazing also. I should try to find more of these unique places.

    • Castle stays are such a fairytale! As are lighthouse stays actually -each lend themselves to memories you’ll never forget :)

  5. I’ve stayed in most of these types of accommodation, but I’ve always wanted to stay in a lighthouse! I’d definitely stay on a houseboat again because they was a great experience.

    • Hope you have the chance to organize a lighthouse stay soon! & glad to hear that you enjoyed your house boat stay – we love renting house boats where possible – the experience is so great!

  6. These are all great alternative options – I’m lucky to have stayed in Castle, but I’d love to stay in an airstreem in Australia and a tropical tree house would be incredible!

    • Glad to hear you enjoyed your castle stay! Hope you have the chance to experience a tree house and an RV :)

  7. I would love to experience staying in a Scottish castle! I can highly recommend staying on a houseboat in Kerala, India too. One of the best and most beautiful experiences while floating down the backwaters!

    • Yes to the houseboat in Kerala too – we recently published a guest post from an Indian blogger about her experience here, and it looked like a wonderful way to experience the region :)

  8. I Liked your ideas! I choose accommodation for its location, usually close to the main sights. Would not mind trying one of these options when the journey itself is more important than the destination

    • Thanks Elisa :) Absolutely – choosing unique accommodation is sometimes the experience in itself!

  9. You’re so right! Accommodation shouldn’t just be an afterthought. I think my two favorite would be the tree house in Puerto Rico or the castle in the Scottish Highlands. Both just seem so dreamy!

    • Hope you have the chance to experience both at some stage soon! Happy travels :)

  10. Wonderful post, Thank you!

    • Glad you enjoyed it! Happy travels! Here’s to seeking out alternative accommodation in 2017!

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