Yes, hotels are everywhere and super easy to book. However, they are also the same just about everywhere. You can stay at a hotel chain anywhere in the world and the rooms and experiences would be just about the same. I would rather stay somewhere that felt unique and represented the culture. Every location is different, but I have a few suggestions on places to stay besides a typical hotel room.
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Boat
Have you ever thought about renting a night on a boat? Neither had I until I stayed on a boat in Sydney Harbor! This is possibly one of the most unique places to stay while taveling. We did not have keys to drive the boat (which was fine with us as we never intended on driving it). We simply rented it out just like any other hotel room or Air BNB and it acted as our room for two nights. I get very seasick so I was a bit worried about getting sick while on the boat, but that was not a problem at all. Being on a dock where boats have to travel slow kept the waves to a minimum.
Camping
If you really want to dive into the natural beauty of the landscape you’re visiting, there is no better way than to camp. Whether you are tent camping or renting a camper, you are sure to experience what makes your destination unique.
Cabin
If you want the outdoor feel without the commitment of packing around camping gear, renting a cabin is a great option. I have rented a cabin in the jungle of India and in the Australian outback, both of which gave me a new perspective on the destination. The sturdiness of a cabin can also make some feel safer if you are staying in an area with a lot of wild animals.
Other location-specific options
Depending on where you go, boat houses, tree houses, igloos, or even underwater hotels are amazing places to stay for an experience you will never forget! Get creative, and do some research about the different options available to you. If you are so lucky to have friends around the world, staying with then can give you a true cultural experience. I previously stayed with a friend in Chile, and it is an experience I will never forget.
Which of these options would you like to try out? Let me know in the comments!
