The Best Places to Stay That Aren’t Hotels

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Sometimes accommodation can feel restricting when you’re travelling. If you’re in an unfamiliar country it might be tempting just to go and stay in a hotel, simply because you can rely on being provided with a bed, bathroom, cleaning services and local knowledge.
It doesn’t hurt to step out of your comfort zone from time to time though, and there are plenty of accommodation options that aren’t hotels that are easily accessible and not too hard on the wallet.
Here are some places that aren’t hotels that you can stay on your travels.

Airbnb

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The most obvious answer, booking an Airbnb is a great way to truly experience life in whichever part of the world that you’re in.
Ranging from a single bedroom to an entire house, Airbnb offers freedom to travelers that not many other places can give.

Van

Caravelair

Now I don’t mean the backseat of a Kombi van, I’m talking about a van that’s been converted to house a proper bed and great storage space.
A cheaper option than the traditional RV, converted vans are great for those who don’t want to have a “home base” so to speak, and you’ll always have all of your belongings on you, minimizing the risk of forgetting anything!

Tiny House

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Available to rent or buy, a tiny house lives up to its name as they are generally smaller than 400 square feet.
Some tiny houses have all the amenities that a normal house would, and some can be packed up into a trailer and taken to the next destination. There are options regardless of what your plans are!

Academic Housing

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A more viable option in the university summer break, if you’re visiting a town or city that has university residence it’s worth checking their website to see if they rent unoccupied rooms to travelers.
Because of the heavy student lives that are lived there it will probably be basic, but it will also probably be cheap.

Hostel

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Hostels have a reputation for not being safe and only being for young travelers who love a party.
This isn’t the case though, hostels are an affordable option that allow you to meet and interact with other travelers from all over the world, allowing you to trade experiences and advice on past, present and future holiday destinations!
Like everything though, there are some great hostels and some less than impressive hostels, just do your research!

Houseboat

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The perfect option for those who love the water, houseboats come in all levels of luxury, so you should be able to find one that suits your budget.
It could be tough to get the hang of steering your home if you’re unfamiliar with boats, but it’s a skill that you should pick up relatively quickly!

Camp out under the stars

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Obviously not an option if you’re staying in the middle of a busy city but put your home on your back and sleep where you find room in nature.
It’s probably best to be part of a tour if you choose this option, but it’s immensely rewarding and allows you to truly experience the great outdoors.

Yurt

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A glorified, glamourised tent, yurts are becoming more and more popular with campers.
With a range of yurts available across the world, they are a bona fide option for those wanting to be outdoors but aren’t quite brave enough to opt for a tent!

Igloo

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Obviously not an option in anywhere warm, staying in an igloo for a night is actually a lot warmer than you think!
Don’t worry about having to build your own, there are plenty of ice hotels around the world that can provide services as varied as ice bars and hot tubs, so you can survive this odd experience in comfort and without freezing!

Home Exchange

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There is a way to stay in a beautiful home for a minimal cost. The catch? A stranger is also staying in your home.
Home swaps are increasing in popularity and there are sites dedicated to giving you peace of mind so that you can enjoy your holiday in the comfort that your home isn’t being trashed.

Mushroom Dome Cabin

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One of the most popular rentals on Airbnb, a mushroom dome cabin is perfect for people who want to experience the outdoors while enjoying the creature comforts of home.
Due to the popularity of these rentals you have to plan your trip months in advance, especially during the summer months!

Cottage

Iha.com

A great way to provide freedom and a “home away from home” feeling is to rent a cottage on your next holiday.
A great way to properly experience wherever you’re staying, a cottage can give and authentic, homey feel to a foreign country.
Most can comfortably fit a family and give children plenty of space to play, so a cottage is a great option for the next family holiday.

Overwater Bungalow

Islands

A more expensive option, overwater bungalows offer incredible panoramic views of the beach and ocean all from absolute comfort.
Direct access to the beautiful water is a great feature as well, because who would put an overwater bungalow anywhere that isn’t beautiful?

Treehouse

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Quirky accommodation is becoming more and more popular around the world, and treehouses have benefitted from this.
With many able to provide the comforts and amenities and that a normal apartment or house could provide along with a magnificent aerial view of wherever you’re based, it’s a win-win situation.

Motorhome

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These beasts have become synonymous with travelling around rural America.
A car and home rolled into one, these massive vehicles can be tough to get the hang of driving but offer freedom as to where you want to stay, as well as some basic comforts and amenities.
You’ll have to stay in caravan parks sometimes in order to keep yourself running in tip top condition, but those are scattered around most countries pretty conveniently.

Sources

Livingly - The Best Places To Stay When Traveling That Aren't Hotels
Money Cashers - Living Tiny House Movement Plans
Thrifty Nomads - 10 Cheap Alternatives To Hotels
Go Glamping - Glamping Yurts
Lonely Planet - How To Stay In An Igloo And Live To Tell About It
Inhabitat - Airbnbs Most Popular Rental Is A Tiny Mushroom Dome Cabin
Saga - 5 Reasons To Go Self Catering
Sandals - Over The Water Bungalows