Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
Over the years, we’ve stayed in some truly unforgettable spots. While they may not always be the most luxurious or expensive, they stand out for being remote, unique, and delightfully different.
Sometimes we’ve planned entire trips around these unique places to stay and other times we’ve stumbled upon these places. If you are looking for other fun ways to plan a trip check out:
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How do you Find Unique Places to Stay
The biggest challenge is often finding these unique places to stay. I like to keep a little list of amazing places to stay so when I’m ready to plan a trip I have some ideas. Most of these places can only booked directly and are hard to find on a booking sites.
While you can search for these stays after you book a destination, often it’s as simple as choosing experiences you want and building your trip around these amazing places to stay.
6 Unique Places to Sleep for an Adventure
In a Mountain Hut
Sleeping in mountain huts is an experience we treasure. There’s something magical about hiking for hours, then tucking into a warm meal and cozy bed high in the mountains. Our favorite huts are scattered across Europe, with memorable stays in the White Mountains and Colorado. The best part? Meeting incredible people along the way.
👉 See one of our favorite hut experiences in Slovenia.
Earthen Huts in Sweden
Tucked away in the forests outside Stockholm, these earthen huts offer a truly unique escape. Each hut is equipped with a tiny woodstove, cozy bunks, and warm bedding, making it the perfect place to unwind in silence and solitude.
👉 Discover more about this amazing place on the Kolarbyn website.
In a Floating Hut
In Khao Sok National Park, Thailand, you can stay in floating huts on a serene lake. Accessible only by boat, these huts offer a tranquil escape where you can enjoy boat rides and communal meals in the shared kitchen. We stayed in basic huts, but there are more upscale options available too.
👉 Learn more about Khao Sok National Park.
On a Sailboat
As a sailor, sleeping on a boat is my ultimate favorite. There’s nothing like being gently rocked to sleep with the sound of water lapping just inches away. For me, the smaller the boat, the better the experience!
👉 Learn more about planning a family sailing trip.
In a Remote Campground
Whether it’s remote car camping or epic backpacking, sleeping far from civilization is always an adventure. The farther you are from city lights, the brighter the stars shine. We’ve had unforgettable camping experiences in U.S. National Parks and mountain destinations.
👉 Check out our experience at Alpine Lake.
In a Cave
Sleeping in a cave might not sound appealing at first, but our night in Matera, Italy, proved otherwise. These luxurious cave accommodations, carved into the hillside, offered a cozy and unforgettable stay.
See an example of sleeping in a cave in Matera.
This list is proof that some of the most memorable stays aren’t about extravagance—they’re about experiences. Where will your next adventure take you?
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