It happens to the best of us: that unscratch itch that tells us it’s time to throw off the shackles of the 9-to-5 grind and step away for a while. Whether you’ve been overworking yourself or are just tired of staring at the same four walls all the time, there’s nothing like a change of scenery to feel refreshed and revitalized. But why settle for a boring chain hotel when you can travel outside the box with a unique home away from home? Vacation rentals may not be new to you, but you may not have considered these weird and wonderful alternative spaces:
1. Get lost
Remember Lost, the TV show where a group of strangers are stranded on a mysterious island after their plane crashes for no apparent reason? Relive the experience of sheltering in the hull of an abandoned plane when you stay at the exotic 727 Airplane Jungle Home in Costa Rica. Offering all the adventure without the terror of a crash landing in the wild, this vacation rental features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a polished teak deck with treetop views, and a fully equipped kitchen. There’s also an on-site masseuse and private chef, for that authentic Robinson Crusoe experience.
2. I wish the shoes were here
If you are looking for a fairytale getaway, this property is ready to blow your mind. Located in the heart of New Zealand’s Tasman region, The Boot is exactly what it sounds like: a real boot. Complete with Wi-Fi, central heating, and an idyllic courtyard garden, this bed and breakfast is the perfect romantic vacation rental for two. While not ideal for discerning vacationers, this cozy cabin will leave even the most capricious and fun-loving traveler in awe.
3.Berlin Budget
In the old days, people traveling in euros on a shoestring budget would have to crowd into dingy hostels or, if they were lucky, bump into layers of accommodating friends (or strangers). No more! Two enterprising gentlemen are now offering you the chance to stay in a three-foot shack for the princely sum of $11 a night. Resembling the kind of playhouse one would expect to find gracing a young child’s room, the bright red wooden box can stand upright if you feel like standing, and lay flat if you want to inflate the air bed and get a (good?) night’s sleep Best of all, they allow pets! Let’s hope you’re more chihuahua than great dane.
4. Time to reflect
Are you the kind of traveler who takes a lot of selfies? If so, you’ll love Mirror House in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Not only is the entire exterior of the property covered in mirrored glass, but the interior of the home continues the theme with a black and white color scheme, wall-mounted mosaic tiles, and modern light-refracting chandeliers. Probably not for the superstitious or vampires, the House of Mirrors is nonetheless a beautiful and well-located haven offering accommodation for up to ten people (despite only having one bed, but you know what they say about the smoke and mirrors).
If a regular vacation rental is more your speed, there’s certainly plenty to choose from but, when you get tired of the daily grind, it’s always fun to imagine escaping to some of these quirky places.