Saturday, 19 November, 2022 UTC
Summary
Usually when you're booking a stay through Airbnb or Vrbo, you're just looking for a home base to rest and plot out some local adventures. But sometimes, there's a listing so unique, like a house in the shape of a Dali-esque seashell, it becomes the destination itself.
Staying at one of these listings is a guaranteed one-of-a-kind experience. So even if you don't have a good reason to travel to any of these destinations, they're each worth the trip for the bragging rights alone.
1. A futuristic pod in the desert In 1968, Finnish architect Matti Suuronen conceived of the "Futuro house," a prefabricated structure designed to be used as a portable ski chalet. Less than 100 Futuro houses were made and today there are only 63 left in the world, including this one in Joshua Tree, CA. There's no skiing to be found in the arid climate of Joshua Tree, but the flying saucer design of the Futuro house lends itself perfectly to Joshua Tree's martian-like landscape and supposed energy vortices.
Like life of Mars... on planet Earth.
Credit: Airbnb
You can't get much more rural than staying in a yurt surrounded by farm animals in upstate New York.
Get to know the host's goats who apparently have big personalities, then take a pre-ordered picnic lunch for a walk in the woods, and come back for a solar-heated outdoor shower and some stargazing — even inside through the oculus skylight. The yurt is also heated by a wood stove making it a cozy off-the-grid escape from the city grind.
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A yurt plus goats is the wellness plan you didn't know you needed.
Credit: Airbnb
When you hear helicopter, you don't immediately think comfortable lodging, but this listing somehow made it possible.
Located on a campground near Liverpool, England, this Lynx military helicopter has been retrofitted with custom-shaped beds, a kitchenette, a TV, and amazingly sleeps up to four people. What better way to live out your action-hero fantasy?
Answering the question that no one asked: What's it like to sleep on a helicopter?
Credit: Airbnb / James Jebson
This one takes the '60s space-age obsession to the next level.
Walk up the ramp through the entry hatch and you'll enter a spaceship complete with retro control panels, plenty of Star Wars memorabilia, and yes, a bar called the "Lunar Lounge." According to the hosts, the ship landed at its present Washington state location 30 years ago, but that shouldn't stop you from trying to make extraterrestrial contact.
Live out your space nerd fantasy.
Credit: Airbnb
Not to be confused with silos which are taller and narrower, these two grain bins have been have been converted into tiny accommodations in Phillipsburg, MO. The bins were renovated with lofts that look down on a living room and kitchen with retro-style appliances to authenticate your agrarian fantasy. In case this listing has you feeling a little claustrophobic, don't worry, the grain bins have windows and plenty of light.
Grain bins have never looked so inviting.
Credit: Airbnb / Brandy Triplett
So it's not actually a saloon, but this listing in Tetonia, ID is pretty authentic to its cowboy legacy.
Hitch your horse or wagon, and kick up your boots in this wood-paneled cabin decorated with western tackle. Play some pool and chill by the fire inside, or soak in the saltwater hot tub and gather 'round the fire pit outside for views of the Grand Tetons and some soothing stargazing.
Cowboy-cation is definitely a thing.
Credit: Airbnb / Maison Tetonia
According to its listing, the construction of the Bloomhouse in Austin, TX started with "some hippies and a dream."
Two Austin-based architecture students built this house in the '70s to be "in harmony" with its surrounding environment. Is it a seashell? Is it a meringue? It's hard to say. What can be certain is that this house is entirely unique and almost devoid of right angles (except for the rectangular doors, as the host points out).
SEE ALSO:
Check out these pet-friendly road trip destinations
No right angles, but definitely right vibes.
Credit: Vrbo
This Minnesota listing's two connected domes isn't even its coolest part. as the whole concept feels like a children's book fantasy. There's a slide to get from the loft to the main floor, an indoor putting green, a ping pong table, and a mini stage. Outside is a backyard oasis with a pond and a trickling waterfall that looks like you've stepped into Neverland. There's even a workout room, but you might be too busy living out your childhood dreams to care.
[said in the Stefon voice] This place has everything.
Credit: Vrbo
For fans of The Crown who want to live like royalty, look no further than this castle in... North Carolina.
For $2,400 a night, this listing is definitely on the splurge end of the spectrum, but what would you expect from a castle with catered meals? Wake up like Princess Margaret in a lavish Victorian bedroom, then traipse through the North Carolina woods on a hiking tour while pretending it's Balmoral. Afterwards, take a cooking class with the five-star chef and then book a massage to round out your exhausting day of "royal" duties.
You don't need to go to England to live like royalty.
Credit: Vrbo
Be like Sam Baldwin in the iconic rom com and escape your past to the soothing sound of water lapping against your very own dwelling at the end of a dock. This Seattle listing obviously has amazing waterfront views (of Union Lake to be exact) and provides everything you need for watersport activities. Now get on that paddle board and orchestrate a meet-cute.
Rom-com goals.
Credit: Vrbo