As the profile of today’s modern traveler evolves, so does the bevy of accommodations from which to choose for their next stop! Airbnb has taken over as a go-to alternative to the standard hotel, allowing travel enthusiasts to bunk up in a local’s pad. But, just around the corner, there are a variety of additional options ramping up their efforts to capture the attention of potential guests. Whether they be nestled at a bed and breakfast, or tucked away on a working farm, savvy travelers can now rest their heads on pillows where they least expected they would. Windstar Cruises – a fleet of small luxury cruise ships – provides novice to seasoned travelers five alternatives to Airbnb that aren’t a boring hotel.
Bed & Breakfast
Likely the most familiar to seasoned travelers looking to maintain the comforts of home is the bed and breakfast. Waking up to the smell of coffee brewing and breakfast on the stove is all part of the appeal. The bed and breakfast concept originally gained popularity in the mid-2000’s as an alternative to large hotel chains, and is continuing to see growth within the travel industry. This is an ideal destination for those seeking the comforts of home, but within a communal atmosphere where they can meet-and-greet with like-minded travel enthusiasts. For those looking for a home away from home, bed and breakfasts provide just that for a relatively inexpensive cost. Interested travelers looking for a bed and breakfast – whether luxury or quaint.
Ecolodges
The term “ecolodge” may bring to mind images of roughing it in an isolated cabin with limited modern advances. Think again!
For travelers committed to conservation, sustainability never looked so good. These environmentally friendly accommodations provide a truly unique experience, as no two ecolodges are alike. Often rooted in cultural sensitivity, travelers can choose from stylish digs like Indonesia’s Banyan Tree Bintan, or others that pay special respect to the natural environment like the Napo Wildlife Center Ecolodge in Ecuador. No matter the preference, ecolodges create an atmosphere that truly bridges the gap between the destination and traveler.
Floating Hotels
Floating hotels and intimate yachts provide travelers the opportunity to visit some of the world’s most renowned and remote locales, while sleeping through the arduous process of actually getting there. Windstar Cruises operates a fleet of small luxury cruise ships, providing a traveling hotel for guests who can partake in a collection of voyages to small ports and hidden harbors throughout Europe, the South Pacific, Caribbean, Central America, Iceland, Puerto Rico, and beyond. There’s no place like home – especially when it feels like the guest’s own private yacht. From plush ocean view staterooms and suites, to an onboard spa, pool, and multiple restaurants, this nautical hotel is large enough to pamper and entertain travelers, yet small enough to tuck into the tiny harbors and hidden coves that larger ships can’t reach. In lieu of picking one destination, Windstar Cruises invites travelers to experience handcrafted shore excursions in multiple culturally diverse locales. Those interested in luxury cruising can visit www.windstarcruises.com to embark on their most exciting adventure yet.
Farmstays
From rural farmhouses to working ranches and cattle farms, this hotel alternative covers a wide range of accommodations – and guests don’t necessarily need to be willing to milk a cow to take advantage. Having originally found notoriety in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, the farmstay concept has recently gained traction in the U.S. for travelers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Farmstays are ideal for those seeking the solace of a vast starry sky at night or the physical stimulation of a rural countryside experience. While some farmers invite guests to partake in hands-on chores such as tending the land or caring for the animals, others simply provide demonstrations and an education on agriculture and the process of growing the food that feeds their families, and millions more.
Yurts
Camping enthusiasts can forget the days of sleeping on the cold flat ground and take advantage of a low-maintenance, ecologically friendly yurt. Originally covered with felt made from sheep’s wool and used as a dwelling by nomads in the steppes of Central Asia, this round tent now boasts the luxuries of a modern day hotel room. A yurt is designed to be dismantled and the parts carried, making it a great option for travelers looking to camp in comfort. With a few helping hands, yurts can be assembled in just a day or two in a traveler’s destination of choice. With a space ranging in upwards of 700 square feet, Yurts can be wired to support heat, plumbing, and technology to stay connected to family and friends back home. Yurts beg the question: why stay in a hotel when it is possible to pick a hillside and enjoy a getaway in a hybrid of luxury and simplicity?
