Outdoorsy travelers, you now can have your hike and shower, too: For your next trip, book a stay at a tree house resort, oceanside yurt, or airstream trailer hotel and you’ll have a memorable getaway that takes you close to nature—without completely roughing it. It’s the best of both worlds, a true marriage of indoor/outdoor living.
Quirky travelers, these hotel types will also make an incredible post-trip story. Imagine falling asleep with a perfect starry night view, be it from the boughs of a tree, a skylight of a yurt, or through the windshield of an airstream trailer. The next morning, your wake-up call will come in the form of squirrels rustling in the nearby branches, or a close-by ocean breeze caressing your brow.
When I travel, I love to visit places that are great for hiking and other outdoorsy pursuits. To me, there’s nothing better than heading out on a trail to ascend a mountain, with the reward of a fantastic view from atop a gorgeous peak. Fresh air, good exercise, and beautiful sights make for an ideal day, in my opinion, wherever the particular trail may be.
I also love descending the mountain, knowing that a hot shower and a comfortable bed await me at the end of the day. Let’s just say I’m not one for camping: I prefer carrying a lighter load on my back (just enough food and water for the day, and maybe my camera) in addition to the aforementioned creature comforts.
Whether you’re an active traveler, a quirky traveler, or a little bit of both (like me), then you may find a tree house resort, a yurt, or an airstream trailer a great fit for your next vacation – and believe it or not, there are quite a few to choose from across the U.S.
Airstream Trailers
There’s something so irresistibly retro about airstreams – and by booking a stay at an airstream B&B or vacation rental, you’ll enjoy a getaway that’s often as close to camping as you can get without pitching a tent. Airbnb currently has 11 airstream trailers listed all around the world, with U.S. offerings available in California, the Florida Everglades, Georgia, Oregon, and Washington. With settings ranging from lush gardens to beachfront locales, the airstream vacation truly can be tailored to your favorite type of scenery. Of course, given airstreams’ compact size, you should expect cozy quarters—but that’s no big deal when the stunning views beckon just outside your doorstep.
Tree houses
You can’t get much closer to nature than falling asleep tucked into the boughs of a tree – and from coast to coast, you can do just that at a tree house resort. Tree house accommodations offer an up-and-away from it all getaway that can be rustic (like the Cedar Creek Treehouse near Mt. Rainier in Ashford, Washington) or five-star (such as the Winvian Treehouse Cottage in Morris, Connecticut). Whether you choose to go high-end or low, the experience—and views—will be unforgettable.
Yurts
If you’re familiar with glamping (also known as “glamorous camping”), you’ve also most likely heard of yurts. Yurts are circular tent-like structures with a wood frame, constructed of heavy-duty fabric and (typically) a skylight. At the Treebones Resort in Big Sur, California, the yurts have a luxe feel, with pine-wood floors, sinks with running water, queen-sized beds, tables and chairs, and reading lamps. Best of all, though, are the redwood decks that overlook the ocean. Communal showers, a pool and hot tub, a restaurant, and sushi bar are all on site – so while the overall feel is minimalist, putting the setting and views front and center, the amenities are decidedly high-end.
Have you stayed at a tree house resort, a yurt, or an airstream trailer? Share your recommendations by leaving a comment below!
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Photo courtesy emdot via Flickr Creative Commons