Yurts, Farmhouses, Ice Hotels and Other Unconventional Accommodations

Having new adventures with the family is an excellent way to bond and make lifelong memories. While travel adventures rarely get old, staying in hotel after hotel can definitely feel stale.

Here are a few options for alternative accommodations to spice up your next family trip:

Airbnb

Definitely mainstream by this point, consider checking out Airbnb options. On the whole, Airbnb stays can be more accommodating for families and large groups than hotels, especially if guests rent an entire house or apartment. This style of accommodation helps guests feel like locals with improved privacy and, usually, more space.

Yurts

If you are considering getting your family into camping, but in a style somewhere between a full recreational vehicle and a simple tent, consider a yurt. Yurts are technically portable, sturdy and circular tents typically used for glamping. Whatever your intention, yurts are likely the most unique accommodation option for camping.

Yurt in Goblin Valley, Utah. Photo: Glamping Yurts, Goblin Valley State Park, Utah

Barns/Farmhouses

For a rustic and grounding experience, check the family into a barn or farmhouse. These may fall into the glamping category, but I would venture to bet most people have never slept in a barn during their travel. Staying in a farmhouse can be a similar experience to an Airbnb, but the close proximity to a farm brings unique experiences.

Tree Houses

Tree houses are another unique stay for families. Most people haven’t stayed in a tree house, if ever, since they were small children and Airbnb’s treehouses blow rickety backyard hideouts out of the water. Most of these are smaller, but they should not be totally discounted for families looking for adventure.

Ice Hotels

Finally, though technically hotels, consider staying in an ice hotel on your next trip to a cold-weather destination. In North America, Hôtel de Glace is an ice hotel offering themed rooms and suites, weddings and distinct packages. The website even includes a preparation guide to help visitors get ready for their stay. Rooms come with extra-warm sleeping bags and insulating bedding, making sure each guest stays warm in rooms kept 23–27 degrees Fahrenheit. Follow the guides to make sure you are prepared for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.