Staying In 12 Different Types Of Accommodation
2023 New Year's Resolution
My 2023 New Year’s Resolution was to stay in 12 different types of accommodation. I think this comes from my fondness of dens when I was little!
I love a new year’s resolution, and as I’d previously cooked a dish from every country in the world, and then cooked with an A-Z of ingredients I’d not cooked with before, I decided I needed to do something that didn’t involve being in the kitchen.
Hotels are certainly wonderful places, offering sanctuary, luxury or familiarity. However, staying somewhere that’s a little less conventional can turn an overnight stay into more of an adventure.
If you’re looking for ideas of somewhere a bit different to spend a night, delve right in and find inspiration for your next sleepover.
Loving Small Spaces Since I Was Small
Ever since I was little, I have loved small spaces. Snuggling up in a small nook or cranny made me feel oh-so cosy. I adored going on holiday in our caravan and hunkering down in my little bunk.
Staying in a log cabin made me feel a sense of shelter in the great outdoors, even though I wasn’t brave enough to sleep on the top of the three storey bunk bed – it was a little too high for little me.
Sleeping in a tent on family trips felt like an adventure in nature, with the wild world just the other side of the canvas.
More Recent Quirky Stays
I’ve stayed in some unusual places as an adult; many of them as part of my annual challenge to try fifty two new things. From solo camping, to camping over the edge of a cliff, to spending a night in a lighthouse with spectacular views.
A long held dream to stay in a snow hotel became a reality in Finland. It wasn’t as cold as you might think!
A charity sleepout gave me a chance to raise money for homeless people whilst experiencing a fraction of what it must be like to sleep on the streets.
I love all of those overnight experiences, and they always feel like more of an adventure than a traditional hotel.
Staying In 12 Different Types Of Accommodation - Finding Places To Stay
What made this challenge difficult was finding accommodation that I could book for just one night. Many places have a minimum stay of 2 or 3 nights. As I was trying to keep costs down, multi-night bookings weren’t really an option.
This resolution had the potential to be very expensive. However, keeping an eye out for deals, we never stayed anywhere that cost more than £100 per night. Infact, the cheapest place we stayed cost £9 for one night, and the most expensive was £84.
We were lucky enough to be on a trip across Asia during the year, so I took the opportunity to find some different accommodation for us to stay in as we travelled.
In the end, we stayed in 14 different types of accommodation, both over seas and closer to home, and experienced some exceptional nights away.
The 12 Different Types Of Accommodation
You can either scroll through the different types of accommodation, or click to visit a particular one.
1. Youth Hostel
Not venturing too far from home, I stayed in the York Youth Hostel for my first type of accommodation for the new year’s resolution.
A building once belonging to chocolate pioneer and philanthopist, Joseph Rowntree, it’s now frequented by travellers from around the world. The communal spaces are decorated with facts about the sweet history of the city.
It wasn’t quite the sociable experience I’d anticipated, as many people had headphones in, were engrossed in a book, or were on their phones. However, it was a comfy bed, a nice safe space, and I had a good nights sleep.
The Bed
I stayed in a bottom bunk in a female dorm which had beds for 8 guests. My bunk was a nice cosy space with a light and charging point.
All bedding was provided and it was clean and comfortable.
Private rooms are also available.
What it was like overnight
Due to the building being quite old, despite people doing their best to be quiet as they moved about, there were creaky doors and squeaky floorboards.
Facilities
I made use of the great value on site cafe, and for people wanting to do their own cooking, a kitchen was available.
Toilets and showers were shared, and were clean with hot water. Towels were not provided.
The dorm had good sized lockers where personal items could be safely kept.
There was a games room, and communal seating areas both inside and in the large garden.
Breakfast
Breakfast was not included in the price, but I decided to set myself up for the day with a simple but filling selection.
Why you should stay here
It’s great value for money, safe, warm and secure.
If you’re looking to do any multi-day hikes or cycles, it’s well worth looking into YHA, (Youth Hostel Association), for accommodation along the your route.
Location : I stayed at the York YHA which is just outside of York city centre in the north of England.
Cost of stay
It’s usually £15 per night, however, I booked during a 25% sale so it only cost me £11.25!
Prices will vary depending on type of room and hostel, but it is very good value.
Find out more :
- Visit the Youth Hostel Association they operate 150 hostels across England and Wales.
- Hostelling Scotland has details of accommodation across Scotland.
- Visit the Irish Youth Hostel Association for details of their properties.
- Hostelling International have over 2,500 hostels around the world on their books.
2. Helicopter - Staying In 12 Different Types Of Accommodation
On a remote part of the Lincolnshire coastline, the Other Half and I ventured to the RAF Wainfleet site.
Humming the theme tune to Airwolf and quoting a certain line from the film Predator, we arrived for our overnight stay in a converted lynx helicopter.
I say converted, the cockpit was still in its original condition, but the rear space had been kitted out to include a double sofa bed, coffee table, TV, mini fridge, kettle and crockery. It was amazing what they had managed to fit in!
Behind the helicopter, was a lovely decking area, which we didn’t use because it was a bit too chilly for sitting out when we were there in February. However, I can imagine enjoying sitting around the chimnea amongst the solar lights on a warmer evening.
At the time of our visit, we had a jet stream plane and the control tower for neighbours, both of which could also be rented out. Since then they have increased their lets which now include an army ambulance, sea king, spitfire, tank, and combine harvester!
The Bed
We slept on a pull out double sofa bed.
Bedding was provided, but we took some extra layers with us too. Although there was underfloor heating (which we very much appreciated), the helicopter wasn’t insulated so we took additional blankets to make it especially snuggly.
What it was like overnight
It was incredibly quiet and dark. Located at the end of a track there was no passing traffic. With no direct neighbouring buildings, the night sky was spine tinglingly clear.
Facilities
Kitchen and bathroom facilities were in a separate building, and there was even a communal games room for anyone wanting a game of darts, table tennis or pool.
Breakfast
Was not included, but we’d taken our own provisions and made our own in the kitchen.
Why you should stay here
If you want peace, quiet, big skies and a quirky place to sleep, this is ideal. If you’re interested in history or aviation, it’s definitely one to add to your to-visit list.
Location : RAF Wainfleet is near Skegness on the North Lincolnshire Coast in the north of England.
Cost of stay
We paid £70 for our one night stay. It looks as though they have now moved to a minimum of a 2 night booking which is £140.
Find out more :
- Visit RAF Wainfleet for details of all of their unusual accommodation and booking information.
3. A Ryokan
During our travels in Japan there were two types of accommodation I really wanted to stay in. The first being a traditional ryokan.
This type of Japanese Inn has existed since the 8th century, and although we did some research into etiquette, we still needed some guidance from our host.
The ryokan we stayed in has been hosting guests for over 100 years, and we received a quiet yet warm welcome. Taking our shoes off and leaving them at the door, we slipped into one of the shared pairs of house slippers. Known as Geta, they were a bit like a wooden flip flop.
Our room embraced tradition, with painted sliding doors, soft tatami matted flooring, and fresh tea waiting our arrival. The sleeping space was vast and took up most of the room, and lying on top of this, were our individual yukata. Guests are expected to wear these when they are moving about the premises.
We made use of one of the free onsen hot baths which was perfect for a dip after a day exploring. Wallowing in the steaming clean water was a wonderful end to the day.
The Bed
Was like a futon mattress. If you’re not good at getting down to the ground, this might not be the best accommodation for you. The thick duvet was covered with a simple sheet and was It was very comfortable and nice and warm
What it was like overnight
It was remarkably quiet. Despite the walls being so thin in the building, we didn’t hear anything as we turned out our lights, and slept solidly through the night.
Facilities
The shared bathroom facilities were spotless, and included the brilliant high-tech toilets. Showers were available and the onsen was available for bathing between certain times.
Towels and toiletries were readily available,
Breakfast
Breakfast was not included in the price but we bought it as an extra to set us up for a day of travelling onwards. Western and traditional options were available and it was all delicious, fresh and well presented.
Why you should stay here
If you want to experience tradition in Japan, a more authentic stay, and local friendly hospitality, I can highly recommend staying in a ryokan.
Location : We stayed in Murataya ryokan in the city of Kanazawa, in central Japan.
Cost of stay
It cost £60 for the two of us for our overnight stay.
Find out more :
- Japanese Guest House – covers over 600 ryokan across Japan.
4. A Capsule Hotel - Staying In 12 Different Types Of Accommodation
I have a vague recollection of seeing something on tv about a capsule hotel when I was much younger, and it hugely appealed to me. So this was the second type of accommodation I really wanted to sample when we were in Japan.
Located over a couple of floors, we received a friendly welcome at the vast reception area, where there were plenty of communal spaces to sit and chat to other travellers.
We stayed in a mixed room with 10 separate sleeping pods.
These individual capsules were like long cubes stacked into two rows. Five along the bottom which you needed to crawl into, and another five capsules sat on top with a small ladder for access.
Each private pod had a sliding door at the entrance to close behind you. Once inside, there were lights, a fan, an alarm, various USB points, and a TV! The one potential downside was the risk of snoring neighbours, but earplugs were provided too!
The Bed
It was a really comfy mattress, with nice clean sheets, and more than enough room for sleeping. In fact, it was much bigger than my one person tent!
What it was like overnight
It was warm overnight, and the fan in my capsule only gave a slight bit of respite. There was a bit of noise as people moved about, but generally everyone was respectful during the quiet hours, and I slept well.
Facilities
Everything was provided for the night including lockers for smaller items, toiletries, towels, slippers and pyjamas! Larger baggage could be locked onto a rail.
Toilet and showers were shared and were exceptionally clean.
Breakfast
Breakfast was not included, so we picked up some items from the nearby Lawson shop and ate them in the communal area.
Why you should stay here
It is incredibly good value for money, and amazing that it includes everything that you need for an overnight stay.
It’s a great way to meet other travellers if you spend time in the social areas.
It may not be for you if you experience claustrophobia at all.
Location : We stayed in Sejour Inn Capsule in Hiroshima
Cost of stay
£16 per person per night.
Find out more :
- Japan Guide has some information and etiquette about staying in capsule hotels.
- Go Tokyo also offers a guide to capsule hotels.
5. Sleeper Bus
Full disclosure, we took the sleeper bus during the day during our travels through Vietnam. We still managed to get some shut-eye though, so I included it towards the resolution of staying in 12 different types of accommodation.
This was the smallest accommodation we stayed in! Kitted out with upper and lower bunks on each side of the bus, they’d even managed to cram a row down the middle.
Larger baggage was put in the hold, and any valuable items were taken with us.
Breaking up the journey with a stop at a services, they even provided slip-on footwear for the brief so we didn’t have to put our shoes back on.
The Bed
It was less of a bed, and more a reclined leatherette seat which was adjustable. There wasn’t a lot of room for turning over, but comfy enough. Bedding wasn’t provided, but there was a raised part of the bed that acted as a pillow.
What it was like overnight
Not so much overnight for this accommodation, but rather whilst we were sleeping. Inner city roads in Vietnam are quite chaotic, and the reverberating sounding of horns featured heavily along the journey.
The driving was smooth with a slight rocking motion which I personally found quite relaxing, and I pleasantly drifted in and out of a slumber. If you’re a light sleeper you might want to take ear plugs and an eye mask.
Facilities
Each bunk had air con, a full curtain for privacy, a bottle of water, and a TV! Despite the TV looking as though it was touch screen, it needed the staff to use their remote to make it work. I’m not entirely sure if there was a toilet on board as I never needed it.
Breakfast
Waking up at our destination, it was a pleasant surprise to find that wearing shorts hadn’t resulted in my bare legs sticking to the plastic coated bed. Of course there was no breakfast or shower available, but we arrived feeling alert and ready to explore our next destination.
Why you should stay here
Using sleeping time to travel is a great way to maximise time spent in different destinations. Having space to stretch your legs out, and lie down, is a pleasant alternative to being sat in an upright chair for several hours on a traditional bus too.
Location : We travelled with Thanh Buoi bus company between Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho.
Cost of stay
We paid just under £5 per person for a 180km trip which took around 4 hours.
6. Sleeper Train - Staying In 12 different Types Of Accommodation
The Other Half and I booked the top two bunks in a 4 birth cabin on a Vietnamese Sleeper Train for our 14 hour journey. Like the sleeper bus, this wasn’t overnight, but did involve us getting some sleep.
We had a couple of changes of room mates on the bottom bunks throughout the trip, including some very cute kids who were super smiley once they’d got used to us.
Despite the language barrier, we felt very welcomed by the cheerful local people who we shared the cabin with.
At one end of the carriage were a couple of roosters who loudly made themselves known every now and then.
Stretching our legs along the corridor, we enjoyed a spectacular sunset as we trundled through the countryside and by the the fields.
The Bed
Having a top bunk was good as it meant we were out of the way as people came and went. It was comfy enough, and had plenty of space to stretch out and turn over.
What it was like overnight
This wasn’t an overnight train, so people were milling about and chatting, but it was never overly loud. There was the rhythmic lulling rattle of the train as we rolled along, and it was more cool and airy than we had anticipated.
Although it wasn’t solid, I still slept pretty well when I drifted off.
Facilities
We had taken our own snacks and drinks for the journey, but there was a trolley service that rattled along the corridor quite regularly.
A pillow and sheet was provided on each bunk, however, we never saw these being changed as passengers left and new people boarded.
The toilet at the end of our carriage held up pretty well over the hours. It wasn’t the worst I’ve seen, but there was plenty of room for improvement.
Morning
Arriving at our destination was late evening rather than morning. We both felt quite refreshed after sleeping throughout the journey.
Why you should stay here
If you’ve got a long distance to cover, a sleeper train gives you more comfort than regular seats.
Location : We travelled between Hue in central Vietnam to Hanoi in the north.
Cost of stay
We paid just over £50 per person for a 688km trip which took around 14 hours.
Find out more :
- Vietnam Trains has details about many trains and routes across Vietnam and beyond.
- Lotus Train operate several sleeper trains across Vietnam
7. Jungle Cabin
Visiting Sapa in the the north west of Vietnam, it felt as though we were in the Alps in Asia. With beautiful mountains and greenery, we stayed amongst the trees close to the town centre, in a jungle cabin.
Jutting out from the greenery, our wooden abode for the night had a large living space on the ground floor, and a spacious bathroom area to the back with a shower that was more powerful than expected, and nice and hot.
Ascending the stairs, the upper level was the sleeping area with space for a family, and plenty of windows to watch the wild world outside.
I’m petrified of spiders, and not the best with bugs, so was a little nervous about what creepy crawlies might decide to visit us in our accommodation. Aside from a large cricket, the only other living creature we encountered was a teeny tiny and very cute looking little frog who decided to make our bathroom its home.
The Bed
There was no bed frame, but rather a comfortable mattress on the floor with pillows and a duvet.
What it was like overnight
There was a big storm overnight, which was noisy but exciting to watch through the windows. It also made it incredibly hot and sticky, so we took the duvet out of the cover, and slept under the empty casing which made it much more bearable.
Facilities
We had a kettle in our cabin and our own private bathroom. There was no air conditioning, but a couple of fans to help keep us cool.
Further along the small complex was a lovely shared and relaxed coffee terrace where we sat and watched the sun go down over the town.
Morning
A delicious breakfast was served on the terrace where we enjoyed a very laid back morning in the peace and quiet overlooking the town.
Why you should stay here
The jungle cabin we stayed in was great for people who don’t want to venture too far into the actual jungle! The hospitality from the staff was super friendly. It was quiet and peaceful whilst still being just a short walk from the hubbub of town.
Location : Sapa Jungle Homestay, a five minute walk from the bus station in Sapa, North West Vietnam.
Cost of stay
It cost £20 per night per cabin when we stayed here.
Find out more :
- Sapa Nomad has done a complete review of Sapa Jungle Homestay
- Sapa Hotels has booking details on their site for the jungle homestay
8. A Church - Staying In 12 different Types Of Accommodation
Many churches across the UK, are opening up their doors for sleepovers. Known as champing, it’s the simple act of camping in ancient churches.
Staying in an old religious building in the middle of a graveyard did feel a little bit creepy. I prayed for a good nights sleep and somehow I managed to keep my overactive imagination under control and didn’t get scared in the night!
We had the whole church to ourselves, and our sleeping area was set up near the altar. Fairy lights, coloured solar lights and glow sticks made it all look super cosy and inviting.
I don’t follow any religion, yet I think buildings of worship are fascinating as they are often so incredibly intricately built and contain a lot of history. It was fascinating to look around the church and find out more about it.
The Bed
Camp beds were provided along with lots of snuggly fleecy blankets. We took our own sleeping bags and pillows.
What it was like overnight
It was silent overnight. I’d expected there to be some creaks in such an old building, but it was quiet and still. The heater kept us warm but we switched this off when we got into our beds. It was lovely and warm in our sleeping bags and under all of the blankets.
Facilities
The kitchenette included a fridge, kettle and a microwave along with crockery.
Whilst there wasn’t a shower, two washing up bowls were provided; one labelled for pot washing, the other for people washing!
The toilet, was like a camping portaloo and was housed in a building outside. It was just a little eerie having to go out in the dark!
Morning
Breakfast wasn’t included, but we’d taken our own which we ate at the dining space they had laid out at the back of the church.
Why you should stay here
It’s certainly a more unusual place to spend a night, and you get a lot more space for your money than you would in a hotel.
The money you pay for an overnight stay is put back into the upkeep of these incredible ancient spaces.
Most of the churches welcome dogs to stay over too, but do check if you book.
Location : We stayed at a church in a quite village near Cumbria in the North West of England.
Cost of stay
We paid £49 per adult on a mid-week stay.
Prices vary from £49 per adult Monday – thursday, and £59 per adult Friday – Sunday
Find out more :
- Champing coordinate churches for sleepovers with soul in England and Wales.
- Visit Scotland features some churches available for overnight stays in Scotland
9. Grade II Listed Gardener's Cottage
This was a bit special. The old gardener’s cottage lies in the grounds of the Chatsworth Estate in Derbyshire. It felt very fancy staying here.
This was a family occasion as we were celebrating my Mum’s big birthday with a trip away to this wonderful self-catering accommodation.
Beautifully decorated in a traditional style, it was incredibly quiet and ultra cosy.
There were plenty of deer and pheasants passing by and we were located just a short walk up the drive to the house and gardens of Chatsworth itself!
With 3 bedrooms, each with their own bathrooms, a log fire in the sitting room, a well equipped kitchen and a separate dining room. This had been beautifully renovated.
The Bed
Whilst one room had a four poster bed, the Other Half and I were in a twin room. My bed was quite springy, comfy, and a little bit squeaky. Clean and fresh bedding was provided, with additional blankets if needed.
What it was like overnight
It was super quiet. Although the cottage was close to a road, hardly any traffic passed by overnight, and the only sounds we heard were from the wildlife.
Facilities
Each bedroom had an ensuite including toiletries and towels. Two of the bathrooms had big free standing baths, perfect for a relaxing soak.
Morning
breakfast was not included as this was self catering, but we were able to make a veritable feast in the kitchen.
Why you should stay here
I was like stepping back in time, but with plenty of mod-cons to make life easy, and stunning views and wildlife.
Older buildings, such as the Gardener’s Cottage, have so much history within the walls, but they take a lot of upkeep. Paying to stay somewhere like this helps to preserve the place for the future.
Location : The Gardener’s Cottage was in Chatsworth, Derbyshire, in the North West of England.
Cost of stay
We paid £85 per adult per night.
The property did have minimum bookings for at least 3 nights, but it was a special occassion.
Prices vary depending on when you stay during the year.
Find out more :
- Devonshire Hotels hosts several boltholes across the Chatsworth estate which are available to book.
- Historic UK offers a range of stately homes and older properties as accommodation across the UK.
10. Hibernation Hoglet - Staying In 12 Different Types Of Accommodation
This got me fully into the Christmas Spirit, as we stayed in the cosiest most snuggliest place we stayed in for the resolution of staying in 12 different types of accommodation. Infact, it’s possibly the cosiest most snuggliest place I’ve ever stayed!
Not just a wooden pod, this was a hibernation hoglet, and it was the perfect escape on a clear and frosty night.
A warm reception awaited and steaming hot chocolates welcomed us in from the cold as we checked in.
Stepping through the round door to our hoglet, it was beautifully decorated for a winter break. Twinkling lights, flickering candles and a roaring fire in the log burner made it such a cosy space. Quirky shaped windows let us look out into the frost for potential wildlife spotting.
We spent the evening snuggled up on the very comfy sofa under some of the blankets provided, with a glass of wine we’d taken with us, whilst watching a Christmas film we’d downloaded on the laptop. It was so super cozy!
The Bed
This was a bit like a bunk bed, with a double mattress on the lower. Bedding was available at an additional cost, but we took our own with us. It was comfy and spacious.
What it was like overnight
Once the embers of the fire had gone out, the temperature dropped. Thankfully though, I was well snuggled up in my sleeping bag with some additional blankets on top, so it was only my nose peeping out which felt the cold.
Being out in the countryside, it was super quiet, with just the occassional rustle from some nocturnal wildlife.
Facilities
Our hoglet was kitted out with a wood burner with several good sized pieces of wood, and more available from reception.
Outside the hoglet was seating and space for a camp fire, but it was a bit too chilly for that on our stay.
Crockery and a kettle with a gas stove was provided inside the hoglet.
A pizza shack on site served up a good selection of pizzas and drinks on the evening, and breakfast baps in the morning.
Shared bathroom facilities were housed in a separate building. They were nice and clean and the water was lovely and warm.
Morning
Breakfast was not included in our booking, however we bought a delicious bacon bap on site.
Why you should stay here
The hoglet is a wooden hut available throughout the year, and from November to March, these are transformed into a cosy winter hideaway.
They are very quirky, with an eco-ethos and a focus on putting sustainability and the environment first.
Location : We stayed in a Hibernation Hoglet at Baxby Manor where they offer a variety of luxury glamping options. They are based around half an hour’s drive from York, in the North East of England.
Cost of stay
Usually nearer the £100 mark per night, which is reasonable for such a snug stay, I spotted a black friday deal meaning we paid half price for our one night stay.
Find out more :
- Baxby Manor has all of the details about hibernation hoglets.
- Canopy and Stars offers unusual glamping experiences throught the UK and Europe
11. Pullman Carriage
Taking a step back in time for a trip on a train to nostalgia.
Visiting in December meant that all of the communal areas were festooned with decorations, making it a wonderfully festive stay.
The carriages for accommodation were all attached to the main building, so after walking into reception, we didn’t need to venture out into the cold again.
Our cosy little en-suite room was called the Orient Express, and the wooden cabin was nicely decorated and had a view out to the passing railway line.
The gorgeously authentic restaurant carriage was a lovely dining space for our delicious evening meal, and, you don’t need to stay overnight to visit for food.
The Bed
Possibly the softest most squidgiest bed I’ve ever slept on. A double with a thick and clean duvet.
What it was like overnight
The heating stayed on overnight and it was really warm – I had to kick the duvet off at one point. It is next to the east coast mainline, but not too many trains go past overnight so we slept well.
Facilities
Our room included tea and coffee making facilities, and a nicely appointed ensuite bathroom with towels provided too.
Morning
We booked breakfast which was served in the conservatory. A hearty plate of all the traditional full English trimmings certainly set us up for the day.
Why you should stay here
It’s nicely nostalgic of a slower time of train travel. Railway enthusiasts will definitely love staying here. It was lovely and warm, with great service and good food.
Location : The Sidings, about a 20 minute drive from York centre, in the North East of England.
Cost of stay
We paid £69 for our ensuite room for one night, and this included breakfast.
Find out more :
- The Sidings Hotel has full details of all of the carriage rooms available for booking.
- Host Unusual have a great range of carriage and stations available to book as accommodation.
- One Off Places include railway carriages for holiday rentals.
- Campsites.co.uk have 16 railway carriage options available to stay in
12. Ferry - Staying In 12 Different Types Of Accommodation
Crossing the North Sea overnight from the UK to Europe on a ferry.
I forgot to take pictures for this one, but, you can see a bit more in the full round up instagram video I did for the New Year’s Resolution.
A smooth crossing which included dinner at the buffet with dishes from around the world, and free entertainment on board. There was also a bar, cinema, shops and casino.
The room was basic with two bunks and a small but functioning en-suite bathroom. Whilst the room may look a little tired, it was perfectly clean and great for an overnight stay.
The Bed
I took the bottom bunk which was a good size with clean bedding. The top bunk had a pull up rail to prevent any rolling over the edge in the night!
What it was like overnight
It was fairly quiet. If you listened carefully you could just make out a car alarm going off below deck.
Although it was a smooth crossing, there was some juddering from the engines, but it was quite a pleasant sort of rhythm which rocked me to sleep.
Facilities
Our room included all bedding and towels. An en-suite bathroom included an all in one shampoo and shower gel.
There were plenty of eating spots on board to pick up food and drink.
Morning
We booked a buffet breakfast to set us up for a day of driving.
There was more than ample helpings of hot and cold food, juices, fruit, teas and coffee.
Why you should stay here
Taking an overnight ferry is a great way to arrive somewhere refreshed and ready to go.
It’s a more planet-friendly alternative to flying.
It’s more sociable than travelling on a plane, as you’ll have many more opportunities to mix with people.
Location : We took the P&O ferry from Hull, in the north east of England to Rotterdam, on the west coast of The Netherlands.
Cost of stay
Our overnight crossing worked out around £150 for 2 people to stay in a cabin, and for the cost of a vehicle.
Prices will vary depending on when and where you travel.
Find out more :
- P&O offer various sailings from the UK to Europe.
- Take a look at Stena Line for details of their routes from the UK.
- DFDS offer numerous ferry lines across the UK and Europe
13. Campervan
Another full disclosure, this is our own campervan. I included it in my new year’s resolution to stay in 12 different types of accommodation as we embarked on a 2 month trip around the Baltic sea.
Narrower than most cars, it’s a great and compact way to travel and stay in some fantastic places.
During our Baltic Road Trip, we travelled through the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. Our little van made it up to the most northerly point in mainland Europe, and we spent a night at Nordkapp.
Visiting cities, coasts and countryside, we saw so much during the time we were on the road.
The Bed
The van has a rock and roll bed, meaning the back seats fold out, the cushions lie on top, and it becomes a place to slumber. It’s firm, narrow, but comfy.
What it was like overnight
Depending on where you stay, depends on what it is like overnight. We’ve wild camped in some remote spots which have been silent through the night, and we’ve parked in some places which felt like we were intruding on a party. We’ve seen shooting stars, spectacular sunrises, and the occasional bit of nocturnal local wildlife from our van windows.
Facilities
Kitted out with a sink, fridge and 2 gas stoves, it’s great for being self sufficient.
There is no toilet or shower on board, but we often stay in places where there are some available to use.
Breakfast
Breakfast was provided by ourselves, and varied day to day; from a leisurely multi-course meal to set us up for a day of adventuring, to a quick bit to eat before hitting the road.
Why you should stay here
Staying in a campervan is a fantastic experience, from being able to move on every day and experience more of a place, to the freedom of the open road. You can pack more than you’d be able to fit in just a suitcase or backpack.
It’s a great way to reconnect with nature if you choose to.
Location : Wherever you drive to! Some countries are tolerant of wild camping, (also known as boondocking or freedom camping, where you park up anywhere for the night without a hook up or services), whilst others require you to stay on a designated site.
Cost of stay
This depends where you stay. If you’re wild camping it’s free, if you’re staying on a site, it can range from £15 right up to £80 per night. Prices will vary depending on the size of your van, number of guests, whether you have an electric hook up, and the time of year you are staying.
Find out more :
- Quirky Campers – have vans to hire in the UK and New Zealand.
- Camplify is a van hiring company operating across the UK
- Indie Campers are a van rental company operating in Europe, Oceania and North America.
- Roadsurfer hire out vans in the UK.
14. Homestays - Staying In 12 Different Types Of Accommodation
During our time travelling in Asia, we booked into numerous Home Stays for overnight stays, which definitely count towards my new year’s resolution of staying in 12 different types of accommodation too.
They’re a bit like the Bed and Breakfasts I’ve experienced in the UK. Rooms are usually en-suite, and breakfast is often served in a communal area.
It was a wonderful way to experience a slice of daily family life in some of the countries we visited.
All of the homestays we visited were clean and tidy, with very friendly hosts. They all had their own characteristics and charm. One homestay had a neighbour who cranked up some entertainingly awful karaoke one afternoon, another homestay was located in the grounds of a temple, and another was hosted by a newly married couple who were excitedly expecting their first child.
The Bed
The beds varied but were always comfy. From matresses on the floor, to futons, to full bed frames. They were all clean and big and bedding was provided.
What it was like overnight
This depended on where we stayed, but overall they were quiet and safe spaces and exceptionally homely.
Facilities
The homestays we visited all had very friendly hosts. One gave us fresh mango on arrival, we chatted the young daughter of one host who wanted to practice her English, and another helped us to book transport for our onward trip.
Each homestay room was clean and neat, had air conditioning, bedding and towels, and included some toiletries.
Breakfast
Breakfast at the homestays varied, but it was always delicious. From a plethora of hot and cold food, to fresh fruit, to the traditional vietnamese bahn mi, to a bowl of piping hot noodles it was tasty and filling.
Why you should stay here
Homestays are a lovely way to mix with friendly local people, and other travellers. You can get a glimpse of life in the area as you stay in someone’s home.
Location : We stayed in homestays across Vietnam and Cambodia, and you can find homestays around the world.
Cost of stay
The cheapest we paid was £9 for one night for the two of us, and the most expensive was £25 per night. Of course, the price will vary depending on when and where you travel, but, it’s a great way to keep costs down if you’re on a tight budget.
Find out more :
- Homestay.com has bookable homestays around the world.
- Workaway curates volunteering opportunities with homestay accommodation around the world.
- Worldpackers share global volunteering work which provides homestays too.
New Year's Resolution Complete!
Achieving my new year’s resolution to stay in 12 different types of accommodation, (plus an extra 2!), has given me memories of sleepovers that will stay with me for a lifetime. From the big to the small, the hot to the cold, the new to the old, it was a fabulous way to experience some unique hospitality.
I loved meeting the people who were passionate about their unusual offers, and having the opportunity to spend time with locals.
Younger me would be extremely happy to know she’d get to stay in some of the amazing places I experienced over the 12 months.
Where To Find Unusual Accommodation
If you’re inspired to find somewhere a bit out of the ordinary for a sleepover, take a look at these really helpful sites that specialise in unusual accommodation.
- Host Unusal – have thousands of creative, unique and fascinating stays around the world to choose from. Many of them are available for single night stays.
- Coolstays – is a collection of extraordinary stays around the world.
- One Off Places – have over 2500 interesting places to stay with locations across the UK and Europe.
- Canopy and Stars offer unique accommodation in wild and natural settings with a focus on glamping in the UK and Europe.
- Landmark Trust – curate holidays in historic buildings across the UK.
- Historic Houses – have houses, halls and stately homes which can be booked for stays.
There are still lots of unique and unusual place for overnight stays that I’d love to try, who knows where will be next!
If you find anywhere interesting, please do let me know!
It was so interesting to read about all the accommodations you stayed at! I would absolutely love to visit Japan and stay in a ryokan. Also, staying in the more historical locations like the church, Gardener’s Cottage, and Pullman carriage are definitely up alley! However, I can’t see myself staying in a capsule hotel because of how enclosed the space is.
Japan is one of my favourite places that I’ve been to. I hope you get to go.
It’s amazing how many different and unusual places there are to stay, have you stayed anywhere interesting?
Capsule hotels definitely won’t suit everyone, they are quite confined!
Thank you so much for reading and commenting, I always appreciate it.
Sally :o)
I’d love to experience the Pullman and sleeper! I’d also love to try one of those spheres in Finland where you can watch the Northern Lights. Quite a few of your places appeal, although I couldn’t share a sleeper carriage. Well done on another fun challenge!
Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
I think there are quite a few Pullman style places available to stay, I couldn’t believe how good the value was for ours! That sounds like an incredible idea in Finland.
Thank you! This year’s new year’s resolution is not as fun to look at, but should be interesting when I share the results of it in January. Definitely looking for a fun idea for the challenge next year.
This is such a fabulous and fascinating idea! It makes what type of place you’re staying in a real feature and part of the whole experience. I had no idea there was such a variety of accommodations to choose from!
Thank you so much!
It was a brilliant challenge, I loved all of the places we stayed and they were fantastic experiences.
It’s amazing the variety of places that are accommodation, I’m always on the look out for new ones!
Thank you for reading :o)