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One of the best parts of travel is where you choose to lay your head at night. Ventures like TripAdvisor and Airbnb have expanded the possibilities beyond an average motel stay, but what if you’re looking to make the accommodations a central part of your adventures? Grab your bag and follow us! We’ve unpacked a few favorites that will intrigue any adventurous soul.

1. A historic experience

Travel back in time to either of these Arizona locations:

Believe it or not, Wigwam Village in Holbrook is part of a small national chain in the Southwest. The solid teepees include modern amenities like air conditioning and cable TV.

Further south is The Shady Dell in Bisbee, where you’ll find a dozen vintage buses and trailers decked out for those seeking a laid-back escape from the world.

2. Bohemian beauty

If you seek that bohemian vibe, then El Cosmico in Marfa, TX is your spot. Its 21 acres includes trailers, yurts and teepees as well as a new state of mind.

3. Comfort with character

The Liberty Hotel in Boston, MA is a luxury property that had a former life as the Charles Street Jail. No hard time served here, but you can get a cocktail in the Alibi lounge which used to house the drunk tank.

4. Unconventional accommodations

Converted forms of transportation make for interesting lodging, whether by sea or by land. Live out your Titanic fantasies—minus the iceberg—on the Queen Mary luxury liner in Long Beach, CA.

You can also check into a 2-bedroom Boeing 727 that “soars” above the Costa Rican jungle at Costa Verde.

If trains are more your speed, you’ll love the luxuriously-appointed, authentic railroad cars of the Aurora Express in Fairbanks, AK.

5. Animal sanctuary stays

Animal lovers will find purr-fect lodging at the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs, AR. Enjoy glamping in (safe!) proximity to the big cats and other wild rescues.

More intrepid travelers may leave their neck of the woods to visit Giraffe Manor in Kenya, a boutique hotel with actual Rothschild’s giraffes peeking in your room to see if you have enough clean towels.

6. A chill spot

With so many weird and wonderful places to stay around the world, you may just want to chill. No problem! Just check into the Icehotel in Lappland, Sweden where translucent rooms and ice sculptures are recreated each year.

Choosing interesting lodging is just as exciting as planning your excursions. Whether you’re looking at stays in the U.S. or worldwide, consider these unique stays to elevate your trip.

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