10 Unusual Getaways for the Offbeat Traveler
The "Shire of Montana" is now accepting bookings.
June 25, 2014 -- intro: As of today, HomeAway.com officially houses a landmark one million vacation rental listings. But while the company touts itself as a provider of alternative accommodations, some of its lodgings are especially eccentric. Those searching for a traditional turn-down service may want to check in elsewhere, but the adventure-seeking among us can settle in as we tour 10 of the travel destinations bound to impress your family and Instagram followers alike.
quicklist: 1title: It's a Plane! text: Touch down in the depths of the Costa Rican jungle and spend a weekend in this converted 727 aircraft. Bonus: Not only is there plenty of legroom aboard the teak-lined jet, but the plane also boasts a custom-crafted observation deck. (Prices start at $250 nightly) media: 24289587
quicklist: 2title: Drink It All Intext: The Brewhouse Mountain Eco-Inn houses 83,000 vintage beer cans and five bedrooms in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. We've never been, but we bet the atmosphere is intoxicating. (Prices start at $179 nightly)media: 24289537
quicklist: 3title: Surround Soundtext: We haven't used our clunky, old boombox in years, but we'd be happy to bunk in this surprisingly sleek lookalike. Built on the side of a cliff in rural Kehena, Hawaii, the concrete castle boasts multiple ocean views. (Prices start at $175 nightly) media: 24289481
quicklist: 4title: Bring Up the Reartext: Spend a night in this restored caboose to cap off an authentic visit to the historic town of Lexington. Retired from the Chesapeake & Ohio railroad in the late 1970s, the vintage car once transported train crews through the coal fields of West Virginia. It has since undergone a significant renovation and now serves less punishing purposes. (Prices start at $179 nightly)media: 24289434
quicklist: 5title: Dome, Sweet Dometext: Stay in this geodesic dome tucked away in the heart of Santa Teresa Beach for access to some of the best surfing spots in Costa Rica. Located a mere 200 feet from the shore, the light-filled dwelling is available for a minimum of four nights. (Prices start at $80 nightly)media: 24289194
quicklist: 6title: Duck and Cover text: Christened the “Shire of Montana,” this luxury lodging is pure magic. According to its online listing, the charming lair is surrounded by a "cavalcade of mushrooms" and a "lighted mural of a whole Hobbit Village." Visitors take heed: If you're "really lucky," "you may see the shadow of Bilbo Baggins or catch a glimpse of him at home as he likes to stay up night drinking ale and entertaining his friends from The Shire." (Prices start at $295 nightly)media: 24289122
quicklist: 7title: Tuck in at Tipitext: Hidden beneath their all-natural exteriors, these Geronimo Creek Tipis in Seguin, Texas feature private bathrooms, air conditioning, and satellite TV. An array of comfy, cozy beds sleep six.(Prices start at $195 nightly)media: 24289073
quicklist: 8title: Branch Outtext: We're going to go out on a limb and guess that you'd love to spend a night in this Bozeman, Montana treehouse. The childhood fantasy comes to life among cottonwood and aspen trees and is bordered by a "babbling" brook and 1.5 miles of the Gallatin River. (Prices upon request)media: 24288958
quicklist: 9title: Float Away text: Beachfront properties cannot compete with these floating bungalows. Surrounded by turquoise ocean water and general bliss, the Urraca Private Islands in Panama offer breathtaking views of the famed Cayos Zapatillas Island revered for its protected landscape. (Prices start at $160 nightly)media: 24288901
quicklist: 10 title: Grape Expectationstext: This converted wine barrel can house either two people or over 1,000 gallons of Pinot Noir. Located in Walla Walla, Washington, the colossal cask still smells vaguely of Cabernet.(Prices start at $200 nightly)media: 24288816
