Flores has collected over 18,000 Do Not Disturb signs from hotels in 197 countries (in case you’re keeping track that’s nearly every nation on Earth). Flores doesn’t condone theft. Aside from the paper ones that are easily replaced, he always asks for permission to take a sign and has either purchased or been given all the signs in his collection.

Not all of the signs are from his own travels. Some have been contributed to the collection by friends and family who know of Flores’ obsession. Now, the collection can be viewed online in a virtual museum.

Check out more, including an interview with Flores, on The Washington Post

The post Italian Man Collects Over 18,000 Hotel ‘Do Not Disturb’ Signs appeared first on Vagabondish.

I exhaled and everything went hazy. I pulled my head back to reveal a large picture window inches from my face. And a shrinking spot of condensation on the cold glass where the mark from my breath quickly faded.

Oh, right: New Hampshire. A cabin in the woods.

Such was the theme of our getaway at Getaway House: The perpetual sense of feeling blissfully lost. Our weekend here started with a mystery. We knew only that we were going to New Hampshire. Somewhere in New Hampshire with the promise of escape from Instagram and Spotify and Facebook and the 24-hour cable news cycle.

Getaway House Boston Cabins Review

Our Cabin at Getaway House Boston

A stay at Getaway House is no ordinary hotel experience. There’s no lobby, no reception, no bellhop waiting to usher your luggage away on a brass luggage cart. The check-in process at Getaway is as simple as the cabins themselves.

On the morning of our arrival, we received a text and an email with all the necessary details to find our cabin. After a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Vagabondish HQ in southeastern Massachusetts, we arrived at our jet-black Getaway cabin (nicknamed “Donna”) in the wilds of New Hampshire. I won’t say exactly where as that discovery is part of the fun.

We punched in our check-in code on the cabin’s automated door lock and we were in. Inside, the design is crisp, minimal, and neat as a pin. There’s a distinct sense of having everything you need and nothing you don’t.

The open-concept layout is three-tiered. We entered into a small kitchen area that flows into a stepped, mixed-use space with chairs and bench seats for dining and relaxing. The kitchen offers everything you’d expect in a tiny house or a modest RV. There’s an electric cooktop, mini-fridge, and a sink with hot water, plus essentials like dishes, utensils, and cookware.

While most guests will want to bring their own food, basic cooking necessities like salt, pepper, and olive oil are provided. There’s even an a la carte “minibar-style” provisions drawer with snacks, oatmeal, bug spray, and the like for sale. Nothing costs more than $10.

Adjacent to the kitchen is a tiny bathroom with a stainless-steel-wrapped shower stall and just enough floor space to do your business. A “spa bathroom” this is not, but we weren’t expecting that anyway.

Unlike a traditional flush toilet, the Getaway House loo uses some sort of newfangled, aluminum-foil-powered, space-age technology that must have been invented by NASA. We still don’t totally understand the wizardry behind it! Somehow it just worked.

Outside, we found a cozy campfire area with a fire pit, Adirondack chairs, and a picnic table. Free s’mores are provided to get the party started, and additional provisions like firewood and firestarter logs are for sale in a bin outside.

Our Experience at Getaway House Boston

Every aspect of Getaway House Boston is designed for quiet, tranquility, and escape. Upon arrival, we took advantage of the wooden cellphone lockbox provided to disarm us of our devices. Aside from a faint cell signal, there is no connectivity here: no Wi-Fi or television in the cabins. And that’s a good thing.

A Bluetooth-enabled Tivoli radio allows you to tune in to a handful of local stations or stream music from your smartphone if you’re so inclined. A direct-line phone is also provided in case you run out of s’mores or need to chat with the Getaway staff.

For two days, we occupied our time by winding down and appreciating the fine art of doing … nothing.

We read (a handful of books about nature, the outdoors, and living simply are provided), played Uno, cooked together, and spent a lot of time staring out that big, beautiful picture window. I wrote a Haiku. If you get stir-crazy, there are hiking trails and 20 acres of private grounds to explore.

The cabins are positioned far enough away to provide the illusion of seclusion, but close enough to ensure you never get that creepy “alone in a cabin in the woods” feel. Our campfire spot was cleverly positioned to look into the woods, away from our neighbors.

Inside, blackout curtains on most of the windows guarantee plenty of privacy. By shutting the right combination of shades, it was easy to feel like we were the only ones around for miles.

No matter what though, there was still that wide-open picture window to keep our view focused on the simplicity and beauty of the New Hampshire wilderness. It was a point of persistent calm that we never tired of in our two days at Getaway House.

There was no wind, no rustling of leaves, no traffic, no city hustle. We couldn’t remember the last time we’d experienced such quiet and stillness. At first, it was almost disorienting. Ultimately, we found ourselves more relaxed than we’d felt in a long, long time.

The Bottom Line

For (sub)urban dwellers seeking a blissful escape from the hustle of Boston city life, public transportation, and an always-on internet connection, Getaway House Boston is the near-perfect remedy.

Getaway also has outposts near Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York City, Washington D.C., and a handful of other cities. We anticipate plenty more in the near future.

Have you stayed at Getaway House Boston or any of Getaway House’s other locations? What was your experience?

If not, book your own Getaway and save $25 with promo code VAGABONDISH!

The post A Mystery Cabin Getaway at Getaway House Boston appeared first on Vagabondish.

But, beyond even the most out-of-this-world luxury hotels, there’s something about sleeping in a simple treehouse that we know we’ll always remember. It just elicits a sense of pure, childlike joy and wonderment that Kelsey and I will never outgrow.

Which is why we were stoked to get an invite from Dove (as in, the fancy soap brand people). In order to celebrate the launch of their new Elements line, they decided to … build a treehouse in Tennessee. Seems completely logical, right?

Maybe not at first, but it makes perfect sense when you consider that Dove Men+Care’s new Elements line is distinctly inspired by nature and the sort of scents that campers and outdoor-loving men want to bathe themselves in. Think Charcoal+Clay, Minerals+Sage, and Mineral Powder+Sandalwood. (I imagine they’re the kinds of smells male bears woo lady bears with. Assuming bears go on dates …) The fact that I already use Dove’s products and have for years made our decision a simple one.

So, last month we flew to Chattanooga (technically the treehouse is in Georgia, but … close enough) — one of our favorite small cities for outdoor-loving travelers — to spend three nights at the Dove Men+Care Treehouse. The first reaction from every one of our friends and family was, almost universally: “A treehouse? Cool! Wait … does it have a bathroom?”

We can confirm that, yes … yes, it does have a bathroom. An incredibly nice one. Actually, it has more amenities than our apartment. Which isn’t much of a surprise since Treehouse Master Pete Nelson architected the project. Of the collaboration with Pete, Dove Men+Care notes:

As you ascend to enter the house, Pete’s artistic interpretation of our nature-inspired formulas and transformative freshness come to life through design elements, including Shou Sugi Ban-style charred wood paneling and a living sage wall on the exterior.

If that all sounds borderline frou-frou spiritual, it’s because the man takes his treehouses seriously. Which is why he was able to pack a surprising amount of awesomeness into just 300-ish square feet. The treehouse’s first floor boasts a super comfortable Tuft & Needle bed (incidentally, the same mattress we have at Vagabondish HQ), a wet bar with a gourmet coffee kit, full HVAC system with heat and AC, a small lounge area, Amazon Echo connectivity, and an incredible, oversized spa bathroom with heated pebble flooring, a touchscreen-activated, five-jet rain shower, and a center glass column that wraps around a tree.

Just to refresh: all of this is in a treehouse.

Upstairs is a wide sleeping loft with two twin mattresses and dual skylights that make for great stargazing. Outside, there’s even two balconies and a private firepit area (with a complimentary s’mores kit!).

From day one, we contemplated just locking the front door and refusing to leave. Our hotel stays are usually just a means to an end: somewhere to store luggage and lay our heads at night. The intention is always to get out and see the surrounding city/town/island as much as possible. But, for the two full days that we were at the Dove Men+Care Treehouse, we just didn’t want to leave. Why would we? And, once we heard that a nearby pizza joint delivered handmade pies and ice cream right to the treehouse front door, we made it a point to not leave as much as possible.

Sorry, Chattanooga. We do love you a lot, but … treehouses with delivery pizza, ice cream, and free s’mores trump pretty much everything.

Alas, after our brief, three-night stay, they physically removed us from the property (there was much kicking and screaming and threats of violence). But, in all seriousness, the treehouse did provide a great base of operations for exploring Chattanooga.

Our stay was part of a clever campaign to promote the new Dove Men+Care Elements product line. So, the treehouse is only open to media at the moment. BUT, Treetop Hideaways — the actual owners of the treehouse — will be opening it for rent to the general public via Airbnb later this year.

The good news? If you just can’t wait to stay in a treehouse of your own, the husband and wife duo who own TH already have a two-story treehouse available for rent on Airbnb. While it lacks the modern polish of its fancier Dove Men+Care brother, it comes complete with a huge window wall, penny flooring, a vintage style gramophone speaker, and a kitchenette with complimentary drinks and snacks. And isn’t that all you really need anyway?

The post Crashing at Chattanooga’s One-of-a-kind Dove Men+Care Elements Treehouse appeared first on Vagabondish.

Rather than feel down about all the stuff you’re missing out on, here’s a list of the things I do to pass the time and make me feel like it’s still a fun part of my trip.

#1: Research, Read and Learn

Whether it’s a guidebook, brochures from the hotel or hostel lobby, or you’re online — spend your trapped time getting to know more about your destination. I’ve sometimes discovered a gem of a place to visit that I probably wouldn’t have discovered without that enforced room time!

Curiously enough some of that comes from those ubiquitous racks of tourist brochures often found in hostel and hotel lobbies — usually the brochures in hard-to-reach corners that most travelers ignore.

© bixentro

#2: Chat with the Staff

Assuming you’re not laid up with a contagious disease, take some time to get to know the staff at your accommodation. They’ll most likely be locals with lots of interesting tips for you and if you find you have some interests in common they might even help you get a taste of local life.

At the very least they’re likely to tell you the real truth about the best place to eat nearby or help you figure out something else to do if your plans have been totally disrupted.

#3: Play Games You’ve Forgotten

If you’re stuck with your traveling partner or it’s a weather-induced problem and you can find fellow travelers around, dig deep into the depths of your memory and play some games you probably haven’t played in years.

Even noughts and crosses will do if you’ve got nothing but pen and paper. I always travel with a pack of cards — you can even cross language barriers with a simple pack of cards!

Most ho(s)tels will have access to a supply of board games or packs of cards. Ask and you might even get the chance to learn a new game that’s popular in the country you’re traveling in.

© QueenNeveen

#4: Write a Letter

Remember how people used to write on actual paper with a pen and send it to each other? There’s something really special about getting a handwritten letter, but most people feel they never have time to write one or have nothing to write about.

Now’s the perfect time to write a beautiful letter to someone you care about. And since you’re on holidays or a big trip then you’ve probably also got plenty of news to tell them. (Just don’t dwell on the “stuck in the hotel room” bit for too long!)

#5: Get Creative

I’m no artist (in fact, I’m pretty much the opposite). But, in situations like this, I will actually grab a pencil and paper and try to improve my drawing skills. There are lots of other creative things you might try — origami, say, or something crafty that you have easy access to.

Something that always helps me relax and get creative in a situation like this is to remember that nobody’s going to race in, rip your drawing from your hands and publish it for the world to see. You’re just doing it for you, and it’s just meant to be for fun.

#6: Learn To Use Your Camera Properly

I’m sure that most of you, just like me, have numerous functions on your camera that you’ve never used. Even reasonably simple point-and-shoot cameras have heaps of extra functions.

While you’re stuck in your hotel room, take this captive time to experiment with all the functions and figure out when it might be useful to use them. Knowing a few simple ways to use the manual settings on your camera can make the end result so much better than defaulting to shooting in automatic mode.

Contemplating, New Jersey © Robby McKee

#7: Plan Your Future

From chats with others, I’ve learned it’s not just me who feels inspired and motivated about life in general when they’re on a trip. Use the time to make detailed plans about your future!

For example, plan out a bunch of monthly goals for the next year, write up something like a “bucket list” for the next decade or two, or simply figure out a good schedule for achieving a few important goals in the weeks after you arrive back home after your trip.

#8: Do … Nothing

If your life is remotely like mine, then your ability to take time for yourself and do nothing at all may not be very well-developed. Sometimes, though, it can be really productive and relaxing (yes, at the same time!) to simply sit and do nothing. Contemplate your navel!

There aren’t many times in life when there aren’t too many things requiring your attention but if you’re stuck in a hotel room during a trip then you don’t need to work, you don’t need to do housework, you probably don’t even need to talk to anyone (except perhaps your traveling companion!). So enjoy it and do nothing for once!

What helps you pass the time when you’re stuck in a hotel room?

The post 8 Things to Do When You’re Stuck in a Hotel Room appeared first on Vagabondish.

• You own a home in Destination X
• You’d like to vacation in Destination Z
• Someone in Destination Z also owns a home
• They’d like to vacation in your hometown (Destination X)
• You both agree to exchange stays at each other’s homes for a predetermined period of time

Sounds simple enough and, on paper, it is. This quid pro quo scenario typically provides both parties with free accommodations. In the real world, however, the probability of matching up these two theoretical parties — who each wants inverse vacations during the same timeframe — is often low.

What’s worse is that it can be difficult to know exactly what you’re getting. Would you want to swap your 5-bedroom, 4,000-square-foot chalet for a 1-bedroom, walk-up apartment? You get the picture …

Enter 3rdHome.com: the world’s most luxurious home swap site (my words, not theirs …). They graciously offered to let us take their service for a spin to see what we thought. Here’s what we found …

The Skinny

So, what is 3rdHome? In their own words:

3RD HOME is an exclusive private club for luxury second homeowners. Our members enjoy the use of other club members’ homes all over the world without the expense of renting.

Does your vacation home ever sit empty? How would you like to turn those empty weeks into vacations in exciting, new and luxurious destinations?

The Traveler’s Take

The general concept is similar to other home swap/exchange sites with two notable differences. First, the site’s use of “keys” allows owners to open their homes for booking and get paid in virtual currency. Owners can then use those keys to book any number of other homes on the site. Larger, more luxurious homes earn more keys for their owners, and likewise cost more keys to book.

Secondly, the quality of homes on the site is second-to-none. We’re talking off-the-charts luxury with massive homes in stunning locations around the globe. 3rdHome doesn’t go into too many specifics, but the gist:

To be accepted into our club, members’ properties must be located in a desirable location with quality furnishings, appointments, and amenities.

Needless to say, it’s exclusive. And if you need to ask if you’re home is good enough, it probably isn’t.

The good folks at 3rdHome asked us to register and book our own stay just like any other traveler. Our experience was seamless from beginning to end. It went so smoothly that we questioned whether we’d missed a few steps along the way. Since we don’t own a 3rdHome-worthy home of our own to rent, we were provided with four complimentary keys to seed our new account. From there, we were able to book any home we wanted, provided the stay required four or less keys and the desired home was available during the timeframe we requested.

Since the site operates around the world, the opportunities feel almost limitless. In just a few minutes, we’d stumbled upon a stunning home in Stowe, Vermont. Five bedrooms, seven baths, nearly 6,000 square feet of living space, chef’s kitchen, outdoor fireplace, multiple patios, the list goes on … all located on the side of Mount Mansfield – the state’s tallest mountain.

This was the sort of home situated in a development with lots of words, like “The Residences at Black Cedar Pines” or “The Plantations on Windworth River Ocean Park” or the like. During our one-week stay, we took to calling our home “The Estate at Stowe at Vermont”. [SOMETHING] at [SOMETHING] always equals luxury, so it seemed only fitting.

View from the Master Bedroom Balcony © Mike Richard

Upon arrival, we were promptly greeted by the owner’s property management company and provided a tour of the house. Coupled with the provided binder that detailed all the inner workings of the property (AC system, entertainment and surround sound systems, outdoor grill, etc.), we felt right at home. The owners even left a hand-signed card and complimentary bottle of ice wine – a thoughtful and totally unexpected touch. Ten minutes after arriving, it felt less like a traditional home “exchange” and more like staying at a close friend’s place while they were away on vacation.

Dining Room Dancing at our Stowe Estate © Mike Richard

On the downside, our 3rd home was so comfortable and so rich with amenities, that we felt compelled to never leave. We cooked in our chef’s kitchen almost every night of the week. We watched the sunset behind Mount Mansfield while enjoying local ice wine from one of our three outdoor patios. Mrs. Vagabondish donned her best pearls and twirled in the dining room, since it seemed silly for just the two of us to enjoy dinner at a table built for twelve.

Fresh Paella on the Patio in Stowe © Mike Richard

At the end of our short seven days in Stowe, we both agreed that it was among the most relaxing vacations we’ve ever shared.

Pricing

The typical $2,500 (USD) initiation fee is currently being waived for all new, approved members. Beyond that, the costs are entirely reasonable. Simply use the keys you’ve already earned to secure a reservation, then pay a nominal exchange fee ($395-$995) for each one-week stay.

The Bottom Line

If you’re the jet-setting sort of luxury traveler who already has roots in a swanky home (or two), 3rdHome provides a great alternative to get out and see the world in the same level of luxury to which you’re accustomed. We love the key system which provides unlimited flexibility, even allowing for last-minute bookings, to some of the world’s most stunning homes.

Check out a no-risk, complimentary 3rdHome.com membership today!

The post 3rdHome Is the World’s Most Luxurious Home Swap Site (That You’ve Never Heard of) appeared first on Vagabondish.

I had the opportunity to overnight at the hotel last month and quickly realized that one night just wasn’t enough …

The Skinny

In their own words, Hacienda Encantada offers:

… the ultimate vacation experience, in luxurious 4-Diamond resort accommodations in the Cabo San Lucas area.

Providing the most spectacular ocean views in Cabo from hacienda-style suites that are perched high up on a scenic point overlooking the serene blue waters of the Sea of Cortez, Hacienda Encantada is a jewel in paradise.

Secluded location in the tourist corridor, just minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas and the Marina Golden Zone, Hacienda Encantada embraces the natural settings of both desert and ocean that Lands’ End is famous for.

The Traveler’s Take

As I mentioned, I only briefly overnighted at H.E. (as tourists pretending to be “in the know” call it). However, tourism brochure superlatives aside, I can attest that the property is nothing short of stunning.

Design + Atmosphere

Hacienda Encantada is modeled after (surprise!) traditional Mexican design aesthetics, including hacienda-style suites and architecture. Handmade Talavera tile murals, Spanish colonial fountains, and muted earth tones common throughout the region abound.

© Mike Richard

The overall feel is that of reserved luxury. It’s clearly a five-star property, but without the tacky, ostentatious flash and flare common to many Mexican and Caribbean all-inclusive resorts. If you’re seeking a raucous, over-the-top party atmosphere, this isn’t for you. It’s more “beachfront zen retreat” than “Girls Gone Wild party scene”.

While it feels more like a relaxed, adults-only property, children are most welcome. However the resort wisely provides kid-friendly areas including a dedicated pool and water fun area.

The Room

The list of available rooms range from “standard” luxury suites with a king bed (or 2 queens), to 2-bedroom suites, to the palatial, 2,200-square foot Presidential Suite. Each suite features a well-balanced blend of old word Mexican style and modern conveniences. The former is attained through the use of handcrafted furniture and textiles from neighboring Guadalajara, woven rugs, and vibrant paintings.

Room with a View at Hacienda Encantada © Mike Richard

The latter is achieved through a wealth of amenities that ensure guests need never leave the grounds throughout their stay if they like. Every guestroom offers a full kitchen, balcony with pool or ocean view, satellite television, Wi-Fi, separate sitting and dining areas, and a spacious bathroom with whirlpool tub.

View from the Infinity Pool at Hacienda Encantada © Mike Richard

The Location

Without hyperbole, the location — perched on a dramatic rocky cliff overlooking the Sea of Cortez — is literally breathtaking. Having traveled extensively throughout Mexico, I can confidently say that it’s one of the most scenic locations in the entire country.

The resort is minutes from Baja’s best outdoor activity opportunities including horseback riding, surfing, kayaking, parasailing, world class deep sea fishing, and the shops of downtown Cabo. Of course the real draw is the water, including everything on and in the sea. The Sea of Cortez is one of the world’s most biodiverse bodies of water with a full one-third of Earth’s species having been documented here. No trip to Cabo is complete without at least a day cruise around Land’s End — the iconic land formation that marks the demarcation of the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean. It’s the ideal opportunity to snorkel or dive one of the world’s best spots for underwater exploration.

Sea of Cortez Sunset from Hacienda Encantada © Mike Richard

The Amenities

The list of amenities is exactly what you’d expect from a resort of this caliber. Hacienda Encantada offers a beachfront restaurant, swim-up pool bar, infinity pool, jacuzzis, water playground area, spa, meditation area, shopping center, and a downtown shuttle.

A nice surprise is the resort’s unique Dine Out Privileges Plan. This all-inclusive plan provides full-service dining and drinks at any of the resort’s restaurants and bars. The plan also includes privilege view suites with spacious private balconies, an in-room minibar, late checkout, and 24-hour concierge service. An additional feature even allows a la carte dining at and a complimentary shuttle to a number of offsite luxury restaurants in Cabo San Lucas’ Golden Zone.

(A brief aside: in late 2014, Los Cabos and Cabo San Lucas were hit with a massive hurricane that devastated a majority of the area’s hotels and its international airport. As of January 2015, much of Cabo is still recovering, including some of the area’s most prestigious five-star hotels. HE has made a stunning recovery and is currently up and running at full capacity.)

Pricing + Availability

Prices vary widely throughout the year, changing dramatically depending on the season. Their special offers page is a great place to start as they consistently offer package discounts.

The Bottom Line

For travelers looking for a relaxed, upscale, all-inclusive resort that blends traditional Mexican influences with the finest luxury amenities, Hacienda Encantada is well worth a look.

The post Hacienda Encantada: A Stunning, Luxury Resort on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula appeared first on Vagabondish.

So for 2015, why not try something a tad different and just embrace the cold by having a true Arctic accommodation experience? From Greenland (home to one of the world’s most northerly hotels) to Finland’s Lapland (where cosy glass igloos await), there are plenty of chilly good times to be had:

Alyeska Resort (Alaska, USA)

One of the state’s top-rated hotels, the stately Alyeska Resort is every snow bunny’s dream. Located 40 miles outside of Anchorage, the property is surrounded by lush forest and towering mountain peaks, the latter of which provide premier skiing with an average annual snow fall of 650 inches. Besides skiing, other winter activities at the retreat include snowmobiling, snowshoeing, dog sledding tours, and helicopter expeditions.

Hotel Arctic (Greenland)

Thanks to its one-of-a-kind setting at the mouth of an ice fjord, this cheerful guest house has hosted a slew of well-known actors, musicians, politicians, and royalty over the years. There are a number of distinctive rooms and suites to choose from, but our favourites are the Umiaq Suite (which boasts amazing waterfront and iceberg views) and the igloo accommodation (a two-person cabin with an aluminium exterior).

Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel (Norway)

Carved entirely out of ice, this exceptional hotel looks like something straight out of Disney’s Frozen. Celebrating its 16th anniversary this winter, Sorrisniva has a short lifespan; opening in January, it will welcome a limited number of guests before melting away in the spring. Though the temperature inside must be kept consistently frosty, reindeer hides, and sleeping bags are available to help keep visitors snug at night (though thermal underwear is also highly recommended).

Blachford Lake Lodge (Northwest Territories, Canada)

Made world-famous by housing Prince William and Kate Middleton during their Canadian tour, the Blachford Lake Lodge is a rugged, picturesque hideaway that is only accessible by bush plane. Guests can choose to stay in the main lodge or, for a truly Canadian pioneer experience, in one of five charming log cabins complete with (frozen) lake views, outside camp fire pits and woodstoves for heat. While exploring the grounds, visitors can expect to stumble upon a variety of wildlife ranging from moose to snowy owls.

Hotel Kakslauttanen (Finland)

While the various log cabin accommodations at Hotel Kakslauttanen are all amazing, it’s the property’s distinct glass igloos that have really put it on the map as an Arctic hot spot. In these toasty little units, guests can observe the stars and Northern Lights from the comfort of their own beds. Of course, a visit to Santa’s home, which is also located on the grounds, is equally pretty cool (pun intended) – visitors can even meet the jolly man himself, provided they call ahead and make an appointment.

Ion Hotel (Iceland)

Set amidst a stunning backdrop of mountainous lava fields about an hour’s drive from Reykjavik, the Ion Hotel is a great base for exploring Iceland’s unique environment. With the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Thingvellir National Park nearby, the luxury property provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures ranging from a glacier tour to a dip in local hot springs. And with its floor-to-ceiling windows, the hotel is also the ideal place for taking in the Northern Lights.

Lyngen Lodge (Norway)

Located high above the Arctic Circle, Lyngen Lodge is an intimate refuge that houses a maximum of 18 guests. No matter how frigid the weather, visitors will stay warm thanks to geothermic heating, a sauna, an outdoor Jacuzzi and a large open fireplace in the main lounge. A winter sea safari on the lodge’s boat, the Spirit of Lyngen, is a must – the excursion includes a stop at a historic fishing village, deep-sea fishing and a tour of the spectacular glacier-fed Strupen Bay.

The post Arctic Escapes: Exploring the World’s Coolest Getaways appeared first on Vagabondish.

Twilight in Larimer Square in Denver, Colorado © Geoff Livingston

#1: The Historic Castle Marne Bed and Breakfast Inn

It’s not a “castle” in the traditional sense, but Denver’s Castle Marne B&B still offers much of the same romance, allure, and elegance. Situated in an unassuming residential neighborhood, it stands out with a rough stone façade, original balconies, striking four-story tower, and ornate stained glass windows. The 18th century-inspired interior feels like a well-adorned English manor with dark woods, classic family heirlooms, and charming antiques. Three generations of the Peiker family continue to keep the inn and sit with guests over breakfast and tea each morning for a chat.

#2: Capitol Hill Mansion

Located in downtown Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, the Capitol Hill Mansion sits squarely on what was once called “Millionaire’s Row”. This historic 1891 landmark was converted in 1994 to a luxurious urban inn, yet many of its classic architectural and design details remain. All of the updated guestrooms feature modern amenities, some with whirlpool tubs, gas fireplaces, wifi internet, in-room refrigerators, and private balconies. Along with breakfast each morning, guests enjoy afternoon wine service with the innkeeper and other guests.

Nightfall in City Park, Downtown Denver, Colorado © mclcbooks

#3: The Queen Anne Urban Bed and Breakfast

The city’s Queen Anne Urban Bed & Breakfast promises to be a place where “historical architecture breathes new life” and it certainly is. Its many standard guestrooms were built in the mid to late 19th century, but now feature modern touches and whimsical accents that pay homage to that period. The walls and ceiling of the Aspen room for example are covered in a large, original mural of an alpine aspen forest. By contrast, the inn’s suites are each designed by a different local artist, each with their own unique, contemporary flair and modern amenities.

#4: Bud & Breakfast at The Adagio

With Colorado’s recent legalization of marijuana, the drug has seeped into every facet of the state’s culture. Billed as “not only the first, but the premier 420-friendly lodge in the city,” Bud and Breakfast at The Adagio isn’t your typical B&B. The inn’s guestrooms feature simple, straightforward designs that are far more reserved than the other three B&Bs on this list. But that’s only because the focus is on its pot-inspired amenities like morning Wake-and-Bake sessions and daily 4:20 Happy Hour. The latter offers a communal celebration with beverages, hors d’oeuvres, and three strains of cannabis.

Denver has never shied away from the abnormal and outlandish. Fortunately, for travelers looking for something truly different, that’s evident even in Denver’s cheap hotels and unique inns and B&Bs. While booking a hotel is often just a necessary evil of traveling, these unique accommodations alone may be worth the trip to the city.

The post 4 Unique Bed & Breakfasts in Downtown Denver appeared first on Vagabondish.

Since it was a long-term arrangement, she was a paying guest who arrived via Crashpadder (now part of Airbnb). But I’ve hosted other travellers who stayed through routes such as Couchsurfing or simply because they were people I’ve met on my travels.

Being born and bred in the north of England, I like to think that I have a natural gift for hospitality and my guests always feel warmly welcomed. But you don’t have to be from Manchester like me to be a perfect traveller’s host.

Read on for my top seven tips on how to be the host(ess) with the mostest.

© Derrick Tyson

#1: Psycho Killers Need Not Apply

Go with your gut: if there’s any niggling doubt, it’s better to say no.

It’s not going to be that much fun having people stay if you don’t think you’ll get on, or if they turn out to be psycho, or even worse, a double-glazing salesperson. The longer your would-be guest wants to stay, the more important to spend time researching.

If you’ve met previously, then fine and dandy. But if you’ve been approached via one of the many online traveller’s networks, then exchange several emails, check out available references (like you can with Couchsurfing), and find out if they’re a fan of Michael Buble. If so — do you really want them in your house for three weeks? You get my drift. This is one to go with your gut on: if there’s any niggling doubt, it’s better to say no.

#2: We Like to Party! (Until 10pm)

For you both to enjoy the experience, you and your guest need to be on similar wavelengths in terms of the hours you keep and the lifestyles you lead.

Do your lights go out at 10pm? Then the last thing you need is your guest to be rocking in with a traffic cone on their head at 5am. Or are you a houseful of crazies, hooked up to hookahs with Hendrix blaring at all hours? In which case a Beethoven-loving gentleman may not be ideal.

And if your household has pets, is your guest an animal lover and without allergies? You don’t want someone staying who’s going to be secretly kicking the cat or sneezing at the first whiff of fur.

#3: The House Rules, So There!

Have you already asked your guest to bring 400 ciggies through customs for you, or are you a smoke-free household and prefer it to stay that way? Is your fridge packed with bean burgers and carnivores can get their meat elsewhere, or is steak on the menu every night? Do you have beige carpets and outdoor shoes are not allowed?

These things might not seem to matter in the excitement of making arrangements, but let your guest know your house rules before they arrive, and then you’ll all be happy.

#4: I Wanna Hold Your Hand

How much are you willing to be involved with your guest as they spend time in your home and in your locality? How much would they like you to be involved? Even if they’re paying, it doesn’t mean you can’t act as a traveller’s friend and show them around town, as I’ve just done with my Texan guest.

Most travellers appreciate being shown the good places to eat, what to see, and where to go disco dancing. But don’t go overboard — unless they don’t want to meet other people or have a life outside of you.

© *sean / in transition

#5: Meet and Greet, or Not?

It goes without saying that the perfect host will make sure they’re home when their guest arrives, as it’s difficult to welcome someone if you’re not. Work your day to coordinate with your guest’s arrival, maybe even offer to collect them from the airport or bus station if you’re able.

Emergencies do happen though, so ensure they have an address, directions, alternative telephone number, etc. in case anything goes wrong. And maybe suggest a nice local café, or a neighbour to have a cup of tea with, if they do have to wait for you to come home.

#6: To Eat With or Not to Eat With — That Is the Question

Have you agreed on meal arrangements with your guest? If they’re paying then maybe you’ve included breakfast in the price. If they’re Couchsurfing, then perhaps you haven’t the budget to let them eat all your cake, but you could suggest sharing the cooking for a couple of nights. I sort out a bit of cupboard space for my guests and let them use the kitchen.

Whatever the arrangement though, I like to cook my guest dinner on their first night to get to know them better. (And hope that a fondness for the aforementioned Michael Buble doesn’t turn up in a drunken confession)

#7: Home Sweet Home

There’s nothing quite like a few home comforts. Fluffy towels, freshly laundered linen, and snug slippers? I can’t imagine asking a guest to bring their own towel and linen, but that’s just me. I like them to feel at home and that means making sure they have these things.

I even have a pair of cozy slipper socks that my female guests can borrow (yes, they do get washed!). And if they need to borrow GHDs? Consider it done.

After all, being a wonderful host is all about the detail, and it’s the little things that count.

(This post was originally published January, 2012)

The post 7 Tips for Being the Perfect Traveler’s Host appeared first on Vagabondish.

Hostelling International USA reached out to me with an invitation to see what they’re all about, so I took them up on the opportunity. With the fall foliage past its peak, but not quite finished for the year, I embarked on one last hiking trip here in New England. Last week, I headed up to Bethel — a tiny, charming blip of a ski town in western Maine — to check out the hostel there.

Hostelling International USA Hostel in Bethel, Maine

The Skinny

If you aren’t familiar with the idea of hostels, here’s what Hostelling International USA promises:

Hostels provide friendly, inexpensive overnight accommodations for travelers. Hostelling International hostels assure travelers the utmost in quality standards including cleanliness, security and service.

Hostels offer dormitory-style rooms with separate quarters for men and women. Some hostels also have private family and couples rooms. All hostels provide a blanket and pillow. Linens are often included in the price, or available for rental.

In short: “Stay with friends you’ve never met!”

Their Bethel location promises ultra-affordable accommodations in a western Maine ski town where finding a budget hotel stay is difficult in the off-season, and nigh impossible during ski/high season.

Lounge at the Hostel in Bethel, Maine

The Traveler’s Take

To call it a “youth hostel” is a bit misleading. While the term has been historically accurate since the dawn of modern travel, hostels have evolved over the past two decades as a real accommodations option for travelers of all ages. The Bethel hostel in particular sees an influx of younger folks on the weekends, but weekdays bring a healthy dose of older travelers (50+).

You never can tell who you’re going to run into – it’s a guaranteed mix of ages, nationalities, and demographics almost every day of the year. The sense of community found in a hostel means you’re interacting with all of those people over breakfast, while reading a book, cooking dinner, and surfing the web in the library.

Owners David and Deb Doyle at the Bethel Hostel recognize the most fun, memorable, and inspiring parts of travel are almost always the people you meet. They’re among the warmest, most welcoming and gracious hosts I’ve ever met while traveling. I saw and chatted them up every morning and night to discuss the day’s events, my plans for the next day, and just life in general.

While they don’t explicitly offer it, they’re also happy to serve as an expert local guide for their guests as well. With an intimate knowledge of Bethel — especially the hiking trails, best spots to kayak, and pretty much any other outdoor adventure of interest in the area — they were incredibly helpful with planning my day-to-day activities. Especially since I’d never been to the area before.

Touches of Home at Bethel Hostel in Maine © Mike Richard

The Bethel Hostel also offers many of the comforts of home, including a dedicated dining area, full kitchen (which guests are welcome to help themselves to cooking in any time of day), TV area, a game room with a public internet-connected computer, and a large outdoor rec area with firepit and plenty of games to pass the time. Dave can often be found tending the fire after the sun goes down and inviting guests to s’mores or to enjoy a beer by the fire.

Amenities

Facilities and amenities include:

• Common room(s) w/ TV, computer, etc.
• Credit card accepted
• Groups welcome
• Individual traveller welcome
• Internet access
• Laundry facilities
• Lockers available
• Self-catering kitchen
• Sheets included in price
• Smoking room/area
• Accessible – suitable for wheelchair users

It’s clean, quiet, comfortable, and ideal for budget travelers who value affordability over copious amounts of (often unnecessary) creature comforts. In terms of bells and whistles, it’s a step below a traditional hotel, but miles above a typical campground. For the three days of my stay, I found it the perfect base camp for my hiking and outdoor adventures.

Pricing + Availability

Depending on the time of year, prices run as low as $25 nightly for a bed in a coed/mixed dorm (with the purchase of a Hostelling International membership).

The Bottom Line

The hostelling experience isn’t just for kids and gap year students anymore. Budget travelers looking for unique, affordable accommodations that value community and a sense of togetherness would do well to research hostel options. After three full days in Bethel, I would return to the hostel there in a heartbeat.

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