Unusual Places to Stay at

Hostels offer a combination of affordability, social atmosphere, cultural exchange, and convenience that makes them an appealing choice for many travelers, particularly those seeking a vibrant and immersive travel experience. Compared to hotels or other types of accommodations, hostels typically offer lower prices, especially for dormitory-style rooms where multiple travelers share a room. Hostels typically include common areas such as lounges, kitchens, and communal spaces provide opportunities to meet people from different backgrounds, share experiences, and make new friends.

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Stay in a Jail Cell

Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel

@maiwanderlustlife

This is a 19th-century former jail. You can literally stay in jail cell. This hostel is made of stone and brick. It's close to the Byward Market and the Ottawa Art Gallery. There's also a free tour of the jail.

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The Cell Block Backpackers

@maiwanderlustlife

Heaps of locals live here. Good vibes. Met a few friends here!

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Stay in an Ice Hotel

Hôtel de Glace

@maiwanderlustlife

This is not a hostel, but I still had to put it on here because it's unusual and I had planned on going here but covid happened. :( It's a hotel made of ice and snow. The rooms have beds made from blocks of ice with mattresses and sleeping bags.

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Stay in a Fire Station

Little Rock Firehouse Hostel & Museum

@maiwanderlustlife

This was the first hostel I've ever stayed at. It's in my home state, and I had no idea we had such a thing. I absolutely love that it used to be a firehouse and this started my desire to stay in unique places on my trips.

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Firehouse Hostel

@maiwanderlustlife

Built in 1885, this hostel is located in Austin's oldest standing fire station. There is also a cocktail lounge.

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Stay in a Jumbo Jet

Jumbo Stay

@maiwanderlustlife

For aviation enthusiasts, Jumbo Stay is a converted Boeing 747 jumbo jet transformed into a unique hostel. Located near Stockholm Arlanda Airport, it offers a range of dormitory rooms and private cabins. You can even stay in the cockpit suite for an immersive aviation experience.

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Stay in a Former Brothel

Cocomama

@maiwanderlustlife

This is a quirky, contemporary hostel that is close to the tram and Heineken Experience brewery. Within a 15 minute walk, you can also go see fine art at the Rijksmuseum.

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Stay in Bookshelves

Book and Bed Tokyo

@maiwanderlustlife

This is a book lovers dream hostel! This place includes a library offering over 2,500 books!

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Stay in a Former Bank

Hostel Tresor

@maiwanderlustlife

This hostel was a former bank located in the city center of Ljubljana, Slovenia. It's a quick 2-minute walk from the Prešeren Square and nearby the Tivoli Park and Ljublijana train station.

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Stay in a Castle

Bambuda Castle

@maiwanderlustlife

It's the only castle in Central America! This hostel overlooks coffee plantations and is about 6 km from the San Ramón Waterfall.

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Stay in a 18th-Century Winery

Caveland

@maiwanderlustlife

Located on the island of Santorini, the Caveland Hostel is set within a former 18th-century winery. It offers a mix of dormitory rooms and private caves carved into the volcanic rock. The hostel features colorful murals, outdoor spaces, a swimming pool, and a relaxed atmosphere.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mai Lê

Available for hire

Solo female backpacker 🇺🇸🇧🇴🇻🇳🇨🇦🇮🇹🇳🇿 Licensed skydiver 🪂 Former K-6 educator 👩🏻‍🏫 Van life 🚐 US expat 🇺🇸 ✈️ 🇳🇿 I am a solo female traveler who LOVES to try new things. To me, life is a compilation of experiments with a goal towards self-discovery. I value personal growth and adventure through travel and hope to service others in their own journey. Being up for experimenting and trying new things wasn't always the case. I was a perfectionist who did not want to mess up in fear of rejection and damaging my self-worth. It took a lot of self-love and patience to build the confidence that I have today. I worked my way up from a completely guided tour to living abroad alone in a van. See my timeline below. If I can do it, you can do it and I'm here to help support you through that. Travel History: 2005 - First international trip to Vietnam (with the family) 2013 - South America for the first time for a study abroad trip in Bolivia 2017 - Guided solo trip (2 months in Vietnam) 2020 - Couples trip to Canada (ended early because of COVID 😢) 2022 - Improvised solo trips to Italy and Vietnam 2023 - Moved abroad alone to New Zealand...and started living in a campervan full-time Cheers, Mai

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