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Biggest travel mistake: Not caring about where you stay on vacation because you don't plan to be in the room much anyway. A vacation that you'll talk about for the rest of your life hinges on sleeping in a fun place.
Good Housekeeping travel editors, who have been exploring the world for our annual travel awards, hand-selected the 20 best vacation rentals and Airbnbs that will be the talk of your trip, maybe even the most memorable part of your year. We've found stays that are unusual and quirky (think: staying inside a building shaped like a shoe) but still have many of the modern conveniences you've come to expect. Hope to see you on the guest list!
The Mill House, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
Fairytale vibes are strong in The Mill House, a 19th century windmill that's been converted to living space with sweeping 360-degree views of the North Atlantic Ocean. The property is located on the island of São Miguel in the trendy Azores archipelago. With Wi-Fi and other modern conveniences plus a stunning pool in a shared backyard, it's couples' trip gold.
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AirbnbHobbit House, Sanger, California
If you want vacation memories to stick with kids, stay at the Hobbit House. This 3-bedroom property near Fresno and close enough for a day trip to Yosemite National Park is not only an architectural marvel but it's also a major conversation piece. Built in 1986, the house was the brainchild of famed architect Arthur Dyson who nestled it among six wooded acres. Fresh from a remodel, this vacation home is stocked with board games and lawn toys to facilitate family bonding.
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AirbnbRiver Forest Lookout in Blue Ridge, Georgia
We put this 60-foot-tall Lookout Tower high up on our most unique Airbnbs list because it lets you sleep among the trees and gives you a comfortable perch to marvel at the animals in the forest below. The off-the-grid spot in the Cohutta Wilderness also comes highly recommended, with a five-star rating based on 100+ reviews. Even though it feels remote, you'll be a short drive away from activity-filled mountain towns. In nearby Morgantown, for instance, you can book a one-of-a-kind experience at a chimpanzee sanctuary.
AirbnbApple Ridge Farm Caboose, Copper Hill, Virginia
All aboard the Apple Ridge Farm Caboose for a vacation that's sure to please the train fans in your family. Your crew can choose from the bright red caboose (a la Mr. Roger's Trolley) or a smaller model with a blue hue that may remind you of Thomas from Thomas the Tank Engine fame. The red caboose sleeps four and is located on a camp property southwest of Roanoke. Feel-good bonus: All proceeds from the rental support a kid-focused nonprofit.
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AirbnbForest Prescription in Dahlonega, Georgia
You won't have to travel across galaxies to reach a romantic couples' getaway that may remind Star War fans of the lush forest moon of Endor. An enchanting treehouse that's 40 feet off the ground (thanks to a suspended robe bridge) is nestled in the Georgia mountains, about an hour from Atlanta. So you could start your trip exploring art galleries or vintage shopping with a guide in the "big city" and then head to a forest wonderland for the ultimate quietcation.
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AirbnbThe Haines Shoe House, Yorkana, Pennsylvania
Once your family stays in this quirky three-bedroom house on a farm in south-central Pennsylvania, the lodging for your next trip will have big shoes to fill! Built in 1948 by a shoe salesman, the iconic house was recently remodeled and features plenty of storage (for shoes, of course!) You'll find some other playful nods to footwear, including a sign for an "Instep Suite" and shoe-shaped knick-knacks. Staying here is bound to get your vacation to nearby Lancaster off on the right foot! (Sorry, we couldn't resist.)
AibnbHouseboat in Baurech, France
Staying in a houseboat anywhere would be a dream experience, but picture yourself floating in one on a lake near Bordeaux in southwestern France. With a maximum occupancy of three guests, this floating house works best for couples' trips or an intimate girlfriends' getaway. Guests have described the house as being "peaceful" and "soothing" and noted they they were able to boat and enjoy other water activities on the lake. One day, consider taking a guided walking or biking tour of Bordeaux.
AirbnbAdvertisementAdvertisement#«R56ekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R96ekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe My Old Kentucky Dome, Mount Washington, Kentucky
For a one-of-a-kind glamping experience that has a futuristic feel, cozy up inside this geodesic dome near Louisville. With a king-size bed on the main floor and an additional bed in the loft, the vacation rental can sleep four. Kids have been over the moon to sleep in "the big bubble" while adults praised the privacy, peacefulness and neutral decor. Be sure to explore Louisville before or after: These cooking and bourbon-tasting experiences are highly rated.
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AirbnbThe Sonoma Spyglass, Sebastopol, California
Wine Country has no shortage of fun places to stay, but we raise our glasses to this sustainable gem that's ideal for couples or solo travelers. It features a king-size bed and two spa robes, plus a fully-equipped kitchen. One recent traveler gushed that she wants to return for "a luxurious soak in the tub on the deck with some wine and chocolate!" While you're nearby, consider booking one of Airbnb's new original experiences—talking all things wine, art and history with a best-selling author.
AirbnbThe Mountain Yurt, Emigrant, Montana
If Yellowstone National Park is on your bucket list, take note of this vacation rental about 30 minutes away that you could make your home base. The rustic mountain yurt with a hot tub wows guests who have called it "the most beautiful place we've ever stayed" and "a little slice of heaven." With a queen bed, sleeper sofa and RV mattresses, the space sleeps six guests. Since Yellowstone can get very crowded, especially during the summer, plan ahead for activities like this float down Big Springs River.
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AirbnbArchitectural Wonder in the Woods, Rhinebeck, New York
For a wonderful stay in the Hudson Valley, look no further than this cottage resembling a piece of modern art. One recent guest said, "The natural light that pours in through the windows is amazing and we love the unique vibe of the raw materials used throughout to provide a wabi-sabi philosophy. It’s very peaceful and private, making it a perfect spot to unwind and get inspired." The rental sleeps up to four guests so you can enjoy with or without the kids.
AirbnbUnique and Secluded Airship, Drimnin, Scotland
If you're looking for an off-the-grid trip, pencil in this Airship beauty in a remote location in Scotland. Guests have called it "a brilliantly unique design" with a kitchen and bathroom that are "super functional." Travelers also raved about the scenic and starry views. It sleeps two and comes with a cozy, Tartan blanket and a heated towel rack.
AirbnbLiveable Sculpture Condo, Rome, Italy
This whimsical oasis surrounded by trees is a truly one-of-a-kind place to stay in Rome. With a mosaic kitchen and quirky windows, you'll feel like you're living in a piece of art. Guests have described it as "otherworldly" and noted that it has "a very fun, huge terrace area to sit at and enjoy." It's about 20 minutes from the city center, where you can learn how to make fresh pasta or take a literary tour with a writer.
AirbnbAdvertisementAdvertisement#«R62ekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«Ra2ekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe The Library at Camp Arden, Loon, New York
Do you have a secret fantasy of sleeping over at the library? Then book this literary-themed rental in the Adirondack mountains stat! Sleeping two guests, the rental has floor-to-ceiling book cases stuffed with stories from every genre. The home also includes a canoe and fire pit! Said one recent guest, "My wife was so awestruck by the books and the decor, I think she spent the first 30 minutes upon arrival just browsing all the shelves and picking out things to read."
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AirbnbThe Copper Fox Treehouse, Pownal, Maine
About a half hour northwest of Portland, this playful fox-themed treehouse is great for both kids and girls' trips. "The treehouse sits on the edge of a forest and we enjoyed a lovely hike," said a recent guest who visited with her girlfriends. A mom who visited with her family noted, "My kids thought that staying in a treehouse, especially in the loft of the foxes ears was hilarious." The vacation rental sleeps four and has a dream kitchen. But venture into Portland for great dining and cultural attractions.
AirbnbThe Bloomhouse, Austin, Texas
It's hard to describe the shape of this funky vacation rental—maybe it's unicorn seashell? But no matter what you call it, the vibes are 100 percent. "The ingenuity and design that went into this place is beyond belief!" said one recent guest. "They definitely pushed the limits of logic and turned dreams into reality here." Another was delighted that the rental had all the comforts of home, including Bluetooth speakers, an iron, large ice cubes for cocktails, and even makeup wipes. The property sleeps four, but prohibits kids under age 5 for safety reasons. While you're in town, consider one of Airbnb's original experiences, going behind the scenes of a Michelin-star restaurant to learn how to prepare brisket! Yum!
LodgewellFairytale House, San Juan Teotihuacán, Mexico
If you're traveling solo through Mexico, put this mushroom-shaped house made of mud and straw on your must-stay list. While it's tiny and has a shared bathroom, you can't beat the garden view and the ability to unleash your inner child again! The property is just northwest of Mexico City.
AirbnbAdvertisementAdvertisement#«R6kekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«Rakekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe Darkhorse Recording, Franklin, Tennessee
Calling all Swifties: A private recording studio about 20 miles outside of Nashville where legends like Taylor Swift and Dolly Parson recorded their music now has three Airbnbs on-site to book! Our favorite is the "Whimsical Gatehouse," which features a queen bed and day bed to be able to fit three guests. "The windows are my favorite part of the space. They overlook the beautiful grounds," said a recent visitor. Continue with the music theme by booking an experience that allows you to mix tracks with a DJ at a hidden speakeasy. May we suggest All Too Well and Cardigan for all the feels?
Visit FranklinShipwreck Stay, Salmon, Idaho
Ahoy, families! Your mini pirates could stay in a shipwreck oasis complete with water cannons and buried treasure! Featuring three levels, this rental sleeps six and even has 2.5 bathrooms. Plus, it's just a short walk to a tranquil mountain lake. "We had so much fun dressing up and being pirates for a day," said a recent guest.
AirbnbLuxe Chic Tiny Home, Williams, Arizona
About 20 minutes rom the South Rim entrance of the Grand Canyon, we spied a new, chic vacation rental that sleeps four and has lots of privacy. "The tiny house was beautiful and thoughtfully designed," said a recent guest. "The location was perfect for visiting the Grand Canyon and felt remote despite being close to nearby shops and attractions."
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