Never fear, though – we’re going to do our best to cheer you up with our cute animal travel pics competition. You could even win an adopted wild animal of your own!

How to enter

Send the best picture of an animal you’ve taken on holiday to competitions@anytrip.com, including your full name, what the animal is and where you took the photo. No pets, please, we only want animals you’ve photographed while travelling – monkeys, elephants, dolphins, particularly cute stick insects: they all count.

Like us on Facebook to view our favourite entries in a gallery. We’ll announce the winners there on Monday 23^rd January.

The prizes

Five winners will receive an adopted animal from the Aspinal Foundation, which runs wildlife parks Port Lympne and Howletts in Kent, UK. We have adoption kits for an elephant, gorilla, giraffe, meerkat and a rhino living at these parks to give away.

Kits include a cuddly toy, details about your animal and vouchers for visiting the animal.

Good luck – and if these cute animal pics don’t cheer you up, nothing will!

Ts and Cs

1. This Competition is open to anyone aged 18 and over
2. This Competition is not open to employees of AnyTrip, their family members, AnyTrip’s agents, or anyone professionally connected with the competition.
3. The competition will run from 09.00 GMT Monday 16^th January 2012 until 12.00 GMT Monday 23^rd January 2012.
4. Participants enter the competition by emailing a picture of a cute animal taken while travelling to competitions@anytrip.com.
5. Any entries received or processed after the closing date will not be accepted. By entering the competition the participant agrees to participate in such promotional activity, including automatic subscription to our newsletter.
6. No responsibility is taken for entries which are lost, delayed or misdirected, or cannot be delivered or entered for any technical or other reason.
7. Only one entry is allowed per person.
8. The winners will be chosen by AnyTrip based on the 5 most unique and cute pictures.
9. The winners will be notified via email on Monday 23^rd January 2012 and announced on AnyTrip’s Facebook wall once the prizes have been claimed.
10. The winners will be required to provide full name and postal address.
11. No cash or other alternative is available to the prizes.
12. The usual privacy policy terms of AnyTrip apply to all personal information we gather.
13. The prize must be taken by the prize winner and may not be transferred to or taken by any third party.
14. If AnyTrip cannot contact the winner within fourteen days of the notification, AnyTrip reserves the right to conduct a similar process to determine new winners.
15. AnyTrip reserve the right to refuse entry to participants.

Flickr image, with thanks: 1

Below, we bust the problem with our 20 women’s hostels in backpacking hotspots around the world – all which cater amazingly well to females…

Jump to women-friendly hostels in…

Southeast Asia | South America | Australasia | Europe

Southeast Asia

1. Bali, Indonesia

Ari Putri Hotel

• Private rooms
• 94% safety rating
• With pool, close to Sanur beach

2. Bangkok, Thailand

Lub d – Silom

• Girls’ dorms and private rooms
• 96% safety rating
• Central location

3. Hong Kong, China

Tai Wan Deluxe Hotel

• Girls’ dorms and private ensuite rooms
• Central location

4. Siem Reap, Cambodia

Mom’s Guest House

• Private, ensuite rooms with electric keycard access
• Swimming pool
• Bike rental

5. Singapore

Fern Loft Backpacker Hostel

• Girls’ dorm
• Close to the beach and airport

South America

6. Bogota, Columbia

Anandamayi Hostel and Hotel

• Girls’ dorms and private rooms
• 96% safety rating
• Hammocks in garden; free coffee and Wi-Fi

7. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Sabatico Travelers Hostel

• Girls’ dorms and private rooms
• 92% safety rating
• Free Wi-Fi and breakfast
• Rooftop garden with BBQ

8. Paraty, Brazil

Misti Chill Paraty Hostel & Pousada

• Girls’ dorms
• Beach-front location
• Free pickup, breakfast and Wi-Fi

9. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

CabanaCopa

• Girls’ dorms
• Close to Copacabana Beach
• Free Wi-Fi, breakfast and cooking ingredients

10. Santiago, Chile

Hostal Forestal

• Girls’ dorms and private ensuite rooms
• BBQs and weekly activities
• Free Wi-Fi

Australasia

11. Auckland, New Zealand

BASE Auckland

• Girls’ dorms
• Champagne and hair-care pack for girls on arrival
• ‘Sanctuary’ girls-only floor with lounge
• Free and cheap adventure activities

12. Cairns, Australia

Cairns Girls’ Hostel

• Women-only hostel
• Barrier reef tours desk

13. Christchurch, New Zealand

Canterbury House

• Private rooms (only couples and singles allowed)
• 90% safety rating
• Free tea/coffee, hairdryer and pickup

14. Melbourne, Australia

BASE St. Kilda

• Girls’ dorms
• Champagne and hair-care pack for girls on arrival
• ‘Sanctuary’ girls-only floor with lounge

15. Sydney, Australia

Bounce Hotel

• Girls’ dorms and private rooms
• 96% safety rating
• Rooftop garden

Europe

16. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona Urbany Hostel

• Girls’ dorms and private rooms
• 97% safety rating
• ‘Pink Rooms’ with hair straighteners

17. Budapest, Hungary

Anadin Female Hostel

• Women-only hostel
• Free breakfast and Wi-Fi

18. Paris, France

St. Chistopher’s Inns – Paris

• Girls’ dorms and private rooms
• 94% safety rating
• Women-only floor – ‘The Oasis’

19. Prague, Czech Republic

Plus Prague

• Girls’ dorms with hairdryers and private rooms
• ‘Plus Girls’ women-only space with free goodie bag
• Free swimming pool and sauna

20. Rome, Italy

Papaya Female Hostel

• Women-only hostel
• 95% safety rating
• Free Wi-Fi and breakfast

Need more women’s travel tips? See our safety tips for solo women travellers

Flickr images, with thanks: 1 2 3 4 5

Travelling solo is one of the most exciting, mind-expanding things you can do – so why don’t more women try it? Often, fear holds you back: the worry of being lonely, or isolated, or being vulnerable to scams and attackers.

Remember: things going wrong is part of travelling – but a much bigger part of it is seeing the world and having a great time! If you’re undecided, we hope these tips for solo women travellers will change your attitude from “can’t deal with it,” to “can too.”

1. Plan your arrival

Always arrive at a destination prepared. You should know where you’re going as soon as you get off your plane/boat/coach, with a hotel or hostel already booked and a map for how to get there in your back pocket.

Also note down the bus numbers or metro stations and lines you need to use to get from A to B. If this seems a bit dull, ask yourself who’s more vulnerable: the purposeful woman striding out of Departures or the one meandering round the taxi rank in bleary-eyed confusion?

2. Pack like a girl scout

Be prepared, always. You should take:

• A ‘just-in-case’ pack with numbers for local police and medical services, your travel insurance details and contact numbers for your folks back home (separate from being saved in your phone).
• Multiple purses, so you can store money in different places when you’re out. If worse comes to worse and you get robbed, you’ll still have a back-up fund in your sock.
• A capsule wardrobe that includes a long-sleeved top, a light scarf and trousers or a long skirt. This means you can cover up – including your head – where local dress requires it. Dressing more conservatively when you’re on your own is also a quick-fix for killing unwanted attention and helping you to blend in.

And leave behind:

• Anything you’d be sorry to lose. Kindles, iPads, smartphones, digital SLRs, jewellery, designer bags and sunglasses and wads of cash can all stay at home. You won’t be able to totally blend in everywhere you go, and these items make you a more attractive target.

3. Do your homework

Is there an official, licenced cab system? How do you say ‘please,’ ‘thank you,’ and ‘hello,’ if not in English? Are there social or religious rules for dress and behaviour you should bear in mind? Any notorious neighbourhoods you should avoid? Arm yourself with knowledge and you’ll navigate the streets feeling confidant and capable.

4. Scan like the Terminator

With every new environment and situation, turn your internal scanner on like Arnie in the Terminator. Assess threatening situations and eliminate them. Leaving a bar after dark? Take the well-lit, crowded route back to your hostel. Notice a shifty-looking group? Trust your internal scanner flashing red and move away from them.

This doesn’t mean you can’t relax and enjoy yourself, it just means staying more alert and aware than you probably would in your hometown. Which brings us to…

5. Talk to strangers, smile and meet new people

When you’re on the road, the cheesy saying “a stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet,” never feels truer. Start talking to people as soon as you arrive by hanging out in your hostel common room or going on an organised tour. Be open to conversations struck up on public transport, at attractions and in cafes: you never know if a chance meeting will lead to a wild adventure or a friendship for life.

As well as having fun, this is great from a safety point of view, too: you’re less likely to appear isolated or vulnerable if you’re seen talking to people or in a group. It’s also important for checking in with people: if you’re going off on your own, you’ve someone to tell when you’re meant to be back.

Ready to start planning your adventure? Take a look at our maps of cheap hotels and hostels around the world to find budget places to stay.

Flickr image, with thanks: 1

Simply scroll through the ideas below to find your perfect trip for 2012…

1. See the northern lights

Changes in the sun’s magnetic field mean 2012 is set to see brightest northern lights in 50 years. With our guide to cheap places to stay in Aurora hotspots, you can sort yourself a prime spot to catch the incredible show for less…

2. Sleep in a bizarre building

Sick of bland, cookie-cutter hotels all done up in shades of beige? Then check in to accommodation less ordinary like the monastery, castle or whiskey warehouse on our list of five bizarre and beautiful buildings you can sleep in.

3. Spot wild animals

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Spot all these as well as rhinos… and elephants… and cheetahs… and any other exciting critter you can think of when you pick one of our places to sleep near wild and exotic animals.

4. Float away

Want to be rocked to sleep by gentle waves, or wake up to wrap-around views of glittering water? Then abandon dry land for one of these five fine floating hostels, where the scenery is breathtaking and the service is ship-shape.

5. Party, party, party

Going backpacking? These crazy hostels your mother would hate make it easy to cut loose. From hostels with their own tattoo parlours to those within stumbling distance of Full Moon parties, these places guarantee fun times.

6. Go to jail

Want to feel what a night in jail might be like? Now you can, with former prisons around the world re-opening as surprisingly plush guest houses. See where you can spend a night in the Big House with our list of the top five jail hotels.

7. Take to the trees

Longed for a treehouse as a kid, but never got one? Ever wanted to make like Mowgli? Satisfy your inner child with a stay in a treehouse or jungle hotel – there’s no better chance for getting back to nature on your travels.

8. Become part of the art

Be a sleeping beauty and stay at hotels that double as galleries at these art exhibitions you can sleep in. From rooms designed by local artists to guesthouses with gallery spaces, these accommodations let you explore your destination’s creative side…

Looking for more travel ideas for 2012? Discover how to travel across America by train, or help make up your mind with our five ways to decide where to travel next…

Flickr images, with thanks: 1 2

Tips for watching the London Eye Fireworks

Like things that go whizz and bang, preferably in an array of bright colours? The free annual firework display at the London Eye should float your family’s boat, then. An eight-minute firework and pyrotechnics show will follow the famous ‘bongs’ from Big Ben marking midnight – and this year, it’ll have musical accompaniment. Here are our family survival tips for London’s biggest NYE event…

1. Arrive around 7-8pm to claim your spot. The best viewing areas on the Southbank and Westminster Bridge are closed by police when full (around 250,000 people show up!), so make sure you’re not left out. See all viewing areas on a map here
2. Make sure everyone’s dressed warmly, and bring your own food and drink in a backpack. You’ll be standing outside for a few hours, and there are no extra food or drink stalls laid on (there will, however, be extra public toilets installed along the Victoria Embankment and Waterloo Bridge). Alcohol is allowed – don’t forget the plastic glasses if you’ve got champagne!
3. Keep everyone together, and decide on a meeting point if anyone gets separated. Mobile networks are likely to be busy and unreliable after midnight.
4. Be prepared to go a longer way home afterwards. Tube stations in the immediate area are likely to be closed off after midnight to prevent congestion. Don’t worry – tubes will be running for free throughout the night, you’ll just have to walk a bit further to get to an open station.
5. Don’t bring push-chairs or pets. The event will be packed, and you’ll find getting through the crowds difficult. Similarly, young kids might find the dense crowds and the bangs from the fireworks too much – older kids and teens, however, will love it.

Nearest tube stops: Westminster, Embankment, Waterloo, Charing Cross

Winter Wonderland for NYE 2011

Don’t fancy the fireworks? We’ve got a handful of other family events to recommend, mostly at the amazingly kid-friendly Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Laid out like an alpine village lit by fairy lights, Winter Wonderland feels magical to young’uns and has loads of fun things to see and do on December 31^st – including big wheel rides and circus shows. For snacks, there are plenty of food stalls selling warming treats like hot chocolate, crepes and bratwurst, plus picnic areas to eat them in. A family ticket on the Giant Wheel costs £22 – pile inside a pod and climb to the skies on the fifteen-minute ride for 360 views of the city. For clowns, acrobats and an appearance from Santa himself, Zippo’s Circus puts on five 50-minute Christmas Shows during the day from 11am, and an ‘edgier’ Cirque Extreme show in the evening (at 7pm, 8.15pm and 9.15pm). Family tickets (one adult and three kids or two adults and two kids) are an affordable £24. Nearest tube stop: Hyde Park Corner

NYE Ice-skating at the Tower of London

Mix visiting London’s most Horrible Histories-focussed spot with a family skate. The Tower of London’s outdoor rink is found in the old castle moat, and has its own bar serving hot chocolate and mince pies. Skate sessions run from 10am to 10pm on New Year’s Eve and a family ticket (one adult and three kids, or two adults and two kids) is £34. Nearest tube stop: Tower Hill

Family Hotels in London for New Year’s Eve

Arriva Hotel in King’s Cross has private triple rooms from £240pn (min. stay two nights), while Meininger Hotel in South Kensington has a private five-bed ensuite room for 295.00pn. It’s found opposite the Natural History Museum, a five-minute tube ride from Winter Wonderland (station: Hyde Park Corner). Two minutes from Edgeware Road tube station (close to Paddington), Ventures Hotel offers triples for £219 and quad rooms for £248pn (min. stay two nights). Closer to Green Park and Picadilly, the Curzon Street Mayfair has a four-person apartment for £312pn (min. stay five nights), including kitchenette and lounge. Or, see all available cheap hotels in London for NYE here. Looking for more NYE tips? See seven fun UK events for families on New Year’s Eve, or things to do on New Year’s Eve in Paris Flickr image, with thanks: 1

From burning tar barrels to Ferris wheels and fireworks, the UK typically brings in the new year with a big dollop of fun. So to get in the spirit of things, we’ve rounded up our favourite family-friendly events for New Year’s Eve.

Most events are free but, more importantly, all are jolly exciting…

City-centre celebrations

1. London Eye Fireworks

As we’ve said before, the least crowded – and best, in our humble opinion – place to enjoy the London Eye fireworks is from afar at the top of Primrose Hill or Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath. Jostling crowds give way to relaxed groups up here, so it’s a suitable and safe option for younger kids – though you’ll want to make sure you all wrap up warm!

If you’ve got teens and you really want to see the fireworks from up close, get down at least two hours early to stake out a viewing position on Victoria Embankment or the South Bank. This year, the fireworks will be accompanied by a musical accompaniment for the first time ever.

How much is it? Free

Looking for more London tips for families on NYE? Whether you need tips for watching the fireworks, or more ideas for children’s events in the capital this NYE, see our post on things to do with kids in London on New Year’s Eve pronto.

Where do we stay? Arriva Hotel in King’s Cross has private triple rooms from £240pn (min. stay two nights), while the Curzon Street Mayfair has a four-person apartment for £312pn, including kitchenette and lounge. Or, see all hotels available in London for NYE here.

2. Cardiff Calennig

Celebrate Welsh New Year’s Eve Calennig with a whole winter wonderland of special events at Cardiff’s Civic Centre. There’s a traditional fun fair running to 1am, a free live music stage with Madness tribute band Utter Madness, midnight fireworks and an open-air ice rink.

How much is it? Entrance to the Winter Wonderland is free, ice rink tickets £7.50 adults, £5.50 children.

Where do we stay? The Big Sleep Hotel in the city-centre has doubles from £130pn, with extra kids’ beds available on request.

3. Newcastle’s NYE Winter Carnival

A great one for younger families as it takes place in the afternoon and early evening, Newcastle’s Winter Carnival on December 31st starts with a street parade and ends in a firework spectacular. See the huge Ice Queen model leading the parade, followed by colourful monkey and skeleton characters, plus steel drum and salsa bands and hundreds of local volunteer dancers.

With bands and dancers gathering around Monument from 2.30pm, the parade beginning at 5.15pm and a firework finale at the Civic Centre from 6pm, it’s set to be a magical, wintry and fun-filled New Year’s Eve.

How much is it? Free

Where do we stay? Newgate Hotel is a few minutes from Eldon Square, and is offering twin rooms from £91.20pn. Or, see all cheap hotels available in Newcastle this NYE here.

Hogmanay

4. Edinburgh Hogmanay Torchlight Procession and Calton Hill Fireworks

The best event for families of all ages on Edinburgh’s sprawling Hogmanay roster, the atmospheric Torchlight Procession leaves Parliament Square at 6.30pm and follows the Royal Mile to the Son et Lumiere and Calton Hill, where a fantastic firework show takes place at 7.45pm.

The thrills are for a good cause, too: money raised from torch sales will go to Radio Forth’s Cash for Kids campaign and Barnardo’s Scotland.

How much is it? It’s a free unticketed event, torches are £7

Where do we stay? Grosvenor Gardens is a ten-minute walk from the city centre, and round the corner from Haymarket Station. It has triple rooms for £180pn. Or, check out all available NYE hotels in Edinburgh here.

5. Glasgow Hogmanay

Taking place in George Square, Glasgow’s Hogmanay has some great stuff on for kids: the outdoor ice rink will be converted into a curling rink, where the whole family can try their hand at curling during special sessions run from 12noon to 10pm.

As well as this, there will be live music from Ceilidh bands (see the video of last year’s celebration above) and traditional Scottish food on sale.

How much is it? TBA – details should be released on the Glasgow Loves Christmas site in December.

Where do we stay? The Victorian House Hotel is a has family rooms (one double and a single bed) and is a ten-minute tram-ride away from George Square. Or, see all hotels available in Glasgow on NYE here.

Fire Festivals

6. Fireball Ceremony, Stonehaven

Fancy wowing the kids with a parade of 45 local folk spinning fireballs round their heads? Stonehaven near Aberdeen in Scotland’s the place to go… The Unique New Year Fireball Ceremony takes place on the local high-street, with fireball-spinners parading from the east to west ends of town to cheering crowds.

The fireball troupe starts just after the Town House bell rings in midnight, with pre-entertainment from Stonehaven Pipe Band, street drummers and the local poi group and fireworks by the harbour afterwards.

How much is it? Free

7. Flaming Tar Barrels, Allendale

Maybe the most dramatic traditional festival on the UK NYE calendar, Allendale’s fire procession involves a collective of barrel-carriers called Guisers (whose role is passed through families from fathers to sons) who carry whiskey barrels filled with flaming tar on their heads through the streets to ignite a ceremonial bonfire.

As the barrels are thrown together onto the fire, the barrel men and crowd chant “Be damned he who throws last!”, and a band leads the crowd in a sing-along of Auld Lang Sine as midnight strikes. Great for families with older kids.

How much is it? Free

Looking for more ideas for NYE? See our things to do in Paris on New Year’s Eve

Words: Isabel Clift

Flickr images, with thanks: 1 2 3 4 5

Ready for a walk on the wild side? Check out these hotels near wildlife sanctuaries where your neighbours are real party animals!

If you want a holiday packed with wonder and adventure, leave the cares of civilisation behind and get personal with wild and exotic local critters.

Below, we list five comfy accommodations on islands, savannahs and jungles that get you close enough to lions, tigers or bears to exclaim “Oh my!”

1. Jungle Lagoon Safari Lodge, Chitwan, Nepal

Jungle Lagoon Safari Lodge lies between two Nepalese national parks (Royal Chitwan and Royal Bardia) teeming with undisturbed wildlife.  Explore them on foot, driving a land rover, aboard a riverboat or from the back of an elephant.

After stalking the savannah, come back to enjoy a local dish at the restuarant and swap stories of your wild encounters in the bar. Animals to spot include rhinos, crocodiles and Bengal tigers.

Rooms from €11.49pn

2. Jungle Lore Birding Lodge, Noida Nainital, India

You’ll know you’re not in Kansas anymore when you check into your cottage at the Jungle Lore Birding Lodge deep in an alpine forest. The bungalows have air conditioning and fireplaces for year-round comfort.

Families appreciate the larger bungalows with loft rooms for the kids and couples love the intimate cottages with private bathrooms. Take a trip onboard an elephant to tour the surrounding ancient forest and meet the many exotic birds that call it home.

Rooms from €57.58pn

3. Cabinas Caribe Luna, Cahuita, Costa Rica

Lap up the privacy at the Cabinas Caribe Luna just outside the Cahuita National Park where the both the sea and the jungle abound with wildlife. Choose a fully equipped apartment with kitchen, TV, wireless internet and a hammock or opt for more primitive cabins.

Feast on Jamacian spice cake and fresh papaya juice from the local vendors or seafood at the coastal restaurants. Hang in the lounge to find out about the best beaches for snorkelling or surfing. The tour desk can arrange a bicycle or horse so you can to head off to waterfalls where birds, monkeys, sloths and bears share your peaceful retreat.

Rooms from €61.29pn

4. Chobe Safari Camp, Kasane, Botswana

The name of the Kwalape Lodge at the Chobe Safari Camp translates “at home,” so prepare to be treated like family in this rural African settlement. Choose to sleep outdoors in high-end safari tents or settle into a chalet with private balconies and bathrooms.

After a big day watching the wild herds of elephants or journeying to nearby Victoria Falls, indulge in the hearty fare at the Boma Restaurant and join fellow travelers at the Sundowner Bar. Other animals to spot include cheetahs, wild boars and lions.

Rooms from €30.64pn

5. Belum Eco Resort, Perak, Malaysia

Indulge in your fantasy island dreams at the Belum Eco Resort, but be aware you share your private island with free roaming tigers, bears and elephants! Situated in the middle of Lake Temenggor, the entire area is a sanctuary for 14 endangered species.

Stay in a dorm-style room or private chalet built in the comfortable native Asli style with beautiful lake views. Guests congregate in the open-air restaurant featuring local cuisine and sing karaoke together in the games room.

Dorm beds from €12.17pn, private rooms from €48.68pn

Looking for more wild ideas for your next trip? See the five crazy hostels your mother would hate

Words: Lela Lake

Ever fantasised about sneaking into a closed art museum and spending the night amid marvellous paintings? Then indulge your wildest dreams at these surprisingly cheap art hotels that either have exhibits onsite or have invited artists to turn each room into a mini gallery…

1. Daddy Long Legs, Cape Town, South Africa

Fashioned to attract independent-minded types, no two rooms at the Daddy Long Legs Boutique Hotel are even remotely similar! While one guest room embraces the stark lines of a sound studio – complete with microphone – the neighbouring room might be a kaleidoscope collage of photographs. Each room has been designed by a different artist.

Offering self-catering facilities, a cool lounge and free Wi-Fi, this is no ordinary hotel. It’s more like an art show that happens to have cosy accommodations as part of the exhibit!

Rooms from €91.65prpn

2. Art Hotel Laine, Riga, Latvia

Art Nouveau fans will delight at the appropriate Roaring 20s motif that saturates the Art Hotel Laine. This charming family-run hostel doubles as an art gallery showcasing period specific art from talented Latvian artists in their dining room and gallery-style halls.

Despite modern perks like free Wi-Fi, a games lounge and patio swimming pool, you’ll find it easy to adopt the carefree attitude of the flappers ready to live large at their swinging veranda restaurant.

Rooms from €39prpn

3. Jungle Blues Dream Longhouse, Bario, Malaysia

This photo of Jungle Blues Dream Art Gallery & Homestay is courtesy of TripAdvisor

To ensure their guests the ultimate experience, the Jungle Blues Dream Longhouse only accepts three visitors at a time in their authentic tribal house that doubles as an art gallery.

From this hilltop hideaway, you’ll be torn between examining the fantastic art inside and gazing at the beautiful countryside outside dotted with rice patties with hazy mountains in the distance. Discuss the best trails to take with your helpful hosts over your free breakfast and set out to explore the countryside on a leisurely stroll along the beautifully manicured garden paths.

Rooms from €16.89prpn

4. Friends Hostel, Budapest, Hungary

Proud of their creative heritage, the Friends Hostel has named each of their rooms after a prominent Hungarian artist and displays local art throughout this sparkling clean hotel. Smack in the center of Budapest, the helpful staff can point you to the coolest nearby attractions.

Choose from a dormitory or private suite – either way you can expect free goodies like Wi-Fi, toiletries and even laundry service if you book an extended stay to soak up the art.

Dorm beds from €10pn, private rooms from €23prpn

Looking for more unusual places to stay around the world? See five bizarre and beautiful buildings you can sleep in.

Words: Lela Lake

1. Bayrams Treehouses, Olympos, Turkey

Wake up to the fragrance of citrus fruit blossoms wafting through your tree house or bungalow window each morning at Bayrams Treehouses. With an extended stay, your room rate includes a delicious vegetarian-friendly breakfast and dinner in the relaxed dining hall.

Chill out with a beer in a hammock under the trees, a Turkish hookah on a pillowed platform or take a dip after sunbathing at the nearby beach. Walk over to the ancient Lycium ruins or consult with their friendly tour desk to rent a kayak, sign up for rock climbing or take a day trip on the Mediterranean Blue Cruise.

Dorm beds from €10.08pn, private rooms from €18.14prpn

2. Jungle Bells, Antalya, Turkey

For the quintessential tree house experience, only Jungle Bells actually has rooms nestled in the treetops, not just on high platforms. Complete with a balcony, these treehouses are complete with running water, a toilet and shower.

If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, the big building has bungalow-style air conditioned rooms. In the common area you can get your free breakfast, tap into the free Wi-Fi and drop off your duds at their free laundry service while you hang out at the nearby beach.

Dorm beds from €10.88pn, private rooms from €36.28prpn

3. Crocodylus Village, Cape Tribulation, Australia

Learn what it’s like to “live off the grid” at Crocodylus Village located far from the things of man. But you won’t miss any amenities; the delicious home-style meals leave nothing to be desired and the fully licensed bar will be waiting at the end of a busy day of kayaking down the rivers or hiking through the jungle.

Dorm beds from €19.41pn, private rooms from €54.35prpn

4. The Raintree, Suva, Fiji

Perched on the edge of a rainforest, the Raintree is close to the bustling city yet so quiet it feels like it’s in another world. Choose to sleep in a thatched roof private bungalow or stay in the budget-friendly lodge.

Across the street you can catch the bus into town or set off on foot to explore the gardens on the well-tended paths. Hike into the neighbouring national forest for picnic by a waterfall or sunset stroll along a lake to watch the magnificent birds coming home to roost.

Dorm beds from €10.07pn, private rooms from €27.27prpn

5. Hotel Paraiso Carlisa, La Gloria, Costa Rica

Live like a native at the Hotel Paraiso, a unique resort hideaway with all the amenities of a four-star hotel. Located deep in the virgin mountain forest next to the La Cangreja National Park, your neighbours are the Zapatón Indians who welcome visitors to learn about their traditional lifestyle.

Rooms from €53.56prpn

Looking for more back-to-nature travel ideas? See our favourite five floating hostels or five places to sleep near wild and exotic animals.

Words: Lela Lake

Ever wondered what it would be like to wake up in castle, retreat to a monastery or have the run of a whiskey warehouse? Now you can make it a reality!

For a stay less ordinary, check out these five bizarre and beautiful buildings turned hotels – all with rooms at budget prices…

1. Monastery Hostel, Milan, Italy

Don’t worry, when you stay in Milan’s Monastery Hostel you won’t have to take any vows or cloister yourself away, just soak up the peaceful vibe in your air conditioned room with private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.

Join the other “monks” for complimentary breakfast and chill out in the lounge watching the HD big screen TV. Indulge in Italian hot chocolate or grab treats and souvenirs from their in-house mini mart. Use the computer and iPad to check on the “real world” outside your monastic retreat.

Dorm beds from €24pn, private rooms from €90prpn

2. Surf Hostal Backpackers, Pichilemu, Chile

Admittedly, from a distance it looks like a shipwreck, but the Surf Hostal Backpackers is a way-cool place to indulge in your sailor fantasy without leaving dry land!

Top side are three dorm rooms with private lockers and shared facilities and down in the galley the self-service kitchen and cosy lounge are great places to plan adventures with your fellow shipmates. Call the friendly staff when you arrive at the local bus terminal and they’ll come pick you up!

Dorm beds from €13.50prpn

3. Castello di Galeazza, Ferrara, Italy

Become a member of the family at the Castello di Galeazza, a fully-functional castle that invites you join their non-profit Reading Retreats in Rural Italy program.

Once you do, this castle becomes your guest house where you’re welcome to peruse the extensive libraries in this bibliophiles’ dream come true. Frescoed ceilings, even in the guest rooms, add to the stately decor – but the atmosphere is down-home and casual.

Self-catering facilities are available for lunches and snacks, but breakfast and dinner are served family-style. Although there is no obligation, you’re welcome to pitch in feeding the animals, gathering garden produce or helping prepare farm-fresh meals from scratch to really get in the spirit!

Rooms from €50prpn

4. Islay-Port Charlotte Hostel, Islay, Scotland

Leave it to the Scots to turn an old whiskey warehouse into a home away from home! As a guest at the Islay – Port Charlotte Hostel, you’re considered part of the extended family in this picturesque coastal village where you can still hear Gaelic spoken.

With spacious rooms, self-catering facilities, washing machines and hot water always available in the urn for a warm cup o’ tea, the atmosphere radiates the kind of contentment felt when savouring one of the single malt whiskies that once matured in this warehouse.

Dorm beds from €14.38pn, private rooms from €29.96prpn

5. Zhangzhou Wei Qun Lou Inn, Zhangzhou, China

Like stepping into the past, Zhangzhou Wei Qun Lou Inn provides a fascinating glimpse into the bygone days of China in this re-creation of a traditional 19^th-century Chinese roundhouse.

Despite the historic atmosphere, you’ll have free Wi-Fi, toiletries and washing machines. The bright blue roofs look from afar like the aprons of Chinese girls, so it is affectionately called the Apron Inn.

Rooms from €7.26prpn

Looking for more ideas for bizarre places to stay? See the world’s top ten weird hotels and hostels

Words: Lela Lake