The Coolest Places You Can Stay In Around The World

Join one of these small-group trips to stay in some of the world’s most unconventional accommodation – from floating raft houses to traditional cave dwellings.

Imagine waking up gazing up at the starry sky from a luxury tented camp in a nature reserve populated by giant tortoises in the Galápagos Islands. Or on a floating raft house in Thailand. Staying in such unique accommodation only adds to the sense of adventure when exploring a new destination and you can do so by joining one of these specially curated small-group trips.

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People exploring the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Busan, South Korea, overlooking the ocean and rocks

An ancient cliffside temple in South Korea

Built in the 6th century, Golgulsa Temple houses 12 caves carved into the side of Hamwolsan Mountain, just outside Gyeongju City – the former capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom. It’s a serene place to spend a night, which is undoubtedly one of the highlights of this 10-day journey through South Korea. Not only will you glimpse the Buddhist way of life, but you’ll also learn all about sunmudo – a traditional Korean martial art and form of moving meditation that dates back over 1,000 years. For first-time visitors to South Korea, this Culture Trip adventure showcases the very best things to see and do here.

From US$3223

Next available from 19th May 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Seoul, South Korea

ENDS AT

Seoul, South Korea

DURATION

10

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Cotopaxi volcano at dusk in Cotopaxi National Park

A lodge with a volcano view in Ecuador

Fancy going to sleep at night with a view of a volcano? Chilcabamba Lodge in Ecuador, 3,480m (11,417ft) above sea level, boasts breathtaking views of Cotapaxi volcano – settle in around the fire pit and stargaze when darkness falls. Cosy and unpretentious rooms were built with local materials, and the property has a strong focus on sustainability. Culture Trip’s eight-day adventure to Ecuador continues after visiting Cotapaxi National Park – go white-water rafting down the Jatunyacu River in the Amazon rainforest and hike the Natural Oils Trail before returning to Quito.

From US$2089

Next available from 27th Jul 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Quito, Ecuador

ENDS AT

Quito, Ecuador

DURATION

8

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

View Trip

Maja Proescholdt contributed additional reporting.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.