When I travel I try to avoid the major hotel chains.
Sure, you know what to expect from certain hotel brands, so there are no unwelcome surprises, but when I travel I like to find hotels that are unique to that specific area. I prefer cabins in Vermont, cabanas in Costa Rica, or — if I can one day afford it — even tree house hotels in Brazil.
That's why old-fashioned bed and breakfasts are still a thriving business. When you travel to different locations, why not live as a local?
A company called Airbnb has been helping travelers find affordable vacation rentals since 2008. People "list, discover, and book" unique accommodations around the world via their website. Airbnb allows people to list their own apartment, house, or even castle or villa, for days, weeks, or months at a time. It's a great way to get the authentic feel of a destination.
And now Airbnb has listed one of its most unique properties: a cable car in Courchevel, France that overhangs 9,000 feet above the ground. You may wonder who would actually want to sleep in a cable car, but wait until you see inside.
Also, it doesn't cost a thing to stay there!
Please SHARE if you think it's more fun to stay in unique places.
To book this free hotel room, you must enter a contest. You request to book a room and write a 1,000-word description of why you should be chosen to stay.
Groups of up to four people are eligible. Winners get a free dinner, a one-night stay, and free breakfast in the cable car.
But this is a cable car unlike anything you've ever seen before.
Curious?
Inside the cable car is a fully equipped, luxurious hotel room with two beds.
After a day of hitting the slopes, you can come up, relax, and take in some amazing views from 9,000 feet over the gorgeous French Alps.
Unfortunately, there's no television, but with 360-degree views, I don't think anyone will complain.
The winners even have their return plane or train fares paid for!
There's no business center, fitness room, or continental breakfast, but there are also no loud neighbors, interrupting housekeepers, or pricy wi-fi charges!
It's definitely not for anyone scared of heights, but if you can handle the views, it's a once-in-a-lifetime hotel experience.
You can enter to win the free stay on the Airbnb website. To increase your odds of winning, please SHARE this post with friends and family to have them enter.
