Looking for fresh ideas for places to go and things to do in 2012? From seeing the northern lights to spotting wild animals, we’ve got your unusual travel bucket list all sewn up.
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…