10 Fairytale Castles You Can Rent on Airbnb

1. Carlowrie Castle (£2750 per night)

Carlowrie Castle is a grand, family-owned residence in Edinburgh with a monochrome interior. Built in 1852 by renowned architect David Rhind, it houses up to 16 people at a time and costs £2750 per night. (Source 1 | Source 2)

2. English castle in Cumbria ($258 per night)

This fabulous castle in Northern England is now a family home and offers 15 grand rooms for guests to call their home away from home.

Built in 1841 as a Victorian gentleman's folly, the castle has a relaxed and friendly vibe and sits on 15 acres of rural land on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. Less than an hour from the center of the Lake District, this is a great place to explore Northern England. (Source)

3. Melville Castle ($115 per night)

Melville Castle provides a comfortable selection of 32 bedrooms and suites within the elegance of an 18th-century abode. Located in one of Edinburgh's most charming areas, Melville Castle is the perfect place to escape from reality—even for just one night. (Source)

4. Scone Palace ($647 per night)

A 5-star, self-catering apartment is set in the historic Scone Palace on the edge of Perth City. The residence sleeps up to 6 guests in 3 en-suite bedrooms and has a beautiful dining kitchen and sitting room with views over the park to the famous River Tay. (Source)

5. Somerleyton Hall ($3,480 per night)

Located on a beautiful 5000 acre English estate, Somerleyton Hall is widely acclaimed as one of the most stately homes in Britain, and it's the home of Lord & Lady Somerleyton. With open fires, huge, comfy sofas, and all the elements you'd expect including a grand staircase, and stuffed polar bears (souvenirs of Lord Somerleyton's 1897 excursion to the Arctic), Somerleyton makes the perfect vacation location. It is also particularly famous for its gardens, which are some of the most prestigious in the region. (Source)

6. Chateau Bordeaux & Vignoble ($863)

This recently renovated castle is located on a 16-hectare vineyard in Saint-Sulpice-et-Cameyrac, Aquitaine, France. With a zen atmosphere and contemporary interior, the castle has three levels which include 8 ensuite bedrooms, an entertainment room with a billiard table and a bar, and a large garden. (Source)

7. Château de Varennes sur le Doubs ($2,738)

Named by CNN as one of the top ten wedding venues worldwide, the Château de Varennes sur le Doubs is a luxury estate that lends itself to holidays, weddings, corporate functions, and other special events. Located in the sunny southeastern France near the vineyards of Beaune in Burgundy, the property has belonged to the same family for 400 years and was recently fully refurbished by a famous design team. (Source)

8. Blackwater Castle ($2,738per night)

Blackwater Castle is located 5 minutes from the busy village of Castletownroche, North Cork, Ireland. It's set on a 50 acre wooded estate and comes with its own private river and 10,000 years of history. Want more icing on the cake? It sleeps 25 across 9 suites and has 6 reception rooms. (Source)

9. Castello di Santa Maria Novella ($3,833 per night)

Built in the 10th century, the Castello stands at the highest point between Florence and Siena, amidst the rolling hills of Tuscany's Chianti region, with unspoilt 360 degree panoramic view. (Source)

10. Lisheen Castle ($1,092 per night)

In 1921, Lisheen Castle was burned to the ground in the Irish War of Independence. 75 years later, it was restored to its former glory.

This historical castle in the Irish countryside is decorated and furnished to ensure that guests can enjoy the splendor of former years without compromising on the comforts of today. It currently has 9 luxury bedrooms, and a master suite with a wonderful four-poster bed. (Source)

SOURCE: Oddee

Another 8 Amazing Separation Walls

1. The German town that is building a huge stone wall to separate locals from refugees

A German town is erecting an enormous wall to separate residents from refugees housed at a local migrant camp. The controversial 4-meter (13.1ft) barrier will stand higher than the Berlin Wall.

Located in the Munich suburb of Neuperlach Sud, the stone wall is aimed at dividing the town's families from 160 unaccompanied child refugees who are set to move into a nearby shelter that is currently under construction. The nearly completed wall now stands taller than the Berlin Wall, and while locals are aware of this, most of them say that they don't care how it looks, as long as it keeps the refugees away. (Engineers claim that it had to be high to act an effective sound barrier.) (Source)

2. The (green) city walls of Lucca

The beautiful, historic city of Lucca, Italy is an unspoiled medieval center which is totally enclosed by walls. The ring we see today is the last one in a series and was once part of a traditional Roman square surrounding the city center, built around 200 BC. The second ring of walls dates back to 1100-1200 AD when city's perimeter was increased on three sides (and the walls lost their square shape); at this point, almost all the city's buildings fell within those walls. The third ring (1400-1500 AD) led to the expansion of the northeast side and with it all buildings were included. Building work on the fourth circle began in 1513 and took more than a century to complete — citizens were forcibly recruited for its construction. The walls did not suffer in any attack and were never used for military purposes — they were useful, however, to save the city from the flood of the river Serchio in 1812. 
(Source | Photo 1 | Photo 2)

3. Peru's 10-foot "wall of shame"

Peru's ten-foot high "wall of shame" is topped with razor wire to stop the less poor from stealing from the wealthy. The divide, on the outskirts of Lima, has been condemned as a disgrace by some residents. The structure, nicknamed "Peru's Berlin Wall" is made out of wire and cement and splits the neighborhoods of San Juan de Miraflores and Surco. Latin America, together with the Caribbean, has the highest wage disparity in the world, according to Oxfam. (Source)

4. The Moroccan wall built out of sand

This sand wall (or berm) was built by Morocco in the Western Sahara under in 1987 to stop the increasing attacks by the Sahrawi army. It is 2,700 km long and divides the area in two. This rock and sand installation is fortified with trenches, barbed wire and an estimated 7 million antitank and antipersonnel landmines, all of which are patrolled by 120,000 soldiers and sophisticated weaponry. Over 2500 Sahrawi civilians have already been victims of the mines.

For over three decades, the wall has been dividing Sahrawi families and sealing the occupied areas from the outside world with telling social, economic, political, legal, cultural, and environmental effects on the population on either side. It also violates the human rights of the Sahrawi people and is a major impediment to the realization of their internationally recognized right to self-determination and independence.

Unlike the Israeli wall in the Palestinian occupied territories, the Moroccan berm has received little attention in the media, although it has been around for more than three decades. (Source)

5. The border fence that separates Morocco from Spain

A border fence forms part of the Morocco–Spain border in the area of Melilla. Constructed by Spain, its stated purpose is to stop illegal immigration and smuggling. Morocco has objected to the construction of the barrier since it does not recognize Spanish sovereignty in Melilla.

Massive intrusions of sub-Saharan people via Melilla had become a Spanish issue and, to some extent, an EU problem. This prompted the Spanish government of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero to build a third fence next to the two deteriorated existing barriers in 20015, to completely seal the border outside of the regular checkpoints. This third razor wire fence cost Spain €33 million to construct. It consists of 11 km (6.8 mi) of parallel 3 meter (9 ft 10 in) high walls topped with barbed wire, with regular watch posts and a road running between them to accommodate either police patrols or ambulances. Underground cables connect spotlights, noise and movement sensors, and video cameras to a central control booth. Its height has since been doubled as immigrants were climbing the previous fences by use of homemade steps. Other devices to slow them down were also added. (Source)

6. Turkey's giant wall at the Syrian border

The Housing Development Administration of Turkey (TOKİ) has built the remaining 700 kilometers of a wall on Turkey's border with war-torn Syria after the construction of the original 200-kilometer concrete wall was completed by the Defense Ministry and neighboring provinces governor's offices. TOKİ is expected to finish the “security wall” in five months and hopes it will block uncontrolled human passage across the border. (Source)

7. Sweden medieval defensive wall

Visby City Wall is a medieval defensive barrier surrounding the Swedish town of Visby on the island of Gotland. As the strongest, most extensive and best preserved medieval city wall in Scandinavia, it forms an important and integral part of Visby World Heritage Site.

Built in two stages during the 13th and 14th centuries, approximately 3.44 km (2.14 mi) of its original 3.6 km (2.2 mi) still stands. Of the 29 large and 22 smaller towers, 27 large and nine small remain. Some houses that predate the wall were incorporated into it during one of the two phases of construction. During the 18th century, fortifications were added to it in several places, and some of the towers were rebuilt to accommodate cannons. (Source)

8. Ireland's walls separating Catholics and Protestants

The peace lines, or peace walls, are a series of border barriers in Northern Ireland that separate Catholic and Protestant neighborhoods. They have been built in Belfast, Derry, Portadown, and elsewhere. The stated purpose of the peace lines is to minimize inter-communal violence between Catholics (most of whom are nationalists who self-identify as Irish) and Protestants (most of whom are unionists who self-identify as British).

The peace lines range in length from a few hundred yards to over three miles (5 km). They are made of iron, brick, and/or steel and are up to 25 feet (7.6 m) high. Some have gates (and are staffed by police) that allow passage during daylight, but they are closed at night.

In May 2013, the Northern Ireland Executive committed to the removal of all peace lines by mutual consent by 2023. (Source)

SOURCE: Oddee

10 of the World's Most Insanely Luxurious Houses

1. Antilla, Mumbai - The first Billion dollar home

Mukesh Ambani, the fifth richest man in the world and head of the Mumbai based petrochemical giant Reliance Industries is estimated to be worth somewhere in the region of $43 billion. He is also the owner to-be of a 27-story skyscraper in downtown Mumbai that is to cost him colossal $2 billion! His wife Nita Ambani was staying in the Mandarin Oriental in New York and was so impressed with the interior Asian style decor that she wanted something similar for her to live in. What resulted from that is the world's largest and most expensive home ever. Every story in the Antilla's skyscraper home will be built to a different specification. The vast variation of materials to be used in its build has tremendously added to its overall cost. The meticulous planning that has gone into this architectural design is astounding and once the 27 -story tower is built it will certainly become a spectacular site for all eyes. Hirsch Bedner Associates are the designers behind this project. (Source)

2. Updown Court, England - The most important private residence to be built in England since the 19th century ($150 million)

Updown Court is situated only 25 miles from London, and through a pair of large sophisticated iron gates, one can see a palatial construction of immense scale and beauty. The property, however, is best known for its price tag: more than 85 million British pounds (+$150 million U$, with 103 rooms, five swimming pools and 24-carat-gold leafing on the study's mosaic floor. There's a squash court, bowling alley, tennis court, 50-seat screening room, heated marble driveway and helipad. Eight limousines will fit in the underground garage. Then there are the neighbors, who include the queen (at Windsor Castle) and Elton John. It is listed with Savills and Hamptons International. So, even if your blood doesn't run blue, with enough green you can still live near—and like—royalty! (Source)

3. Versailles, Florida - The largest family home ever built in the US

This 30 bedroom mansion boasts its own bowling alley, roller skating rink and Olympic sized swimming pool to make it the largest family home ever built in the US. Time share mogul David Siegel and his former beauty queen wife Jacqueline began building the huge estate three years ago. But with almost 18 months of work still to be carried out on the property they have put it on the market at $75m. Experts believe a further $25m needs to be spent before anyone can move in.

As well as 30 bedrooms the home would have 23 bathrooms with spectacular views over Lake Butler, about 20 miles from Orlando. The hand-built windows for the house cost more than £2m and other luxuries include a ballroom and a children's theatre. There is a garage with enough space for 20 cars, three swimming pools, a large boat house, formal gardens, and a one-story gatehouse with an apartment. There is also a baseball field, two tennis courts, a 60 foot by 120 foot Grand Hall with a 30-foot stained glass dome, two grand staircases, a 37 foot by 30 foot kitchen, 10 satellite kitchens, a two-story wine cellar and a rock grotto with three separate spas behind an 80-foot waterfall. All 23 full bathrooms have full-sized Jacuzzis, 160 tripled paned windows and Brazilian mahogany French-style doors that alone cost pds2.million.

The property was called Versailles as the entrance was modeled after the Palace of Versailles in France. (Source 1 | Source 2)

4. Fleur De Lys, Beverly Hills – Mariah Carey's palace

For the woman with the most expensive pair of legs, it was only fair she also had one of the most expensive houses in the world. Mariah Carey apparently had no problem scraping together a nice down payment on this palace in Beverly Hills. The Fleur De Lys is among the world's most expensive estates with an asking price of $125 million. Maria Carey's new digs were built by a Texan billionaire on 5 acres; it is 41,000 square feet of pure diva luxury and will also be modeled after the most extravagant home of its time: the Palace of Versaille, the former home of Marie Antoinette. Surrounding the mansion are rolling lawns, ornamental gardens and mature trees, a 3,000-square-foot manager's house, staff quarters for 10 people, a spa and pool with a pavilion, a championship tennis court, and a lavish garden folly. (Source)

5. Hearst Mansion, Beverly Hill –The Godfather Mansion

This Beverly Hills mansion has been advertised for sale at $165m (£81.4m), making it one of the most expensive residential property listed in the US. The former home of US newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst has 29 bedrooms, three swimming pools, tennis courts, its own cinema and a nightclub. He has decorated the property with statues brought north from his famous Hearst Castle in San Simeon and with life-size paintings of Davies. Mr. Hearst bought the H-shaped mansion in 1947 for about $120,000. In 2007, the estate's current owner, who bought it in 1976, put the home on the market for US$165 million. The home's buyer will have some notable neighbours, including Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes and David and Victoria Beckham. (Source)
6. Acqua Liana, Florida – The most luxurious eco mansion

Frank McKinney, known as the real estate “artist,” has built a 15,000-square-foot “eco-mansion.” Is that possible? I am not sure whether to look in awe at all the sleek green that money can buy, or to recoil from the notion that 15,000 feet of excess is environmentally friendly. Inspired by trips to Bali, Fiji, Tahiti and Hawaii, the three-story, 15,000-square-foot, 7-bedroom, 11-bath mansion features floating sun terraces, a waterfall spa with a fire feature in the water and an arched aquarium wet bar. Green features inside the one-off mansion include enough solar panels to cover a basketball court generating enough energy for two or three average-size homes. A water system that collects enough run-off water to fill the average swimming pool every 14 days and environmentally conscious lighting reduces electricity consumption by 70 per cent. There is enough reclaimed wood to save 10.5 acres of Brazilian rain forest. 

But, still, do the words “green” and “mansion” go together? (Source)

7. Villa Leopolda, France – The mansion that caused a man to lose a 75 million deposit

The magnificent $750 million Villa Leopolda in Villefranche-sur-Mer was built for King Leopold II of Belgium in 1902. The estate is so big that it requires 50 full time gardeners. The grounds cover 20 acres of garden and visitors can stroll amongst 1,200 olive, orange, lemon and cypress trees. In 2008, owner Lily Safra (wife of the deceased Syrian (Lebanon-born) businessman Edmond Safra), a famous Jewish philanthropist, decided to sell it. Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov intended to buy it. After making a ten per cent down-payment, he then backed out of the sale after the global credit crunch hit. But a court in Nice later ruled that he had to forfeit the $75 million deposit he put down for the mansion. Prokhorov had signed a sales agreement for the Villa, and French law stipulates that purchasers lose their deposits if they pull out after such an agreement has been executed. But don't feel sorry for the guy, he is still worth a cool $17.85 billion. (Source)

8. The Manor, Los Angeles – Aaron Spelling dream house

His wife Cindy dubbed Aaron Spelling's 56,000-square-foot LA mansion “The Manor”. Built for him in 1991 it has 123 rooms for his family to choose from. Nothing was spared in the creation of this home, with an indoor skating rink, multiple pools, three kitchens, sports courts, private orchard, and a bowling alley. Not happy with the “norm” for these mansions, there are also more unusual additions, such as a doll museum, a room used exclusively for wrapping presents and an entire floor dedicated to closet space. In 2007 Candy Spelling, estranged mother of Tori Spelling, decided that her 57,000 square foot mansion was just a tad bit large for her and her pooch and decided to sell it and turned the mansion into the most expensive estate (in terms of current listings) at that time. (Source)

9. The Manalapan Residence – the ultimate oceanfront estate home

Set upon 5.5 acres, with 520 feet fronting direct Atlantic Ocean-to-Intracoastal waterway property, The Manalapan Residence triumphantly blends Old World elegance and classicism with 21st century facilities. Some of the amenities of this 3-story ‘beach house' includes 67,672 square feet, 14 bedrooms, 24 bathrooms, 18 car garage, 6,140 sq. ft. master bedroom suite, movie theatre, casino and club room with aquarium wet bar, gymnasium with beauty salon, shark tank, 2 elevators, bowling alley, tennis court and a go cart track. Do you still need more reasons to believe this is the greatest mansion if you want to live in front of the ocean? The only bad thing is its price tag of $135 million. (Source)

10. Barbie Malibu Mansion – a life-size mansion inspired by Barbie's dream house

In honor of Barbie's 50th birthday celebration, interior decorator extraordinaire, Jonathan Adler, decked out a real-life 3,500-square-foot pad overlooking the Pacific Ocean to look like the blond doll's outrageous home. He lined Barbie's bedroom with wall-to-wall pink carpeting emblazoned with her initial. The closet is filled with 50 pairs of pink peep-toe heels while her kitchen is stocked with cupcake-making ingredients. An in-house museum features 25 vintage Barbie dolls on display. In the garage? A pink Volkswagen New Beetle with a motorized pop-up vanity in the trunk. Adler's favorite furnishings are hanging in the living room: an original Andy Warhol portrait of Barbie valued at over $200,000 and a chandelier — designed by "Project Runway" contestant Chris March — that's made up of over 30 blond wigs and took more than 60 hours to craft. He also admires a one-of-a-kind black-and-white wall mirror created with 64 dolls. The house is perched on a cliff in Malibu overlooking the ocean. It's a fantasyland for anyone. (Source 1 | Source 2)

SOURCE: Oddee

10 Unbelievable Hidden Homes

1. A hidden triangular home built into the earth in Austin, Texas

Austin's Edgeland House is a unique, triangular home designed by Bercy Chen Studio that is built into the earth and covered with a thick layer of sod. It is highly efficient, and can stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer from the added thermal mass and insulation—and you certainly can't see it from the street!

The architects excavated 7 feet of soil from the site, and they installed a lush green roof. The home also features a “smart pool,” which provides additional thermal mass that ties into the geothermal heating and cooling system. (Source)

2. A cabin hidden in the remote mountainside of Norway that can hold 21 people

Norwegian architecture firm Snohetta created this completely remote cabin, built out of natural elements like rocks and grass. It is not only secluded, but it practically disappears into the landscape.

It's bigger than it looks in the photos—the 376-square-foot cabin can actually hold 21 people, so the architects claim. There's an eye-catching fireplace for guests to gather around, and the beds along the walls double as seats. There's even room near the entrance for cooking and storage.

You'll need some stamina to get there—it's on the Åkrafjorden mountainside, so you can only go by foot or by horse, but once you do, you'll love the breathtaking views just the same. (Source)

3. A home built atop a 19th-century Victorian prison vault

This home, actually dubbed “Hidden House” by the architects, is located in London's Clerkenwell neighborhood and sits atop a former 19th-century Victorian prison vault.

The 775 square-foot residence, built by Coffey Architects for Selim Bayer, was specifically designed to not draw attention to itself while maximizing space and light. It is also is simplistically designed—storage is integrated into the walls, bespoke oak furniture matches the oak paneling, and floor-to-ceiling windows open up to a shared garden and a private patio.

"This special place is hidden, part building, part garden, mostly sky. It's difficult to find but well worth the effort," said architect Phil Coffey. (Source)

4. A Texas barn houses a luxury hideaway

From outside, the only thing extraordinary about this Texas barn is its enormous size. Inside, however, the 6,600 square foot, two-story structure is an extravagant country man's lair with wood-paneled walls and floors, leather furnishings, and glowing chandeliers. 

The structure was custom-built by Morton Buildings. The company repurposes barns like this one into bowling alleys, indoor swimming pools, or swank showrooms. The builders also cater to the wealthy with spacious workshops and eccentric “hobby buildings” that will put any craft room to shame. (Source)

5. A British couple's home is built in the walls of the town it inhabits

Berwick residents Jim Perry and Susie Seui call their flat "the hole in the wall," because it is, quite literally, a hole in the wall. It is one of the few private properties set into the town walls of Northumberland, U.K.

The one-bedroom home is reached by a cave-like passage, which has no name and is located next to a similar passage called Sallyport, both of which are cut into the stone wall of the town.

Berwick's original city walls were built in the 14th century to provide fortifications during frequent battles between English and Scottish soldiers. A new set of walls was constructed in the 16th century resulting in the destruction of the earlier medieval stonework, and they have been adapted differently over the years. Today, they are home to a variety of businesses, including restaurants and guest houses, and are protected as a Grade I-listed buildings.

The couple put their hidden home on the market in July 2016 for £65,000. 
(Source)

6. The luxury villas that sit atop a Chinese mall

These quaint luxury villas sit on the roof of a Chinese shopping mall. 

The houses feature bright blue roofs, pastel yellow walls, wraparound verandas and are divided by white picket fences, while trees and bushes grow in their courtyards and along the pathways between them.

Authorities say developers did not have the proper licenses to build on the mall roof and have banned them from either knocking the villas down or selling them. They now sit in limbo and are used as homes for the migrant workers who helped build them. (Source)

7. A restoration reveals a settlement cabin hidden inside a larger home

A home renovation project in Ocean Springs, Mississippi has revealed some interesting findings—namely a home within a home. 

Developer Karen Bryant purchased the 19th-century house which was listed as a Victorian property but told a very different story when it was gutted—a little cabin was hidden inside the larger home.

Bryant researched the property and discovered the original structure dates back to the 1850s, and the walls in part of the house were covered in whiteboards, which she says "were commonly used in frontier cabins, settlement cabins. They are cypress. They are white washed for the interior, because it was thought it was a cleanliness issue." 
The residence was once home to the mayor of Ocean Springs, Frederick Weed, who was in office from 1899 until 1910. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (Source)

8. The cozy cabin built on a Manhattan rooftop

This rustic rooftop cabin is owned by David Puchkoff and Eileen Stukane in Manhattan's West Village. From the street, the building looks like any other, however, from the vantage of a helicopter, you can see a full porch, complete with a dining table, and a beautiful yard. 

Per a 2006 article in The New York Times, the little cabin is "a glorified bulkhead over a hole punched in the ceiling of the family's loft to make way for a nautical stairway that rises to a landing with a galley-like kitchenette, with two paned windows and a door that opens to the roof. Now, the couple doesn't have to leave the city to hear the slam of a screen door, or watch a flock of mourning doves pecking for insects and seeds across the meadow."

(Source 1 | Source 2)

9. A large underground home hides behind an unassuming office door on a quiet British street

It may look like nothing more a tiny office from the street, but behind this unassuming door is an architecturally ambitious, underground home. 

The "Hidden House" in Knightsbridge spans over 2,100 square feet and hides three bedrooms. LTS Architects designed the residence so that passers-by can see none of its fascinating features. The stunning, but secret, abode took 16 months to complete, at the cost of £1.9 million. (Source)

10. The secluded residence built into a Utah canyon wall

How cool is this? A home has been carved into a canyon in Montezuma, Utah!

This unique and secret abode is entirely self-sustaining and features solar panels, a 12,000-gallon freshwater retention system, a multi-acre vegetable garden, orchard, and vineyard with ripe fruits, veggies, and wines for every season.

The hidden hideaway, appropriately nicknamed Cliff Haven, was sold at auction in February 2017. 

(Source)

SOURCE: Oddee.com

You Won't Believe How Cheap These 10 Incredible Vacations Are

With the end of a long, dreary winter comes longer days, the promise of rooftop season, and, of course, the travel itch. But shelling out massive amounts of cash for a week away from home is a sacrifice not many of us can afford to make. But fear not. You can still earn some serious frequent flier miles, grab a passport stamp (or two), and manage to pay your rent on time. You won’t be sipping wine on the Seine or riding elephants in Chiang Mai, but you will be beach hopping, bar hopping, and soaking up all the culture at a number of Caribbean, Central and South American hot spots. We’ve rounded up a list of 10 amazing trips to far-flung places that will satisfy any travel junkie on a budget.

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QUITO, ECUADOR
Flights from JFK start at: $373

Why it’s an amazing trip: When it comes to South American adventures, Ecuador tends to take a back seat to more popular destinations like Peru or Patagonia. But Ecuador is a country of gorgeous contrasts, from lush Amazonian jungle to towering Andean peaks and warm beaches with beautiful surf. The capital, Quito, is a historic city high among the clouds. Roam the old city, one of the original UNESCO sites, for epic, hilly views of the surrounding mountains, hit the nighttime streets of the boisterous backpacker district, or tuck into a bowl of delicious, local ceviche.

Why it’s affordable: Ecuador is still on the ground floor of tourism. It isn’t lacking in infrastructure, but it caters to a backpacker/adventurous community more so than to the luxury traveler. Hotel rates hover around $100 for hotels with the bells and whistles, but can drop as low as $11 for something more budget. Not to mention the country uses U.S. dollars, which saves tremendously on exchange rates.

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SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA
Flights from JFK start at: $311

Why it’s an amazing trip: You won’t want to actually stay in San Jose, but the capital of this tiny country makes an excellent jumping off point for more attractive destinations in Costa Rica. Heralded as the gateway drug to Central America, Costa Rica’s dense rainforests, Caribbean and Pacific coasts, surfable beaches, volcanoes and hot springs have been attracting everyone from backpackers to boho chicks for many years.

Why it’s affordable: Because of its popularity with tourists, Costa Rica often gets the reputation that it’s expensive. But if you know where to look, it’s still possible to do this desto on the cheap. Backpacker hostels range from $9 to $18 per night, while guest houses will go from $24 to $40 per night. Avoid staying in major destinations like Manuel Antonio, Arenal, and Tamarindo, where prices tend to be between $100 to $200, at the minimum. Skip the fancy restaurants and head to roadside huts known as soadas, which are hugely important in Costa Rican culture. These family-run restaurants serve typical Costa Rican cuisine for around $5, and it’s an epic plate of food with rice, salad, beans, and meat. Opt for bus travel over renting a car and see the whole country for under $20.

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CURACAO
Flights from JFK start at: $245

Why it’s an amazing trip: Curacao is more than your typical Caribbean destination. While it certainly packs a punch when it comes to sugary beachfronts with vibrant diving and snorkeling, the capital, Willemstad, can trace its roots back to the 16th century. The island still belongs to the Netherlands, along with Aruba and Bonaire, and looks like a pastel-colored version of Amsterdam. Visit Christoffel National Park, which is chock full of dirt roads for biking or hiking, caves with ancient drawings, and a plethora of flora and fauna.

Why it’s affordable: During low season, hotel rates hover around $100 per night. Like many other Caribbean islands, Curacao has its fair share of all-inclusive hotels, which help keep costs low. Dining off a resort will run about $6 to $9 per person. Ferry service around the island is limited, but free. For more far-flung travel, the buses are about $1 per trip.

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MARTINIQUE
Flights from JFK start at: $220

Why it’s an amazing trip: Martinique is a slice of French heaven, with enviable Caribbean weather. The mountainous island, which is still under French government, is a blend of natural beauty with sultry, city sex appeal. While the rest of the Caribbean opts for sprawling all-inclusives, Martinique swings more homegrown with artsy boutique hotels. Compared to some of its neighbors, the island sports an unvarnished, understated vibe, where authenticity reigns over catering to tourists. Snack on shellfish underneath shady beach palaces or dance to Biguine music into the wee hours of the morning while throwing back glass after glass of potent Ti Punch.

Why it’s affordable: A large local population ensures that there are enough affordable accommodations on the island, with hotel prices ranging from under $100 a night to upwards of $300 for more luxury travelers.

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MERIDA, MEXICO
Flights from JFK start at: $302

Why it’s an amazing trip: Mexico’s colonial destinations tend to lose out over its spectacular beach destinations, but the city of Merida on the north tip of the Yucatan peninsula is one that should not be missed. The historic city is a cultural capital, with quaint cobblestone streets, plazas, museums, delicious street food, and colorful heritage. The city is also positioned close to many ancient Mayan sites that hide out of the tourist spotlight, like Uxmal, which draw far fewer crowds than Chichen Itza.

Why it’s affordable: The peso to the dollar is at a historic 18:1, and Mexico has not adjusted its prices accordingly, meaning it’s possible to live like royalty. An Uber ride across town will cost less than $3, and meals, depending on the restaurant, are no more than $10. Plus, many of the historic attractions, like the St. Ildephonsus Cathedral and Government Palace are free. Day tours to nearby Uxmal cost less than $25 and include lunch.

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HAVANA, CUBA
Flights from JFK start at: $249

Why it’s an amazing trip: Cuba has been high on the bucket list for many Americans for a couple of years now, and it’s still a hot destination worthy of your time. Most notably because for so many years, we weren’t allowed to go. Soak up the history on the streets of Havana by marveling at the gorgeous architecture, winding cobblestone streets, and views over the bay. Dine at one of the many paladars, private homes that have been transformed into restaurants, or hop a bus and go out to the beaches of Varadero. Smoke a Cuban cigar (legally!), sip some rum, and take a stroll on the world-famous Malecon, where the historic cars cruise.

Why it’s affordable: Budget travelers won’t have a problem finding Havana affordable. The Cuban currency is the CUC, and the exchange rate is about 1 to 1. Midrange hotels run from CUC$50 to $100, while casas particulare (guest houses) are around CUC$25 to $35. Meals in paladars are around CUC$15 to 25. Museum entrances are anywhere from CUC$1 to $5, and taxis around town are approximately $2.50 to $7.

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GUATEMALA CITY, GUATEMALA
Flights from JFK start at: $333

Why it’s an amazing trip: Most travelers to Guatemala bypass the capital city on the way to Antigua, as it has been known in the past for petty crime and a dingy atmosphere. But the city has been undergoing a complete makeover, starting with Zona 1 in Downtown. The district’s 6a Calle has become pedestrianized and is lined with trendy bars, cafes, and restaurants. And if you still are itching to see Antigua, the volcanic, colonial city is known for its backpacker clientele.

Why it’s affordable: Most hostels have from beds starting around $8 per night, though even hotel rooms swing affordable at around $30 per night, if privacy is your thing. Cheap eats can be found at comedores, where a two-course meal will average around $4. The most popular, and affordable, form of transportation are the local buses, and a 1 to 2 hour journey will be less than $2. Activities in Guatemala are focused around nature, and can be as cheap as $6.

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CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA
Flights from JFK start at: $386

Why it’s an amazing trip: Cartagena is a Caribbean jewel on the north coast of Colombia. The destination burst onto the tourism scene a few years ago and since then has sky-rocketed to popularity. People flock to the colonial city by the sea for its amazing fairytale charm. Historic architecture rubs elbows with trendy restaurants, all in bright colors and festooned with vibrant flowers. The Old Town is made up of El Centro and San Diego, packed with plazas, mansions, churches, and buzzing activity into all hours of the night.

Why it’s affordable: Even though the tourism in Cartagena is tremendous, the city remains an exceptionally affordable place to travel. Hotel accommodations average around $29 per night (though you can certainly find more expensive). Delicious meals at local, family-run restaurants will average around $8, while alcoholic beverages (for the day) can average a measly $5. Most places in Cartagena are walkable, but if you’re looking for destinations farther afield, like the San Felipe fort, an accessible and affordable bus system is available. Taxis are also found everywhere and are decidedly cheap—around $2.

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MEXICO CITY
Flights from JFK start at: $344

Why it’s an amazing trip: Mexico City is one of the most vibrant and cultural destinations in the world—a rival of any European destination with roots that are decidedly indigenous and Mexican. The vast city of a (recorded) 21 million people is broken up into distinct neighborhoods, each one more different from the next. Feast on culinary delights from basic street tacos to some of the best restaurants in the world. Explore boutique hotels and guest houses, wander the running paths at Chapultepec Park, and peruse one of the 1,500 museums and galleries that this Latin American capital has to offer.

Why it’s affordable: Again, the dollar is exceptionally strong against the peso, making everything in Mexico a steal. Like any cosmopolitan city, it is entirely possible to live it up in swank style, but the majority of Mexicans who live there aren’t doing it that way, and neither should you. Midrange hotel rooms run from roughly $30 to $60 per night, with dinner and drinks averaging about $10 to 15. For something incredibly affordable, consider a hostel at $9 a bed. A fixed-price lunch in the city is anywhere from $3 to $4, with street tacos running even cheaper than that. A taxi will be anywhere from $1.50 to $3, and the expansive Metro system costs less than a quarter per ride.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA
Flights from JFK start at: $297

Why it’s an amazing trip: While you won’t be collecting a passport stamp, there’s nothing wrong with domestic travel, especially when it’s to New Orleans. One of the must cultural, foodie-centric, party-heavy destinations in the country, New Orleans is always a good time. See Bourbon Street (if you must), for its French architecture and legendary nightlife, but avoid the bachelor/frat party fray on Frenchman Street for local jazz music and a more civilized crowd. From Mardi Gras to Jazz Fest, this is a city that loves to celebrate and is proud of its multi-cultural roots, from Native American to French, Spanish, and Africa.

Why it’s affordable: Expect to pay a little more for accommodations in New Orleans. Budget accommodations will run up to $30 for a dorm bed, or $100 to $120 for a guesthouse or B&B. Cheap takeout can be anywhere from $5 to $10, or dine at a local restaurant for under $50, for two people. Street car tickets cost roughly $3, or take taxis for around $20 to $40.
SOURCE: Menshealth.com

9 Amazing Glass Bottom Pools

Residence One is part of the exclusive Zil Pasyon resort on the private island of Felicite in the Seychelles. A maximum of 17 villas will be located on a hilltop with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Residence The resort is designed by Studio RHE in a step format with the social zone and bedrooms on the main level and the master suite occupying the entire 2nd level. The suite features its own glass bottomed pool which doubles as a watery skylight to the social zone below. (Source)

Concord Pacific's One Pacific project is nearing completion on the edge of Yaletown, next to the upcoming Parq Vancouver casino and BC Place.

The 21 store, 435 suite development was designed by IBI Architects and features what the developer calls a “Riviera deck” with a glass bottom pool and cabanas. Outside, there's a hot tub and fireside lounge, dining hall, kitchen and “sky garden” on the top of the tower, as well as a planned cafe, Asian restaurant and athletic club.
(Source)

Italian architecture firm NOA has recently completed this eye-catching glass-bottomed pool for Hotel Hubertus, a holiday resort for skiers and hikers in the Italian province of South Tyrol. The dramatic 25 meter pool is part of a new extension of the hotel, located at the foot of Kronplatz mountain with impressive views of the surrounding Dolomites. 

The pool, functioning as a connector between old and new, underlines the essence of this comprehensive renovation project.

The position of the pool, which floats 12 meters above the ground, at its extreme edge, gives swimmers the feeling of floating. This impression is further reinforced by the glass front and a glazed window on the bottom of the pool. (Source)

With 2 swimming pools, one of which has a glass bottom and floats above the other, the concrete, wood and glass Wall House in Portugal is a bit of paradise perched on a golf course.

Anchored by a large patio that opens to the outdoors, the home's pools run perpendicular to each other. The above pool has a glass bottom from which you can see the lower pool.
(Source)

Market Square Tower, a new luxury apartment complex in Houston, Texas, has a rooftop pool with a glass bottom and extends out over the building. Swimmers can look down and watch the city below as they wade in the water. The Sky Pool juts out from the 42nd floor of the new real estate development and is 500 feet above the street.
(Source)

The Hotel Indigo in Hong Kong features a swimming pool which is partially extended outward, cantilevering from the building in a way similar to a balcony. At the top of the building, the views are exquisite, especially when enjoyed from this one-of-a-kind watering hole. 
(Source)

Fifty meters in length, this swimmable bridge between two condo towers in Singapore is part of the 574-apartment, 38-story-tall Sky Habitat. The mixed-use building is designed by Israeli-Canadian architect Moshe Safdie and features not only a huge pool at ground level, but two more garden bridges. (Source)

 

Are you afraid of heights? If the answer is yes, then you probably shouldn't read past this line. Montreal actually has an indoor glass bottom pool! So if you've always dreamed of taking a leisurely swim while a bunch of strangers stare at you from below, then your wish is about to come true.

If you drive up to the entrance of the Westin Hotel in the Old Port of Montreal and look up, you'll notice 8 blue tiles. Only those aren't tiles, that's actually the bottom of the pool. Hopefully you aren't bashful, otherwise you might want to stick to the hot tub.
(Source)

Imagine swimming in a world-class pool with a glass bottom, 200 feet above Vancouver's landscape. This concept is soon to be a reality as part of Concord Pacific's upcoming development, the ARC, situated in the False Creek central neighborhood. According to the Concord Pacific's Senior Vice President, Peter Webb, the pool was designed to give residents an incredible experience and Vancouverites a memorable spectacle. (Source)

SOURCE: Oddee.com