6 of the best quirky places to stay

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When a client books an escorted tour, what are they most excited about?

 

Perhaps it’s the once-in-a-lifetime adventure, meeting local people or making like-minded new friends, but rarely will clients focus on the accommodation. Yet that doesn’t have to be the case.

 

Andrea Godfrey, head of Regent Holidays, says: “Accommodation on group tours is often quite standardised to ensure volume and consistency, but every now and again an unusual, standout gem is included. I recommend agents look out for these in the tour details and use them as key selling points – they are often cited as memorable highlights in guest feedback.”

 

Ready to sell? Here’s our pick of escorted tours that include some seriously quirky places to sleep.

 

1. Yurts in Kyrgyzstan

 

If clients are keen to experience the windswept wilds of central Asia like a true nomad, Intrepid Travel’s new Premium Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan tour includes a one-night stay in a yurt camp on the shores of Issyk-Kul, one of the world’s deepest lakes.

 

Yurts hold a sacred place in nomadic culture. Clients won’t find an en suite bathroom, but electric heaters keep these yurts feeling cosy, even in winter.

 

They can also try their hand at assembling one in a workshop with a local craftsman, and discover how yurts are traditionally constructed with a wooden lattice frame then insulated with handmade layers of felt called kiiz.

 

Book it: Intrepid Travel’s nine-day Premium Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan tour is priced from £2,490 per person, including breakfast, some meals, listed excursions and ground transport, but excluding international flights.
intrepidtravel.com

 

2. Temples in Japan