Say no to brand-name hotel chains and resorts. Say yes to handpicked vacation accommodations with a sense of adventure.
Name: WelcomeBeyond.com
What it does: Showcases unusual or one-of-a-kind lodgings around the world. To book a stay, you make your first inquiry through the website, then make reservations directly with the property owner or manager.
What's hot: You can find off-the-radar lodgings, such as a yurt in England, a breathtaking beach house in Kenya or an igloo in the Swiss Alps. You can search by using Map View or by selecting from a list of thematic interests, such as skiing and snowboarding or kids and family.
What's not: There are only two lodgings in the U.S., so your vacation will be farther afield. There are properties in Europe as well as in South America, Asia, Australia and Africa.
— Jen Leo
