Alternative Vacation Homes

Most young children dream of living in some unusual homes – perhaps a treehouse, a Native American tepee, an Eskimo's igloo, or even in a fun fort they build themselves from cardboard boxes and other scavenged materials.

But living in a cardboard box is one dream that many soon abandon once they realize that unfortunately, that's a reality for far too many people. But desiring a very unusual or unique residence persists for many of us. And for those who can afford it, it is actually possible to live in the home of your childhood dreams, if only while on vacation.

Houseboats

A houseboat makes a great vacation home. Sure, some people may get seasick just being near water, but for others, there's nothing like being out on the ocean or a lake and being there night and day. The smell of the water, the calls of the gulls, and the amazing sunrises and sunsets you get to enjoy every day are things that they probably wouldn't trade for the world.

Houseboats are defined as boats that have been modified or designed specifically as a long-term or permanent residence. In other words, unlike that flimsy fishing boat you may have rented on some vacation, they are equipped with running water, a bathroom, a kitchen and some appliances.

Some houseboats are actually not even motorized since they're not meant to be taken out in the water but remain at a dock.

In some parts of southeast Asia, houseboats are common because the high population density makes standard housing scarce. However, for others, a houseboat is a lifestyle choice they make. Some are very modest in size, feeling like a one bedroom apartment, while others can be up to 70 feet long, being able to accommodate a dozen or more people.  The larger, more luxurious vacation houseboats can include fireplaces, hot tubs, big-screen televisions and spacious bedrooms.

There are many vacation areas in the U.S. that have houseboats, especially along the Colorado river, a popular tourist destination.

Recreational Vehicle (RV's)

When you think of high-end vacation homes, you probably aren't thinking of a recreational vehicle or a motor home. It may be that your only experience with an older model motor home.

Some people don't realize the many different types of RVs there are and the amenities available.

Class A: A self-contained vehicle with either a commercial truck chassis, a commercial bus chassis or a specially designed motor vehicle chassis.

Class B: A camper van, built using a conventional van, to which either a raised roof has been added or with the back replaced by camper body.

Class C:  A motor home built on a truck chassis with an attached cab section, which is usually van based, but may also be pickup truck based.

Folding trailer: Also known as a pop-up or tent camper, it is a light-weight unit with sides that collapse and fold for towing and storage.

Fifth-wheel trailer: Designed to be towed by a pickup or medium duty truck equipped with a special hitch called a fifth wheel coupling.

Travel trailer: A unit with rigid sides designed to be towed by a larger vehicle with a bumper or frame hitch.

While an RV can be very small and basic quarters, some are built with nothing but luxury in mind. Larger models have full bathrooms and kitchens, separate living areas and master bedrooms and additional outdoor cooking areas. Some RVs are very elaborate, including satellite TV and internet access.

Featherlite Luxury Coaches debuted the Featherlite Vantare Platinum Plus in 2006. A motor home designed with marble floors, a built-in treadmill and other luxury features priced at $2.5 million.

Someone looking for a luxurious vacation living quarters but who still craves the freedom of the open road, or who dreams of seeing as much of the country as possible, can certainly find everything they're looking for in today's RV models.

Tree houses

Maybe when you were a kid your vision of a treehouse was a few boards nailed together and a crude rope ladder to climb up for entry.

Today, there are tree houses that are actually world-class hotels of a sort. These arboreal vacation homes can include all the luxuries you would expect of first-class accommodations, including hot tubs, fireplaces, big-screen TVs and more. The only difference being the amazing views you're afforded. Imagine seeing the trees of a rainforest or jungle, but at eye level. Imagine the wildlife and the many species of birds you could enjoy every day.

These homes are not for the faint of heart, not only because their elevation, but their price tag as well! Many are priced well into the millions, however, what they offer in return cannot be duplicated.

What kind of unique vacation home do you want?

Other types of unusual houses abound, from actual Native American tepees to arctic igloos, adobe houses of the ancient southwest and even dome houses made entirely of glass. Modern technology and design have of course resulted in updating with all the amenities and luxuries that one would expect, and it's not unusual to find satellite dishes and wireless internet. So whatever your dream was as a child, wherever you imagined yourself living, that dream can become reality without having to sacrifice comfort or convenience .