Waiting for your flight may just have become more bareable

There is nothing easy about trying to grab a few hours’ sleep between connecting flights on those uncomfortable airport chairs, where plastic armrests and wafer thin foam pads hinder any chance of comfort. Combined with the drone of security and boarding announcement, excited children and stressed parents (not to mention the sounds and smells coming from the person next to you) it’s usually a long, trying and uncomfortable wait before you are able to board your flight for yet more insufficient rest.
While some airport terminals do have connecting hotels where you can gather a few hours of contented rest (probably the only time most of us would consider paying for a hotel by the hour), the rates are usually too steep for most to consider this an option.

An affordable solution is on the horizon however and may be coming to an airport (or even train or bus station) near you.

The Sleep Box is a budget friendly, compact hotel room featuring a modest 4sq meters of space, with single bed and a lockable door so weary travelers are able to grab a little rest in peace and security.

There are no en suite facilities and with just a plug needed to connect the rooms’ electricity, units are entirely mobile (think small garden shed with a bed inside) and can be installed in any space, without the need for extensive renovations or remodeling, making this new innovation not only practical but very affordable.

They are gradually being seen in hotels, hostels and even offices (for overworked employees) around Europe with plans to introduce these to the USA in 2012.

Prices range depending on location but are typically around $50 per night or $15 an hour for those in airport terminals.

Photo Credit: SleepBox

Kadir's Tree Houses in Olympos, Turkey: Yes, this is what a backpacker's resort looks like.

I think I was in Prague (does anyone really remember their time in the Czech capitol) when fellow travelers in the hostel first told me of a backpacker’s paradise in Olympos, Turkey: tree house hostels, ancient ruins and roadside chickens near a secluded spot on the Mediterranean coast. Visions of Ewok’s danced in my head, but I decided to extend my trip further south and east than I’d originally intended anyway. After all, it was February, I was in Prague (I think) and when I didn’t have a belly full of absinthe, Czechvar and goulash, I was really cold. Plus, I’d always wanted to pummel an Ewok.

As P. Ling notes  in “When in Olympos, Head for the Trees,” the area has several tree house hostels from which to chose. I went with Kadir’s as the word from other backpackers was that it was the original tree house hostel and still the best. And after a 15-hour bus trip from Istanbul, it was also the first hostel I encountered and I really needed a shower and clean toilet.

You'll walk by these ancient ruins on your way to swim in the Mediterranean Sea from Kadir's Tree Houses.

The trip was worth it though: after two-plus months of churches, castles, museums and drinking, it was nice to cut out the churches, castles and museums. Breakfast and dinner are included at Kadir’s and there’s a bar there too, which left me with little else to worry about. For the next five days I relaxed, hiked to the Chimera Flames, read, sat on the beach, had delicious lunches at the nearby Bayram’s Tree Houses, over indulged in Turkish wine by the fire at night and danced my butt off at Kadir’s bar. In the warmer months, Kadir’s also offers rock climbing, diving, sea kayaking, canyoning and mountain biking. Kadir’s and Olympos is one of those destinations where a planned four-day stay easily turns into a week or two.

If you’re visiting Kadir’s in the colder months, shell out the extra money for a bungalow with an attached bathroom. Sticking with my policy of only staying in the cheapest room available, I slept in one of the five-bed tree house rooms. I only had one roommate, which gave me ample room to spread out my gear in the clean room. But I gladly would have traded that luxury not to have to put on my jacket and beanie in the middle of the night when I went to use the bathroom.

One other piece of advice: cheap Turkish wine is cheap for a reason (not that my tip will stop you).

Rooms range from 15 yo 60 YTL depending on the size and season.

Olympus, Turkey offers a pleasing view of the fine Mediterranean Sea.

Kadir’s Tree Houses
Olympos, Turkey
90 242 892 12 50
treehouse@superonline.com

Photos: Zach Everson

Atami Hotel Port

This boutique hotel is situated in one of the most remote areas in Bodrum, Turkey called Paradise Bay. The Atami Hotel is known for its seclusion and relaxing surroundings. People travel to this isolated spot to fully enjoy the privacy Turkey has to offer.

Situated right above the water, guests are able to enjoy the tranquility of the bay by allowing themselves to be enveloped in the idealistic atmosphere. This waterfront hotel is equipped with helpful employees, a pool that overlooks the bay, yoga classes in the Mediterranean gardens, and delicious restaurants.

One aspect to consider before choosing the Atami is the isolation of the location. While the hotel offers the perfect escape for some couples and families, people who are looking to be in the culture of Turkey might want to choose a different hotel. There is accessible transportation, but there is little within walking distance.

Equipped with a private beach and jetty, Atami allows its visitors to enjoy the clear blue water of the bay in privacy. There is no need for snorkeling because the water is crystal clear and allows anyone who swims to see the colorful fish and plants of the bay.

This enchanting hotel offers the perfect romantic getaway for honeymoons and anniversaries alike.

For more information, visit Atami Boutique Hotel

Photo Credit to EozTaylan

Related: Kadir’s Tree Houses Hostel in Olympos, Turkey

Lodging in Olympos, on Turkey’s mediterranean coast in Antalya, is not just a place to crash for the night. The Treehouses in Olympos are just as much a part of the experience as the beach, gift shops and the Lycian history tours.

Kadir's Treehouses, Olympos, Turkey

Kadir’s Tree Houses:- Kadir’s has become too civilized to be labeled as an adventure, with 2 bars, a 150 seat seafood restaurant, satellite tv, internet access and all kinds of services, including a travel booking agency.

It’s a social gathering ground for tourists in Olympos, complete with a nightly bonfire. Still offers a refreshing change from the cookie-cutter backpacker hostels, and besides – it’s darn cheap. Rates start from around $10, breakfast and dinner included.

Lodging options include 100 bungalows, 15 cabins and 10 dorms, in addition to the camping grounds. Some of these treehouses are a pretty good way up the trees to be really called treehouses.

If Kadir’s is full up, then there’s other trees to climb in Olympos. Turkmen Treehouses has plenty of room to spare. They also have bungalows, luxe bungalows and ultra-luxe bungalows.

Obviously, these bungalow digs are very well grounded and in fact, come with air-conditioning, showers, hair dryers, wireless internet, the works… Not much adventure there, except maybe if you try to take pictures of people up in the treehouses, and one of them swings down to take a whack at you.

 The other two options are Bayram’s Tree Houses and Saban Pension. 

Photo by jonrawlinson

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