Unique Destinations Where You Can be in Two Places at Once
Traveling to a new place always brings a certain kind of excitement. But what about exploring a destination where you can actually be in two places at the same time? Double the experience. As part of their long-term travel goals, many people want to visit as many places as possible. In fact, some of our recent research* shows that more than half (52%) of global travelers want to tick more destinations off their bucket list in 2018. If you fall into that category and want to get even more bang out of your destination buck for your next trip, then the following spots might be just the thing for you...
France and Switzerland
If you’re dreaming of staying in two countries at the same time, Arbez Franco Suisse is the place to make those dreams come true. Located right on the border between France and Switzerland, this charming chalet hotel offers you the opportunity to sleep with your feet in France and your head in Switzerland. The hotel’s kitchen, dining room and some of the guest rooms are actually situated in both countries, which means you can wake up in France and enjoy your meals in Switzerland, all without ever leaving the building.
Belgium and the Netherlands
Combining two countries and cultures, the unique municipality of Baarle is probably one of the most complicated towns in the world. Split between the Netherlands and Belgium, it’s not simply divided into two parts with one border - it’s actually full of separate pieces of land and an intricate network of tiny enclaves of Belgium within counter-enclaves that belong to the Netherlands. That means that the nationality of the town’s citizens can really only be determined by the location of their home.
Where to stay: The charming Hotel Brasserie Den Engel is situated in the center of Baarle-Nassau, the Dutch side of the municipality, and offers a brasserie with a welcoming terrace to relax and enjoy the sun. If you want to rest your head in Baarle-Hertog, the Belgian side, book a stay at the Brownies&downieS Baarle, a cozy property with a Belgian restaurant and terrace that’s perfect for looking over the town to try and get a better understanding of the complex lay of the land.
Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere – Ecuador
Located right on the Equator, Quito is the Ecuador’s capital and one of the largest equatorial cities in the world. Situated high in the Andes mountains, Quito is also one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Cities in the world and its stunning historic center is home to various monasteries, baroque churches, and charming cobblestone streets. Located just outside the city is the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo or Middle of the World City, a museum park and monument which highlights the exact location of the Equator.
Where to stay: El Crater is set against the panoramic backdrop of the active Pululahua Volcano with private balconies offering views of the nearby Equator Monument. It features ethnic Ecuadorian architecture designed from hand-crafted stone, contemporary interiors and an art gallery that features an extensive collection from renowned Ecuadorian artists. El Crater`s restaurant offers 360-degree views of both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres and serves Ecuadorian cuisine, as well as exotic cocktails and canapés.
Atlantic and Indian Ocean – South Africa
Cape Agulhas is the southernmost point of Africa and is said to be the official dividing line between the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Imagine having one foot on the Atlantic and the other in the Indian Ocean. While a bit tricky to do just that, also on this special spot is The Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, built in 1848 and the second oldest working lighthouse in South Africa. Here you can climb to the top to admire breathtaking views of the two mighty oceans meeting along the rocky coastline.
Where to stay: Located in the coastal town of Agulhas, just a short walk from the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, the Agulhasbestview offers cozy and self-catering cottages with stunning ocean views as far as the eye can see.
Nevada and Arizona - Hoover Dam, USA
Right on the border between the US states of Nevada and Arizona, the stunning Hoover Dam gives you the option to not only be in two places at once , but also two time zones (Mountain and Pacific)! This engineering marvel is recognized as a National Civil Engineering Landmark. If you'd like to learn more about its important history, make sure to book a guided tour.
Where to stay: Only a short drive from the Hoover Dam in one direction and Boulder City in the other, the Hoover Dam Lodge features spacious rooms with mountain and lake views, as well as a seasonal outdoor pool. In addition to visiting the Hoover Dam, guests can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities in the area including paddle boarding, hiking and biking.
North American and Eurasian Tectonic Plates - Þingvellir National Park, Iceland
Straddling the border of two states or countries to be in two places at once can be exciting, but what about straddling two continents? If this sparks your imagination, then take your bucket list to Iceland, the only inhabited island in the world where the tectonic plates that form the Mid-Altantic Ridge are visible on land, allowing travelers the unique opportunity to stand, walk and even snorkel between two continents at the same time.
Where to stay: Hotel Grimsborgir Luxury Rooms and Apartments offers comfortable suites and apartments just a short drive from the UNESCO-listed Þingvellir National Park, one of the best places in Iceland to view and walk along the area where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly, yet surely moving apart. You can admire the sky and surrounding mountains from your balcony, terrace or from one of 14 outdoor hot tubs on site.
Above and Below the Surface of the Water - the Maldives
Huvafen Fushi is a luxurious resort located in the North Malé Atoll in the Maldives and offers both overwater and underwater facilities. Guests can enjoy relaxing treatments at the underwater Lime Spa or practice yoga in the yoga pavilion, while the hotel’s overwater restaurant features an open kitchen and fresh seafood dishes.
Floating in the Air and Connected to the Earth - India
Travelers who are looking for a unique stay hovering between the air and the Earth should spend the night in a tree house. Set amidst the abundant forests of Syari Valley, The Tree House Resort is an eco-friendly property overlooking the Aravalli mountain range. Perched atop the trees, the resort offers wooden accommodation with tree branches winding their way through each room. You can wake up to the sound of the birds, spend some peaceful time by the outdoor pool and savor Indian delicacies at the resort’s Machaan restaurant.
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* Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who have taken a trip in the last 12 months/plan to take a trip in the next 12 months. In total 18,509 respondents were surveyed (1,000+ from the UK, US, Brazil, China, Germany, Italy, Spain, France, India, Singapore and Russia and 500+ each from Australia, Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Hong Kong, Croatia, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, Thailand and Taiwan). Respondents completed an online survey in August 2017.