Wackiest Getaways: Europe’s Top Destinations For An Unusual Holiday

Find the weirdest and most wonderful wanders as a new study by Cotswold Outdoor reveals the best European destinations for a wacky getaway.

Many of us are accustomed to the usual holiday routine, where we find comfort in doing the same activities — relaxing on beaches, sipping drinks, and lounging poolside. While these traditional getaways are enjoyable, sometimes we need to infuse our holidays with a touch of the extraordinary. Embracing the wacky and stepping outside of our comfort zones while on vacation can lead to unforgettable experiences and personal growth. So, if you are planning your next getaway, consider adding a dash of the unusual...

Analysing 45 countries, our latest study reveals which countries allow for the wackiest getaway for travellers based on average cost of a week’s duration, number of OMG Airbnb destinations, and number of adventurous activities available. Use our latest tool to find the perfect destination for you, based on your needs, budget and preferences.

A week’s stay in Georgia will set you back only €214, along with its 150 adventurous activities to pick and choose from. Amounting to 125% less than the European average cost for a week’s stay. A getaway to the country will save you quite a bit if you’re looking for budget-friendly accommodation only.

But if an overall budget-conscious trip is what you’re looking for then Norway is the place for you. With costs coming up to €761 and having a number of activities (225) to be part of in the land of awe-striking landscapes along with the quirky Airbnbs (22), this seems like money well spent. Following Norway in cost effectiveness are Poland (€401) and Germany (€1,603). 

If you’re tired of the monotonous hotel stay and looking for something a little more on the unconventional side then France is the place for you. The country has 105 wacky, interesting accommodations that will have you opting for anything from cave homes in Bourre to domes in Sioniac. 

Runner-up England boasts 86 wacky Airbnbs to stay at. If being in nature and one with farm life are priorities, then a barn stay might just be right up your alley. While Germany treads behind with 42 OMG Airbnbs, that will surely have your minimalistic ambitions played out in a tiny home or reliving your childhood days in a treehouse.

When visiting a new and different place, why not try out what the place has to offer? Europe has an average of about 160 activities per country that are tagged ‘adventurous’, so boredom is unlikely.  

If it is a multitude of adventures you seek then look no further than England, which offers 2,000 activities at 170% more than what the European average activities are. Coming in second is Spain (1,000) with twice fewer activities than England but just as thrilling and enticing, where you can bring out your fiery side by exploring volcano sites such as Mount Teide. Italy – home to scenic landscapes that offer kayaking in Naples and heli-skiing in snow-white mountains – comes in with 805 activities.

As you plan for your next trip, we hope this study inspires you to consider some of Europe’s quirky getaways as a means of unwinding and seeking out your next adventure while getting to explore with the unconventional.