Traveling is often romanticized as a soul-enriching journey filled with scenic vistas, cultural enlightenment, and delicious food. But let’s be honest—sometimes, it’s just weird. And frankly, those oddball moments are often the most memorable. So, if you’re tired of cookie-cutter itineraries and tourist traps, here’s a list of some of the weirdest, quirkiest travel experiences you never knew you needed.
1. Stay in a UFO (Sweden)
Tired of boring hotel rooms? In the forests of Sweden, you can sleep inside a fully furnished UFO. The Treehotel, located in Harads, features a futuristic, levitating (well, suspended) UFO-shaped suite. Not only does it provide an otherworldly experience, but it also guarantees the kind of deep sleep that can only come from knowing you’re nestled in the arms of extraterrestrial interior design.
2. Visit the Cat Circus (Russia)
Moscow’s Kuklachev Cat Theatre is a fever dream in the best way possible. Imagine dozens of trained cats performing circus tricks, directed by an eccentric human dressed in a flamboyant outfit. It’s baffling, delightful, and possibly the best use of feline talent outside of viral TikTok videos.
3. Dine in a Toilet-Themed Restaurant (Taiwan)
Ever wanted to eat curry out of a miniature toilet bowl? No? Well, too bad, because at Modern Toilet Restaurant in Taipei, that’s exactly what you’ll do. This wildly popular restaurant serves food in toilet-shaped dishes, with seats made from—you guessed it—actual toilet bowls. It’s a culinary experience that makes you rethink your relationship with bathroom fixtures forever.
4. Swim in a Lagoon of Beer (Austria)
The Starkenberger Brewery Castle in Austria lets you literally bathe in beer. You get a private tub full of warm, hoppy goodness, where you can relax while also contemplating your life choices. Rumor has it the beer bath is great for your skin—though whether or not you’ll come out smelling like a brewery is another matter entirely.
5. Get Chased by Zombies (England)
If you’ve ever wondered how you’d fare in a zombie apocalypse, now’s your chance to find out. Various locations in England offer zombie survival experiences, where participants must run, hide, and fight their way through abandoned buildings filled with actors dressed as the undead. It’s cardio with a side of sheer terror.
6. Hang Out with Bunnies on Rabbit Island (Japan)
On Ōkunoshima, a small island in Japan, you’ll find an overwhelming population of adorable rabbits. These fluffy, friendly creatures will happily swarm you for snacks, making for an absolutely surreal experience. Once a secret military base, the island now belongs to the bunnies. Which, honestly, is an upgrade.
7. Drive Through a Tree (USA)
California is home to giant redwood trees so massive that people have carved tunnels through them. If you want to experience the intersection of natural wonder and blatant disrespect for trees, try driving through the Chandelier Tree in Leggett. It’s a classic roadside attraction and a reminder that sometimes, humans just can’t leave things alone.
8. Sleep in a Sandcastle (Netherlands)
Forget beach resorts—why not spend the night in an actual sandcastle? In places like Oss and Sneek in the Netherlands, you can book stays in real, structurally sound sandcastles. The walls may be made of sand, but the accommodations are anything but primitive. No need to worry about high tide ruining your stay!
9. Wander Through a Glowworm Cave (New Zealand)
The Waitomo Caves in New Zealand look like something straight out of a fantasy novel. Thousands of glowworms illuminate the caves’ ceilings, creating a surreal, starry-sky effect underground. It’s nature’s version of an LED light show, minus the overpriced drinks and loud music.
10. Attend the Air Guitar World Championships (Finland)
Ever wanted to see grown adults passionately strumming invisible guitars? Every year, in Oulu, Finland, competitors from around the world battle for the title of best air guitarist. There are costumes, choreography, and an unmatched level of commitment to an instrument that doesn’t actually exist. It’s oddly inspiring.
Embrace the Weirdness
While traditional travel guides will steer you toward museums, monuments, and scenic hikes, sometimes the best experiences are the ones that leave you saying, “What did I just witness?” Travel is about breaking out of your routine, and what better way to do that than by visiting a bunny-covered island or floating in a beer bath? So go forth, adventure seekers, and let your next trip be delightfully weird.