“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”

Traveling always comes with surprises, uncertainties, and often awe-inspiring experiences. As it was rightly said in the Tom Hanks starrer ‘Forrest Gump’– Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you are going to get! applies aptly to travel too. You never know what awaits you until you open your arms and reach out for it. Here are 10 inspiring Homestays that will instantly get you onboard in search of creating your own adventurous experience.

16 C Artist Cottage Avignon- France

16th C Artist’s Cottage, Avignon, France- Starts $126 per night

Take a tour of the French souvenir classic with this exotic colonial styled 16th Century French cottage in Avignon, France. This classic stone French house with an artistic twist set in Provence has two boulangeries nearby and a farmer’s market, plus has an enclosed garden with a barbecue and an alternative collection of books and films from which guests can peruse.

Converted Barn- New Zealand

Converted Barn,New Zealand — Starts $73 per night

It is often beyond understanding how far human imagination goes in its quest for creativity. This stylishly converted barn in New Zealand spells out its story itself. This converted barn overlooks Mount Taranaki, an active for quiescent volcano, and is ten minutes away from the small country town of Hawera.

Romantic Villa, Mykonos- Greece

Romantic Villa Mykonos, Greece — Starts $131 per night

What’s your idea of getting romantic? How about waking up to the rising sun on a slightly chilled morning overlooking the beaches! Tucked away in Kounapas, ten minutes away from the bustling nightlife of Mykonos and the island’s beautiful beaches, this homestay boasts a rooftop on which guests can view the most striking sunsets.

Grass-Roofed House, Pernaja — Finland

Grass Roofed House, Pernaja Finland — Starts $71 per night

Sometimes, you are on your own for weird experiences. Your journeys are not the same always, and sometimes bring you unusual experiences.This quirky, grass-roofed house, named Villa Nordica, is located in the Pernaja, six miles from the nearest city center, Loviisa. For an extra cost, host Roya will take guests on a fishing trip to Merikarvianjoki.

Lakeside Retreat Halifax — Canada

Lakeside Retreat Halifax, Canada — Starts $64 per night

Often, a tranquil and isolated escape totally cut off from the mainstream lets you gather yourself back to life.This secluded, one-of-a-kind home, which boasts a 2006 honorable mention in Architectural Digest and scenic lake views, is perfect for those looking for a weekend escape.

Mountain Home Zakopane — Poland

Mountain Home Zakopane, Poland — Starts $23 per night

For those who climb the mountains, for them awaits ‘the view’. Mountain and outdoor lovers will find their delight at this wooden chalet in Zakopane, a resort town in the extreme south of Poland, at the base of the Tatras Mountains. Wintertime beckons skiers, while in summer, mountain climbers and hikers flock to the destination.

Jungle Organic Farm — Thailand

Jungle Organic Farm, Thailand — Starts $29 per night

Wah and Poh grow everything from bok choi and lemongrass to longan and lychee in Northern Thailand’s Karen Village, which is home to Sino-Tibetan speaking groups of people. While there, guests can learn the art of Karen weaving, go trekking, elephant riding, bamboo rafting, and bathe in waterfalls, which are all close by.

Rotorua — New Zealand

Rotorua Island, New Zealand — Starts $233 per night

This modern, luxurious home has panoramic views of Rotorua, which is known for bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs, as well as a cultural center for the Maori people as well.

Temple Gianyar — Indonesia

Temple Gianyar — Starts $14

When it comes to witness Indonesia, one thing that comes to mind is ‘luxury in the midst of serendipity’. And Temple Gianyar is sure to take you with a surprise.This traditional Balinese house is steps away from the lush green carpets of Pulagan Rice Field UNESCO World Heritage Site and has its very own family temple, called a “mrajan,” right on its premises.

The Zen garden surrounding the temple will instantly cut you off your mind from the rush of life and let you slow down, relax, and reconnect with your inner self.

Treehouse, Costa Rica

Tree House, Costa Rica — Starts $71 per night

Who does not like a Treehouse? And should you let yourself out on searching for one, do not be afraid, as the In the hills of San Antonio de Escazu, this treehouse is prime for spotting hummingbirds, admiring flowers and fruit orchards.