Travelling to a new country or town is always fun, but imagine being able to visit two countries at the same time.
A Booking.com survey found more than half of people who travel internationally want to tick more destinations off their bucket list in 2018 - these unique places may just help them do that.
France and Switzerland
Arbez Franco Suisse is the place to start. Located right on the borders of France and Switzerland, this chalet hotel offers guests the opportunity to sleep with their feet in France and head in Switzerland. The hotel's kitchen, dining room and some of the guest rooms are divided by the line separating the two countries. Guests can wake up in France and enjoy their meals in Switzerland, without ever leaving the accommodation.
Belgium and the Netherlands
The unique municipality of Baarle is probably one of the most complicated towns in the world, combining two countries and cultures. 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 a network of intricate enclaves of Belgium within counter-enclaves of the Netherlands. The nationality of the town's citizens is usually determined by the location of their home.
The Hotel Brasserie Den Engel is situated in the centre of Baarle-Nassau, the Dutch side of the municipality, and offers a brassiere with a welcoming terrace to relax and enjoy the sun. If you want to rest your head in Baarle-Hertog, the Belgian side, you could book a stay at the Brownies & Downie's, a cosy 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
Located right on the Equator, Quito is the Ecuador's capital and one of the largest equatorial cities. High in the Andes, Quito is one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Cities in the world and its stunning historic centre is home to various monasteries, churches and cobblestone streets. 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.
Accommodation-wise, El Crater is set against the panoramic backdrop of the active Pululahua Volcano. It has 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 a 360-degree views of both the northern and southern hemispheres and serves Ecuadorian cuisine, exotic cocktails and canapés.
Atlantic and Indian Ocean
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 in the Atlantic and the other in the Indian Ocean. Also on this special cape you'll spot the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse. Built in 1848, it's the second oldest working lighthouse in South Africa. Climb to the top and admire the breath-taking views of the two mighty oceans meeting along the rocky coastline. Just a short walk from the cape is the town of Agulhas - a popular base for visitors is the Agulhasbestview. It offers cozy, self-catering cottages with stunning ocean views.
Nevada and Arizona
Set on the border between the US states of Nevada and Arizona, the Hoover Dam gives you the option to not only be in two places at once, but also two time zones. The dam is recognised as a National Civil Engineering Landmark and is a short drive away from Boulder City. The Hoover Dam Lodge has spacious rooms with mountain and lake views, as well as a seasonal outdoor pool.
North American and Eurasian Tectonic Plates
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 interests you then take yourself to Iceland, the only inhabited island in the world where tectonic plates and ocean ridges are visible on land, allowing travellers the unique opportunity to walk between two continents at once. The Hotel Grimsborgir Luxury Rooms and Apartments offers comfortable suites and apartments just a short drive from Þingvellir National Park, the best place to view and walk along the joining of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Guests can admire the sky and surrounding mountains from their room's balcony, terrace or from one of 14 outdoor hot tubs.
Underwater and on the surface
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.
In the air, but connected to the earth
Travellers who are looking for a unique stay amongst nature should spend the night in a tree house. Set amidst the abundant forests of the Syari Valley in India, 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 coming through between the furnishings. Guests can wake up to the sound of birdsong and spend some peaceful time by the outdoor pool before savouring Indian delicacies at the Machaan restaurant.
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