Talkeetna "Into the Wild" Bus -
Talkeetna, AK
$65/Night - Click Here to Book 

As a real estate blog, when we were searching for the most amazing Airbnb stay in Alaska, we tried to keep it house related. At the end of the day, though, sometimes, the best living space might strike a little bit outside of the grasp of traditional architecture. 

While we did have our eye on several candidates for the best in Alaska, we eventually decided that it wouldn't be fair to allow our runaway favorite to share the spotlight. Just because it's not traditional real estate doesn't mean someone couldn't live in it.

The Stay

For those who are unfamiliar with the story, "Into the Wild," is the true story of Chris McCandless. Questioning the material world, McCandless decided to leave behind a college degree and what many would consider to be a promising financial future.

Instead, he would explore the country with nothing but what he could carry on his back, figuring out what it means to be one with nature and his fellow human being.

*Spoilers ahead*

McCandless would travel to Alaska where he would seek shelter in a bus. However, as the story goes, a couple of poor decisions and some bad luck would put him in a position where he would be defeated by nature, dying of starvation in the bus.

As this was a real story and the abandoned bus was real as well, it would become a popular tourist attraction. However, the bus would recently be removed by Alaska state officials after it was deemed too dangerous. 

It wasn't the bus itself that caused the issue but the journey to the bus that claimed several lives along the way and left others lost in the Alaska wilderness.

The Alaska wilderness certainly isn't any place to play games and has claimed the lives of some of the most well-rounded survivalists. Needless to say, somebody inexperienced shouldn't put themselves in this sort of dangerous situation. As such, removing the landmark made sense.

However, now, thanks for the creativity of one Airbnb host, fans of the book or movie can now see what it's like to live in a school bus in the Alaska wilderness.

Of course, the Airbnb version of the bus is located in an area that's very unlikely to put guests in a life or death situation. The bus is located 3 miles from the village of Talkeetna, Alaska, says the host. The plot is on its own property in a quiet neighborhood surrounded by forrest.

However, this stay does seem to give the guest a bit of the "Real nature" experience. Unlike other Airbnb hosts that try to wow guests with all of the luxuries, this one does pretty much the opposite.

$65/Night - Click Here to Book 

While the bus is described as "Funky" and "Cozy," it is also mentioned that you must be prepared for weather of all kinds, animal sightings of moose and bears, extreme cold, and be prepared to use an outhouse!

Onboard, we find amenities such as a queen bed, kitchen, fridge, sink, dining space, and wood stove. It is also mentioned that the guest should be comfortable with operating the wood stove as it's the main means of heating the unique home.

While it's not a 5 star hotel, this stay promises to put guests at one with nature. Everything that one would need to live comfortably is included but it's recommended that guests prepare for adventure with tools like a headlamp, bug spray, and mud boots!

$65/Night - Click Here to Book