Would You Sleep on a School Bus? 🚌

You all answered the call! On your 2025 wish lists are trip to: Namibia, Sicily, New Mexico, Maine, Japan, Canada, and on and on. You know what this means, right? We’ve got some work to do. If you’re in need of help planning your perfect trip, reply to this email and let me know what you’re looking for! I’d love to come up with some suggestions for you (and maybe even crowdsource some feedback on Instagram 😉 ).

Family-Friendly School Bus Airbnbs?

🎵The wheels on the bus…

Would YOU and your family stay overnight in a school bus? We’ve got a child starting kindergarten in the fall and I can’t fathom the excitement of sleeping in a big yellow bus ahead of his first day.

If you're unfamiliar, a “skoolie” is an school bus that’s been converted into a tiny home. And believe it or not, you’ll find some that are listed for overnight stays on Airbnb and VRBO. You’ve got to sift through quite a bit to find the gems that sleep more than two guests, but thankfully, you’ve got me.

Would you spend a nostalgic night (or more) in one of these skoolies?

The Emerald Gypsy in Mountain View, Arkansas

Escape to the Ozarks in this converted, retro skoolie. Kids will adore the schoolbus-turned-Airbnb that’s WAY cozier than anything they’ve seen. A double bed and double-size sofa sleeper sleep up to four when guests aren’t exploring the outdoors.

Common conveniences like a stocked kitchenette, memory foam mattress, RV-style shower/bath and air conditioning make this tiny space feel just as homey as it is memorable.

See more photos on Instagram: Emerald Gypsy Skoolie

«See the listing»

Jolene the Skoolie in Sevierville, Tennessee

Near the Great Smoky Mountains, you’ll find this adorable converted school bus named Jolene. Sleeping up to four guests, you’ll be able to get a peek of Cove Mountain from her Wears Valley viewpoint. But mostly, kids that have a fascination for all things that go – including school buses – will adore the novelty of sleeping in a skoolie bunk bed.

A note: Jolene the Skoolie does not accommodate children under two years of age. Unfortunately, there isn’t adequate space for a crib, Pack n Play or bassinet.

With a covered porch, bonfire pit, raw-edge dining bar and cozy master bedroom, this snazzy bus really does offer coziness and convenience. And it’s located in a central location that makes accessing the park, hikes and spectacle of Pigeon Forge an easy feat.

«See the listing»

Skoolie Stays in Sussex, England

Fasten your seatbelts. Or don’t, because while this Sussex South Downs schoolbus is perched in the rolling hills, it’s not going anywhere. Here, it lives off grid, having been beautifully converted and featuring a king-bedroom and murphy-style bunkbeds, full kitchen and bath with shower and compost toilet. Off the bedroom, a small deck is the perfect spot for star gazing, and inside, a wood-burning stove keeps things cozy even in the cooler temps.

Speaking of cooler temps, guests can rent the “Skoolie” in low season at attractive – and affordable – rates. While compact by design, it’s sure to be an adventure that’s not soon forgotten by the littlest ones, school age or otherwise.

See more photos on Instagram: Skoolie Stays

«See the listing»

Not vibing with a school bus stay? The Kid-Friendly Stays travel directory is the perfect first stop in your next family vacation adventure, wherever you wanna go(!), offering a curated collection of hotels, resorts, Airbnbs and VRBOs for your perusal.

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