If you want to have a unique experience, try sleeping on straw in Switzerland!  We came to know about it from Rick Steve's Germany,Austria & Switzerland guidebook. In a small village near Lauterbrunnen called Gimmelwald, you can sleep in a barn on hay beds from June to October for just 20CHF per night .. and that includes a good breakfast.  Lots of blankets are provided and you can make your own bed with those or use your own sleeping bag.  

It was cold when we went there in september and I had to use multiple blankets.  The barn was pretty clean - cows were out in summer time grazing in fields. So it wasn't really smelly as I had expected.  Also we got to interact with many other travellers most of whom had come there for the same reason - to have a different kind of experience! 

Gimmelwald itself is a nice little swiss village.  Very peaceful and quiet with smiling and friendly locals (most of whom have the last name Von Allmen!) and lots of greenery with plenty of cows! Its close to Murren and on the way to Schilthorn.  We had the most relaxing time there and also got to experience a cheese festival during our stay. 

My favorite place in Switzerland was this small town called Lauterbrunnen.  It's a tiny little town  surrounded by huge vertical cliffs.  There are fantastic hiking trails and a nice relaxing hostel.

-This is Trummelbach Falls.  It's an amazing waterfall you can walk to from the hostel.  The photo doesn't do it justice.  This was a roaring loud waterfall.  You have to pay some small amount of money to get in.  Expect to get soaked from the spray if you visit!
 

Me in Lauterbrunnen -

- The town of Lauterbrunnen.

I just realized now that Switzerland isn't in your travel plans Lee!  Doh!  I guess this could be of use to someone else...  Either way cool new site Lee!