[Janice D. Soderling]

I'm not all that keen on Airbnb or Ûber and that sort of deal.

But via my airline SAS I've found a "capsule room for female" and I've booked and paid that. Should a better alternative turn up, I can unbook and get a refund. At least I have a bed.

I'm an old backpacker and my preference worldwide is always HI hostels (Hostelling International) where I am a member. The HI hostels in New York and in Boston this past spring were super-duper and I highly recommend them.

I saw there were rooms available this month at HI Tokyo and took for granted that since November was so far away it wouldn't be a problem. But alas, when I went to book, only male dorms had available beds. There must be some kind of female conference scheduled in Tokyo at that time.

I've slept in some pretty weird places including a tree house in Canada, a former schoolhouse on an island in the Baltic, a cell in an former prison, an active nunnery, a desanctified church in Scotland, an old military fortress, tents and boats and rooftops, and a sleeping bag under the stars in the Mojave complete with a visiting bear in the middle of the night. Not yet encountered any hidden cameras, Walter, but thank for the tip. I'll keep an eye out.

Stockholm in late summer. Nothing quite like it. This sailing ship will house me a few nights next week. (Check out the film ijust above the top photo, then book a ticket for Stockholm! With SAS!)

http://www.svenskaturistforeningen.s...n-Ship/Photos/

Consider this thread open for further suggestions, including what to see and do. I'm flexible.