The best tree-house rentals in the US

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• As the novel coronavirus continues to upend travel plans, new trends are emerging that prioritize safety and vacation rentals in remote, outdoor areas.
• According to Airbnb's CEO, unique stays like tree houses have become especially popular.
• We rounded up some of the best tree-house rentals across the US with fall availability so you can experience prime leaf-peeping season while perched high among the branches.

The novel coronavirus has interrupted travel plans across the US for half a year now, and as travelers adapt to the ever-evolving circumstances, new trends continue to emerge.

Vacation home rentals are more popular than ever, in large part because experts have said booking entire homes are likely safer alternatives than staying in hotels because you won't encounter other guests like you would in crowded hotel areas such as communal pools and lobbies.

Similarly, road trips, national park vacations, and getaways to more remote areas have all become increasingly attractive.

So, it's not totally surprising to learn from the CEO of Airbnb that bookings for unique stays like Airstreams and tree houses are "booming."

Not only are tree-house rentals generally more secluded (a key advantage in the age of social distancing), but they firmly ensconce you within nature by placing your bed amid treetop canopies. Plus, many tree houses listed on vacation rental sites come with enchanting and Instagram-worthy interiors that include wooden spiral staircases and twinkling lights lining A-frame roofs.

Fall is an especially great time to stay in a tree house since you'll enjoy an up-close view of the changing foliage. Many tree-house rentals are also located near hiking paths, and autumn often features optimal weather for hitting the trails.

Airbnb has also added new Enhanced Clean protocols, but keep in mind that not all hosts are required to follow the new procedures. Cleaning and service fees vary from one vacation rental to another, along with cancellation policies, so it's worth reading the fine print on any listings you're considering. We've noted new cleaning policies for listings below where applicable.

Also, keep in mind that without a vaccine there is no guarantee of safety right now. We always recommend following guidelines from trusted organizations like the CDC and WHO, and taking precautions like wearings a mask, social distancing, and washing hands frequently. Additionally, you should always check state and local guidelines before traveling, especially if you are going out of state or traveling to or from a hotspot area.

That said, we've scoured vacation rental sites like Airbnb and Vrbo for the best tree-house rentals.

We based our selections on the following criteria:

1. All listings are for entire homes, in line with current expert recommendations for safety.
2. Listings are all highly reviewed with an average rating of 4.75 or higher.
3. The properties are found in a range of destinations across the US and range in price from $130 for a compact cabin in Vermont to $549 for a spacious, cabin-style splurge near Lake Tahoe.
4. All homes are high in the branches or, at the very least, at the top of a staircase and surrounded by forest for a true tree house experience.