Don't rock the boat – it's Christmas! This year I'm doing things a little differently. I'm heading across the pond to spend the holidays with friends in England. But that's not what makes this festive season different from holidays past. I'm trying a new kind of accommodation. I didn't want to spend gobs of money on expensive hotel lodgings, so I decided to look around. I've rented a canal boat. I've stumbled upon canal boats in various residential neighbourhoods throughout London on earlier trips and I decided I simply had to try one. So I checked out the ever-so-trusty accommodation finder Airbnb and I lucked out (so I hope). Here's what I've booked.  I'm excited. Friends and family are nervous. "Do you know what you're doing?" I've been asked several times. We'll see. Here's where I'm sleeping this Christmas.

This will be the view out my back window Can't wait to rest my weary head on that cozy bed! (I'll be flying the red-eye) Kitchen, bed, windows to snoop on the neighbours. What more could a guy ask for? Look, one of the neighbours off to the store for a pint of milk for his tea, no doubt. (All photos courtesy of Airbnb.) Do you know anyone who's rented a canal boat...in December? Advice welcome. My goal this year is to sleep around. Wait, lest you get the wrong idea. In January I'm going to sleep in an oTENTik in Northern Quebec. But I'm also open to hearing your suggestions of "weird spots for Doug to sleep in 2014." As always, I welcome you to travel along with me!