trip of home

15 Amazing Staycation Ideas That Won't Blow Your Budget

No time or budget for a weekend getaway? These cheap staycations are surprisingly luxurious.

Some of our favorite staycation activities cost no money at all, while others are definitely cheaper than a plane ticket or hotel stay. And all of them require just a little bit of creativity, so you'll have a good story to tell your coworkers when you come back to work refreshed and ready to get back into the grind. And best of all, they'll all fit into a day or even a few hours (think at-home spa days and movie nights ), so you can string a few of our ideas together for a longer at-home vacay or take a personal day to spend it on yourself. Try a few and you'll have the best spring break recap in the break room.

Have a Spa Day

Two words: Spa day. While relaxing spa vacations seem to pop up all over the 'gram these days, many local spas have one-day packages that can be much more affordable. To get even more bang for your buck, grab a few face masks, some mani-pedi supplies, and invite a friend over for a DIY spa day.

Host a Cooking Night

If you're one of those travelers who eats your way around new locales, transform your kitchen into a dining destination. Invite a few friends over to try out some new recipes and have fun creating an exotic dinner right in the comfort of your own home. If you're really feeling creative, pick a culture or cuisine and turn it into a multi-course affair, complete with beverages, dessert, and decor.

RELATED: The Best Easy Weeknight Meals to Make Tonight

Play Tourist in Your Hometown

Many of us spend our days going to work, running errands at the same old spots, and heading home. Spend a day, a weekend, or even a whole week playing tourist in your own town. Visit the museums, local attractions, or historic districts you'd usually only bring visitors to see and rediscover the best parts of your hometown.

Try a New Exercise Class

Get your blood pumping by trying out a new dance or exercise class. If you belong to a gym, sign up for one of the classes you've never tried before. If not, many offer a trial period or one-off classes. You could also search for dance classes or other activities at your local community center, or even try a new exercise app at home.

RELATED: 16 Best Workout Apps for On-the-Go Fitness

Take a Day Trip

Antsy to get out of Dodge? No need to book an overnight stay. Hop in the car or on a train for a one-day getaway to somewhere nearby. Even a quick drive to a nearby town or even an unfamiliar suburb of your own city can make a fun adventure. Don't forget to make a rockin' transit playlist to hype up the ride.

Pitch a Tent

Even when you can't get away for a wilderness camping trip, there's nothing stopping you from enjoying the great outdoors right in your own backyard. Get out the camping gear or borrow a tent if you don't have one, make s'mores (use the microwave if your area prohibits campfires), and tell some spooky stories with a flashlight. Who needs a campground?

Host Your Own Film Festival

If your invitation to Cannes got lost in the mail, host your own film festival from your couch. Try screening a series like Lord of the Rings , Harry Potter , or Star Wars or pick a theme and choose films to fit. Pop some popcorn and don't even think about changing out of your pj's.

Hold a Yoga Retreat

Recreate at least part of those lush yoga retreats in faraway locations without leaving your living room. Infuse some ice water with citrus and cucumber slices, unroll your yoga mat in your living room, turn on some online yoga tutorials, and spend plenty of time in shavasana . If you've never done yoga before, stick to simple poses so you don't accidentally injure yourself.

See a Performance

Get some culture close to home by seeing a concert, a play, or other event in your hometown. Whether that's a high school or college performance, or you're lucky enough to have professional arts performances close by, supporting the arts will always be a good idea.

Take an Art Class

Stretch your creative muscles by taking an art class. Check with your local community center to see if they have free or low-cost offerings, or find out if nearby colleges or universities offer one-day workshops. You'll even get a cool new piece of decor to show for it!

Swap Houses With a Friend

To get away without spending a mint, exchange houses with a nearby friend for an overnight or a weekend. The change will feel exciting and new and neither of you will have to spend a dime. Just be a courteous houseguest and clean up after yourselves when you leave.

Get Outside

Whether you plan your staycation when the mercury rises or to brighten up the winter doldrums, plan an outdoor excursion. Lace up your hiking boots , visit a nearby park, go ice skating, or walk along the beach. Soaking up some nature will help balance out your well-earned couch time.

Feel Good Giving Back

Sign up to volunteer at a soup kitchen, homeless shelter, library, or other community program during your staycation. Giving back helps remind us all of how much we have, so it's a great way to spend a little bit of your time off.

Cheer on Your Team

Head to a sports bar or get seats at a game to cheer on your favorite team and get your adrenaline pumping. Rooting for the home team makes a great staycation activity because you can feel like you're a part of your community, even if it's just the nearby high school on the field.

Hit up a Market

Even when you're on staycation, you've still gotta eat. Instead of the same old grocery store, take an excursion to a farmer's market or indoor market if it's too cold for the open air variety. If you don't have either where you live, try a different supermarket than you usually frequent for a little change of pace.

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20 Ways to Travel From Home

Last updated: December 16, 2023 . Written by Laurence Norah - Leave a Comment

We love to travel. But it’s not always possible to travel all the time. Sometimes world events conspire against us to restrict travel, other times our budget might not stretch to cover travel. All is not lost however! There are lots of ways to travel from home, which I’m going to cover in this post.

These options, many of which are free, will let you get some of the thrill of travelling even when you are at home. They can inspire you for future trips, help with your trip planning, teach you about a destination, or simply fill some time with travel related activities.

If you have children, some of our tips for travelling from home can be a great way for families to virtually learn about the world, different cultures, history, animals, and more.

One of the great things about armchair travel is that you can do it from home at any time! And it generally requires little, if any, planning or money to do it.

Whilst nothing can entirely replace the wonder of traveling to a new destination, we hope these ideas on traveling from home will give you some ways to explore the world from wherever you are.

How to Travel from Home

Whether you’re planning a trip that you want to get more excited about, want to research a potential destination, or just want some travel themed ways to entertain yourself or your family at home, we hope these ideas for traveling from home inspire you to do some armchair traveling or your own!

Guided Virtual Tours

When we travel, we love to take guided walking tours. They’re a great way to get to know a destination or specific attraction, and learn about what it is we’re seeing.

One walking tour company that we often use and recommend is Context Travel . We’re delighted that they also offer virtual guided tours. These tours can be a great way to learn about a location in advance of your visit, or even just as a way to explore somewhere you might not have thought of visiting. If you’re at home with kids, you can think of one of these tours as a virtual field trip!

Context offers a range of tours from home. These are divided into courses and private virtual tours. The seminars are pre-scheduled events which are open to all, you just need to sign up and pay the fee.

The private tours are more expensive, but are designed to give you a private and more detailed tours on a specific subject. These are similar to the real-world tours they offer.

The other nice thing about Context is that if you don’t see a private tour that suits your particular interests, you can drop them a request for a tour that does.

We also have an exclusive discount code for Context’s virtual tours and seminars, which is travelcats . Enter the code at checkout to get 15% off your first order.

Of course, there are several other tour companies offering virtual tours as well. See some of the options available here on Viator  for an example of what else is out there.

Books and Audiobooks about Travel

As Anna Quindlen said in How Reading Changed My Life , ““Books are the plane, and the train, and the road. They are the destination, and the journey. They are home.”

We would have to agree. Books are a wonderful way to take a journey without leaving your house, be that on a voyage to fantasy worlds, or on an adventure through our own.

They can be educational, entertaining, and informative, and you can enjoy them almost anywhere. You can choose a specific destination to explore through a travel writer’s eyes, or you can read a travel themed work of fiction. You can read a book for armchair travel, to inspire and help you plan a possible future trip, or as an activity as a family.

Here are some of our favourite travel books, which cover a whole range of travel related subjects. Most of these are also available as audiobooks so you can have someone read to you while you do other tasks.

Non-fiction travel writing

• Any of Bill Bryson’s travel books which are filled with funny anecdotes about his travels, particularly around the USA, UK, and Australia
• Paul Theroux is another well known travel writer with many books to choose from
• A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle – British couple moves to Provence
• The Silk Roads  by Peter Frankopan – history of the Silk Road and the countries it runs through
• Train by Tom Zoellner – great book about train history and riding trains around the world
• A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway – a memoir of Hemingway’s life in 1920’s Paris, published posthumously
• Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert – a travel memoir chronicling the journey of the author through India, Italy and Indonesia

Fiction travel writing

• The Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams – Laurence’s all time favourite book. Definite escapism, with a vague travel theme
• The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho – a book about the journey of a young Andalusian shepherd
• The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown – this book about mysterious symbols, ancient societies and hidden clues pave a trail across Europe, with a particular focus on Italy. Definitely a fun read.

Travel Inspiration books

• You Only Live Once – This Lonely Planet book has a massive list of experiences to kindle your excitement for all kinds of things, many of which are travel related
• 1,000 Places to See Before you Die – awesome inspiration for future travels. There is also a United States and Canada version of this book for those traveling around North America.
• Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 of the World’s Greatest Trips – another one for those of you looking for inspiration for planning future adventures

Children’s Travel Books

• The Travel Book: A journey through every country in the world – aimed at kids, this book takes the reader on a journey through 200 countries, with fun facts on all of them

If you’re looking for more travel reading inspiration, check out this comment thread in our Facebook group for lovers of travel.

Travel Themed Films

Of course, books aren’t the only medium which allow us to travel from our own homes. Film is another way we can explore the world, and there are some fantastic travel themed films as well, which make for great viewing.

Some of these are based on true stories, whilst others are entirely fictional. Regardless, there are some great options in here which can serve as inspiration for a future trip, or just provide some travel based entertainment.

Here are just a handful of the movies we love:

• Midnight in Paris – we love this story of an American who travel back to 1920s Paris and meets many of his artistic heroes
• Eat Pray Love – film version of the popular novel by Elizabeth Gilbert
• Lord of the Rings – this film trilogy inspired me to spend a year exploring New Zealand. It’s a stunning showcase of the beauty of the country, as well as an epic story.
• The Secret Life of Walter Mitty – this story of a man searching for a more adventurous life features some stunning travel scenery, including beautiful scenes shot in Iceland
• The Beach – the film (based on a novel by Alex Garland) that inspired thousands of travellers to travel to Thailand
• The Bucket List – the movie that spawned the phrase tells the story of a terminally ill patient trying to accomplish a list of things to do before he dies
• The Way – a bittersweet story of a man walking Spain’s popular Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage after the death of his son
• Out of Africa – an epic romantic drama based on a true story about a Danish woman who moves to Kenya, and the challenges and adventures she faces as a result
• A Walk in the Woods – a movie version of Bill Bryson’s novel of the same name, about his attempt to walk the Appalachian Trail
• Up – if you’re looking for a lovely family movie about travel to watch with your kids (or even without!), this tale of a senior adventurer setting off on a fantastical voyage with a young traveller should hit the spot
• The Lion King – Beautifully remade in glorious 3D in 2019, this coming of age story of a young lion will take you on a beautiful journey through the African wilderness, and might inspire you to head off on safari

As you can see, there are no shortage of movies about travel to inspire your wanderlust!

Travel Podcasts

If you like the idea of learning about travel by audio, you might want to subscribe to a podcast. These are usually regularly updated shows that you can listen to on any of your devices.

There are podcasts across a whole range of subjects, including travel. And of course, within travel, there’s a whole range of podcast topics and shows to choose from, including family travel, budget travel, solo female travel, long term nomadic travel – the list goes on.

As you would imagine, there’s a huge number of travel podcasts to listen to, and they’re also free. So you have nothing to lose by trying a few of them to find one you like. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

• Rick Steves Podcasts – Rick Steves is one of the best known US based travelers, with his own range of guidebooks, products, and tours. In addition to his popular TV series and radio show, he also has a series of podcasts, covering a number of travel topics, including tips for travel in Europe, and interviews with travel authors and experts.
• Amateur Traveler – hosted by Chris Christensen, this podcast interviews expert travellers from around the world. It’s been running since 2005 and runs weekly, so as you might imagine, pretty much every destination in the world has been covered.
• Rough Guides Podcast – Rough Guide is a popular series of travel guidebooks, and they also offer a number of travel themed podcasts.
• Armchair Explorer – Aaron Miller hosts this popular travel podcast series which features some of the world’s greatest adventurers telling their favourite story from the road. It’s done in a documentary style, which makes for a gripping and immersive experience
• The Travel Diaries – Holly Rubenstein hosts a weekly interview series where she talks to special guests about their travel experiences around the world.
• Y Travel Podcast – Australian couple Caz and Craig have been blogging about travel, with a specific focus on family travel, for about as long as we have. They’ve recently launched a travel podcast, which covers interviews, family travel and travel tips.

As you can see, there are plenty of podcasts to choose from, and there are thousands more out there to discover!

Live Webcams, 360 views, & Virtual Visits

If you want to explore a location at your leisure rather than on a tour, you have no shortage of options. There’s a huge number of live webcams and virtual tours available at destinations around the world.

These range in what they offer, from 360 degree interactive tours of existing locations, through to webcams, virtual renditions of past locations, and more. You can visit natural wonders, museums, wild animal locations, zoos, parks, observatories, and more!

Here are a few options to consider, all of which are free.

• Google has a virtual tour of the  Pyramids of Giza
• Take a wander around a virtual rendition of Angkor Wat in Cambodia right  here
• This is an excellent interactive  virtual tour of Stonehenge  by English Heritage
• Take a walk inside the Colosseum in Rome thanks to  this tour from Google
• Lots of museums have virtual tours as well. Check out  this tour of the Louvre ,  this one of the Vatican Museum ,  this tour of the British Museum  and  this one of the Metropolitan Museum of Art  to get you started
• A series of live webcams of wild animals across countries in Africa
• Live farm animals from a farm in the UK

As you can see, there’s something here for most interests!

Decorate your House with a Travel Theme

If you love to travel, one great way to get a travel vibe even when you are at home is to decorate your home with a travel theme.

There are a huge number of travel themed home decor items out there, and you can go as crazy or understated as you like. The list of what is available is long, but just to get you thinking, there’s travel themed bedding, wall art, throw pillows, globes, custom photo frames, tea towels, mugs, and more!

Maybe it’s just a few items to remind you of a trip, or perhaps you want to theme a room in a travel style. Or, you really love travel and want to give your whole home a travel makeover!

Whatever direction you want to go, we think you’ll find some products to suit.

We have some favourite travel themed items we decorate our own home with. We love our wall map pinboard for example, which lets us plan future trips and remember past trips. We’re also big fans of these travel themed wall decals , which add a cool travel theme to the wall of any room, and Jess loves her French inspired trinket dishes .

For more ideas, check out our comprehensive travel inspired home decor post, which has over 75 ideas for home decor items covering every room in your home!

Through Cooking

For many travelers, experiencing the food of a country is one of the highlights of a trip. Whether it’s pizza in Italy, curries in India, or the comfort food of the USA’s southeast, food has a way to transport us to a destination. Sometimes, just eating a dish we’ve experienced in a place can take us right back there!

If you can’t travel to a country, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy its food. You can do this either by going out to a restaurant, or by learning how to recreate some of your favourite food experiences from your travels yourself.

Learning how to cook different dishes from around the world can be a really fun experience, and one you can involve your whole family in. You get multiple benefits – a new meal to add to your cooking repertoire, a fun experience everyone can join in on, an opportunity to learn about a culture through its food, and of course, a tasty meal to eat at the end of it all!

There are lots of ways to learn how to cook different dishes from around the world. To start with, there’s no shortage of cookbooks focused on the foods of different destinations. Some of these provide recipes from around the world, whereas other may focus on one country or region. Here are some to consider.

• This cookbook features 450 dishes from around the world
• This cookbook covers 1,000 foods you need to eat before you die, from all around the world
• Love comfort food? Check out this recipe book featuring comfort food from around the world
• This cookbook has over 500 recipes focused on the Mediterranean region

You can also check out Youtube cooking channels or TV shows about food . If you have cable or a streaming service subscription, you probably get at least one channel focused on food and cooking.

There are also lots of  specialist food blogs, such as this one focusing on the food of the Seychelles , or this one focusing on Italian dishes.

We’re fairly sure that you’ll have no trouble finding information to recreate delicious meals to take your taste buds on a journey!

Plan a Future Trip

Just because you aren’t traveling right now, doesn’t mean you won’t ever travel again. So one way to fulfil your wanderlust might be to spend some time planning a future trip.

Planning a trip, especially one of the independent trips we enjoy the most, can be quite a lot of work, but also a lot of fun. You have to figure out exactly where you want to go, everything you want to see, any transport requirements, and plan where you’ll be staying. Then there’s what you’ll likely do each day, and of course, you’ll probably want to start thinking about potential dining options as well!

If you’re planning on travelling with others, perhaps friends or on a family trip, then you’re also going to want to discuss their interests and priorities for the trip as well. In our experience, group trips work best when everyone is involved in the planning from the beginning.

The trip you choose to plan can either be a real trip you plan to take in the near future, or you can have fun and put together a fantasy trip.

When it comes to trip planning, obviously we’re a little biased and would recommend you check out a travel blog to help. We have two, this one and Independent Travel Cats , both of which have content on number of destinations around the world, whether you’re planning a city break or a road trip.

Of course, travel blogs aren’t the only option when it comes to trip planning. We also love to use guidebooks, including the Rick Steves series, Lonely Planet and Insight Guides .

When it comes to the logistics of planning a trip, we like to use Google Drive for collaborative documents, Google Maps for putting together trip routes and sightseeing lists, and we have an extensive list of other tools we use for travel planning here .

Travel in Video Games

Not all travel has to be in the real world. You can take a virtual adventure in a video game, either to explore a representation of a real world location, or to tackle entirely different realities.

I’ve been playing video games since I could hook up a game console to a TV, and have spent thousands of hours in virtual worlds. There’s truly a video game for everyone, whether you want to visit distant galaxies, or take a virtual walk in a walking simulator (yes, this is a thing).

Here are some suggestions to get you started:

• The Civilization series . The first entry in the Civilization Series launched in 1991, making this one of the world’s longest running gaming series. The goal of the game is to build an empire, from the dawn of civilization through to the modern day. Along the way you’ll compete with historical world leaders, build structures like the pyramids, and if you’re lucky, take your civilization into space. A fun title that is also somewhat educational, and a great family gaming option.
• Assassin’s Creed series .  If you prefer your games of the cut throat variety, check out the Assassin’s Creed series. These games have your protagonists generally trying to save the world from evil, whilst you explore a number of wonderfully rendered real world locations. If you’ve ever wanted to throw yourself around the 15th century rooftops of Florence, colonial Boston, or one of many other locations, this is a great way to do that.
• No Man’s Sky . If your ideal means of travel is a spaceship with which you can explore the galaxy, you might want to try this vast space exploration simulator.  This has you attempting to survive as you explore literally quadrillions of planets across hundreds of galaxies.
• Watch_Dogs 2 . This third person game is set in a fictionalized version of the San Francisco Bay Area, and has you playing as an elite hacker out to thwart an evil corporations privacy invading plot.
• Lost Ember . If all the above sound a bit like hard work to you, then you might enjoy Lost Ember. Set in a post-human world, this has you exploring a series of stunning environments as a wide range of real world animals. There is a story to follow, but mostly it’s about just exploring the world and relaxing. Another good family entertainment option.
• World of Warcraft . If you are looking to explore a fantasy adventure land on an epic scale in real time with millions of other players, then look no further than World of Warcraft. This game has you picking  a race and faction, and setting out to make your name in a massive world consisting of a number of lands.
• Minecraft . If you prefer the idea of building your own world, then you might like to try Minecraft. If you do, you won’t be alone, as Minecraft is the world’s best selling video game of all time. You can build your own world, tour virtual recreations of real world structures and locations, and generally have a block filled adventure. Another great family option.
• Planet Coaster . If you love to visit theme parks, then you might want to give a theme park simulation game a go. These started back in the 1990s with Theme Park , which had a number of spiritual successors, including the RollerCoaster Tycoon series . Game play is similar, but the graphics have improved over the years. The overall goal is to build and manage your very own theme park, including ride construction as well as staff and concession management. The most recent and widely acclaimed version currently available is Planet Coaster .

Of course, this is just scratching the surface of what’s available when it comes to video games that can take you on a journey, but hopefully it gives you some inspiration and a good starting point for your search.

Revisit Old Travel Photos, Videos, & Memories

When we travel, we often take a lot of photos of our trips. Sometimes we collect souvenirs as well as mementos.

A fun way to go on a virtual trip is to revisit an old adventure you’ve had, and a great way to do that is to look through the photos, videos or travel travel journals you have from past adventures, as well as the items you bought when traveling.

This can be a really nice way to feel a little like you are traveling without leaving the house. Looking at old travel photos and videos, which are often collecting dust (be that real or digital!), is a lovely way to transport you back to a trip.

If you went on the trip with someone else, you might like to connect with them and go through the memories together. This way you’ll remember the moments you experienced together.

This can also be a good opportunity to consider turning some of your digital memories into physical mementos of your adventures, which can make for a fun home based travel themed project.

One easy way to do this is of course just to order prints, but there are lots more ways to turn your photos into physical items. From personalised mugs to custom throw blankets , there are loads of ways to turn memories into reality. See some more ideas in our guide to travel home decor .

Virtual Reality

If you want a more immersive travel experience than can be achieved via a computer game, movie or TV show, then you might want to check out a virtual reality experience instead.

There are two main types of virtual reality system that you can get. First, you can get a specialized virtual reality headset like one of the Oculus systems . Some of these work standalone, whilst other require a high end PC to get good results. This will definitely get you the best VR experience.

Another option is to get a headset which supports your smartphone like this or this . Since most of us already own a smartphone, and these tend to have motion sensitivity and high resolution screens, this can be an inexpensive way to experience virtual reality content.

However, the experience is definitely not as good as a dedicated system. The quality will be lower, there are no cameras to support interacting with real world environments, and you don’t get the advanced controllers that you get with a dedicated VR system. Support for these is definitely waning as manufacturers focus on the dedicated VR headset market.

Whatever option you go for, when you have your virtual reality solution you are going to need some content to view.

If you have a dedicated headset, then a good starting point is Google Earth VR , which will let you explore the world through Google Earth using your headset. Almost as good as being there!

If you have a smartphone solution, check out Google Street View which includes support for smartphone based VR.

Of course, there’s lots more content you can explore in VR, from rollercoaster rides on Youtube to the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican City . You can even take a virtual vacation in the Vacation Simulator game for VR!

Backyard / Home Camping

Taking a camping trip is a popular vacation option, and is particularly popular as a family travel option. Sometimes though, we might not be able to travel to our favourite camping spot.

All is not lost though! You can recreate the fun of a camping adventure in your own home.

If you happen to have a yard or outdoor space, then you can definitely take advantage of this area to pitch a tent, have a BBQ, and generally take part in all the fun camping activities you would do at a real campsite. In some ways it’s even better – you have access to your own bathroom, and if the weather turns bad you can always just go inside!

Even if you don’t have your own outdoor space, you can still recreate your own camping experience. Just set up one of your rooms as a campsite! You might have to be creative with your tent construction as most home floors don’t work so well for pegs, but as it’s unlikely to be windy indoors you can probably get away with a slightly less robust solution. And if you don’t have a tent, you can make a DIY camp out of some sheets and blankets!

We appreciate that camping at home might not be exactly the same as camping at a remote wilderness location, but this can definitely be a fun experience, especially if you have kids.

Travel TV Shows

There’s no shortage of TV shows for you to enjoy and get a travel fix from. These range from spectacular wildlife documentaries, through to television dramas that will make you fall in love with a destination, through to stories of adventure.

So whether it’s travel inspiration you want, a good story, or just to explore far flung corners of the globe, there’s a TV show for you. Here are some to think about.

• Planet Earth – This is an epic documentary series, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, which took four years to make. It will take you on a journey across some of the world’s most awe inspiring natural wonders. There’s also a sequel, Planet Earth 2 .
• Long Way Round – In 2004, actor Ewan McGregor and his friend, TV presenter Charley Boorman, set off on a quest to travel from London to New York by motorcycle. The series covers the 19,000 miles they covered, and the challenges they faced along the way. It has since been followed up with an overland journey from London to Cape town called the Long Way Down . A third iteration called the Long Way Up, from Argentina to California, is due in 2020.
• Parts Unknown – hosted by the late Anthony Bourdain, this travel and food show spans 12 seasons and 104 episodes, and takes the viewer to less visited parts of the world to explore both culture and cuisine.
• Rick Steves’ Europe – Hosted by Rick Steves, these half hour episodes will take you on a journey across a number of European destinations, as well as a number of other countries.
• Outlander – There’s no shortage of fictional TV shows set in stunning locations, but Outlander is perhaps one of the most well known. This time travel shows features locations around the world, but is best known for the stunning Scottish landscapes it depicts
• The Amazing Race – this competitive reality TV game show has couples competing in challenges in locations around the world, as part of a wider challenge to race around the world. It has been filmed in locations around the world, and there have been over thirty seasons to date! The American version is the original, but a number of other countries also have versions of this popular show.
• Places to Love – hosted by Samantha Brown, this lovely travel series focuses on the emotional heart of travel, and the people who make up the places she visits
• Dora the Explorer – If you have younger kids, they will likely love the adventures of Dora. Whilst the show doesn’t visit real world locations, a live action movie released in 2019 does.

Naturally there are thousands more shows to choose from that include elements of travel, allowing you to explore the world from the comfort of your own couch. Many TV shows are also family friendly and educational, so your kids can learn as you watch as well.

Learn a New Skill for Travel

One great way to spend your time in anticipation of a future trip is to learn a new skill that you can use on the trip. This is also a good stay at home activity that you can involve your whole family in together if you wish.

Learning a language for example is a great way to prepare for a trip. This might be a language you started learning at school but have since let lapse, or a language that you know will come in useful on a trip you are already planning. French and Spanish are popular options, but there’s no shortage of languages in the world you can learn.

There are plenty of different ways to learn a language. There are free platforms like Duolingo (ad-supported, paid version available), and more known language programs like Rosetta Stone .

As well as a language, there are other useful skills you can learn to enhance your trips. We all love to take photos when we travel, so learning how to improve your photography can help you capture better memories of your adventures. It’s also a useful skill for all sorts of other events, from family gatherings to events.

Again, there are lots of way to improve your photography while at home. For example, we have lots of free content on our blogs all about photography. Get started on our photography tips page for a range of photography articles.

If you want to take your photography to the next level, then you might prefer a more structured approach to learning. We run a comprehensive online photography course which will teach you everything you need to know about photography across 10 weeks. We’ve already helped over 2,000 people improve their photography, and would love to help you do the same. You can see that here .

Set up a Relaxation Zone

Many of us travel to get away from it all and relax, and spa holidays are a very popular option for achieving this goal.

However, a spa holiday can definitely be an expensive option, and it might not be something your budget stretches to on a regular basis. And even if it does, wouldn’t it be nice to be able to recreate that experience at home anyway?

Well, why not set up your own home relaxation zone?

This can be a place of retreat for you and your family. It can be a specific room in your house, perhaps a spare bedroom where you can read and relax or a bathroom that you can set up for an at-home spa experience. If you have an outdoor space and the climate is suitable, you can also designate an outdoor space. Consider a garden area with flowers and herbs from different parts of the world.

It’s probably a good idea to have some ground rules for use of the space, and to fill it with some items to make it relaxing. For example, you might consider making it a devices free zone, with minimal talking allowed, and a focus on calming activities like meditation, yoga, or reading. Consider using fragrance candles or reed diffusers to create a calming environment that emulates that which you might find at a real spa.

Participate in Travel Forums, Facebook Groups, and Chats

Just because you’re not travelling right now doesn’t mean you can’t indulge your love of travel with like minded individuals! A great way to do this is online, either in travel forums, in Facebook groups, or in group chats devoted to travel.

There are a number of popular travel forums online. These include the long running Thorntree forum by Lonely Planet, the Rick Steves Travel Forum , and the Travelfish forum which focuses on travel in Asia.

If you would prefer to discuss travel on a platform like Facebook, then there are lot of options here too. We even run our own travel Facebook group where you can talk about all things related to travel, including sharing stories of past trips and helping others plan upcoming trips. You can join that here .

Set up Online Video Chats with Travel Loving Friends and Family

Do you have friends and family who love to travel? Maybe you’ve travelled with friends or family in the past, or plan to in the future. Or maybe you just know folks who love travel as much as you do.

If so, a great way to rekindle your love of travel is to connect with them for a chat. As well as being a lovely way to catch up, this will also give you a chance to talk about travel with a like minded individual. You can talk about trips you’ve been on, discuss potential future trips, share stories, and generally pass an amenable time.

There are a wide range of platforms that allow for free video chats, including Skype , Facetime , Facebook Messenger , Whatsapp , and Google Duo . There are also platforms designed to host more people at once, such as Facebook’s Messenger Rooms and Zoom . Whatever you choose, just make sure everyone on the call can use it (some products like Facetime for example are for Apple users only).

If you are planning on hosting a call with multiple participants, it might be an idea to appoint a host, or come up with a loose agenda, so everyone can get the most out of the call.

Travel Themed Subscription Services

If you want a regular dose of travel themed inspiration in your life, one option is to sign up to a travel themed subscription service of some kind.

These are available across a range of product types, and you might find that one of these options replaces an existing service you use with one that is more travel oriented.

Here are some travel themed subscription services we think you might enjoy. These cover all sorts of things, such as food, art, souvenirs, books, spices, handicrafts, beauty products etc. They cover a range of destinations, and some are aimed specifically at kids to start kindle their curiosity in the world.

• The Wordy Traveler – This international travel themed book club sends a quarterly box which includes travel themed books, premium tea as well as a limited edition fine art print.
• Little Passports – This kid focused subscription box aims to give kids across a range of ages a monthly package filled with toys and activities. They have a range of subjects, including a USA and World Travel themed box, which include souvenirs, toys, stickers and collectibles. This is a great option if you have kids and want to encourage a love of travel whilst also teaching them about the world. Based in the USA with shipping a number of destinations around the world.
• Paddington’s Postcards – younger children in the UK will likely enjoy the Unicef Paddington’s Postcard series. For a monthly fee you get a monthly personalised postcard from Paddington Bear, all about the life of a child in another country. A lovely way to learn how people in different countries live
• Nomadik – this subscription box service is perfect for lovers of the outdoors. Each month you get a box filled with at least $50 worth of outdoor gear that’s ready for your next adventure.

Always check when subscribing to any of these services where they ship, and be aware that you might be liable for customs and import taxes if you sign up to a service outside your home country. For this reason, we recommend trying to find a local service where possible.

An International Penpal

Travel is often about the people we meet and the experiences we have with them. Learning about different cultures through others is often one of the more rewarding parts of our travels.

The good news is that you don’t have to travel to have contact with people from around the world. You can find a Penpal, and exchange letters or emails with folks in different places.

There are a number of services to help you find a Penpal, such as Penpal International , Penpal World and International Pen Friends . There are also dedicated sites for children and students to find a Penpal, such as Students of the World .

Of course, as with any service like this, always be very careful about who you give your personal information out to, and if you want to get your kids involved, ensure they understand the principles of staying safe online .

Music and Dancing

Have you ever heard a song come on and been transported back to a memory where you heard it playing? Music, like food, has a powerful ability to stimulate our memories.

With this in mind, you might enjoy listening to music that originates in a destination you’ve visited, or of a destination you plan to visit. A good example of this might be bagpipe music , which for me is impossible to listen to without thinking of the stunning vistas of Scotland.

Other songs might evoke a road trip, such as the songs about Route 66 in the USA. You can also get world music to relax to , or music that showcases the sounds of a continent .

It’s not just music of course. Dance is a hugely important part of many cultures around the world, with different types of dance associated with places and people. Learning a dance of a destination you have visited or plan to go can be a fun way to learn more about the culture, as well as potentially connect with other like minded people.

You can learn to dance at studios in locations around the world, or you can do it for free at home using some of the many online dance class videos . There’s also the side benefit of getting a workout whilst you learn!

Further Reading

That’s it for our detailed guide to how to travel from home. We hope that some of these suggestions have given you some ideas for how to travel without leaving your house, be that on your own or as a family.

Before you head on, we also have some other resources we think you might find useful for planning future trips.

• If you’re travelling from home you’ll probably want a good internet connection to take full advantage of the online offerings. See our guide to the best home WiFi routers for our favourite ways to improve your home internet
• We have guides for how much it  costs to travel in the USA and how much it costs to travel in the UK
• We have a guide to travel inspired home decor , travel themed jewelry and gifts for travelers
• Our guide to the  best travel routers for improving your WiFi signal when travelling
• Our guide to  how to get online when travelling away from home and a guide to choosing the  best VPN for travel
• You’re going to need to power all your devices when you travel – see our guide to the  best travel adapters
• If you are heading out onto the road and looking for a laptop to get some work done, see our guide to the  best laptops for photo editing
• Thinking of buying a new camera? See our guide to the  best cameras for travel
• Looking to improve your photography? See our detailed  online travel photography course here

And that’s it! As always, we hope you found this guide useful. If you have any thoughts on the policies above, or more tips on how to travel from home, just pop them in the comments section below.

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I need a vacation.

I know I’m not the only one feeling this right now. It’s a sentiment I’ve been hearing a lot from friends and on social media, and it’s no surprise given the strange and stressful circumstances we find ourselves in. The unpredictability of the pandemic and the global economy, coupled with the strain of adjusting to new realities of work, childcare and school, have almost everyone I know craving an escape.

Yet with travel restricted in many places, a carefree getaway isn’t in the cards for most people.

Still, vacations are an important part of well-being . One study, for example, showed that when men at risk for heart disease didn’t take annual vacations, they had a 32 percent higher risk of having a fatal heart attack than those who did. Likewise, a study of women showed that those who took vacation rarely — i.e., once every six years or less often — were eight times more likely to develop heart disease. Other studies have shown an increase in sleep quality and an improvement in reaction times of up to 80 percent after taking a vacation.

Still other research has shown that regular vacations are more important than money to overall well-being, so much that a regular vacationer making less than $24,000 a year might even be happier than a non-vacationer making more than $120,000 a year.

But it’s one thing to know you should take a vacation and it’s another to actually take one, especially when a simple trip to the grocery store can be a daunting experience. For those of us who don’t feel safe to venture forth right now — and with a newborn at home, I’m definitely in this camp — a staycation can provide some of the same benefits: A chance to rest, a break from usual routines, opportunities for freedom and play.

Sometimes, a staycation can be even more relaxing than a regular vacation. Think about it: No crowded airports, no jet lag, no jostling for a spot in line at the museum or the best spot at the beach or pool. There’s plenty of advice out there for how to make you can most of a staycation — unplug from your devices; take a break from the news; change your schedule. Yet while these ideas may help you have a restorative break, I’m not sure they really capture the joy of getting away.

One thing that’s hard to find on a staycation is adventure, especially if your staycation occurs entirely within the four walls of your home. Adventure is one of travel’s greatest delights; it breaks us out of the monotony of the everyday, restores senses that have become numbed by long hours staring at screens, and allows us to build new memories. Shaken out of our usual surroundings and plunged into a different world filled with unfamiliar scents and sights and, sometimes, the sounds of a foreign language — the potential for joy is all around us.

So what I’ve been wondering is: Is it possible to have an adventure without leaving home? And if so, how?

Here are eight ideas to do just that and help you kindle the joy of travel during your staycation.

1. Read books and watch movies that transport you 

One of my favorite things to do before taking a trip is to search out books and movies that can help me get a feel for a place. But you can still do this even if you’re staying close to home.

Search out famous — or not-so-famous — books or films from the part of the world you’re wanderlusting after. It’s especially worth seeking out works by native or Indigenous authors, who live or were raised in a place, as opposed to travel writers who tend to have a more limited perspective. Then get lost in these during your staycation week.

And when you finally get to take that trip? The historical and cultural perspective you’ve gained will make it all the more inspiring.

2. Broaden your musical horizons

Music is deeply connected to our emotions, which makes it particularly transporting. The ethereal sounds of Sigur Rós, for example, can create a dreamy Icelandic atmosphere. Hawaiian ukulele and hula music brings the beach to your living room, with a vibe so relaxing that it can untangle the knots in even the tightest of shoulders. Caribbean music, whether reggae or calypso, salsa or soca, has a similar power to set the tone for a laid back afternoon.

Try searching for artists or genres of music from your desired destination and build a playlist to help you set the ambience. Or, if you use Spotify, you might be able to find ready-made playlists full of tunes that can take you places.

3. Sip a place-appropriate apéritif

Cocktail hour is often billed as a moment to escape from reality. Whether you’ve had to cancel a trip or are just daydreaming, a little research can help you turn this everyday ritual into a joyful one.

So if the south of France is on your vacation agenda, order a bottle of anise-flavored Ricard or a bright rosé. If Italy is in the plan, try making your own amaro or searching online for bitter Italian sodas. For US destinations, look for local microbrews you can order directly — there are small breweries in all 50 states.

Your choice doesn’t have to be alcoholic either. Consider Southern sweet tea or Mexican agua fresca, or explore this list of 100 non-alcoholic beverages that are savored around the world.

4. Take a culinary adventure

In my memories of travel, food and adventure go hand in hand. I remember being 13, eating a pizza in Northern Italy that was so much thinner and floppier, the tomato so much tomato-ier than at home. Those first tom yum soups in the south of Thailand when I was 26, a little bit sour and so much hotter than any I’d had before. A pile of wiry rambutan from the markets in Vietnam. Cheese-filled khachapuri in Tbilisi. Travel broke my palate wide open.

If you’re craving new culinary adventures, treat yourself to a cookbook that lets you explore the cuisine of a far-off land. For example, Yottam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi’s Jerusalem will transport you to the Mediterranean, while The Slanted Door by Charles Phan will give you a window into Vietnam. If you need to find ingredients, the internet can help you stock your pantry with a few new spices or condiments to make these recipes sing.

Not that your choice needs to be exotic. You can find adventure in hot dogs if you’re missing the ball park, cotton candy if you wish you were at an amusement park, fish if you’re craving the shore. Strawberry shortcake reminds me of summer visits to my grandparents’ Florida retirement home, as does store-bought lemon pudding with meringue on top. Tune into what you’re craving, and see where the food leads you!

5. Play a new game

Games from afar expand our field of play, revealing new ways to access our ageless inner child. If you have a destination in mind, seek out games that are played or invented in that part of the world, like mahjong in China, boules in France or perudo, believed to be an Incan game brought to Spain in the 16th century.

Or go in reverse: Research the origins of a favorite game of yours and see where it takes you!

6. Visit a museum — virtually

Museums in many locations have started to reopen with social distancing and masks, but if you’re not ready to go in person, you can spend an afternoon exploring them online. Google’s Arts and Culture project has digitized hundreds of collections and online tours at museums around the world. Find one near your destination using this map .

Yes, it’s not the same as seeing the works in person, but you do get to museum-hop without the constraints of real life. When else can you check out the Tate, the Reina Sofia and the Acropolis Museum all in one day? You can also explore by artist or theme, composing your own “museum” from the collections of the world’s best.

6. Tour a national park

Camping is one type of vacation that’s mostly safe and accessible to do right now. But if you can’t get to the great outdoors, bring the outdoors to you — with an online tour of one of America’s national parks . Explore a Hawaiian volcano, dive a Florida shipwreck or ride horseback through the red rocks of Bryce Canyon.

Similar to virtual museum visits, these aren’t a real replacement for going in person. But these digital adventures can provide you with a refreshing and recharging change of pace.

7. Learn a new language

“Language is the dwelling place of ideas that do not exist anywhere else,” writes ecologist Robin Wall Kimmerer in the book Braiding Sweetgrass. “It is a prism through which to see the world.” Even just speaking a few words from another tongue can enable us to shift our perspective and feel more connected to a place. The deliberate pronunciations of Icelandic feel of a piece with the country’s beautiful, ineffable landscape. The musicality of Hawaiian, a language with only eight consonants, has a gentleness that feels like the water you see at every turn. Saying something in Italian — even if it’s only the words for “ hello ” and “ thank you ” — feels like a window into the good life.

If there’s a place that’s calling your name, why not learn some of the basics of the language? The free Duolingo app offers 35 different languages (including Klingon!).

8. Buy a souvenir

For many of us, a trip isn’t complete without something to remember the journey by. This is one of my favorite things to do when traveling — scouting out rugs in Morocco, prints at the Paris flea or crafts from a roadside stand.

But if you can’t go in person, why not do this in reverse, choosing a piece of art to help you build anticipation for a trip to come? You could research galleries and artists at your destination on Etsy, and purchase a piece of art to add to your home. When you do get to take your trip, you could — if it’s possible — arrange a studio visit or try to time it to the artist’s next show.

If you’ve had to cancel travels due to the COVID-19 pandemic or you just don’t have the budget or time to travel right now, try layering a few of these ideas together to create a kind of at-home immersion.

The idea for this post actually began when my husband and I had to cancel our “babymoon” to Hawaii earlier this year. Facing the risk of being quarantined, pregnant and far from home, we had no regrets about canceling our trip.

Still, we were disappointed. We hadn’t had a vacation in quite a while, and it was that part of year in the northeast US where the gray feels endless. The week of our cancelled trip, we were inclined to mope around the house.

Then Albert had an idea: What if we brought Hawaii home?

One of our rituals when we’re in Honolulu to visit family is to go to the Halekulani hotel in Waikiki at sunset to drink mai tais, eat coconut shrimp and coconut cake, and listen to ukulele music. (Is it a little touristy? Sure. But the mix of sensations is pretty darn joyful!)

So we ordered a bunch of tropical decorations and leis, which we put up all over the house. We looked up the recipes for coconut shrimp and cake and subbed virgin piña coladas for mai tais since I was pregnant. We found a playlist of Hawaiian hula music. Albert donned his favorite aloha shirt and I put on a tropical dress, and for an evening, we let ourselves be transported.

No, it wasn’t as good as a week in the land of rainbows. (What is?) But in its own way, it was just as memorable. Travel shakes us out of our everyday, removing our familiar bearings and disconnecting from our worries and troubles. This did too, breaking our slump, and reminding us that we have the power to make our own joy.

This post was originally published on The Aesthetics of Joy site .

Watch her TED Talk here:

About the author

Ingrid Fetell Lee is the founder of the blog The Aesthetics of Joy and was formerly design director at the global innovation firm IDEO.

• how to be a better human
• Ingrid Fetell Lee
• society and culture

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Have you been stuck inside for weeks? Us too.

Though some destinations are cautiously lifting travel restrictions and people are learning to navigate a new version of normal, it's safe to say this Memorial Day weekend — typically one of the biggest weekends for travel of the year — will look a little different.

If you're staying home this holiday weekend , it's a great time to start planning your next real-life adventure . And, in the meantime, we rounded up some of our favorite ways to travel the world without leaving the comfort of your home. So, break out your comfiest sweats and buckle up for your next virtual trip.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

Celebrate summer at Stonehenge

Stonehenge boasts some of the most popular summer solstice celebrations on Earth, a magical event you'll just have to see to believe. And while you probably won't be able to visit in person this year, the show must still go on.

You'll be able to livestream the summer solstice at Stonehenge this summer. Just tune in to the English Heritage Facebook account , where they'll be broadcasting the sunset on June 20 at 9:26 p.m. BST and sunrise on June 21 at 4:52 a.m. BST. They'll be live for at least 30 minutes before sunrise and sunset — and no matter where you are in the world, you can join in on the fun.

Discover a museum

Iconic museums from the Guggenheim in New York City to the Louvre in Paris are available through Google Arts & Culture, a platform that allows you to take digital tours of some of the world's most famous museums. You can browse through all the available museums , and even see some of the most famous pieces of art up close . Historic sites, such as the Palace of Versailles, are also available to tour through Google. The best part? Access is 100% free.

If you want something that sparks your inner child (or keeps your actual children occupied), you're in luck. The Children's Museum of Houston is sharing do-it-yourself experiments, as well as activities and behind-the-scenes exhibit content on YouTube , Instagram and Twitter . You can make a cardboard kazoo, listen to story time and even learn about how the water cycle works. This is a surefire way to pass the time if you've found yourself suddenly homeschooling your kids .

Read more: No travel required: 10 iconic museums you can tour online

Take a cooking class

Is there anything better than having a home-cooked meal from an Italian grandma? We don't think so. While Italy will start to reopen to tourists in early June , you can still get your fix of some incredible Italian cooking before your next trip there, whenever it may be.

Nonna Nerina, an 84-year-old Italian grandmother in Palombara Sabina, Italy, has set up a virtual cooking class on Airbnb Experiences. Here , she'll virtually teach you how to make Italian classics such as ravioli, gnocchi and fettuccine. Just note that she only teaches classes on weekends; the weekday classes are taught by her granddaughter. Plus, if you enter your email, you can get 25% off the class for a limited time. Better yet, the classes are on sale, too. For example, her class usually costs $100 but is just $60 right now.

Related: How to plan a bucket list trip to Italy with points and miles

Go on a ride at Disney

The magic isn't over just because most Disney parks remain closed . You can stream virtual Disney rides from parks around the world, from Florida to France , in the comfort of your own home. How's that for a bargain on a Disney vacation ?

Related: How to take your kids on virtual Disney rides around the world

Explore parks and attractions

Take a trip to the great outdoors from, well, indoors. You can virtually explore national parks and famous attractions around the country, all courtesy of Google Arts & Culture . Think: the Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park and Alcatraz Island. Better yet, they're all accessible for free and you won't have to wait in a single line.

Google Earth can even help you enjoy the cherry blossom blooms around the world, though the season has passed. From the Meguro River Cherry Blossoms Promenade in Tokyo to the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. , there's something for everyone here. You could easily spend hours taking virtual tours.

Visit a botanic garden

A handful of botanic gardens around the country are also offering virtual tours for travelers to enjoy. The indoor conservatory at the United States Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C., for example, is temporarily closed to the public. In the meantime, though, you can take a virtual tour of the gardens and soak in all of the beautiful scenery.

Join an art class

A handful of universities are hosting free, virtual art classes , according to Artsy, and many have a global perspective. You can study the history of Japan through images or discover ancient Egyptian art and antiquities. You know what they say: If you can't travel, you might as well spend a few hours every week looking at pictures of places you wish you were. Right?

Listen to live music

Did coronavirus derail your plans to travel to a major musical event like South by Southwest (SXSW), the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival or Coachella?

Fortunately, a number of bands and musicians are performing "couch tours," as many of their concerts were canceled. Acording to NPR , travelers can also catch live, virtual jazz performances, electronic festivals, classical concerts and more.

Instead of watching the annual National Memory Day Concert from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, for example, you can catch the event (and a performance from the National Symphony Orchestra) online at 8 p.m. Billboard also highlighted concerts by the Dropkick Murphys (performing to an empty Fenway Park on May 29 at 6 p.m.), and a livestream performance by David Guetta from New York on May 30 at 7 p.m.

Watch a movie

Give yourself a much-needed break from all the craziness out there and curl up on the sofa with one of these feel-good and wanderlust-worthy films this weekend. Some of our top picks include "Eat, Pray, Love" and "Mamma Mia" — but there are plenty of classic flicks and television series to choose from.

Anthony Bourdain's famous documentary, "Parts Unknown," is coming back to Netflix on June 1. The only catch? It will only be available in the U.K. and Ireland. Here's hoping it's a good sign, though, and will be available to stream in the U.S. and rest of the world soon.

Related: Stuck at home? Stream these 12 movies to cope with travel wanderlust

Live like a royal for the day

Put on your crown and get ready to take a virtual tour of Buckingham Palace . You can take a peek at the Throne Room, Grand Staircase, White Drawing Room and more. The entire palace isn't up for viewing, but it's certainly enough to keep you occupied for hours.

Related: Using points and miles to get to London

Take a trip to the beach

In need of some sunlight and vitamin D? Enjoy the sun and sand in St. Lucia. All you have to do is go to @TravelSaintLucia 's Instagram Live to take part. Every Tuesday and Thursday, they go live and show off things like the island's beautiful sunsets, rainforests and more. You might be so inspired, you book a trip there when the island nation reopens to Americans on June 4.

Another option? The beautiful island of Bermuda is also hosting a daily livestream . Put on some Jimmy Buffet, make yourself a piña colada and enjoy your makeshift beach day.

Learn a magic trick

Airbnb recently began offering virtual "travel" experiences, so you can book online activities from around the world right at home.

For just $20, you can take a magic class with Martin, a Guinness World Record-holding magician based in Berkhamsted, U.K. His class will show you magic tricks you can perform with everyday objects, such as playing cards, phones, rings, money, sweets and even fire. Prepare for some mind-reading, too, as well as the psychology that turns a trick into magic. The class is an hour and a half long, and availability is open through the end of June.

Make Portuguese tapas

Another Airbnb Experience that's sure to please? This Portuguese tapas class . You'll learn how to make popular dishes such as tuna paté and açorda alentejana — and of course, plenty of sangria. The host, Joana, spent 10 years teaching hotel management before opening her own restaurant in Lisbon. The class costs $17 per person and is available through September.

Related: Vacation rental guests and hosts are all feeling the cancellation crunch .

Hang out with wild animals

OK, so you might not be hanging out with real penguins in real life. But for only $12, you can spend an hour learning about the history of African penguins , as well as some little-known facts and insights. You can even build your own penguins from items lying around the house. Your host, Jon, is based in Cape Town, South Africa and his class is sure to be a hit with the whole family. You can check out even more of these virtual experiences here .

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Mint Notion

Feel rich living within your means

38 Staycation Ideas to Vacation at Home (2024)

By Eden Ashley MintNotion.com is reader-supported. When you buy through links on this site, we will earn a commission at no added cost to you. This helps keep the content on this website free for everyone to enjoy. Disclosure Page

A staycation is when you spend your vacation at home or near your home. People enjoy taking a staycation because it’s a great way to explore your own city or hometown, save money, and avoid traveling. During your staycation, you can have fun doing leisurely activities within a day trip distance of your home. Keep reading to check out this exciting staycation ideas.

We all know the benefits of taking time off work to relax and recharge ourselves. But not all of us have the time or funds to take a big fancy vacation.

That’s why I put together this list of fun staycation ideas to get you inspired.

Nearly 75 percent of Americans have gone into debt to pay for a vacation according to a recent survey by LearnVest.

This is because many Americans forget to factor vacation expenses into their annual budgets.

While I’ve shared lots of ways to save money and travel on a budget here on Mint Notion, you don’t have to visit an exotic destination in order to have a nice vacation. Consider taking a staycation instead.

Here you’ll find staycation ideas that you can do at home when you can’t travel. This can be great for singles, families, or couples.

The best part is – you don’t have to worry about delayed flights or dealing with jetlag.

Plus, some of my favorite staycation ideas cost no money at all, which is great for those on a tight budget. Try one or a few of these staycation ideas to have best holiday ever!

Related Posts:

• 15 savings trackers to help you visualize your goals
• 34 romantic at-home date night ideas
• 75 fun things to do when you’re bored at home

Table of Contents

Camping is one of my favorite staycation ideas for families because it’s affordable, it’s a great way to unplug, and it’s a fun way to connect with your loved ones.

If you don’t live close to a campsite, you can even go camping in your backyard. Kids love camping, especially in the summer months.

We had a lot of fun and it was easy to set up the tent ourselves. I love how this tent sets up in just 60 seconds.

Ideas to make your camping trip fun include singing camp songs, making s’mores , and telling ghost stories .

Prep for your camping staycation

2. Movie night staycation at home

Going to the movie theatres can be expensive. If you’re trying to save money, why not enjoy a movie night at home? This can be a fun staycation idea at home.

You can pick a theme, such as Night at the Oscars or have a Harry Potter marathon. The possibilities are endless!

Another creative idea is to use a movie projector so you can watch movies in your backyard or cast them on a wall at home.

This is a lot of fun and it adds something extra special to your movie viewing experience.

My boyfriend and I LOVE watching movies. We take turns picking out movies to watch and it’s fun to check out new and old flicks.

We make a big bowl of popcorn to snack on while watching the movie with a glass of wine. You can even have a movie marathon.

Making homemade popcorn is easy and it tastes a thousand times better than microwave popcorn. We like using this popcorn machine .

3. Be a tourist in your city

One of my favorite staycation ideas is be a tourist in my own city for the day. I live in a large city and I’m always discovering new neighborhoods and places of interest to check out.

What can you do during your staycation? There are many ways to see your city or local town with fresh eyes. Below are a few of my favorite things to do on a staycation.

You can visit local museums, historical spots, nature parks, public art displays, art galleries, gardens, and more. Some cities offer admission discounts to local residents.

Save money sightseeing

If you live in a popular city, you can save money at popular attractions with a tourism pass.

GO City and CityPASS offer sightseeing passes to save on admission to popular attractions. I’ve used GO City and CityPASS in multiple cities around the world and find them to be a good value.

Some of my favorite cities to use travel passes include Chicago , New York City , San Francisco , New Orleans , London , and Paris .

4. Board game night

If board games make you think of long and boring games of Monopoly – think again!

There are so many great board games available today that are perfect for couples, friends and families. This is a fun indoor staycation idea at home.

Make it interesting by hosting a game night tournament or see how many board games you can play in a day.

Some of my favorite classic board games include Clue , Scrabble , Risk , and Yahtzee .

If you’re looking for more modern games, consider checking out Cards Against Humanity , Telestrations , Apples to Apples , and Wits & Wagers .

Not interested in board games? No problem! Pick a game that you enjoy, such as cards or video games.

Prep for your game board tournament

5. Puzzle day

Did you know that doing jigsaw puzzles can improve your short-term memory? It’s also a great way to relieve stress after a long day.

Pull out the jigsaw puzzles and grab some tasty snacks to enjoy. I personally like to do puzzles at the kitchen table because it provides a nice big space to lay out all the pieces.

Need to take a break from putting together the puzzle? Use this handy puzzle storage roll up mat to keep all the pieces in one place. Then simply unroll the mat when you’re ready to tackle the jigsaw puzzle again.

6. Learn a new hobby

A staycation can be the perfect time to try that new hobby you’ve been wanting to do.

Maybe it’s learning how to do calligraphy , baking dog treats , crocheting , photography , embrodiery , origami , or making bath bombs ?

Learning a new hobby or skill can be a lot of fun. Other ideas include cooking, art, dance, a new language, archery, and so on.

To learn from the best, check out MasterClass . This site offers online classes created for students of all skills levels. Each class is taught by some of the best instructors in the world.

Read Next: 23 hobbies that make you money

7. Try Chef’s Plate for the week

What do you do on a staycation at home? Well, I don’t know about you – but the last thing I want to do on vacation is to worry about what to make for dinner.

That’s why I like to use a meal kit delivery service for the week, such as Chef’s Plate or HelloFresh .

I’ve used Chef’s Plate in the past and love how easy it is to put together a delicious and healthy meal.

To get started, all you have to do is pick your plan (quick meals, family meals, or vegetarian meals). You can also select the number of people in your household (2-4 people).

8. Paint night

I recently went to my first paint night and had a blast.

You can find a paint night happening at local restaurants and bars in your neighborhood or host your own paint night at home . Just make sure to wear an apron to protect your clothes.

Brand new to painting? If you’re just getting into painting, consider using a paint by numbers kit . There’s no need to stress or worry about your painting skills.

Instead you can focus on painting the small areas in the canvas and create a beautiful work of art.

Prep for your at-home paint night

9. Picnic in the park

There’s something so inviting about laying down a blanket and unpacking a basket full of delicious goodies.

You don’t have worry about creating the perfect spread of food, even some simple sandwiches or your favorite take-out will be tasty.

This can be a cheap staycation idea for coulples at home. If the weather isn’t favorable, bring the picnic indoors.

You can create a theme to make it fun, such as Mexican food or party appetizers.

Prep for your tasty picnic

10. Have an at-home spa day

Skip the expensive spas and relax with an at-home spa day. This is one of my favorite indoor staycation ideas.

First, you’ll want to set the mood with calming music and nice lighting. Put on a diffuser or light a candle to create a relaxing atmosphere.

Then you can give yourself a facial, a foot soak, a hand mask, a hair treatment, or take an aromatherapy bubble bath.

I also like to finish the spa day by giving myself a manicure or pedicure and reading a good book.

Many spas and salons are currently closed here in Toronto. To give myself the royal treatment at home, I bought this affordable spa foot bath .

It feels so nice to unwind at home with this vibrating and massaging foot bath.

I also recently bought a gel nail polish kit so I can give myself a gel manicure at home. It’s so easy to use and I save so much money by not going to the nail salon anymore.

11. Visit a winery or have a wine tasting at home

If you live near a winery, consider going on a tour. Sometimes you can find deals on local wine tours which can be a fun option for a day trip.

Don’t live near a winery? No problem! Grab your friends and host your own wine tasting at home.

To save money, ask everyone to bring over their favorite bottle of wine. You can supply snacks for your guests, such as fruit, cheese, olives or pretzels.

My mom bought me this charcuterie and cheeseboard last year for Christmas. It’s been a great addition to our wine and cheese nights.

If you’re feeling fancy, sign up for a monthly wine club membership that sends you hand-crafted bottles of wine from local and intentional wineries.

My favorites are California Wine Club and Vinesse Wines .

PRO TIP : I highly recommend using a wine aerator . We couldn’t believe how this little device could make wine taste better. It’s a good way to make a cheap bottle of wine taste more expense.

Prep for your at-home wine tasting

12. Catch up on some much-needed sleep

If you’re looking for some relaxing staycation ideas at home, now is the perfect time to catch up on sleep.

Relax before bed with a hot bath or a good book. Turn off all electronics and sip on a cup of herbal tea. You may also want to use some essential oils to help you sleep, if needed.

I recently treated myself to some luxury pillows . They have made a huge difference in the quality of my sleep. I also like using a sleep mask and ear plugs to help me sleep better at night.

Prep for the best sleep ever

13. Plan a weekend getaway near you

If your budget has some wiggle room, consider planning a weekend getaway near you. This is one of my favorite staycation ideas for couples.

If you want to get away for the night without having to go too far from home, booking a luxury hotel in your city or a nearby town can be romantic. This can also be a great idea for birthday staycations.

Click the link to search for a deal on luxury hotels near you thanks to Booking.com .

14. Create your own resort exerpience at home

How do you make a staycation feel like a vacation? Look no further than your own balcony or backyard for your own luxury getaway.

We turned our small condo balcony into a beautiful oasis that makes it feel like we’re traveling without leaving home.

You can set up a comfortable couch or patio set in your outdoor space. Serve your favorite drinks while listening to a fun vacation playlist.

You can even hang some outdoor twinkle lights so you can enjoy the party all evening long.

Below are some more other small things that can make your outdoor space feel like a luxury vacation at home:

• A screen door or citronella candles to keep bugs out
• A hammok to relax in the sunshine
• An outdoor pool for the whole family to enjoy
• A portable patio cooler to take the party outdoors
• An outdoor fire pit to roast marshmallows and stay cozy

Prep your patio oasis

15. Beach day

If the weather is nice and you’re looking for some staycation ideas, why not head to the beach or the lake for the day?

Even if the water is not warm enough to swim, it’s still fun to catch some sun. Just don’t forget to wear sunscreen and bring a beach umbrella to stay cool.

Here are some of my favorite activities to do at the beach:

• Have a treasure hunt
• Play beach volleyball
• Relax and read a book
• Practice yoga or meditation
• Play boardgames
• Have a BBQ or picnic

Prep for your beach day

16. Craft night

If painting isn’t your cup of tea, why not have a craft night instead! Keep the craft ideas simple to make sure everyone can have a fun time. Here are a few ideas to get you brainstorming:

• Bake dog treats at home
• Exfoliating scrub
• Christmas ornaments
• Make candles at home
• Paper lanterns
• Use a Cricut press to make t-shirts
• Mason jar crafts

17. Attend a sports game

If you’re looking for something fun to do with family or friends, consider checking out a sports game. Cheer on your team at a local sports bar or get tickets to attend the game.

If you’re on a budget, check for free sports games you can watch in your city. Pack your favorite snacks to give you the fuel you need to root for your favorite team.

18. Free events in your city

You can usually find free events happening all year round in the city, especially during the warmer months.

Whether it’s a light festival, farmer’s market, food festival, art show, or music festival, there are tons of local attractions for everyone to enjoy.

Check to see what events are happening in your neighborhood or nearby cities. This could make for a fun day trip.

19. Do a food tour of your city

While you can certainly sign up for a professionally organized food tour, a more budget-friendly option is to put together your own itinerary.

Pick at least three spots you want to visit in your city. This can be as simple as checking out different dessert spots in your city or sampling different taco joints. Decide which theme you’d like to do and make it fun.

20. Listen to live music in your city

I recently went to Nashville with my sister and we had so much fun checking out the local Honky Tonks.

Most cities have places where you can listen to live music, such as a concert venue, festival, restaurant or local bar. Check to see who’s playing in your neighborhood.

21. Visit your local library

Did you know that the library offers more than just free books? You can also borrow DVDS, magazines, CDs, and audiobooks.

Some libraries offer free classes, workshops, and events for the whole family. Check your local library to see what’s happening near you.

22. Explore a local park or national park

My boyfriend and I love to hike, which makes this one of the best staycation ideas.

We enjoy visiting local parks to unplug for the day and connect with nature. Spending time outdoors can brighten your mood and the fresh air will energize you.

Check to see if there are any nice hiking trails or nature parks near you.

23. Day trips from your city

If you’re feeling antsy to get out of town, consider taking a day trip somewhere. This can be a fun way to explore a nearby town without having to worry about booking an overnight stay.

My boyfriend and I love going on day trips during the warmer months. Even if it’s just to an unfamiliar suburb in our city, we’re always discovering new places to explore. Don’t forget to make an epic playlist for your road trip!

24. Bring the vacation destination to your home

If you’re unable to travel, why not bring elements of your favorite destination to your home? This is one of my favorite staycation ideas. Here are some ideas to help give you some inspiration:

Paris theme – Drink French wine, watch your favorite French-inspired film, eat cheese and baguettes, and have chocolate eclairs or macarons for dessert.

Hawaiian theme – Have Hawaiian pizza (if you don’t feel like cooking), drink fruity cocktails, wear Hawaiian leis, and learn how to hula dance. You can even have a slip-and-slide or water balloons to beat the heat.

Italy theme – Serve your favorite pasta, drink Italian wine or Aperol spritz, eat tiramisu for dessert, and watch your favorite movie set in Italy. I like Under the Tuscan Sun .

Disney theme – Pick your favorite Disney movie to set your theme. You can send out Disney invitations, have Disney decorations, Disney inspired food and dessert. You can even listen to Disney music or have Disney-themed scavanger hunts.

25. Volunteer

It feels good to volunteer and give back to the community. Choose a volunteer position that is meaningful to you.

Some places to volunteer include animal rescue centers, food pantries, local libraries, national parks, retirement homes, and the YMCA.

25. Finish a house project

While you don’t want to use your whole staycation to catch up on chores, you may want to take this opportunity to complete a house project.

This is one of the best productive staycation ideas on this list. Some ideas include:

• Rearrange furniture in a room to give it a new look
• Sell old items you don’t use on Facebook Marketplace
• Flip items for profit to make extra money
• Declutter your closet
• Declutter and organize a room
• Plant a flower or herb garden
• Paint your kitchen cabinets

27. Rent a bike in your city

Riding a bike is so much fun because it’s environmentally friendly and a cost-effective way to get around town. If you don’t have a bike, consider renting one for the day.

You can ride your bike in the city, by the lake or ocean, through the park or on a hiking trail. Check online to see the best places to ride a bike near you.

28. Explore a new city

A staycation means that you’re spending your vacation in your home country instead of traveling abroad.

If you can safely travel within your country right now, consider booking a weekend trip to explore a new city.

There are so many places that my boyfriend and I want to explore in Canada. Vancouver, Banff, Jasper, Calgary, Montreal , and Quebec City are the top cities on our Canadian bucketlist!

Ready to start your adventure? Click the link to search for hotel deals in your desired staycation destination thanks to Booking.com .

29. Go on a birdwatching adventure

Birdwatching can be a lot of fun and all you need is a pair of binoculars to get started. This can be a unique way to learn about nature and science in your own backyard or local nature trail.

If you want to make this a new hobby, consider grabbing a bird identification guide and a notebook to help you learn more about birds in your community.

30. Make a woodworking project

If you’re feeling crafty, consider making a woodworking project. Ideas include a tree house, a Little Free Library, a garden box, a table, a bed headboard, or a chicken coop. Find a tutorial or grab a book to help you get started.

31. Swap homes with a friend

Do you remember the movie The Holiday where Kate Winslet traded her country cottage with Cameron Diaz’s Los Angeles home?

If you’re looking to explore a new neighborhood, consider swapping houses with a friend. This can be a fun staycation idea.

32. Take a tour around your city in style

If you’re budget allows, consider renting a convertible or your dream car and tour your city in style. You can pack a picnic and explore some landmarks or unique areas in your city.

33. Have a water play day

If you can go to the water park, why not create one in your back yard? This is the best way to cool off on a hot day. Ideas include:

• Set up an inflatable pool
• Have fun on this water slide
• Feel like a kid again with these squirt guns
• Make a splash with these water balloons

If you’re feeling extra, consider using a waterproof camera like the GoPro to capture the highlights of your day.

34. Create an escape room at home

Escape rooms are super popular, but they can get expensive for a group to go. Instead, it’s easy to create your own escape room experience at home.

You can find a tutorial online or grab one of these top-rated excape room kits:

• The Cursed Dollhouse
• Escape Room The Game Version 2
• Escape Room in a Box – There Werewolf Experiment

35. Set up an at-home wellness retreat

Traditional retreats can be expensive. You can set up your own wellness retreat at home.

Ideas include going on a journalling or writing, yoga, reading, meditation, music, spa, adventure, or spiritual retreat. Plan your shedule, meals, and don’t forget to turn your phone off so you can relax.

If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can even book a massage at a local spa.

36. Go stargazing

Stargazing is something that everyone should experience at least once in their lives. It’s perfect for those who have a sense of wonder and enjoy being outside at night.

If possible, look for a dark-sky site near you. These are the best locations to get an amazing view of the stars.

37 . Earn free gift cards to use on your staycation

There’s nothing like getting a free Starbucks drink , eating at your favorite restaurant for free, or seeing a movie for free at the movie theaters.

Sometimes you can redeem points that you’ve collected through your credit card, but you can also earn free gift cards in your spare time .

Below are some easy ways you can start earning free gift cards to pay for your staycation!

Swagbucks – Swagbucks is a free app that makes it easy to earn FREE gift cards for things you already do online, such as surfing the web, watching entertaining videos, answering surveys, and more!

If you’re not already a member, you can join Swagbucks for free and receive a $5 Welcome Bonus!

Once your cash back balances reaches $25, you can transfer the money to your bank, PayPal, Venmo or donate your cash back to charity.

Other surveys for money I recommend include Survey Junkie , Branded Surveys , MyPoints , and Inbox Dollars .

38. Make extra mone y

While I’ve shared a lot of traditional staycation ideas, perhaps you’re looking for something a little different to do on your vacation.

If so, consider challenging yourself to make some extra money. Bringing home extra money can help you boost your savings, pay off debt, or save up for your next vacation.

What would you do with an extra $100-$500?

Here are a few of my favorite ways to make extra money on the side:

Get paid to take surveys

Companies are willing to pay you to get your opinion. If you’re looking for an easy way to make money fast, this can be a great option.

I started doing online surveys when I was in college to help me make extra money. Most surveys take around 5-15 minutes to complete.

PRO TIP: Earn the most money when you sign up for several survey websites. Then you’ll get to choose the surveys which pay the most money. Save time and earn more cash!

Start out with Survey Junkie . This is the largest survey site in the world that actually pays you cash. It’s available in the United States and Canada.

They are an online community with over 10 million members dedicated to making their voice heard.

How to get started with Survey Junkie:

• Take Surveys: Sign up here to create your free account . This process takes only a few minutes to complete. Then you’ll be matched with surveys.
• Earn Rewards: Complete surveys and you’ll earn virtual points.
• Get Paid: You can redeem virtual points for PayPal cash payments or e-gift cards.

Other survey websites I recommend include Branded Surveys ($1 sign up bonus), Toluna Influencers , and Swagbucks (free $5 signup bonus).

Have a garage sale

We all have items that we need to declutter. Having a garage sale can be a great way to give these items a new home while making some extra money.

Start a blog

I quit my 9-5 job to start a blog and turned it into a full-time career. It’s easy to get started and the start-up costs are low.

Blogging can be a part-time side hustle, or it can turn into a full-time job (like it did for me). It’s up to you!

I didn’t know anything about blogs when I first started this website. I learned everything from scratch. Now I love connecting with people all over the world.

It’s pretty amazing how special blogging can be. This can be a great side job to make an extra $500 a month or more!

Here’s an in-depth tutorial that will walk you through the entire process. Don’t worry, there’s no tech experience or coding required.

It takes just a few minutes to get your blog up and running. Anyone can do it!

Need some inspiration? You can sign up for my free blogging course here. It’ll walk you through the entire process of how to set up and launch your blog in just 5 days.

Flip items for profit

Do you like finding hidden treasures at fleamarkets or garage sales?

Flipping is the art of finding things for free (or at a discount) and selling them for a profit.

With today’s technology, there has never been an easier time to resell and flip items to make extra money. This can be a great way to make an extra money.

Rob and Melissa, the masterminds behind FleamarketFlipping.com , make a full-time income from flipping stuff for profit. In their first year full-time, they made $133,000 in sales!

Are you ready to start flipping stuff for cash? I recommend checking out Rob’s  FREE 75-minute workshop . In this free workshop, you’ll learn how to find hidden treasures at flea markets thrift stores, yard sales, and auctions, and how to turn them into maximum profit. His workshop is completely free to join. You can sign up here .

Start a side hustle

According to a recent survey, around 37% of adults in the USA have a side hustle, earning an average of $700 a month.

That’s a decent amount of extra money, which can help you boost your travel fund. Here’s a few of my favorite side hustle ideas:

• Pinterest virtual assistant
• Bake and sell dog treats
• Proofreader
• Virtual assistant
• Affiliate marketing
• Selling on Amazon
• Fleamarket flipping

Staycation at home FAQs

What can you do during staycation.

A staycation is where you enjoy a vacation from the comfort of your own home or near your home. Most people choose to spend the night in their home during a staycation, but you can certainly travel to a nearby city or stay overnight in a hotel.

Due to many travel restrictions around the world, staycations have become more popular as an alternative to international travel.

Here’s a few things you can do during your staycation:

• Stay at a local hotel
• Book a local Airbnb
• Explore local tourist attractions
• Visit a nearby town or city
• Visit a national or state park
• Go on a bike ride
• Go to a spa for the day
• Enjoy a boat cruise
• Try stargazing
• Visit an amusement park
• Go on a pub crawl
• Take a cooking class
• Have a picnic or BBQ

What do you do on a staycation at home?

If you are unable to travel right now or prefer to have a vacation at home, there are many fun ways to relax during a staycation. Here’s a few of my favorite things to do on a staycation at home:

• Watch the sunrise or sunset
• Explore a nearby nature trail or park
• Learn how to bake bread
• Learn how to can or preserve food
• Watch a virtual concert or Broadway show
• Visit a museum online
• Take an online course to learn a new skill
• Learn a new language
• Watch a documentary
• Binge a TV show
• Have a dance party in your living room
• Play sports
• Plant a garden
• Declutter or spring clean your home

What do couples do during staycation?

There are many fun and romantic things you can do as a couple during a staycation. Here’s a few of my favorite ideas:

• Build a campfire and make s’mores
• Read a book together
• Watch each other’s favorite movies
• Have a relaxing day at the beach
• Enjoy breakfast in bed
• Book a room at a fancy hotel
• Enjoy your favorite take-out meal by candlelight
• Plan a dream vacation together
• Cook a meal together
• Go to a drive-in movie
• Take an art class
• Book a couples massage

How do you make a staycation feel like a vacation?

How to spend a vacation at home? Here are a few ways you can make a staycation feel like a real vacation:

• Prep your home before your staycation Get all your housework and chores done before your time off. Your vacation should be a time to relax and unwind. You don’t want to use it to tick off household chores, unless that’s your idea of a fun staycation.
• Turn off your work phone This may be difficult for some jobs, however it’s important to take a break from work so you can actually enjoy your staycation. If you need to check your work phone or emails, dedicate a specific time block to do so. This can help you create a healthy boundary between work and vacation time.
• Pick a theme What type of staycation do you want to have? This can help you prep and plan ahead for your vacation at home. Ideas include yoga retreat, beach day, spa trip, sports trip, Italian getaway, and so on. You can bring all these ideas to enjoy at home.
• Take photos Just like you would take photos to capture special moments on a real vacation, make sure to take photoson your staycation.
• Switch up your routine To prevent your staycation from feeling like any other day or weekend, try switching up your routine. Maybe this means sleeping in, staying up late, having an all-day pajama party, or having an indoor picnic on the living room floor. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun!

How do you make a staycation special?

If you’re spending your time at home for your staycation, it’s so easy to stay in your normal everyday routine. You might find yourself saying – “I’ll just finish up this one chore” or “I’m just going to respond to this one work email”.

Instead, every great staycation needs a plan. And no, you don’t have to plan everything in advance, because it’s always fun to keep things sponatenous.

But you do need to plan ahead so you can make your staycation special. Below are a few suggestions.

1. Add something fresh or pretty to your home

Change up your environment to make your home feel special. Some ideas include:

• Fresh cut flowers in a vase
• Lighting an elegant scented candle
• Laying out a plush robe on the bed
• Getting new bed sheets
• Setting up a fruit or candy display to nibble on
• Treating yourself to new fluffy white towels

2. Get your house cleaned by someone else

Instead of spending your staycation doing chores, consider getting your house cleaned by someone else.

There’s nothing like waking up on the first day of your vacation to a sparkling clean home. No dishes to wash, a fresh smelling bathroom, clean floors, no dust or clutter. You can find someone local on TaskRabbit to clean your home.

3. Plan your meals

One of the best things about going on vacation is getting room service or eating at new restaurants. Below are a few ideas to help you plan your meals so you can enjoy your staycation:

Try a meal kit service – Take a break from grocery shopping or trying to figure out what’s for dinner. I like using Chef’s Plate .

All the ingredients are delivered fresh at your door step. Meals take 30 minutes or less to make.

Get your groceries delivered – Instead of spending your staycation at the grocery store, consider using a service like Instacart to get your groceries delivered to your home. Get your groceries delivered in as little as 2 hours.

Try a new cocktail or wine – My boyfriend and I love learning how to make fancy cocktails at home. It’s fun to master the classics and try new recipes.

You just need a cocktail shaker and you’ll be serving up margaritas (or virgin cocktails) in no time.

How to budget for your staycation :

1. Determine how much you can afford to spend for your staycation.

2. Check prices for the activities you’re interested in doing.

3. Add up the total cost for these activities. Don’t forget to include transportation costs, if necessary.

4. If the total is more than you can afford to spend, take a second look at the list of activities on your itinerary.

Research ways to save money on these activities (discounts, coupons, or deals). You may also want to consider looking for similar activities that are cheaper.

5. Stick to your budget. There are lots of cheap staycation ideas in this post to get you inspired.

About Eden Ashley

Eden has an MBA and a degree in Psychology. As a new mom (and homeowner), she knows the importance of having a budget that works. She's helped thousands of women get good with money using the same strategies she used to save $100,000 by age 25. Click here to learn how to create a better budget!

101 Ways to Travel Without Leaving Your House

By CNT Editors

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Like many people, we've had to hit pause on our travel plans for the time being, but that doesn’t mean we’re not still thinking about all the places we’ve been—and all the places we hope to get to sometime soon. After all, so much of travel trickles into our lives both before and after a big trip, whether it’s the hours we spend scouring the internet for inspiration on where to go next, or the ways a place influences us long after we’ve left, from the food we cook and the souvenirs we fill our homes with to the music we listen to. “It’s important to remember that travel is also a state of mind,” U.S. editor Jesse Ashlock wrote last week . “And that you don’t necessarily have to go far away to feel far away.” With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of 101 ways to travel without leaving your house, which we hope will help you feel a little more entertained, a little more inspired, and, most importantly, a little more connected with the rest of the world.

Indulge your wanderlust

1. Gawk at some of the world’s most beautiful libraries

2. Daydream about sailing along Turkey's Turquoise coast

3. Take inspiration from our favorite hotels, destinations, and more, as voted by you in the 2020 Readers' Choice Awards

4. Make a list of all those places you'd like to go next

5. Visit your favorite U.S. National Parks on Google Earth (and a few you've yet to see, too)

6. Pick a trip that has to be booked one year in advance

An aerial view of Botswana's Okavango Delta

7. ...And then create a Pinterest board to gather inspiration for it

8. Consider an epic train trip for the future and start plotting your route

9. Take a look at some of the most colorful places in the world

10. ...Or plan an itinerary around Pantone's color of 2020

11. Bookmark beautiful Airbnbs for the future (and maybe get some home decor inspo while you're at it)

12. Watch walking tours of places you haven't been, or want to revisit

13. Explore the most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites

14. Start a Google Maps list filled with bookmarked restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries, museums, bookstores, and more that you dream of visiting one day

15. Steal a little travel inspiration from your favorite celebrities

16. Spin around Google Earth with the I'm Feeling Lucky button

17. Fantasize about which hidden beaches you'll hit next time you're in Italy...

Italy's hidden beaches are at the top of the list of places we want to go when this is all over.

18. ...Or if you're so inclined, Hawaii

19. Imagine sleeping underwater, right on the Great Barrier Reef

20. Subscribe to Condé Nast Traveler! (We know. We're shameless.)

We could stare at Gray Malin's images for hours.

Hone your photography skills

21. Discover how Gray Malin made these trippy photos of Bolivia's salt flats

CNT Editors

Caitlin Morton

Jesse Ashlock

Alex Erdekian

22. Up your astrophotography game

23. Follow some of our favorite travel photographers on Instagram

24. Improve your own iPhone photography

25. ...Or go a little retro and make photo books out of your old vacation photos

26. Research a new camera like the pros do

27. ...And then get their tips on how to nail that shot

Some of our favorite reads

Lose yourself in our favorite reads

28. Read memoirs by some of the world's most adventurous women

29. Browse our extensive list of the travel books

30. Escape with the best travel books recommended by ambassadors

31. Pick up a book that will transport you

32. Find out what the Women Who Travel team have been reading

33. ...And then load up your Kindle with everything you've just bought

34. Read some of our favorite authors on what home means to them

35. Add some travel inspo to your coffee table with some of these tomes

36. And if you're feeling motivated, start journaling about your own travels

Soothe with some retail therapy

37. Buy a luxurious pair of pajamas that you'll never be ashamed to travel with

38. Splurge on something from that shop you dream of returning to one day

39. Buy destination-inspired scented candles and have them burn all day long inside your house

40. Stock up on all your K-Beauty favorites without a trip to Seoul

41. ...Or shop for French beauty products

42. Bring the tropics to your house with some exotic plants

43. Treat yourself to one of our editors' favorite travel gifts

44. Pick up a coffee subscription and get to know beans from around the world —it will making your WFH caffeine routine way more fun

45. Shop at one of our favorite hotel gift shops , like The Hoxton or even The Ritz

46. Revamp your apartment (or beauty cabinet or closet) in the style of Paris

47. ...Or if you're more of an Italy person, shop for locally made products , like a custom bag from Florence or a coffee maker to perfect your espresso

48. Represent your favorite national park with gear from the Parks Project , and feel good knowing that your dollars go back into backlogged projects in the parks

49. Feeling anxious about being cooped up at home? Order some CBD oil —and then add it to your dopp kit the next time you travel.

50. Make your online shopping work for you by getting maximum travel points with your credit card

51. ...And start earning points toward your next hotel stay while you're at it

Brush up on your Spanish by rewatching Roma

Dabble in some self-improvement

52. Learn a new language with a digital classroom

53. ...And then jump into a foreign language film

54. Figure out if you have what it takes to become a pilot

55. Practice visualization meditation to get a head start on figuring out your next trip

56. Donate to carbon offset charities to shrink your footprint before flying again

57. Learn the art of Japanese calligraphy with this book

58. Finally take the time to practice becoming an organized traveler

59. Keep your fitness up with these hotel room workouts

60. Do a little redecorating inspired by your favorite hotels around the world

The best thing about abandoned places? There's no one else there.

Find something new to talk about during your Zoom happy hour

61. Tour the world's most beautiful abandoned places

62. Use this Google tool to see how World Heritage Sites have changed

63. Take a peek at how Olympic stadiums have evolved over time

64. Get into a bit of slow TV (trust us, it's pretty soothing)

65. Find out what a night at a space hotel might look like

66. Jump between the Arctic's Lonely Island and Pukapuka in the Pacific, in Judith Schlansky's Pocket Atlas of Remote Islands

67. Learn about Sardinia's annual pagan exorcism (seriously)

68. Get to know the fascinating history of Jewish temples in the Caribbean

69. Enjoy some of the world's greatest museums, symphonies, and operas from your couch

70. Read up on the ancient history of destinations you hope to visit in the future, like these ruins right in the middle of Lima

71. Marvel at Bolivian architect Freddy Mamani's otherworldly architecture in La Paz

Mamani's eye-catching architecture is everywhere in La Paz

72. Absorb a digital art exhibit like this mesmerizing one on Ireland’s Connemara mountains

73. Go back in time to the golden age of travel

74. Or if it all feels a little too high-brow, watch a livestream of these pandas

Expand your music repertoire

75. Check out Bad Bunny's favorite spots in Puerto Rico

76. ...And then turn up the volume on some noise cancelling headphones

77. Escape to Lisbon with Portugese fado music

78. Get to know Women Who Travel podcast guests Ibeyi , whose music fuses Cuban, French, and Yoruba influences

79. Start streaming a random radio station from somewhere far away with the Radio Garden project

80. Search a country's top 50 hits on Spotify to listen to music from around the world (right now we're listening to France and Japan )

81. Have a dance party and blast some calypso soca music from Trinidad

82. Research all the jazz clubs you'll want to hit up when you finally get to New Orleans

It's time to drink that South African red that's been in your home for ages.

Bring the world to your kitchen

83. Transport yourself with these international cookbooks

84. Crack open that bottle of wine you brought home from your travels

85. Make yourself an indulgent New York–style brunch, using these places as inspiration

86. Get take-out from your favorite restaurants and chefs

87. Learn how to recreate dishes from the legendary Osteria Francescana in Modena with Massimo Bottura's virtual cooking lessons

88. Allow yourself to pine for dishes you miss —then try your best to recreate them

89. Get yourself a bunch of Biscoff cookies —an airplane staple—and eat them next to your window

90. Try to imagine Alison Roman cooking up a feast for 45 people in Portugal—or just read about the one place she always hits when she travels

91. Order in from that restaurant you've never managed to get a table at

92. Make your own Italian apertivo hour—and use these places as inspiration

93. Order wine from around the world to sip on

A scene from The Talented Mr. Ripley

Binge on pop culture

94. Compare the real destinations that inspired your favorite Disney movies to the animated interpretations (thanks Disney+!)

95. Rewatch old seasons of Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown , and learn about places you've never been to

96. Watch our favorite travel movies on Netflix right now

97. Look for shows filmed right in your home city or state , and remember how lucky you are to be, well, where you are

98. Subscribe to the Women Who Travel podcast and listen to travel stories from Elizabeth Gilbert, Lynsey Addario, Jessica Nabongo, and more

99. Travel to a galaxy far far away

100. Dive into this list of road trip movies

101. And then work your way through the greatest travel movies of the past 50 years—after all, you finally have the time to.

All products featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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8 adjustments to make at home to help prevent trips and falls

A gerontology professor weighs in

Updated August 4, 2021

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

Jon Pynoos will never forget the home assessment where an elderly mom climbed to the top of a wobbly ladder with no support.

“She reached into the highest cabinet to pull out a very heavy bowl,” says the PhD, co-director of the Fall Prevention Center of Excellence, and a gerontology professor at the University of Southern California, describing the incident as the seconds ticked by slowly. “Her son covered his eyes with his hands the whole time—he couldn’t believe it.”

Pynoos and Certified Aging in Place (CAPS) contractors offer insights on the top ways to eliminate fall and trip risks for seniors at home.

1. Keep necessities low and horizontal

With low, horizontal cabinets everything you need is at the tip of your fingers.

Pynoos suggests removing the need to use a ladder or a step stool in the first place, and to get creative by thinking more horizontally than vertically.

“Ladders in and of themselves are risky,” he says. “Anything seniors use routinely should be put on special lower shelves. And, they could think about using items that aren’t as heavy as they age.”

Installing bright, color-coded drawers in cabinets—especially ones that pull out—is something Dan Bawden recommends for a quick storage upgrade. The president of Legal Eagle Contractors in Texas says the color contrast makes it easier for those with strained eyesight to differentiate what’s where; plus, seniors won’t have to scramble in the kitchen to reach the pan they need which is in the back.

“That’s Murphy’s Law,” jokes Bawden.

2. Downsize to cooking for one

Utilizing your microwave not only reduces food waste, but also cuts down on clean up afterwards.

Using a microwave regularly is not only easier, but can prevent lifting heavy, hot pans from the oven to a higher surface like a countertop or table. Microwaves can be easily plugged in on a countertop, too, or installed easily underneath a counter by a contractor.

Reducing the number of dishes one has that need to be stacked, too, can go a long way to simply reusing the same ones over and over, advises Pynoos.

3. Prevent bathroom hazards

Grab bars offer more stability if needed in an emergency situation.

He advises having a professional install grab bars and a higher, “comfort height” toilet.

Another simple fix is putting in a bath mat—but only those with non-slip grips. Ideally, though, seniors would update their flooring when appropriate.

Larger grout and some of the newer, slip-resistant ceramic or porcelain options (or even affordable and cushier vinyl flooring) is what Bawden recommends.

4. Keep your floor as level as possible

Accent and area rugs that aren't secured to the ground pose a serious threat to seniors.

Carpet isn’t the be-all and end-all to brace a fall, says Pynoos — in fact, it can sometimes be worse than other flooring options.

“People like fluffy designer carpets, but if you’re thinking of the future, the flatter the better,” he explains. “Everything should be as flat and as level as possible, because you won’t see wear and tear, wheelchairs and walkers can move over it, and you won’t trip.”

It’s also best to get rid of accent rugs that aren’t permanently installed. “I was in a really nice home where a lady put a carpet on the carpet to cover a stain—having those edges there to trip over isn’t worth the risk,” Pynoos says.

5. Beware of pets

Small companions like dogs and cats can easily be overlooked in dim lighting.

It may seem like common sense, but the same kind of companion that can create small messes can also lead to bigger trouble. Pets—and their toys and food—are “fall hazards running around,” says Pynoos.

He advises putting a small bell on animals’ collars.

Since kibble and water can be “slobbered all over,” having a mat for food that’s not in a common pathway is ideal.

And, as for toys, Pynoos—who has three dogs—makes a concerted effort to put away all of their playthings at night in a special box. Bright colors are best, especially reds and yellows, since seniors tend to be color-blind in the blue/green range.

6. Invest in longer lasting lights

Motion sensor lights save energy and are more accessible to seniors and those with disabilities.

Going cordless can also be a huge help, because it reduces tripping risks, says David Karas, a contractor based in Massachusetts. But, like Pynoos, he also cautions that glossy flooring might cause a reflective glare with brighter lights.

Pynoos says that “one of the best” things to have a professional install is motion-sensor strip lights for those twilight trips to the bathroom. Another (more inexpensive) fix is battery-operated task lights that have adhesive strips that homeowners can affix themselves.

7. Keep your outdoor area bright and steady

Lighting the exterior of your home is equally as important as the interior of your home.

Proper lighting should extend to both inside and outside the home, says Pynoos—where weatherization is key, especially at thresholds. It’s there that going from a dry to a wet surface can be slippery, and raised surfaces can create trip hazards.

“It’s best to have a light on the first and second step, if you can have it both inside and outside your house, the better,” he advises.

He advises investing in upgrading exterior stairs that may have cracks or chips, and also adding handrails on both sides that arthritis-prone seniors can grip.

8. Follow doctor’s orders

Taking the advice of a trusted doctor before adjusting your home for safety is the smartest route to take.

Neither retirees nor their loved ones without training should expect to be experts when it comes to home safety assessments, says Pynoos.

He recommends getting a referral from a doctor for an occupational therapist to come on-site and perform assessments. The service is usually covered by insurance.

Falls are also not strictly related to seniors’ environment, he advises.

“The reality of falls is we can do everything to improve the environment, but falls are multi-causal. Your doctor should ask you what medications you take and whether they make you dizzy. They should monitor your gait and see if you need a walker or a cane,” he says. “Safety is not as ‘easy’ as making a bathroom wheelchair accessible.”

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Leaving the house checklist: 30 things to do before going on vacation

Organizing a long trip can be stressful: planning the itinerary, packing, exchanging money (it’s easy with Wise !), delegating work… Well, preparing your home is just as important as preparing yourself, your luggage, and your plans. And it doesn’t have to be exhausting: just follow my Leaving The House Checklist and you’ll be ready to go!

After travelling to Cortina, Italy for more than one month a few times, we have gained useful experience on what to do at home before a long trip. Trust me, it’s a learning process, and I want to make it easier for you.

30 THINGS TO DO BEFORE GOING ON A LONG TRIP

As usual, I’m the over-planner and Darek is the last-minute one 🙂 I start making lists weeks in advance, while Darek would just take the trash out, lock the door and go. This is why we work well together: I plan it all, and he helps me tick the boxes and then relax.

Leaving your home can be demanding, especially if this is your first long vacation. Do you ever freeze in panic, 10 minutes after you left, and try to remember if you locked the door twice? Now you’ll be thinking also of the mail, of the food in the fridge, of the gas.

Let me save you some work: join my email list and you’ll receive the digital, customizable Leaving The House Checklist to prepare your home before a long vacation! You can work on it from Google Docs, or copy it to another app, or print it out: use it the way that is best for you.

Want to use this CUSTOMIZABLE, DIGITAL checklist?

Sign up to my newsletter and I’ll send it to you by email!

Half-way there!

Check your inbox (and your spam folder) and reconfirm the e-mail address is correct !

Otherwise, unfortunately you won’t receive the checklist.

Our best advice is to take your own notes about your own home. You’re the boss! Our checklist will help you. One step at a time, everything will get done and you’ll be ready to go. Check out also this great article by Porch with more advice from experienced travellers.

ONE MONTH BEFORE YOUR VACATION

Why does the checklist for leaving home for vacation starts so long in advance? Because you will avoid getting stressed out as the day of departure comes near 🙂

1. Meet the neighbours

Being on friendly terms with the neighbours can always come in handy. Get to know them in advance, invite them for coffee or have a chat on the stairs. It will be easier to ask them to watch out for your mail when you leave.

2. Consider asking for someone to watch your home

Depending on where you live and what your home needs, think of asking a neighbour, a friend or family member, or a homesitter for help. Ask them in advance, just in case they also plan to travel in the same period, or cannot assist you for other reasons. Consider these chores:

• Watering plants/mowing the lawn
• Retrieving the mail (consider leaving an authorization for mail that requires a signature)
• Throwing out ads from the mailbox
• Opening the taps and flushing the toilets from time to time

If your home should look lived in, to avoid burglars, consider also:

• Putting out the garbage bin
• Parking a car out front from time to time
• Turning the lights on in the morning and evening

Turning the lights on and off could be automated with a timer.

Our flat doesn’t need much attention, but we still asked family to go and check on it from time to time – especially when I was waiting for official letters from the government, they opened them and sent me a picture.

3. Decide what appliances and electronics to unplug

Before leaving for a long trip, take your time to research and decide what devices to unplug. It may require reading the instructions.

For example, our robot vacuum cleaner should be unplugged. The tv, instead, can stay plugged in – it doesn’t make a big difference. Our fridge-freezer is never completely empty, so we leave it plugged in. We unplug anything that has a led always on, like the router.

In general, consider that unplugging appliances saves energy and money, and helps lower the risk of fires.

Go through the rooms, look at all the appliances in your house, and make a “departure day list” of what to uplug. Keep it handy on your phone by using my template checklist, or write it on a post-it and stick it to the door – so you’ll be quick at unplugging on the day of departure.

Some standard appliances are:

• PlayStation and consoles
• Internet router
• Electric toothbrush/razor
• Computer charger
• Phone chargers
• Robot vacuum cleaner
• Fridge and freezer
• Coffee maker and kitchen appliances
• Washing machine
• Air conditioner/fan

4. Check your plumbing and taps

Do the pipes in your building have recurring problems? Maybe it’s worth closing the main tap. But is there any machine, like the water heater, that draws water automatically? Look it up in advance.

If you are unsure, consider closing individual water valves, like the ones of the toilets, sinks, washing machine and dishwasher.

Don’t close the main tap if a homesitter will need to use the toilet.

Should you leave the lawn watering on? Do you have any hoses to wrap or disconnect? Add everything to your Leaving Home checklist:

• Water heater
• Sink valves
• Toilet valves
• Garden hoses etc.

5. Figure out what to do with the heating/air conditioning

Depending on where you live and on your heating/air conditioning devices, find out the best solution so your pipes don’t freeze, or you don’t come back to a furnace.

Our heater turns on automatically according to the temperature on the thermostat, so we set it for a lower temperature than usual: it consumes less, but it turns on to prevent the flat from freezing. It runs on gas, so we cannot close the gas tap.

If you have a “vacation mode”, make sure it works.

Whatever you decide, add it to the checklist.

6. Do all necessary maintenance

This could be a long list, but it will definitely prevent headaches and expensive damage.

Start checking in advance, so you have time to fix whatever requires fixing.

• Check windows, and make sure they don’t leak
• Check all locks
• Clean the gutters
• Check the car
• Check the air conditioning
• Check smoke detectors
• Check the alarm system

7. The bills: Pay them in advance, automate, or be prepared to pay them during your trip

Unpaid bills can result in expensive fees!

If you can, pay them in advance, or automate the payment from a card or account.

My bills are different every month, so I don’t pay them in advance. When I receive them by email, I pay online with my local bank card: consequently, even though I don’t like to bring with me credit cards that I don’t need (as you know from my minimalist packing list ), if I travel longer than the usual payment deadline, I bring that card with me.

8. Make plans for your plants/pets

I don’t have pets, and I own just a couple of plants that can survive the apocalypse, so I can’t give you advice on this.

Do your research and figure out who can help you.

9. Make a copy of your keys

Well before you leave for your long trip, make a copy of your keys and plan to leave it with someone trustworthy: a friend, family member, a neighbor. You never know if you’ll be so unlucky to lose your home keys.

The reason to do it in advance is that some keys require permission from the building manager to be copied, or they can be copied just by a specific shop: you won’t know until you research. Don’t leave it for the last week.

10. Cancel the mail

We barely receive any mail, so I don’t really know what advice to give 🙂

For example, alert your post office to hold your mail until your return, or have it forwarded to family or friends.

11. Check your insurance/alarm

We don’t have any insurance or alarm, but I imagine that some may require you to inform them if you leave, or it could be handy to have their number in your phone.

If your alarm uses batteries, put some new ones in.

Consider installing outdoor lights with motion sensors – I read they are a good deterrent for burglars.

ONE WEEK TO 48 HOURS BEFORE DEPARTURE

Almost ready! You must be finishing up with your travel plans, telling your colleagues at work how to cover for you, and preparing your packing list (I can help with that: here’s my time-saving minimalist packing list! ). Here are a few more items on the checklist before leaving home that you want to tick.

12. Do some strategic groceries

You don’t want to come back to an empty fridge and a sad pantry. Especially if you arrive home late from your trip, make sure you have the ingredients to cook something easy and comforting. Think of dry ingredients like pasta or rice, long-lasting sauces in jars, cans of tuna or beans…

My zero-effort food is pasta with pesto sauce 🙂

Otherwise, you can also prepare some food and freeze it. A few minutes in the microwave and your first meal back home will be ready! In this case, remember to leave the freezer plugged in.

13. Stock up on essentials

Besides some strategic groceries, make sure you stock up on essentials like toilet paper, bottled water, or anything that you use on a daily basis.

If you bring your toothpaste/shower gel/shampoo on the trip, you may finish it: buy some before you leave, and avoid bad surprises when you come back.

14. Eat all the perishable food

During the last week before you leave on holiday, make sure you eat all the fresh fruit and vegetables, finish all open cans and jars, and drink all the open cartons.

Do not leave anything in the fridge or in the pantry that may create mold or go bad in any way.

You do not want to come back home and find a smelly surprise waiting for you!

15. Leave clean clothes for the first day

As you start planning what to pack for a long trip, you will probably do the laundry, in order to pack clean clothes.

A few days before your departure, plan (and wash) a couple of outfits for your first days back home too.

You will be overwhelmed with dirty clothes from your trip: at least, you won’t have to figure out what to wear on your first day back at work.

16. Inform the neighbours

A few days before you leave, pop over to your neighbours to tell them you will be gone for a while. Leave your name, phone number, and date of your return on a post-it, for emergencies.

This is also the perfect occasion to ask them to water your plants (which you can bring to them, instead of allowing them into your flat), or watch out for any mail you are waiting for.

17. Speak with your friend/home-sitter again

If you need someone to take care of your home while you’re away, you should have already mentioned this to them. This is the moment to review what you want them to do – and make sure they remember!

18. Prepare the extra set of keys

Now that you have an extra set of keys, decide whether to leave them to your neighbour, to family or friends, or to hide them somewhere safe.

If a trusted person will enter your home with your keys, make sure you teach them how to disable and enable the alarm.

19. Replace the batteries of your smoke alarm

I have to admit we’ve never done this before, but we’ll do it next time. If beeps like crazy when the battery dies, it would definitely drive the neighbours crazy.

20. Mow the lawn

Cut the grass a little lower, take care of any overgrown branches. Make sure your home looks taken care of, and you won’t have a heart attack when you come back.

ONE DAY BEFORE THE TRIP

Tomorrow is the day! Almost everything is done, thanks to the Leaving The House Checklist. Just a couple more things to do, and you can relax. It’s time to travel! 🙂

21. Clean and tidy up

After being away for a long time, there’s nothing worse than coming back to a dirty and messy home. When I’m tired from a long trip, entering a clean and tidy home makes me feel relaxed.

In the last couple of days before departure, I vacuum around, wash the bathrooms, and tidy up stuff that is usually all over the place (mostly toys and clothes, gah!). I’m usually too busy to do deep cleaning, so I’m satisfied with this. I don’t like cleaning, but I like even less cleaning after going on holiday!

Some more important cleaning to do before leaving home for a long vacation:

• Empty the dishwasher, clean the filter, and leave it cracked open to avoid smells
• Clean the fridge, which should be quite empty by now (I’m guilty of forgetting parmesan in the grater… What a smelly surprise!)
• Clean your garbage disposal (I don’t have one, but I read that a mix of water and vinegar does the trick, or lemon juice, or baking soda)
• Seal boxes of dry food, or move it to a jar
• Make the beds and enjoy the smell of fresh sheets when you return (I admit, I rarely have time to do this!)
• Empty the washing machine and dryer, and leave them cracked open so they don’t grow mold

22. Put valuables in a safe

If you have a safe, use it! We don’t have one, so we hide our valuables.

Valuables are:

• Cash and cards
• Laptop with valuable info (e.g. login to bank etc.)
• Documents, ID, etc.

23. Water the plants

I swear I killed so many plants. Now I only have super-resistant ones that survive a month without water 🙂

24. Park the car

Park the car in the garage or make sure it’s safe.

ON THE DAY OF DEPARTURE

The day has finally come! The Leaving The House Checklist is almost complete: use it to finish the last steps.

25. Close utilities and unplug the chosen appliances

Pick up the list of appliances to unplug and utilities to close. You researched and took your decisions in the last few days: this is your moment to implement them!

Follow your list: unplug, turn off, set the thermostat, turn on the vacation mode, as you previously decided.

Avoid last-minute panic: as you go through the list, say out loud what you are doing, tick the list, and then take the list with you.

26. Bring out the trash

On the day before you travel, or on the same day of departure, take out all the trash! From the kitchen, the rooms, the bathroom, even the paper and plastic.

Keep your home clean from unexpected smells and pests.

27. Close windows, curtains, shutters, lock doors

Close and lock all windows, draw the curtains or close the shutters. Lock doors, garage, gate.

28. Turn on the alarm

The final touch that gives you the ultimate peace of mind.

ON THE DAY OF RETURN

The checklist is still useful!

29. Turn everything back on

Thanks to your efforts before departure, you know exactly what is turned off, closed, unplugged. The checklist will remind you to open the washing machine tap before you turn it on 🙂

30. Save the checklist for next time!

Most importantly, the checklist helps you learn about your home. Is the heater ok after you left it on vacation mode? Make a note. Did your neighbour make a good job with your mail? Make a note and buy them some chocolates. Did you forget something? Add it to the list.

Use the Leaving The House Checklist again for the next trip: you’ll be smarter and faster!

Are you passionate about travel planning? Do you get excited about travel tips and tricks? You’ll love our Efficient Travel Planning page 🙂

FINAL THOUGHTS ON HOW TO LEAVE HOME FOR A LONG TRIP

Ready, set, go! Thanks to this complete checklist for leaving home and going on holiday, you will be able to enjoy your time off even more. Your home is well cared for, and will be waiting for you.

Do yourself a favour and use my Leaving The Home Checklist : save time and efforts! It’s a Google Doc, so you can customize it the way you want and keep it in your phone.

2 thoughts on “ Leaving the house checklist: 30 things to do before going on vacation ”

This is such a comprehensive list of to-do’s. You’ve pretty much covered everything I think!

Hi Natalie! Thank you, I really do hope it’s helpful and it makes life easier 🙂

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• Home Health

How to Secure and Prepare Your Home Before Traveling

A family vacation is always something to look forward to, but it also requires a fair amount of planning. Before you hit the road, sea, or air, there are a few essential things to do to ensure that your home will be secure while you’re gone. Start planning by creating a checklist of the crucial things you need to prepare before your travel day arrives. With a few simple tips and some thinking ahead, you can stay on top of your home’s security for a fun vacation and peace of mind. 

How to keep your house safe and secure while you’re gone

Before you go, there are some crucial things to do to keep your home safe . Make a checklist, and make sure you complete all of the tasks by the day before leaving.

Inform the right people you’re leaving. Police in certain areas will drive by your home if you let them know you’re out of town. Call your local police , and ask them to keep a watchful eye on your property. Inform the neighbors you’re leaving, and exchange phone numbers just in case there’s an emergency while you’re gone. 

Keep mum on social media. Don’t tell people on social media that you’re going on vacation. Keep your status private until you return.

Install a security system. Consider installing a quality security system you can monitor while you’re away. Look for high-definition security cameras, a doorbell camera, and alarms that will alert you to any suspicious activity. Some of the best home security systems are relatively affordable and are well worth the cost of protection and peace of mind. In the same way, integrating an IoT-based home security system will allow you to control locks, lights, radios, heating, and camera security while you are away. 

Install security lighting: A well-lit home is a protected home , so be sure you have plenty of bright outdoor lighting around the house’s front and back. Motion-activated smart lights are a good deterrent for criminals. Program your outdoor lights to come on at a particular time so that people think there’s someone there at night. Put your indoor lights on a timer so that they only turn on during certain hours to save on your electrical bill.

Use your safety deposit box. If you have a lot of valuables, consider leaving them in a safety deposit box to avoid the possibility of theft.

Hand out spare keys: Give a friend or relative a spare key in case your house sitter gets locked out, or the police need access. Make sure you lock the deadbolt and all exterior doors, including the garage door.

Get the yard in shape. Do a few simple yard decluttering tasks before you leave so that your home looks great when you come back. Mow the lawn, rake the leaves, or hire someone to come and cut the grass and check on the yard while you’re gone. Put your patio furniture away — store it in the garage or shed if you can. If not, cover your furniture with a weather-resistant cover to protect it. Stack chairs and place outdoor furniture together in a corner near the house to blow away or get stolen.

Program the thermostat. Consider installing a smart thermostat that you can program while you’re on vacation. Set the thermostat to a reasonable temperature , so your HVAC system isn’t running constantly. The ideal temperature for an empty home is about 50-55 degrees in the winter and 85-90 

Shut down the house. Before you leave, unplug the TV, computer, and small appliances — anything you don’t need to be plugged in while you’re gone. Use surge protectors for anything you must leave plugged in. Ensure that all doors and windows are locked, and close curtains and blinds so people can’t see inside. Check your smoke alarm and batteries and the batteries of other security devices, or just add new batteries to ensure they’re fresh.

Understanding security systems features for traveling

There are plenty of travel safety tips and having a home security system is one of the most valuable. Having a home security system will give you peace of mind, especially while traveling. Here are some security system basics to remember.

Remote Access

Remote access allows you to see activity in and around your home from any location. Most quality home security systems include an app so you can access this via your smartphone and check in on your home at any time.

Real-Time Notifications

Set up your home security system to alert you of any activity in real-time. This will send an alert to your phone where you can view the camera footage and see what’s going on as it happens. This is especially important if your home is unoccupied. Having real-time notifications set up will allow you to alert the authorities if you see any suspicious activity as it’s occurring rather than later.

Cellular Monitoring

Unlike landline monitoring, cellular monitoring works through a cellular network to provide you with a wireless security solution. This feature isn’t just convenient, but it also allows you to take your home security system with you when you move or if you plan to stay in another home long-term.  

Video Monitoring

Video monitoring is crucial if you want to have peace of mind while you’re gone. Using security cameras, your system will start recording any movement while you’re away. Set up motion-detecting cameras and turn on the real-time notifications alert option so you can see what’s going on in and around your home in real-time as it’s happening.

Home Automation

Home automation gives you complete control over your home, even while you’re away. Use this feature to lock and unlock doors, use your security cameras, and change the setting on your thermostat. Consider adding a home automation feature to as much of your home as possible to give you more control while you travel .

Additional preparation for extended vacations

If you’re planning a long time away, there are some extra things you should do to ensure home safety:

Clean or replace air filters. Replace your HVAC air filter before you leave, so the system runs smoothly while you’re gone. 

Forward your mail. When leaving long-term, it’s best to have your mail forwarded to a safe location. It can be to your hotel or the home of a trusted friend or family member.

Take care of the cars. Store your car in the garage while you’re gone. Give it a little TLC to get it through its idle period — get an oil and filter change, fill the tank, and top off the antifreeze.

Find someone to clean the house. If you’re concerned about dust and grime accumulating while you’re gone, consider hiring a reliable housekeeping company or professional cleaning service to do weekly or bi-weekly cleanings.

Mind the plumbing. If you’re leaving for an extended trip, turn off the main water supply, and drain all faucets until they run dry. Empty the toilet tanks and bowls, and pour a cup of bleach into the toilet bowl to prevent mold or ugly rings from forming.

Finding a house sitter. You might want to hire a house sitter to watch your home while you’re away. Enlist a friend or family member’s help to do the house sitting if you have people you know and trust nearby. If not, use an online referral service so that the house sitter is fully vetted and trustworthy. Here are a few tips to ensure that your house sitter will be comfortable and well-informed about what needs to be done:

Write down instructions for essential tasks. If you have houseplants, leave clear written instructions for watering, fertilizing, and sunlight, so the house sitter knows precisely how to care for them. Likewise, make sure the house sitter knows exactly what to do to take care of your pets. Write down instructions for feeding, and if you have a dog, let the sitter know when and where they like to walk. Leave plenty of pet food on the kitchen counter so it’s easy to find and include some extra cash they can use to buy more food if it runs low. For smaller pets like birds or hamsters, make sure you leave clear instructions on feeding them and cleaning their cages.

Leave contact information. Give the sitter your travel itinerary, your phone number, and the numbers of close family or friends they can call if there’s a problem.

Provide certain information. If you have a temperamental garage door, a coded entry, or anything else the sitter should know to make the job easier and less stressful, write it down.

Tell the sitter to help themself to what’s in the kitchen. It’s best to leave an empty fridge and freezer behind, but instead of tossing it, you can leave some things behind and tell the house sitter they’re welcome to eat whatever they want from the refrigerator and pantry, so it doesn’t go to waste.

Home Insurance: A Pillar of Pre-Travel Prep

As you make your travel plans, your home’s safety should be at the forefront of your preparations. While securing doors and windows or asking neighbors to keep an eye on your property are practical steps, an often overlooked yet crucial aspect of home security is ensuring your home insurance is up-to-date.

Before jetting off, it’s a wise move to review your home insurance policy . Ensure that your coverage limits adequately reflect the current value of your home and its contents. If you’ve made significant purchases or upgrades since your last review, you might need to adjust your policy to include these new assets.

Additionally, familiarize yourself with the ‘unoccupancy’ terms of your insurance. Some policies may have stipulations regarding how long a home can be unoccupied before the insurance becomes void or specific conditions change. If your travels will keep you away longer than your policy allows, inform your insurer in advance; they may offer an extension or a specialized product to cover such scenarios.

Lastly, ensure that your insurance policy covers common travel-related mishaps such as burglaries, water damage from frozen pipes, or electrical issues that could result in fire. By ensuring your home insurance is comprehensive, you’ll have an extra layer of peace of mind as you embark on your journey, knowing your biggest asset is well-protected.

Prepare for the trip

Once you’ve got most of the details checked off your list and it’s getting close to zero-hour, start getting into the mindset of traveling . Keep in mind that avoiding common mistakes will save you a lot of stress.  Here’s what you should start working on the week before you leave.

Go easy on grocery buying. Don’t over-buy groceries before you leave for vacation. Try to keep your food purchases minimal, so you don’t end up having to throw a lot of it away before you go. About a week before you leave, write down a meal plan and only buy the groceries you need. If you subscribe to any grocery delivery services, see if you can temporarily put them on pause. Now is a great time to declutter the fridge and freezer. Look for items that are expired or that have freezer burn and toss them. If there’s good food that you won’t eat before you go, consider giving it to a friend or family member, or let the house sitter eat it, so it doesn’t go wrong while you’re gone.

Plan transportation to the airport. Decide if you’re going to drive your car to the airport and park it, or if you’re going to use a driving service to pick you up and drop you off. Remember that airports charge you by the day to leave your car, so calling for a ride is likely the least expensive option. Asking a close friend or taking a taxi to the airport is the best idea for solo travelers . 

Pause delivery services and mail. Temporarily stop all home delivery services and mail so that it doesn’t pile up on your doorstep. The US Postal Service has a section online where you can temporarily pause mail delivery until you return.

Prepare for different weather conditions. Make a list before you start packing, and keep things as minimal as possible, so you’re not weighed down by too much clothing and too many travel accessories. Here are some tips to help you pack and prepare for various weather conditions :

Cold weather. Pack at least a few extra items of clothing in case the weather gets cold at your destination. Bring a fleece jacket or hoodie for layering during chilly weather , so you stay insulated and comfortable. If you’re leaving a cold climate behind, winterize your plumbing to prevent the pipes from freezing and possibly bursting while you’re away. Look for drafts, and seal them before you leave to keep your home warm. 

Hot weather. When traveling during hot seasons or in hot climates, always pack sunscreen and warm-weather clothing like tank tops, shorts, and a swimsuit. Preparing with the correct travel accessories will make your vacation smoother. To prep, your home, remove all trash and have your home professionally treated for pests. If you’re going on a long trip, hire someone to mow the lawn while you’re away.

Humid weather. Dress in lightweight, breathable clothing when traveling in humid weather to keep you cool and comfortable. Prepare your home by programming the thermostat to a reasonable temperature, so you don’t return to a stuffy house. If someone is house-sitting for you, ask them to open the windows when they’re there to improve airflow and help keep your home aired out.

Rainy weather. Pack a lightweight raincoat or jacket if you’re traveling in a rainy climate. A pair of packable rain boots are also helpful. You can buy an umbrella when you arrive since they’re relatively easy to find at most stores. Prep your home by making sure that all windows and doors are properly sealed to prevent leaks. Have your roof inspected before you go to confirm that it’s in good condition so you won’t have to worry about the possibility of a leak if there’s a heavy rainstorm. 

Are you leaving the kids behind? If you’re planning a trip without the kids, make sure that they understand why you’re going and that it’s only temporary. Make your kids feel secure, and inform them that it’s just a short time that you’ll be away. Choose a babysitter you trust while you’re gone, like a beloved friend or family member, that your children feel comfortable and safe until you return.

Are you bringing the kids along? Make a packing list for your kids’ luggage, so they have everything they need. But don’t stress yourself, flying with an infant doesn’t have to be a challenge. Be sure to bring a few games, their favorite stuffed animal, and some coloring books or puzzles to keep them entertained. When traveling with kids , bring lots of snacks, bottled water, a roll of paper towels, baby wipes, and all the chargers you need for their devices. Keep in mind that being prepared will ensure an amazing family vacation .

Dietary restrictions. Researching your travel destination ahead of time can save you time and money. Whether you are vegan , paleo, or keto, it’s a good idea to seek out meal options before arriving at your destination. In case of a food allergy, we recommend you bring an allergy card and the appropriate medication.

Prepping for business travel. If you’re planning business travel, your family will likely stay behind. There will be less planning required for a business trip since there should be someone at home to keep the house safe and maintained. Remember to pack essential business items, like your work phone, laptop, and professional attire, so you’ll be dressed appropriately for meetings and other work-related events during a business trip. Bring some street clothes, too, in case you want to dress down for a casual lunch or dinner. Every trip is different and you should pack according to the location. For example, if you are traveling to photography locations , don’t forget to bring all your camera equipment.  On the other hand, if the trip is leisurely, you can leave your work devices at home. 

Business Travel Home Safety Tips: Since most business trips are paid for by your employer, you’ll likely have the entire itinerary already planned for you in advance. Schedule things like mail forwarding, housecleaning, and lawn care around the dates you plan to be away from home. If your family is staying put, they can house sit and take care of pets and plants for you. However, if you’re bringing them along, make sure you follow the same tips you would when leaving home empty on a leisure vacation to ensure that everything is safe and in place before you go. 

Minimize travel stress. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep before travel day . Use an eye mask and earplugs if you want to nap on the plane or train. Stay hydrated, wear comfortable shoes, and eat a healthy breakfast so the day starts smoothly and you’re ready to roll. Your trip will go much more smoothly when you take care of the travel stress .

Prepare for a week, 1, 3, and 6-month trip

Whether you’re going away for one week or six months, it’s important to be sure to prepare the right way:

One week: If you’re just heading out for a week-long trip, you can have your neighbors keep an eye on your home or hire a house-sitter to mind your property. Make sure your mail and the daily newspaper are secure and out of sight. Turn on all motion-activated lights and security cameras just in case. Lock all doors and windows and set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature, so the HVAC system isn’t constantly running while you’re away.

One month: Temporarily deter any curious would-be thieves, asking the post office and newspaper delivery service to hold deliveries. You can also ask your local police department to drive by your home occasionally, making sure everything is safe and secure. Continue to set timers for your lights, set the thermostat for your HVAC system, and activate all security cameras, so everything is being monitored while you’re away. Trips longer than a week should always include a house sitter or a neighbor checking in on your property.

Three months: Hire a landscaping service to mow your grass and take care of your lawn while you’re away. Put the newspaper and mail on hold and consider having someone stay in your home while you’re gone so that it’s always occupied. Before you leave, get rid of food in the fridge and pantry so that it doesn’t spoil, and take out all trash before you lock up the home.

Six months: A six-month trip requires everything mentioned above and some more in-depth preparations. Turn off the main water feed to your home unless you plan to have someone stay there while you are gone. This is a good opportunity to rent out your home on a short-term lease if possible. Otherwise, make sure that all water and gas valves are turned off while you’re gone. Use a timer to turn the lights on and off sporadically and sign up for the local police check-in service if available. Stop all mail and package deliveries or have everything forwarded to your new destination until you return home. Continue all landscaping services, and never mention that you are not at home publicly on social media.

Tips for traveling during each season

Your specific travel plans may vary depending on the destination and the season. Here are some quick tips for preparing your home before you leave during each season of the year:

Spring: Remove all leaves and debris from gutters before you leave. Cut your grass one last time, and ensure that all patio furniture is secure or put away. Repair window and door screens so insects and pests can’t get inside your home while you’re away.

Summer: Cut dead or rotting tree limbs, so they don’t fall onto your roof during summer storms. Make plans for landscaping if you’re going to be gone for longer than a week. Remove all trash from your indoor and outdoor trash cans and empty the fridge if you will be gone for more than a few weeks. Spray the inside and outdoor perimeter of your home for insects.

Fall: Autumn is also a great time to clean your gutters and yard of excess leaves, twigs, and debris before you leave. Keep your patio furniture in storage and put garden tools away. If you have a swimming pool, secure it with a cover before you depart. Make sure all windows and doors are sealed and add new weatherstripping if necessary to prevent drafts.

Winter: Leave your heat on and set the thermostat to around 55 degrees. Turn off the water supply and drain all of your pipes, so they don’t freeze. Let family members know you’ll be away, so they don’t send Christmas gifts to your home while you are not there. Secure loose items outside so they don’t blow around or get damaged if a winter storm hits.

What to do with your home if you are becoming a digital nomad

If you’re planning to become a digital nomad , you’ll probably be away for extended periods of time. If you’re a renter, consider ending your lease early and putting large and valuable items in a storage unit.

Digital nomads who are homeowners can try these tips:

• Consider renting your home to a tenant while you’re away so that your home is occupied and you’re making some extra money during your travels.
• Use a rental service app to rent out your home to vacationers for some supplemental income.
• Designate a trusted friend or family member to be your point of contact while you’re gone so they can check on your property for you.
• Organize your luggage well and leave enough space to save the best moments of this journey. When packing as a remote worker , you should know that you will be carrying more than just a backpack. Don’t forget to bring your emergency kit or even the charging source for your work devices.
• Always store valuables in a secure location if you plan to rent your home out while working abroad or in another state.

Snowbird checklist for leaving home

Snowbirds tend to leave their Northern homes for the winter and head to a warmer location like the Caribbean or Costa Rica . If you’re planning on taking your snowbirding journey to another country, make sure you’re familiar with local laws and tax regulations .  Here’s a handy snowbird checklist for leaving your Northern home:

Prepare for leaving your Northern home

• Set your thermostat for about 55 degrees unless you plan to have someone occupy your Northern home while you’re gone.
• Forward all of your mail to the Southern home address while you’re away.
• Store valuables in a safe or a locked area of the home where they can’t be found.
• Turn off the main water supply and drain the faucets and pipes to prevent freezing.
• Clean your gutters, check your roof and windows, and do a general once-over to make sure your Northern home is winter-ready.

What to do when you get to your Southern home

• Open all windows to let your Southern home air out and plug in kitchen appliances as soon as you arrive.
• Inspect the home to make sure that everything looks good and that it’s free of damage.
• Contact the utility companies before you get to your Southern home so that the power, cable, etc., are turned on when you arrive.

Prepare to leave your Southern home for the summer

• Dispose of all perishable foods before you go.
• Clean the home from top to bottom: dust, vacuum, and wash linens before putting them away.
• Unplug appliances and electronics while you’re gone.
• Have your mail re-forwarded back to the address of your Northern home.

Returning to your Northern home

• Turn the water back on and make sure there are no signs of leaks or damage to plumbing, the roof, or anywhere else in the home.
• Take all patio furniture out of storage and let it air out to be used for the summer.
• Keep a snowbird checklist handy, so you can go back through the home and make sure everything is back for the summer season.

Travel hacks

Traveling smart is crucial if you want to have a pleasant vacation, so keep these travel hacks in mind:

• Stay aware of all the latest safety measures and rules by checking the TSA website frequently.
• Look for affordable flights to and from your destination to help you save cash . 
• Pack items using organization cubes, and make sure you create a packing checklist before you leave so you don’t forget anything.
• There are plenty luggage storage networks to stash your suitcases when you arrive in a city too early to check into your hotel or when you’ve checked out of your room and have adventures planned before heading to the airport.  Secure locations like Vertoe luggage storage NYC offer safer and convenient alternatives to any conventional locker storage while traveling abroad.
• Sit down and create a budget for your trip in advance.
• Take extra time to prepare if you are going to travel internationally.
• Within the travel hacks , there are plenty of online options to help you find everything for your trip. You will get to book a wide range of activities, vacation homes, cars, and flights at low prices. Researching those sites will be key to book your accommodation on a secure website and avoid any unwanted scams. 
• Come up with ways you can save money for traveling , like cutting down trips to the coffee shop, hosting a yard sale, or selling unwanted items online. Considering traveling by cruise  is a great option for your vacations. This type of trip has become one of the best options to visit several destinations in a single trip, without worrying about going from one place to another with your suitcases.
• When talking about money, you should consider looking for the best options to transfer money while traveling , in any case, you need to do some payments back home and you´re out of the country, this could save you a lot of headaches when the situation happens.

Tips for traveling with a pet

Traveling with your pet is fun, but it can also be challenging. Follow these tips to keep your pet safe and healthy on your vacation:

• Make sure you bring enough medication for your pet while you’re away and keep it close at hand.
• Bring a lightweight, portable food and water bowl so you can feed your pet on the go.
• Use durable leashes and harnesses, and always make sure you know local leash laws.
• Give your pet a comfortable way to travel with a roomy carrier. Include their favorite blanket and toy, so they have a scent from home to comfort them.
• Make sure your pet is microchipped, and bring all of your paperwork with you.

Budgeting House Expenses While You are Away

Aside from budgeting for your vacation , you will need to create a budget for household expenses while you’re gone:

Set your bills up for automatic payments, so everything comes out of your bank account, and all of your bills are paid on time.

Create a house expense budget before you leave to know what you can and should spend on the home separate from your vacation.

Pay for everything in cash or via debit while you’re away, so you don’t end up in debt when you return.

Turn down the thermostat to save on your energy bill and unplug appliances and electronics before you leave.

Consider stopping newspaper and magazine subscriptions to help you save a bit of extra money while you’re away. Ask if you can temporarily “turn off” your cable and Internet service until you return.

Remember to save money for landscapers and house-sitters so that everyone gets paid.

Don’t order anything online that will need to be delivered to your home – there will be time to shop when you get back.

Renting your home while you are away

If you’re planning to rent your home while you’re traveling the world, keep these tips in mind:

• Use referrals or do background checks to make sure you choose a safe and reliable tenant.
• Write up a lease and make sure you and the tenant both sign it before you leave and keep a copy for yourself.
• Lock up your personal belongings and valuables or put them in a storage facility until you return.
• Ask someone you trust to check on the home occasionally just to make sure everything is going well.
• Consider using a property management service if you’re a digital nomad or plan to be away from your home for a year or more.

Tips for finding a home rental for long-term travel

If you want to rent a house, condo, or apartment for long-term travel, consider the following information:

Know exactly what you want in terms of size and amenities well in advance to help you narrow down your choices.

Set a budget for long-term rental, so you include the cost in your travel expenses.

Ask friends or family members if they have any recommendations for long-term rentals they may have used in the past.

Use apps like Airbnb, VRBO, or vacation rental by owner to help you select the right rental for you.

Try to put a deposit down and secure your rental well in advance to save money and avoid losing it if someone else gets it first.

Research the owner, the location, and the local culture before you make a decision, so you’ll be happy with your choice.

Read the rental contract carefully before you sign it so that you’re familiar with the terms.

Post-Vacation Home Recovery

When you return from your vacation , there are a few things you’ll need to attend to for a smooth transition back to everyday life at home. The first thing is to open the windows, even if it’s cold, to let the stale air out and bring fresh air in. Then:

Do a house check. Do a quick walkthrough of your house, make sure that the electricity is working, the water is running, and the house’s temperature is comfortable. You may need to run the faucets for a while and change the temperature on your thermostat so your home is comfortable again.

Unpack. Throw all of your clothing in the laundry when you return. Put toiletries back in the bathroom, and return medications to the medicine cabinet. Find a place for your souvenirs, and set aside gifts you brought home for your friends. Put your empty suitcases in the closet — clean each piece before you put it away , and pack smaller bags inside larger ones to save space.

Reinstate delivery services and mail. Reinstate your mail delivery as soon as possible, and cancel any forwarding instructions. Start up your subscription services back up, and if your neighbors were picking up the mail, retrieve it as soon as you can.

Clean, if it’s been a while. If you’ve been gone for an extended period of time, you’ll probably want to clean the house sooner than later. Dust ceiling fans, wipe down countertops, and vacuum and mop the floors when you return. Rinse out the sinks, tubs, showers, and flush the toilets.

Whether you’re heading out on a business trip , a girls’ getaway, or planning a fun family vacation, keep these traveling tips in mind to keep your pets, plants, and property safe. You can leave town confident that you haven’t left anything behind or undone with careful preparation — you know the iron is unplugged, and the front door is locked. Start early so you can ease into the vacation mindset and leave home ready and relaxed. 

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20 Tips for Preparing Your Home for an Extended Vacation

This article may contain referral links. Read our DISCLOSURE

Cummins originally sponsored this look at how to prepare your home before a vacation.

It’s the day we leave for that month-long South Pacific cruise . Alan waits in the car as I lock the front door after checking everything in the house one more time. Then I try the lock, again—and again.

Confession time: I have a hard time leaving our house for vacation, especially an extended trip. But I shouldn’t really worry, because I have Alan and he makes lists.

Tips for Preparing Your House for an Extended Vacation

Creating a list of all the tasks needed to prepare your home for vacation is the single most important travel preparation tip I can offer.

Keep a master list of every task stored on your computer or phone to print out before every trip.

Check off each task as you accomplish them, and then head off on your adventure knowing that your home is prepared.

Not sure where to start? Here are some must-haves for your extended vacation preparation checklist:

Before you leave for vacation

Household Tasks:

• Empty the dishwasher and leave it cracked open (if possible) so any standing water in the system evaporates.
• Clean out the refrigerator. In addition to throwing away food that will spoil, this is a great time to give the fridge a good cleaning.
• Run a mixture of vinegar and water through the garbage disposal so odors don’t build up.
• Empty and wash all trashcans.
• Set the thermostat to reasonable temperature. For a winter trip, set the thermostat to a low temperature, but not so low that pipes will freeze. In summer, set the thermostat to a higher temperature so the air conditioning won’t run unnecessarily.
• If you live in a cold climate, leave doors open underneath all sinks to keep pipes from freezing.
• Place the water heater on “vacation mode” setting.
• For long trips, put a trickle charge on car batteries. If rodents are a problem in the garage, place dryer sheets around the car to keep them from chewing on wires. Or plug an ultrasonic pest repeller into garage electrical outlets. They really work!

Home Safety Measures:

• Place several lights on timers (or ask the house sitter to rotate which lights are turned on, both inside and out, once or twice a week)
• Install a motion-activated floodlight in at least one location outside your home.
• Consider investing in a whole house generator to save headaches in the event of electric outages. If you’re out of town when the electricity goes out, food can spoil in the refrigerator, irrigation systems will stop watering the lawn, and automatic timers will stop turning on and off the lights that are making your home look occupied.
• Make sure smoke detectors are working properly.
• Turn off water to the interior of the house. An undiscovered water leak can result in thousands of dollars in damage. Leave faucet taps open so when you slowly turn the water system back on, pressure won’t blow out the gaskets. At the very least, turn off the water valves to sinks, dishwasher, washing machine and toilets.

While you’re away from home

Hire a house sitter (or ask a trusted friend or neighbor) to make weekly (at least) checks inside your home. They should:

• Flush all toilets so that sewer gases don’t build up, especially if your home is on a septic tank.
• Confirm mail is being held or collected.
• Make sure the irrigation system is working
• Water outdoor and indoor potted plants.
• Cut the lawn or confirm the landscape service is doing it.
• Survey the house for leaks after major rainstorms, heavy winter snows, or extreme cold weather.
• Adjust the thermostat a day before the end of your trip so you arrive to a comfortable home temperature.

Keeping a detailed list of how to prepare your home for vacation makes it easy to walk out the door. And remember, installing a generator  or back-up power supply ensures your home is protected in the event of a power outage.

Prepare for the worst and have peace of mind during your trip by installing a Cummins QuietConnect home standby generator .

Disclosure: Cummins originally sponsored this look at home preparation tips. 

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How a Philippines trip — and many memorable meals — redefined home

“Get ready to eat!”

That’s what my mother told me in late 2022 when I learned my parents and I would be traveling to the Philippines. Before our trip this February, my parents hadn’t set foot in their home country for 25 years. I had never visited.

I was born less than two months after they immigrated to Kent, in 1998. I grew up a quintessential American kid in the Pacific Northwest, riding my bike along the Green River. In eighth grade, I skipped school and braved freezing temperatures to watch the Seahawks Super Bowl parade with my father in downtown Seattle. 

At the same time, I also grew up in a tightknit Filipino American community. Most of my elementary school friends were Filipino too, and we would eat the home cooked chicken adobo and other dishes our parents made for countless birthdays and Christmas parties. I learned Tagalog phrases by watching soap operas with my mom. 

When my friends visited the Philippines with their families and returned with stories of all the memories they’d made, I was happy for them. But I was also jealous that they had completed this cultural rite of passage. When I’d ask my parents if we’d travel there someday, they’d say it wasn’t the right time, or cite difficulties to afford the trip. 

I’d spent my life walking the line of my Filipino American identity, but never visited the nation where my parents were born and raised. In some ways, I felt shame burn in the back of my mind, as if I had somehow turned my back on my Filipino heritage.

To me, the Philippines was always a land across the sea, seen only through old family photos and TV shows. To my friends, it was familiar. 

Before my family packed for our trip, I couldn’t help but wonder: What took me so long? Am I — a woman in her 20s whose Tagalog has slowly dwindled to barely conversational phrases — worthy enough to visit my homeland?

I may never know why it took me this long, but I knew I had to let go of my insecurities and simply come as the most authentic version of myself. This trip was a chance to ascribe my own meaning to the places in the family photos and the culture that influenced my upbringing.

In February, I embarked on a journey to the homeland I had never visited, hoping to discover what it meant to call a place home. 

Across the Pacific

The Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,600 islands, is a 14-hour flight from the West Coast. White sand beaches and tropical forests sprawl across the islands, so different from the Pacific Northwest’s rocky beaches and temperate woodlands. 

My mother, an airline accountant by day and travel logistics mastermind by night, scoured the internet for the best travel packages and accommodations she could find. While we would eventually visit family and friends in Manila, she made sure all three of us would visit places we’d never seen.

Although we weren’t an outdoorsy family, we spent hours exploring islands and swimming in the Philippine Sea’s turquoise waters. We ended up off the coast of El Nido, Palawan, island-hopping aboard an outrigger canoe-style bangka, despite my penchant for seasickness. In a single day, we visited four different islands, explored a cavernous limestone cave and saw turtles while snorkeling. 

From El Nido, we journeyed to Bohol, home of the famous Chocolate Hills (their decadent name comes from the grass-covered hills turning brown during the dry season, not from the presence of actual chocolate). My dad and I braved several flights of stairs to make it to the observatory deck, where we watched the sun set over the green hills that spread out in every direction as far as the eye could see. 

“I would say it’s inner peace,” my mom said of the views of her homeland. “We can never experience that [feeling of familiarity] in the U.S. Just the sound of the ocean reminds me that this is where I came from.”

The beauty of nature was one thing to witness firsthand, but it was the generosity of the local guides on our island tours that stuck with me. Many guides spent years as fishermen before switching to the tourism industry. With the sea breeze ruffling their hair as they hopped around the bangka as easily as if they were on land, they told us stories, cooked three-course meals on the boat and played beach volleyball with us. By the end of the tour, they felt like family.

My parents called it the concept of “maasikaso,” or being attentive to others. They’d always said Filipinos were well-known for their generosity, but spending the day with our guides showed me firsthand what it means to take pride in serving others. 

When we journeyed to Manila to meet family and friends, all were eager to treat us to their favorite restaurants around town. Although the city was new to me, the food was deeply familiar. Between shopping for Filipino groceries at Seafood City in Tukwila and making trips to Jollibee (a fast-food chain more popular than McDonald’s in the Philippines), eating meals with loved ones, especially from my culture, has always been key to forming my sense of community. 

On our trip, my mom’s side of the family brought us to a Max’s Restaurant in Quezon City and ordered nearly everything on the menu, including the very same fried chicken, crispy pata (deep fried pork knuckles) and kare kare (a savory peanut sauce stew) that I grew up eating at the beloved chain’s location back home in Washington . Though I had just met these family members, we spent several hours exchanging stories and bonding over these comforting dishes that tasted like my home, too. 

Better than the pictures

One of my favorite childhood pastimes was watching my parents’ wedding video, which I played on our family VCR in the days before DVDs and online streaming. I watched my mom, dressed in white and holding a cascading bouquet of pink lilies, walk down the aisle of a dimly lit church. Near the altar, my dad waits for her dressed in a white barong, the traditional formalwear for Filipino men. 

My parents, both Catholic, met in the ’80s in a small church just outside of Manila. At a church luau, my dad took one look at my mom in her floral Hawaiian dress and “fell in love with me right then,” she said. In 1995, they married in the heart of Manila at San Sebastian Basilica, a majestic 19th-century steel structure with spires rising over 100 feet in the air. When my parents asked me what I wanted to see during our trip, I only had one request: to see that church with my own eyes. Nothing prepared me for the sense of awe I felt, standing on the black-and-white tiles of the aisle my mother walked down all those years ago. My mom was 27 when she married, just two years older than I am now. At 30, she was seven months pregnant, flying across the world to move to a country she had never even visited, with only my father and a few suitcases at her side. 

Initially, my father did not want to move to the United States, even though his father, already living in Houston, sponsored a petition for him and my mother. My father was satisfied with his government job in the Philippines, saying his master’s degree in economics would hold more value there than in America. He and his wife had a house, a car, friends and family. What more could he ask for?

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It wasn’t until my father drove past the U.S. Embassy in Manila one day and saw a line of people long enough to circle the building three times that he understood. All of them were waiting for the same sponsorship opportunity my father already had. My mom convinced him to change his mind, persuading him that moving to the U.S. would give their unborn child better education and career opportunities. 

Ten years after immigrating, my parents passed their naturalization tests with flying colors. I remember holding onto my mother, a small American flag in my other hand, as she and my father took the oath of allegiance as new U.S. citizens, signifying that their life was here now, and they were committed to building their version of the American dream. 

“I made the right decision,” my father said to me recently. “To leave my personal preference [behind] and immigrate here to America, even though it was tough and we had to start our lives all over again. You’ve got a good quality of life now.”

All I could do was nod solemnly and thank him for the sacrifices he and my mother made for me. As if sensing my sobriety, he smiled and put his arm around my mother, seated beside him.

“You might be living an American life, but you’re still a Filipino. Your culture is not going to go away,” my father said. “You can become a U.S. citizen, but in heart and mind, you’re still a Filipino.”

“Kapatids”

When my parents immigrated to Washington from Manila over 25 years ago, they left behind friends, family and the only life they had known. Watching them reconnect with loved ones in the Philippines as if no time had passed showed me glimpses of their younger selves, and perhaps the life I would have lived if I had been raised in the Philippines. 

On one of the last days of our trip, my father met with two childhood “kapatids” (the Filipino word for “friends”) Joey O’Santos and Raymond Roasles, in Tagaytay, a province a couple of hours south of Manila. Although I’d never met them, they were my “ninongs,” or godfathers. The three of them laughed and joked, reciting a toast they made up in school. It was like no time passed at all. 

When I met my ninongs’ kids, one asked if I’d like to go barhopping with them later that night. Excited to experience Manila’s vibrant nightlife (and perhaps spend some time with people my own age), I eagerly accepted. My last few hours in Manila were spent dancing the night away with my newfound friends, creating new memories like the ones our fathers did so many years ago. 

Perhaps it wasn’t until that last night that I truly felt like I belonged in my homeland. That night of dancing was only possible because of the roots my parents had grown over the decades of their lifetimes, in the Philippines and America. 

Three months ago, I thought this homecoming would be a rite of passage, one that would prove I was Filipino enough.

But by the time my family packed our suitcases, many full of “pasalubong” (souvenirs) for our loved ones back in Seattle, I was the same me who navigates life as both the quintessential American and the daughter of Filipino immigrants. Perhaps sharing meals with my family and walking through the clear waters of the Philippine Sea simply allowed me to see the parts of me that had always been there, and how they can continue to flourish. 

I knew I would come back to Seattle and share my new memories with friends. Instead of using those experiences to absolve any guilt or doubt over my heritage, they only made me feel pride and joy in my multifaceted identity.

It took 25 years for my parents to return home and for me to set foot in their homeland for the first time. I watched the sun set over Manila Bay outside of my plane window, looking forward to returning to Seattle and the place I called home for my entire life. But now I had a new place that felt like home, one that I can’t wait to see again.

The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times.

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21 Life-changing Trips Everyone Should Experience at Least Once

From African safaris to must-visit cities, these once-in-a-lifetime trips will make you want to plan your next great adventure.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

What's next on your travel list? With so many places worth traveling to, it can be hard to narrow down your top spots to visit.

Sometimes, it's the famous attractions, delicious food, and stunning hotels that draw us to a certain destination, and other times, it's the bragging rights that come with checking off every continent, country, or state. Whatever your motivation, we've rounded up 21 incredible trips, complete with once-in-a-lifetime experiences and iconic sights you won't find anywhere else in the world.

So, what makes a trip truly life-changing? That answer varies from traveler to traveler, but one thing is for sure: From African safaris to classic road trips, this list will make you want to plan your next great adventure.

Deciding between the historic cities of Rome, Venice, Naples, and Florence for the top destination to visit feels impossible, so the entire country of Italy deserves a spot on your list. Start in the Eternal City and head north through the rolling hills of Tuscany to visit Florence, followed by Milan or Venice, or go south to the beaches of the beautiful Amalfi Coast and Sicily.

New York, New York

Visiting the Statue of Liberty , standing at the top of the Empire State Building, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge: These are just a few of the things you can only do in New York City. Whether you dream of visiting all the places you've seen on screen, catching a Broadway show, or eating your way through the city's diverse neighborhoods, there's no doubt that NYC deserves a spot on your list.

Tokyo, Japan

Old and new come together in Japan's bustling capital city. Historic temples and shrines, busy shopping districts, delicious food, and some of the world's best theme parks and attractions — whatever your interests, there's something for you in Tokyo.

Paris, France

From watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle and viewing famous works of art at world-renowned museums to eating delicious French pastries, there are innumerable reasons that Paris deserves a spot on your list. Of course, other dreamy French destinations like Mont-Saint-Michel, Chamonix, and the Riviera are well worth a visit, too.

Busy medinas, intricate architecture, and a unique combination of cultural influences make Morocco unlike anywhere else on the planet. Whether you're traveling to bustling Marrakesh, pretty coastal cities, or remote desert towns (or hopefully, all three), a trip to Morocco is bound to be one to remember.

Monica Farber/Travel + Leisure

From the whitewashed homes of Santorini to the Ios party scene to the relaxing atmosphere of Milos, there's a perfect Greek Island for every type of traveler. Island hopping gives you the chance to experience more of what the country has to offer, but plan to spend a couple of days in Athens at the beginning and/or end of your trip.

T+L Backpack Quiz

Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure

Machu Picchu

Seeing the historic ruins of the Incan Empire set among the breathtaking Andes at Machu Picchu is an undeniably life-changing experience. The stunning citadel ruins of Machu Picchu are worth the journey — and for some travelers, that trip, often taken by train or on foot as a multi-day trek , is a big part of the experience. Editor’s note: Machu Picchu is currently closed due to civil unrest in Peru. Visit the  official website  for the latest news and reopening details.

African Safari

Seeing majestic animals like lions, elephants, and rhinos in the wild is a dream best accomplished with an African safari . South Africa, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Kenya are among the most popular safari destinations — and in each of those countries, you'll find incredible lodges and tour operators who can help you spot these creatures in their natural habitat.

Whether you dream of cruising down the famed Nile River, seeing the Pyramids of Giza, or visiting the ancient Valley of the Kings, Egypt's historic wonders make the destination completely unique (and worthy of a spot on your travel list).

Unlike many of the action-packed trips on this list, the Maldives is synonymous with relaxation, luxury, and romance. A stay in an overwater bungalow set atop turquoise blue waters is the ultimate getaway that's worth the long-haul flight and oftentimes pricey accommodations.

Antarctica Cruise

Hoping to visit all seven continents? Cross Antarctica off your list with a cruise. Several major cruise lines have journeys to Antarctica, offering incredible views of the ice and wildlife from the comfort and safety of a ship. Travelers typically fly in and out of Buenos Aires en route to Ushuaia (where most cruises depart from); we recommend spending a few days in the fascinating Argentine city before your expedition.

Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure

Dubbed one of the natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef is a can't-miss for many wildlife lovers. Of course, Australia's gorgeous coastline, the iconic Sydney Opera House, and fuzzy creatures like kangaroos and koalas are also reasons to head to the destination. Fly into Sydney and spend a few days there before heading out to explore more of this expansive country teeming with natural beauty.

Galapagos Islands

Incredible and diverse plant and animal species make the Galapagos Islands another must-visit for nature-loving travelers. This stunning archipelago off the coast of Ecuador is best explored by cruise, so you can take in as many breathtaking landscapes and animals as possible during your trip.

Like the other countries on this list, India has countless destinations worth exploring, but one of the most famous attractions that travelers dream of seeing for themselves is the Taj Mahal. This 17th-century white marble mausoleum has drawn visitors to Agra for years. Luxury travelers might consider a train trip aboard the Maharajas' Express (with a stop at the Taj Mahal) as the ultimate experience. Travelers planning to visit the Taj Mahal or take the luxurious train ride will want to fly into Delhi, India's capital territory.

Petra, Jordan

The stunning ancient city of Petra is made up of several impressive structures carved into sandstone rock faces, including the famous Al-Khazneh. The city dates back thousands of years, making this UNESCO World Heritage site a must-visit for history buffs.

Passing through India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Bhutan, and Nepal, the Himalayas are home to some of the world's highest peaks — and that means breathtaking mountain views, too. For adventurous and active travelers, climbing Mount Everest (or at least trekking to Everest Base Camp) is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

American National Park Road Trip

The classic American road trip is a mainstay on many travelers' lists — and for good reason. The country's incredible national parks , including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite, are best explored on road trips with stops at charming small towns and kitschy roadside attractions.

Great Wall of China

Stretching across China for thousands of miles, with sections dating back nearly 2,000 years, the Great Wall is regarded as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Visitors can hike along parts of the wall — some areas are located within driving distance of Beijing, so it's a perfect day trip from the city.

Easter Island

The hundreds of monolithic moai statues have drawn curious visitors to Easter Island for years. This remote Polynesian island is worth the lengthy trip for travelers hoping to see these impressive human figures, while also soaking in some incredible coastal views.

Northern Lights Trip

Catching a glimpse of the elusive northern lights is possible in several destinations close to the Arctic Circle, including Alaska, Iceland, Canada, Greenland, Finland, Sweden, and Norway. All of these places have incredible viewpoints (and even hotels where you can see the phenomenon from your bed ), in addition to great, wintry scenery. (The lights are best viewed from late fall through early spring.)

Thailand and Vietnam

A trip through Southeast Asia is a must for any traveler, especially foodies who love street eats. While you could spend weeks in each of these countries, Thailand and Vietnam can easily be paired for an exciting trip packed with lush scenery, cultural experiences, and delicious food. Have a little extra time to spare? Add Cambodia to the mix and include a visit to expansive Angkor Wat.

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The Rick Steves guide to life

Travel mogul. Philanthropist. Legal weed champion. The real Rick Steves is so much more complex than who you see on TV.

EDMONDS, Wash. — At first glance, it is hard to tell that Rick Steves is protesting.

In the center of his hometown, America’s favorite travel host is perched on the edge of a fountain roundabout engaging in some friendly civil disobedience. As cars circle the intersection, Steves smiles and waves, looking more like an Elf on a Shelf than an angry picketer. This is his way of reminding people he wishes they’d stop driving here.

Steves’s family moved to Edmonds when he was 12, and the 68-year-old is still happy to call it home. Rather than relocate to his beloved Europe, he dreams of bringing some European sensibilities to the edge of the Puget Sound, less than 20 miles north of Seattle.

When he’s not traveling around Europe, writing about Europe or running his multimillion-dollar European tour company, the prolific TV host and author likes to squeeze in some local activism. The roundabout routine is his push to block off Edmonds’s very American Main Street for pedestrians. If you squint at it, you can see what Steves sees: This would be the perfect place for a lively town square.

“I like a lot of things about Europe, but I love the urban energy of Europe. I love the piazza,” Steves said in a wistful tone you might recognize from PBS. “We don’t have a piazza.”

Unfortunately for Steves, the voting majority of the city does not love the idea of parking their SUVs farther away to shop. So despite his Boy Scout enthusiasm, the most famous man in Edmonds must keep up the perch-and-wave. This is not his only crusade.

Spend any amount of time with Steves, and you’ll encounter a total ham who loves a zany bit. But if you ask him about serious issues such as car-free zones, he’ll bring up other causes that are dear to him: affordable housing, supporting the arts, creating senior centers for the elderly to age with dignity.

He’s anti-Trump and pro-cannabis. He does not care if that is bad for business.

The average Rick Steves fan has probably missed this side of him. On TV, they see an always-sunny history lover who makes going abroad feel approachable for the average American. That’s an incomplete picture, like thinking you know Paris because you’ve seen the Eiffel Tower on YouTube.

Meet him in Edmonds, and he’ll fill in the rest.

It may look like a lot of gallivanting, but being Rick Steves takes a lot of work.

He spends three months of the year overseas, researching, writing, recording, refining tours, updating guidebooks. If he’s not planning or producing content, he’s often doing promotional events across the United States. This year, Steves is celebrating the 40th edition of his first book, “Europe Through the Back Door.” Over the course of his career, he has built a privately held company that generates $120 million in revenue a year, published 110 books, filmed 12 seasons of “Rick Steves’ Europe” and produced more than 750 podcast episodes.

“It’s just like coordinating a three-ring circus,” Steves said.

That is: really fun, sort of exhilarating and extremely complicated. To pull this off, Steves does not observe the French 35-hour workweek. He’s a workhorse with a reputation for keeping a frenetic pace year-round.

“It’s more of an American work culture,” Amy Duncan, Steves’s communications director, told me. “He’s an unapologetic capitalist, but he is also a socialist.”

He makes enough money to fly first class, but he sits in only economy, claiming that he doesn’t mind being cramped.

“It never occurred to me that I’m suffering,” he said. “As long as I’ve got an aisle and a seat that reclines, I’m happy.”

Actually, Steves believes airlines should have only one class. It’s part of his egalitarian worldview. He’s also anti-points and anti-miles, refusing to sign up for airline loyalty programs because he believes that they bully us into complicating our lives.

Steves also enforces a self-imposed “ carbon tax ” on his tour company, which takes more than 30,000 people to Europe annually. For every customer, Steves invests $30 to atone for emissions created by their flights between the United States and Europe. Last year, that added up to $1 million donated to a portfolio of organizations, Steves said.

“I don’t need to be a slave to the quarterly profit statement. I want to be around and profitable in 10 years from now in a world that you can travel in that’s stable,” Steves said. “This is a smart investment, and it’s an ethical expense that I should pay for.”

Rick Steves will tell you he’s motivated by making money; the more he can earn, the more good he can do with it.

“Vicarious consumption, that’s one of my things,” Steves said.

After amassing a windfall from the 2001 George W. Bush tax cuts for high earners, Steves donated $1 million to support the local symphony and performing arts center. In 2005, he used retirement savings to buy a 24-unit apartment complex for the local YWCA’s use as transitional housing for women and children. He figured he’d eventually sell the complex and live on the earnings. About a decade later, he changed his mind and donated the complex valued at $4 million.

He also gave more than $4 million to help build the Edmonds Waterfront Center, a vibrant gathering place for seniors where his daughter had her wedding in 2021. And he gave another $2 million for a similar center in the nearby city of Lynnwood, which broke ground in mid-April .

“Rick puts his money where his mouth is,” said Nancy Leson, a former Seattle Times food critic who used to let Steves’s daughter babysit her son. She has appreciated his regular presence in the community, which has entailed hosting events for local politics at his house and shopping at the farmers market .

“He changed travel,” local resident Karen Howe said on her way into the Waterfront Center with a friend. She has used Steves’s guidebooks for years. “He’s introduced us to places that most of us would never think of going.”

Steves hasn’t won his piazza battle, but he has brought European touches to Edmonds. At the Rick Steves’ Europe headquarters, there’s an E.U. flag hanging from the mocha brick facade. And gargoyles that drain rainwater, just like at the Notre Dame cathedral.

“Gargoyles scare away evil spirits,” Steves points out, unable to suppress his inner tour guide.

Here Steves employs more than 100 people: editors, audio producers, tour specialists and cartographers such as Dave Hoerlein, his first employee. That’s excluding the fleet of guides and drivers he contracts across the pond to shepherd tour customers.

Inside, he bounds through a maze of cubicles, his neck craned forward, always at an eager pace. His 6-foot frame appears leaner than in previous seasons of his life, but his signature look is familiar. No, not khakis and a button-down. That’s vintage Rick. These days, he wears dark jeans and a button-down, plus a thin scarf and leather sneakers.

During a day of meetings, Steves’s fjord-blue eyes lit up at the minutia of the business. He went over new maps with Hoerlein. He and longtime co-author Cameron Hewitt addressed problems such as finding a “less glitzy” stop on the Amalfi Coast that’s not Sorrento. They discussed whether a place is worth visiting after it’s gotten too popular, and Steves indulged in some gallows humor.

“It’s going to be like holding the corpse of a loved one who just died,” he said.

His critics argue that the “Rick Steves Effect” can turn a charming village, restaurant or museum into a tourist magnet. Matthew Kepnes, the travel writer behind the blog Nomadic Matt , points to the Swiss town Zermatt, which he says Steves put on the map, and has since dealt with overtourism . You’re bound to bump into groups with Rick Steves guidebooks in Italy’s increasingly crowded Cinque Terre.

Whether Steves is actually to blame for changing a place is up for debate. There are plenty of destinations he’s covered that haven’t been inundated with swarms of Americans (see also: Gdańsk).

Steves says he assesses whether a place wants tourism, if it can handle it gracefully. If it doesn’t or can’t, he may mention it but not promote it.

He has faith — maybe too much — that his clients share his values.

“Does [my work] change the personality of a town? It can. Am I a dramatic impact on Europe? No,” he said.

“There’s a handful of places I really promote aggressively that I’ve had a serious impact on, but otherwise ... my travelers are the kind of people that take only pictures and leave only footprints. ... They’re good travelers.”

You don’t have to spend much time in Edmonds to see why Steves never considered leaving.

The city — population roughly 42,000 — sits on a majestic inlet. You can get to a major international airport in about an hour. The community is so courteous, it has an “umbrella share” program in case people forget their own on a rainy day. As Steves walks around town, he greets people by name. He lives within walking distance to both his favorite diner and a pétanque court, the French answer to Italian bocce. He plays bongos at his church on Sundays.

In 1967, Richard “Dick” Steves moved the family here because he was worried about Rick Junior.

“I was hanging out with dangerous kids and going down the wrong trail,” Steves said. Seriously.

His dad, an Army veteran, got by in the upscale suburb as a piano technician and importer. When Steves was 14, his parents dragged him on a work trip to Europe to visit piano factories; it was a radical experience that sparked his lifelong passion for travel.

Back in Edmonds, Steves started teaching piano, eventually turning his savings into trips abroad of his own — not only to Europe, but also to Turkey, Nepal, Afghanistan. He went to college nearby, earning degrees in European history and business from the University of Washington, where he played in the Husky Marching Band.

After graduating, Steves figured he could keep up his routine: give piano lessons during the school year, then travel during the summer. He started teaching travel classes in the same recital hall where his piano students performed. This was back when there was no internet and there were few guidebooks to consult for trip planning.

The classes were a hit. At 25, Steves turned his lecture materials into a 180-page book, and self-published “Europe Through the Back Door,” in 1980.

Four years later, he hosted his first European minibus tour group, serving as both bus driver and guide.

His businesses have evolved; his bus tours now take up to 28 travelers, a number Steves says is a sweet spot between making the tour more affordable yet enjoyable for customers and profitable for the company. But his mission has remained the same: to be the best resource for European travel and help Americans travel better.

“I just focus on that and I love it,” he said. “It takes my life out of balance — which is not good — but it lets me do a lot of stuff that I believe in and that’s good.”

Steves has been open about the challenges of being a travel mogul. As he built his empire, he was also raising a family. Being “married” to both took a toll. In 2010, Steves and his wife, Anne, divorced after 25 years of marriage.

Up the hill from his junior high, Rick Steves’s modest beige home offers a window into his many lives. There are family photos on the walls, from older relatives to his baby grandson, Atlas. He hosts political fundraisers on the sprawling deck. A painting of Kerala, India, nods to one of his favorite countries. (People forget that Steves did four editions of “Asia Through the Back Door.”)

Next to his grand piano, there’s a stuffed creature that Steves calls his “Silver Fox” baring its teeth and wearing novelty sunglasses with cannabis leaves on the lenses — a nod to two of his interests: taxidermy and marijuana activism.

“It’s the civil liberties. … It’s the racism. … Everything about it is wrong,” he said of keeping weed illegal.

As for the toothy fox, Steves doesn’t do typical souvenirs anymore, but he makes an exception for stuffed animals.

“The wooden shoes and the pewter Viking ships are so obvious,” he said. “I like to do something a little more organic and a little more striking, and it takes me back there — I like it.”

He’s a very good piano player. He can also play the sousaphone and the trumpet — which he did regularly during the pandemic, performing taps for his neighbors at sunset.

The coronavirus was a nightmare for the travel business, but a miracle for Steves’s love life.

After running in the same social circles for years, he and Shelley Bryan Wee, a prominent local bishop, started dating at the end of 2019. They had a lot in common. Both are progressive Lutherans. Both are divorced with adult children. But neither worked a typical 9-to-5, and one of them spent three months of the year in Europe.

Then shutdowns happened. Steves, who couldn’t remember whether he’d ever had dinner in the same place 10 nights in a row, spent 100 nights at the same table with Wee. It solidified their relationship.

“Shelley is a constant,” Steves said. He still struggles with the balancing act between work and love.

When the stars align and they’re both in Edmonds, Wee cooks, and Steves plays sous-chef. They walk Jackson, Wee’s labradoodle, creating their own version of the passeggiata, Italy’s traditional evening stroll. They play table tennis before dinner.

When the world reopened, they started traveling together. They’ve made time for a few big vacations: a trip to Morocco, where they were caught in a windstorm that blew the windows out of their car; a luxury barge cruise through Burgundy, France, “that was embarrassingly expensive,” Steves confessed, followed by a week hiking in the Swiss Alps; and another hiking trip between remote lodges on Mont Blanc.

Before their first trip, Steves edited the contents of Wee’s suitcase, because packing light is part of his philosophy.

“What do you say?” she asked. “You’re talking to Rick Steves.”

Editing by Gabe Hiatt. Additional editing by Amanda Finnegan. Design editing by Christine Ashack. Photo editing by Lauren Bulbin. Videos by Monica Rodman. Senior video producer: Nicki DeMarco. Design by Katty Huertas. Copy editing by Jamie Zega.

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Kentucky Derby 150 is over: What to do if your flight home get delayed or canceled

Kentucky Derby 150 has come and gone.

Maybe you're headed home a little richer thanks to some skilled betting. Or maybe you're headed home a bit lighter in the wallet but with memories to last.

Either way, you're headed home from Kentucky and the last thing you want to deal with is an airline flight delay or cancellation. While annoying, some air travelers out of Louisville may inevitably face unexpected travel issues out of their control.

Recently, the U.S. Department of Transportation released some consumer protections that will help impacted travelers in the future. Some key points include an automatic cash refund, which will go into effect in six months.

But for now, if the impacted traveler is you, here are some tips to help you stay aware and make the best of an undesirable situation.

Should I download my airline's app?

Downloading your airline's app at least a week before travel will allow you to start getting notifications, including if your flight is experiencing any delays or cancellations closer to your actual travel date.

The airline apps can also assist with rebooking and enable you to contact customer service, when necessary, the Detroit Free Press previously reported .

In the event you need to rebook, take a moment to consider your options.

Teresa Murray, who directs the Consumer Watchdog office for U.S. PIRG, a nonprofit advocacy group, that has highlighted consumer complaints and advocated for  more passenger protections previously told the Detroit Free Press , also part of the USA TODAY Network, that you don't want to rebook on a different flight that could trigger more delays down the road. It's important to note that more connections can lead to more delays.

What airline travel problems may I encounter?

Delays are a main travel concern for flyers.

To anticipate delays, consider using freely available tools such as FlightAware.com . This website allows travelers to search for their specific flight the day before departure as well as throughout the day leading up to the flight. There is even a feature that allows travelers to see where their plane is in the present moment and if it is on schedule.

While cancelations prove rare — with less than 2% of flights canceled across the 10 largest U.S. airlines in 2023, according to the Air Travel Consumer Report issued in March by the U.S. Department of Transportation — tools like FlightAware allow travelers to prepare in advance of cancelation and start formulating a plan to keep their travel on schedule as much as possible.

What are your rights as an airline passenger?

If you face a small delay of a half hour, you may not be entitled to much.

But if facing significant and controllable travel burdens, travelers may be eligible for things such as free rebooking, meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, ground transportation, rebooking on another airline, and in some cases, cash compensation.

We hate to rain on your parade, but weather is considered an uncontrollable factor, and many airline policies don't directly apply to weather-related events. However, don't let this stop you from politely asking the airline staff if you can be rebooked to another flight if you face delays or cancelations due to weather.

The U.S. DOT offers a dashboard, the Airline Customer Service Dashboard , where flyers can see what they may be eligible for in the event of significant delays or cancelations. The dashboard is focused on the 10 largest airlines and can be a good tool for comparing airline policies as well.

Contact business reporter Olivia Evans at [email protected] or on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter at @oliviamevans_ .

Chinese President Xi Jinping begins charm offensive in Europe amid growing uncertainty about future U.S. support for allies

Chinese President Xi Jinping kicked off a three-country  trip to Europe  on Sunday with the continent divided over how to deal with Beijing’s growing power and the U.S.-China rivalry.

European carmakers are losing ground to  subsidized Chinese electric vehicles . Diplomats fret about  alleged Chinese spies  in European capitals. And China’s continued defense trade with Russia worries anyone in Europe who supports  war-ravaged Ukraine  and fears that the Russian army won’t stop there.

But Europe and China have hefty economic ties — EU-China trade is estimated at 2.3 billion euros per day — and Xi appears determined to rebuild and deepen relations with European leaders after a prolonged absence prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Xi started Sunday in France, whose president wants Europe to have more  economic and strategic independence  from other world powers. Then the Chinese president heads to Serbia and Hungary, both seen as China-friendly and close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and recipients of substantial Chinese investment.

Xi’s trip will be closely watched in Washington for signs of diminishing European support for its key foreign policy goals. At the same time, there’s increasing uncertainty in Europe about future U.S. support for trans-Atlantic allies.

Xi was greeted at Paris’ Orly Airport by French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal — and by protests by groups demanding that France pressure China to respect Tibetan and Uyghur minority rights. Activists seeking a free Tibet attempted to unfurl a banner Saturday beneath the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and protested in the French capital around the same time as Xi’s plane landed.

After arriving, Xi said he hoped the visit would bring ‘’strategic convergence” between China and France, and that further developing their relations would contribute to ‘’stability and positive energy in an turbulent world,” according to a text provided to reporters at the airport.

On Monday French President Emmanuel Macron will treat the Chinese leader to formal honors of a full state visit. They will also meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who is expected to join Macron in pushing for fairer trade policies and for China to use its leverage with Russia to push it toward ending the war in Ukraine.

The EU launched an investigation last fall into Chinese subsidies and could impose tariffs on electric vehicles exported from China.

China claims neutrality in the Ukraine conflict but has refused to call the full-blown Russian assault on its neighbor an invasion, and has been accused of bolstering Russia’s capacity to produce weapons.

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2024 World Athletics Relays: GB women's 4x100m team win heat

• Published 5 May 2024, 08:09 BST
• Updated 6 hours ago

Great Britain have secured four out of a possible five relay slots for the Olympics in Paris this summer via the World Athletics Relays event in the Bahamas.

The women's 4x100m team won their heat on the first day, while the 4x100m men's quartet, plus the 4x400m men's and women's teams, were all second in their heats.

The top two teams in each heat progressed to the final on day two while also securing Olympic places.

The second day's racing will decide lane seeding positions for the Games.

Follow the World Athletics Relays on the BBC

• Published 5 days ago

The women's 4x100m team of Asha Philip, Imani-Lara Lansiquot, Bianca Williams and Amy Hunt recorded a season's best time of 42.33 seconds as they won the fourth heat.

They finished second fastest overall on day one behind the United States, who had won the first heat.

“That was incredible, it was my first time with these three girls," said Hunt.

"They’ve been so absolutely amazing in trusting me and mentoring me and making sure I am on it.

"So, to get that baton and cross the line with the biggest smile on my face that was one of the most fun races I have ever done.

"We got here, we did our job, we executed so we’re super, super, happy.”

The men's team of Zharnel Hughes, Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake, Richard Kilty and Eugene Amo-Dadzie were second behind France in their heat with a season's best of 38.36s.

Victoria Ohuruogu, Hannah Kelly, Nicole Yeargin and Lina Nielsen ran the women's 4x400m in three minutes 24.89 seconds and were beaten by Ireland.

The men's 4x400m team of Matthew Hudson-Smith, Toby Harries, Lee Thompson and Lewis Davey, who ran 3:02.10, finished behind Italy in their heat.

The mixed team of Brodie Young, Ama Pipi, Charles Dobson and Laviai Nielsen were third in their heat, behind winners Ireland and Belgium.

They still have a chance to book a quota place in Paris if they can finish in the top two of their heat on day two.

One of the highlights of day one was Italy, including Olympic 100m champion Marcell Jacobs, being drawn in the same men's 4x100m heat as the United States, featuring world 100m winner Noah Lyles.

Jacobs ran the second leg for his team, while Lyles anchored the American quartet as the US won the race in a world leading time of 37.49, with Italy second in 38.14.

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