Ways to Feel at Home on Vacation

Traveling can be an enriching experience, but sometimes the excitement and novelty of a new place can be overshadowed by the lack of familiarity that tends to come with a standard hotel. This article explores various options that can make your vacation feel more like home, enhancing both comfort and enjoyment.

Creating a Cozy Atmosphere

When embarking on a vacation, it's natural to want to surround yourself with the comforts of home. Sensory experiences are a great way to achieve this. Remember the scents, tastes, and sounds that make your home special—whether it's the smell of freshly baked cookies, the taste of your favorite cuisine, or the sound of tropical music playing in the background. Engage in activities that remind you of home, such as renting movies, cooking over a barbecue or a campfire, preparing a big jug of?Planters Punch, and even playing music reminiscent of warm summer days.

If you have friends and family visiting, make the most of their company. Sharing experiences and enjoying each other's company can make the vacation more enjoyable and memorable. Depending on the time available, you can also plan visits to temples or pilgrimage sites, adding a unique cultural experience to your trip.

Alternative Accommodations

If the idea of staying in a hotel fails to provide the comfort and coziness you desire, consider the following alternatives:

Bed and Breakfast (B and B)

A bed and breakfast offers a more personal and intimate setting than a typical hotel room. These establishments often feature shared spaces like family rooms and comfy chairs for relaxation. Some B and Bs even offer meals like breakfast and the opportunity to join the hosts and other guests for a family-style dinner. For instance, the bed and breakfast in France mentioned provided a fantastic family-style dinner experience, which added to the overall comfort and coziness of the stay.

Here are some top-rated options for bed and breakfasts:

Rated No. 1 of 530 B and Bs in Gironde by TripAdvisor: Visit here Bed and breakfast close to Saint Emilion: Explore here Bed and breakfast close to Bordeaux: Browse here Bed and breakfast close to Saint Emilion: See here Bed and breakfast close to Bordeaux: Check here

Vacation Rentals

If you want a more home-like experience, consider renting a whole home. Platforms like Airbnb and Expedia offer a wide range of vacation rental options. Renting a vacation home allows you to enjoy the luxury of your own kitchen and the comfort of your own living space. For example, I've had memorable family vacations through these services, staying in fantastic vacation homes that were very comfortable and offered a true sense of home.

Here's an example of a vacation rental I managed:

705035 - Escape to Lookout Point at Winter Park - A Perfect Family Getaway

Vacation Home Ownership

Buying your own vacation home is another option that can provide a perfect sense of home. As the sharing economy grows, you can rent out your vacation home when you're not using it, allowing you to earn some extra income. This allows you to create the style and ambiance that truly makes it feel like home.

If you're interested in purchasing a vacation home, consider the following:

Establish a unique look and feel that matches your desires. Offer the option to rent it out for others when you're not using it. Consider using emerging companies that can help manage your home and coordinate with cleaners.

The cost of owning a vacation home can be offset by leveraging vacation rental sites, and there are many creative financing options available. With the sharing economy, vacation home ownership is becoming more accessible and affordable. I believe owning your own vacation home can bring immense joy to many families.

Remember, the most crucial factor in feeling at home on vacation is creating an environment that aligns with your lifestyle and desired comfort. Happy travels!

Note: I have no stock in either Airbnb or Expedia, owners of VRBO/HomeAway, although I use them both to market my vacation home, which I do have a financial interest in.