Stuck in front of your computer dreaming about your next vacation? The cure to soothing your wanderlust may actually be right in front of you. So stop looking at last years holiday pictures, and start some real dreaming (and a little planning) with the tools at your fingertips. Whether you've got a few places in mind, want to decide where to go, or are just looking for a way to feed your daydreams, check out the list below.
This is where your journey begins. Lonely Planet is a great (and beautifully designed) site for simply exploring and learning about new places. Each country, city, and many small towns have a beautiful visual page full of information. This is where you can figure out where you want to go (on your actual or dream vacation). Read descriptive accounts from the city’s writers, explore the top experiences and sights, and even read through the survival guide: including best time to go and local tips.
Can’t decide where to go? Pick 3 of your top spots, and I can guarantee you’ll narrow it down as you go through the list.
For most of us, the flight is the biggest chunk of change we’re worried about for a big trip. Luckily, you can now navigate flight prices like a regular jet-setter with some of the features from Google Flights. Last year I booked a round trip flight to Chicago from DC for $90.
Go ahead and test out your search. You can see which days are the cheapest to fly, and even look at a map of locations with price points noted for each city and airport. Even if you're not booking now - it's a great way to learn what a potential trip might cost.
Thanks to Google Flights I also developed a (somewhat) secret list of low-budget airlines that can make even international travel affordable. The key? Fly through Iceland.
Nowadays, is there any other way to stay the right way in a city on a budget? Explore fun, local budget-friendly options on the Airbnb Site. You can edit your search results to only include castles and treehouses if you want!
If you're more interested in exploring than planning...
We’ve all probably spend hours messing around in google street view, whether we wanted to spy on unexpected people in the street, find our own house, or even navigate through the streets of Paris.
But I think you'll find that GeoGuessr is the ultimate use of Google Street View.
The game places you on a random street view, and you are free to digitally navigate the area. You score points by correctly (or closely) guessing where you have been placed. Insider’s Tip: When you’re in doubt, you’re probably in Russia.
#5 Staycations
The Quirk Hotel in Richmond, VA
When you really can't stop think about going some place new (but don't have the ability to fly to Italy for the weekend) try becoming a tourist in your own city. Book a night in a boutique hotel, explore a new place in the city (or even just a new restaurant) and cut loose.
What are your sources for satisfying your wanderlust? Share below!