Embrace Long-Term Stays in Your Travel Adventures
COVID-19 might have temporarily halted global travel; however, it didn’t eradicate travelers’ wanderlust. With holidays approaching and vacation days to use, adventurous jet setters are exploring safe options for their next big adventure. The answer? Long-term stays.
With the rise of remote work and learning, organizing an extended workcation has become more feasible than ever. According to Gallup, the number of days US workers telecommute has nearly doubled since 2019. Many companies have permitted their employees to work from home until summer 2021, significantly increasing the popularity of the digital nomad lifestyle.
Recent data shows a notable rise in travel searches lasting from seven to 20 days. In fact, flight searches for trips between 14-20 days have increased by 26% compared to the same period last year, while accommodation searches for the same duration have surged by 43%. The era of the micro-cation—squeezing a month’s itinerary into a single weekend—is becoming obsolete, as contemporary travelers slow down and learn to take their time.
The Benefits of Long-Term Stays
A LinkedIn study from July reveals that 70% of employees are not using their vacation days this year, and according to Monster, over two-thirds of workers are experiencing burnout. In this challenging climate, long-term stays could provide relief.
A study by researchers from NYU and the University of Miami indicates that individuals feel happier when they explore new places and engage in diverse experiences. With concepts of “work” and “home” more flexible than ever, travelers have the chance to combine work and leisure. Imagine attending conference calls from a cancun cabana or transforming the open road into your playground.
However, the essence of this new travel trend is not about racing through tourist attractions while practicing physical distancing; instead, it emphasizes savoring each moment and remaining present.
In times of uncertainty, staying put in one location for an extended duration helps circumvent the challenges posed by fluctuating flights, travel bans, and obligatory quarantines. This approach allows travelers to immerse themselves in the local culture. By living in a neighborhood for a week, a month, or more, individuals begin to see a city beyond its traditional main attractions, fostering a deeper appreciation for their destination.
Plan Your Long-Term Stay with iBestTravel
To start, choose your destination—say you’d like to spend a few weeks in a Florida beach condo. Then, apply the “Property type” filters to include rentals and unique stays such as “condo,” “bungalow,” and “houseboat.” You may also filter for “Freebies” like complimentary breakfast, parking, internet, or cancellation policies. This search will yield fantastic properties, like this beachside condo.
Top Destinations for Long-Term Stays
Once you’ve researched any travel restrictions for your chosen destination (use iBestTravel’s interactive map as a guide), consider what type of space you’ll need for an extended visit. For a family needing to balance work and school under one roof, a multi-room home with a reliable Wi-Fi connection is crucial. Consider this modern space in Park City—a premier ski destination in Utah.
If you prefer a warmer climate during the winter months, unwind in this three-bedroom house in Kauai—Hawaii’s most enchanting island. For those embracing the digital nomad lifestyle, a trip to Barbados may be appealing, where remote workers can stay for a year without a visa, thanks to the Barbados Welcome Stamp program.
