A large luxury cruise ship sailing on calm ocean waters during sunset, with the sun setting on the horizon and a partly cloudy sky.

Wave Season: When to Book a Cruise for the Best Deals

Beth Glosner  | 

Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below. See full disclosure here.

When Is the Best Time to Book a Cruise?

โ€˜Tis the season, cruisers! By season, I mean Wave Season, that wonderful time of year when cruise lines roll out promotions, upgrades, onboard credits, and other incentives to tempt you onto a ship. Wave Season generally runs from January through March, although some cruise lines start promoting deals as early as December. (Cruise Critic)

If you’re thinking about taking a cruise next year, or even have a particular bucket-list sailing in mind, don’t wait until January to start thinking about it. Fall is your time to research, compare, and make a plan. Then, when the January promotions start rolling in, you’ll know what you want and, more importantly, what a good deal actually looks like.

Let’s Dig In.

Quick-Glance Cruise Planning Guide

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s your bite-sized version:

  • Best time to watch for cruise deals: Januaryโ€“March
  • Best time to start researching: Fall
  • Deals can begin: December, including around Black Friday and Cyber Monday
  • Common promotions: Reduced fares, onboard credit, upgrades, Wi-Fi, drinks, dining, and gratuities
  • Best strategy: Know the normal price before you see the sale price
  • Don’t forget: Compare the entire package, not just the advertised discount
  • For popular itineraries: Consider booking early rather than waiting for a last-minute deal

AAA currently identifies January through March as Wave Season and notes that cruise lines commonly offer reduced fares, onboard credits, cabin upgrades, and other perks during this period. (AAA)

What Is Wave Season for Cruises?

So, what exactly is this mysterious “Wave Season” everyone keeps talking about?

It’s basically cruise shopping season. January through March is traditionally a major promotional period for cruise lines and travel agencies. Cruise companies use the season to encourage travelers to book upcoming sailings, often sweetening the deal with fare discounts or extras. (Cruise Critic)

And we’re not necessarily talking about simply slapping a giant “SALE!” sticker on a cruise fare.

Wave Season promotions can include reduced fares, lower deposits, cabin upgrades, onboard credit, beverage packages, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, gratuities, airfare, hotel stays, or other perks, depending on the cruise line and sailing. (Cruise Critic)

In other words, the cruise line may not always give you the cheapest possible fare. Instead, it may give you more for the money.

And sometimes, that’s the better deal.

Why Should You Start Planning Your Cruise in the Fall?

Because January-you will thank fall-you.

Think of fall as your cruise research season. This is when you can browse destinations, compare cruise lines, investigate itineraries, and figure out what kind of cruise actually sounds like your idea of a vacation.

Do you want to float through the Caribbean with a book in hand? Explore Alaska? Wander through Mediterranean ports? Try a river cruise? Or perhaps you’ve been dreaming about somewhere completely different.

Start building your cruise wish list.

Then narrow it down to a few specific itineraries and sailings. Write down the current fare, cabin category, travel dates, what’s included, and any perks being offered.

You can even create a simple spreadsheet.

I know. I just heard half of you say, “Beth, it’s a vacation, not a research project.”

Fair. 

But I do like a good project, especially when it lands me in a new destination.

Only five minutes of organization in October can save you from opening 37 browser tabs in January while muttering, “Wait…was this the cruise with the free drinks?”

Travel planning setup with laptop, travel guides, passport, and maps for cruise booking.
Fall is for research. January is for comparing those tempting cruise promotions.

How Do You Know If a Cruise Deal Is Actually a Good Deal?

Here’s where your fall homework becomes useful.

When a cruise line announces “50% off!”, your first instinct might be to grab your credit card.

Instead, pause.

What was the fare before the promotion? Did they mark the price up and then give it the ยฝ off?  What’s included now? Is the discount available for the cabin you want? Are taxes and fees included? Is the offer limited to certain sailings?

Cruise Critic recommends comparing the complete offer because Wave Season promotions can vary by itinerary, cabin category, sailing date, and booking requirements. (Cruise Critic)

This is why I recommend keeping those screenshots and notes from fall.

You aren’t trying to become a cruise-industry accountant.

You’re simply giving yourself something to compare.

Below’s templete link https://canva.link/8crl5ou02ghefpm

Comparison chart of cruise options including Royal Caribbean, Viking, Caribbean Princess, Norwegian, and Disney with features and prices.

What Cruise Deals Can You Find During Wave Season?

Reduced Cruise Fares

The most obvious promotion is a reduced fare.

You may see percentage discounts, dollar-amount savings, companion offers, reduced deposits, or other fare promotions.

But remember: the biggest percentage isn’t automatically the biggest savings.

Look at the actual price you would pay for the cabin and sailing you want.

Cruise Extras and Bonuses

This is where things get interesting.

Some Wave Season promotions bundle extras such as:

  • Onboard credit
  • Beverage packages
  • Wi-Fi
  • Specialty dining
  • Prepaid gratuities
  • Shore excursions
  • Airfare credits
  • Hotel stays
  • Reduced deposits

Cruise Critic notes that these added perks can sometimes provide more value than simply reducing the cruise fare. (Cruise Critic)

For example, if you were already planning to purchase Wi-Fi and a beverage package, getting them included could make a promotion much more useful to you than a slightly larger fare discount.

Cabin Upgrades

And then there’s the cabin upgrade.

Maybe you’ve been looking at an inside cabin but would really love an ocean view. Or perhaps you’ve decided that this is finally the year you want that balcony.

A Wave Season promotion may include an upgrade or make a higher cabin category more accessible.

Just make sure you compare the original cabin price and the upgraded offer.

Sometimes the best cruise deal isn’t the lowest fareโ€”it’s getting more of the experience you actually want.

Should You Book a Cruise in January?

January is certainly a month worth watching.

AAA’s current cruise guidance specifically identifies January through March as Wave Season and says cruise lines offer some of their strongest incentives during this period. (AAA)

Condรฉ Nast Traveler’s 2026 Wave Season coverage also described January through March as prime time for cruise promotions, with examples ranging from fare savings to complimentary upgrades and onboard credits. (Condรฉ Nast Traveler)

But here’s the important part: January isn’t a magic button that guarantees the lowest possible price on every cruise.

Cruise pricing changes, and promotions have restrictions. A particular itinerary may be more attractive in January, while another sailing may have a different pricing pattern.

That’s why your fall research matters so much.

You’re not blindly waiting for January.

You’re watching January.

Relaxing on a cruise ship deck with two wooden chairs overlooking the ocean during sunset, perfect for a vacation or travel planning.
Wave Season Begin

Should You Use a Travel Agent to Book a Cruise?

It can be worth comparing what a travel advisor can offer.

A travel advisor may have access to additional promotions, onboard credits, upgrades, or other amenities depending on the cruise line and booking. AAA specifically recommends considering a travel advisor when planning a cruise. (AAA)

Here’s what I’d do: find the exact sailing you’re interested in and ask an advisor for a quote.

Then compare that quote with the cruise line’s direct offer.

Don’t just compare the bottom-line price. Look at everything included.

And if you’re a first-time cruiser, having someone who can explain deposits, cancellation policies, cabin categories, dining, excursions, and all those little cruise details can be especially helpful.

๐Ÿ“ธ Photo idea: A cozy desk with a laptop showing a cruise itinerary, notebook, and phone.

  • Caption: A good travel advisor can help you navigate the details before you set sail.

Can You Use Credit Card Rewards to Save on a Cruise?

Potentially, but this is one area where I recommend keeping your common sense firmly on deck.

If you’ve already been considering a travel rewards credit card, a large cruise purchase might help you meet a welcome-bonus spending requirement.

But don’t open a credit card simply because you’re booking a cruise.

Look at the annual fee, spending requirement, interest rate, rewards, and terms. And only spend what you can comfortably pay off exceptionally in this economy.

Sipping a piรฑa colada while worrying about a credit card balance is not relaxing.

How to Prepare for Wave Season

Before January arrives, make yourself a little Wave Season checklist:

โ˜ Choose your dream destinations

โ˜ Compare cruise lines

โ˜ Research specific itineraries

โ˜ Decide what cabin category you want

โ˜ Set your cruise budget

โ˜ Record current prices

โ˜ Note what’s included

โ˜ Check cancellation policies

โ˜ Watch for December promotions

โ˜ Compare Januaryโ€“March offers

โ˜ Check the fine print before booking

Most importantly, don’t let a sale convince you to book a cruise you don’t actually want.

A $1,000 cruise you weren’t planning to take is still $1,000 you weren’t planning to spend.

Do the research, watch the deals, then pack your bags.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cruise Wave Season

Is January the best month to book a cruise?

January is the beginning of Wave Season, which generally runs through March. Cruise lines commonly introduce significant promotions during this period, making January an important month to watch for cruise deals. (AAA)

When does cruise Wave Season start?

Wave Season traditionally begins in January, although cruise lines may begin promoting offers as early as December. Some promotions can even appear around Black Friday and Cyber Monday. (Cruise Critic)

What kind of cruise deals are offered during Wave Season?

Promotions can include reduced fares, onboard credit, cabin upgrades, reduced deposits, Wi-Fi, beverage packages, specialty dining, gratuities, airfare credits, and other extras. Offers vary by cruise line and sailing. (Cruise Critic)

Should I wait until January to book a cruise?

Not necessarily. If you have a specific itinerary, sailing date, or cabin category in mind, availability matters. AAA recommends booking popular itineraries well in advance, while Wave Season can provide an opportunity to compare promotional offers. (AAA)

How can I tell if a Wave Season cruise deal is good?

Compare the total value, not just the advertised discount. Look at the fare, cabin category, taxes and fees, included perks, cancellation terms, and any additional costs you would normally pay.

Final Thoughts: Get Ready to Ride the Wave

Cruise shopping doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Start in the fall. Make your wish list. Research your favorite destinations and itineraries. Record the prices. Decide what matters most to you.

Then, when December and January roll around, you won’t be frantically trying to figure out whether “free Wi-Fi” is actually a good deal when you don’t even know what the cruise cost last month.

You’ll know.

Wave Season is about January through March, but the smartest part of your cruise planning can happen months before the promotions begin.

Do your homework, compare the entire package, read the fine print, and look for the cruise that fits your travel style and budget.

Then grab your passport.

The waves are calling.

Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring! 

โ€“Beth
Colorful mural in Klamath Falls, Oregon, featuring birds, water, and lush nature scenes, welcoming visitors with vibrant artwork.

Things to Do in Klamath Falls, Oregon: A Slow Travel Guide

Beth Glosner  | 

Klamath Falls may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about an Oregon getaway, but that is exactly why it caught my attention. Tucked into Southern Oregon’s Klamath Basin, this is a place where you can slow down, explore at your own pace, discover local history, watch wildlife, and enjoy some surprisingly good food without feeling like you have to check off a dozen major attractions before dinner.

 Letโ€™s Dig

Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below. See full disclosure here.

Start With a Walk Along the Link River

Sometimes the best way to explore a new place is simply to follow the water.

If you’re looking for an easy way to get acquainted with Klamath Falls, start with the Link River Trail. The mostly flat trail follows the Link River from Upper Klamath Lake toward Lake Ewauna, giving you a chance to enjoy the scenery without committing to a strenuous hike.

Near Moore Park, you’ll find two trail options. The flatter path is perfect for an easy stroll, while the Sawmill Trail climbs along the hillside. The climb isn’t particularly steep, so you can get a little elevation without feeling as though you’ve accidentally signed up for a mountain expedition.

One of the highlights is Link River Falls, where the water moves through the rocky landscape. Take your time here. You don’t have to hurry to the next attraction just because your phone says there are six more things on today’s itinerary.

Pro tip: Bring comfortable shoes and allow yourself more time than you think you’ll need. This is a place to wander, not race. The trail has no shade, so it will be hot in the summer.

Take in the Views at Moore Park

A lake view, a little fresh air, and nowhere else you need to be.

Right along Upper Klamath Lake, Moore Park is an easy place to slow down. You can take a walk, have a picnic, watch birds, or simply find a spot with a view and sit for a while. If you like to fish, you can fish off the lake. I saw a family fishing while I was there.

For solo travelers, I especially like places like this. There’s no pressure to keep moving or fill every minute with an activity. Sometimes sitting beside a lake and watching the birds swim is exactly what you need.

And yes, โ€œsit and enjoy the viewโ€ counts as an activity. I checked.

Wander Through Downtown Klamath Falls

Look up, slow down, and you’ll start noticing the stories in the buildings.

Klamath Falls has a surprisingly interesting historic downtown that’s worth exploring on foot.

Spend some time wandering among the historic architecture, cafรฉs, restaurants, shops, and local attractions. This is also where you’ll find several of the museums and restaurants that make it easy to build your own leisurely walking tour.

If you’re visiting on a Saturday, check out the local outdoor farmers market. It’s a fun way to see what’s being grown and made in the area and to get a little taste of the local community.

Pro tip: Don’t schedule your downtown visit too tightly. Give yourself time to duck into a shop or cafรฉ when something catches your eye.

Discover the Favell Museum and Local Art

A little local art and history can change the way you see a destination.

The Favell Museum is one of Klamath Falls’ more distinctive cultural attractions. The museum focuses on Native American artifacts and contemporary Western art, giving visitors a chance to learn more about the region through art and history.

Across the street, the Klamath Art Association has a small gallery featuring local and regional artists. If you’re interested in art, this makes an easy two-stop combination.

I particularly like adding small museums and galleries to a road trip because they give you something you can’t get from simply driving through town. You learn a little about the people and stories that make a place unique.

Pro tip: Check current hours before you go. Smaller museums and galleries sometimes keep different hours than larger attractions.

Step Back in Time at the Baldwin Hotel Museum

Every old hotel has a few stories hiding behind its doors.

For another glimpse into Klamath Falls’ past, visit the Baldwin Hotel Museum. Historic hotels have always fascinated me because they offer a window into how people traveled before GPS, Google reviews, and stopping every 45 minutes to ask, โ€œAre we there yet?โ€

What I found especially interesting about this part of Klamath Falls was the feeling that you could still see pieces of its transportation and commercial history. The city has an active train station, and trains continue to move through the area today. At the same time, some of the older buildings and storefronts nearby are now empty. Standing there, it’s easy to imagine a time when these buildings were filled with businesses and travelers passing through town.

That contrastโ€”the old buildings sitting alongside an active railroadโ€”makes the area feel like a little piece of Klamath Falls’ history is still unfolding. The Baldwin Hotel Museum gives you a chance to learn more about that past and picture what it might have been like when the hotel and surrounding businesses were part of a much busier travel scene.

Go Birdwatching in the Klamath Basin

Keep your eyes openโ€”the Klamath Basin has plenty worth watching.

If wildlife and birdwatching are your thing, you’re going to want to leave some room in your itinerary for the Klamath Basin.

The area is an important stop for migratory birds, with more than 350 species recorded throughout the basin’s birding trail. Depending on the season, you may spot everything from waterfowl to raptors.

You don’t have to be an experienced birder, either. Bring binoculars if you have them, but even without fancy equipment, there’s something satisfying about standing quietly beside the water and waiting to see what appears.

For introverted solo travelers, birdwatching is also pretty much the perfect activity. Nobody expects you to make small talk with the birds.

Explore Hagelstein Park and Wood River Wetland

Hagelstein Park and Wood River Wetland give you even more opportunities to enjoy the natural side of Klamath Falls.

Wood River Wetland is particularly appealing if you enjoy wildlife, photography, or simply getting away from the noise. Bring your camera and take your time. Wetland landscapes can be surprisingly beautiful when you stop looking for the โ€œmain attractionโ€ and start noticing the details.

The reflections, grasses, birds, changing light, and distant mountains can make wonderful photographs.

Hunt for Treasures at Antiquities at Findables

You never know what you’ll find when you go looking for absolutely nothing

If you enjoy antiques and vintage treasures, make time for antiquities at Findables.

Browsing an antique shop is one of my favorite slow-travel activities because you never know what you’ll discover. You might find something you love, something you remember from childhood, or something you have absolutely no idea how to use but suddenly believe you cannot live without.

And unlike an attraction with a timed entry, you can wander until you’re ready to move on.

Get Outside on the OC&E Woods Line State Trail

For a longer outdoor adventure, explore the OC&E Woods Line State Trail.

The trail follows an old railroad corridor and provides opportunities for hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the surrounding landscape.

You don’t have to conquer the entire trail. Pick a section that fits your energy level and make that your adventure for the day.

That’s one of my favorite rules for slow travel: you don’t get bonus points for being exhausted at the end of your vacation.

Add a Little Quirkiness at Gravity Hill

For something a little unusual, make a quick stop at Gravity Hill on Old Fort Road.

Gravity hills are those strange places where a car appears to roll uphill, creating the wonderfully weird sensation that your eyes and the laws of physics are having an argument.

It isn’t an attraction that will take up your entire afternoon, but that’s precisely why it works on a road trip. Add a little curiosity to your itinerary, give it a try, and then continue exploring.

Visit Badger Run Wildlife Rehabilitation

A little closer to the wildlife that calls Southern Oregon home.

Wildlife lovers can also visit Badger Run Wildlife Rehabilitation to learn more about native wildlife and the work involved in caring for injured and orphaned animals.

This pairs naturally with a birdwatching-focused visit to the Klamath Basin and adds another perspective on the wildlife found throughout the region.

Check current visiting information before making it part of your itinerary. Tours are by appointment only so please call ahead for availability

Where to Eat in Klamath Falls

Because every good adventure eventually leads back to food.

For vegetarian and pescatarian travelers, Klamath Falls has several options worth putting on your radar.

Terra Veg Vegan Eatery immediately caught my attention. It’s a 100% plant-based restaurant with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired food. During my visit, I had a roasted tomato, zucchini, and mozzarella frittata. It’s a small lunch spot, so check its current hours before you go.

Thai Orchid Cafe is another good option when you’re looking for flavorful vegetarian food. Thai restaurants often make it easy to build a meal around vegetables and tofu.

For something lighter, Mermaid Garden Cafe offers soups, salads, wraps, paninis, and bowls with vegetarian choices.

A Leap of Taste is convenient for breakfast, coffee, sandwiches, or salads and works particularly well with a morning downtown walk.

For a casual meal, Rodeos Pizza & Saladeria gives you the easy pizza-and-salad combination that works particularly well when you’re traveling solo.

If you’re craving Mexican food, Girasol Family Mexican Restaurant & Cantina offers plenty of possibilities for building a vegetarian-friendly meal.

And if breakfast needs to be a little more fun, stop at Waffle Hut & Eatery for Liege-style waffles and classic breakfast dishes.

For dinner, Ruddy Duck Restaurant is another option when you’re ready to sit down and make a proper evening of it.

How I’d Spend a Day in Klamath Falls

A bite-sized day in Klamath Falls: walk, explore, eat, repeat.

If I were planning a slow-travel day in Klamath Falls, I’d start with breakfast and coffee at A Leap of Taste before wandering through downtown.

From there, I’d visit the Favell Museum and Klamath Art Association gallery, then head outdoors for the Link River Trail and Link River Falls.

After lunch at Terra Veg, Thai Orchid, or another local favorite, I’d spend the afternoon around Moore Park and Upper Klamath Lake. This is where I’d deliberately leave some unscheduled time for birdwatching, photography, or simply enjoying the view.

If you have a second day, that’s when I’d add Lava Beds National Monument, Wood River Wetland, the OC&E Woods Line State Trail, or another nearby adventure.

Don’t Just Pass Through Klamath Falls

Klamath Falls works beautifully as a road-trip stop, but I’d encourage you not to think of it as simply a place to sleep before continuing somewhere else.

With Upper Klamath Lake, wildlife areas, museums, local art, outdoor trails, restaurants, and nearby destinations such as Lava Beds National Monument and Crater Lake, there’s enough here to justify slowing down for a couple of days.

You don’t have to see everything.

Choose a trail. Visit a museum. Find a good meal. Watch the birds. Browse an antique shop. Take too many photographs of the lake.

That’s the beauty of slow travel.

Sometimes the destinations that surprise you most are the ones you almost drove right past.

Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!

โ€“Beth

A cozy reading nook featuring a beige armchair, a wooden side table with a coffee mug, a candle, and a potted plant, perfect for relaxing and feeding your wanderlust from home.

What to Do When You Can’t Travel Right Now: 14 Ways to Feed Your Wanderlust

Beth Glosner  | 

Sometimes you just can’t travel. Maybe you’re saving for a future adventure, an unexpected expense came along and your travel fund had to step in, you’re waiting for vacation time, or life is simply keeping you closer to home than you’d like. I’ve been there. But being home doesn’t mean your wanderlust has to hibernate. There are plenty of ways to explore, discover, taste, listen, and dream without packing a suitcase. So grab your favorite beverage, get comfortable. 

Let’s Dig In.

Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below. See full disclosure here.

Travel, at least for me, has never been only about checking another destination off a list. It’s about curiosity. It’s about discovering something new, talking to people, trying unfamiliar food, wandering down a street I’ve never seen before, and wondering what might be around the next corner.

And sometimes, you can find that feeling surprisingly close to home.

Here are 14 ways to feed your wanderlust when you can’t travel right now.

1. Talk to Strangers

No, I’m not suggesting you wander around town randomly approaching people and announcing, “So…where have you traveled lately?”

Although that could make for an interesting afternoon.

Instead, take advantage of the everyday opportunities you already have to meet people. Chat with the person working at your favorite coffee shop. Ask them what their favorite place to eat in the area. Talk to someone at a farmers market. Strike up a conversation with another traveler at a local event.

You never know when a casual conversation will turn into a great travel story or inspire your next destination.

One of my favorite things about travel is hearing people’s stories. Sometimes the best travel recommendations don’t come from a guidebook. They come from someone who says, “You have to go here.”

Brewing Up Ashland: A Coffee Lover's Cozy Guide to Oregon's Rainy Season Cafรฉs

2. Walkโ€”A Lot

Put the car keys down and go for a walk.

Not your usual “I need to get some steps in” walk. Actually wander.

Take a different route through your neighborhood. Explore a street you’ve never walked down. Visit a park you’ve driven past a hundred times. Look at the architecture. Notice gardens, murals, old buildings, signs, and little businesses you’ve never bothered to investigate.

Pretend you’re a tourist in your own town.

What would you photograph if you’d never been here before?

You’ll probably discover something you’ve driven past countless times without ever really seeing.

Woman walking through a quaint village street with stone buildings and potted flowers, emphasizing relaxed travel experiences.

Pro Tip: Leave your normal route behind once in a while. A little intentional wandering can turn an ordinary walk into a mini adventure.

3. Visit Museums and Go to Concerts

Museums, galleries, theaters, and concert venues are wonderful places to travel without actually traveling. And the best part? You don’t have to be an expertโ€”or even know exactly what you’re looking for.

Think about what makes you curious. Love old cars? See if there’s an automobile museum nearby. A book lover? Look for an independent bookstore, a rare-book shop, or a local author event. Interested in history? Visit a small historical museum or historic home. Love music? Check out a local concert, jazz night, folk performance, or musician you’ve never heard before.

And don’t overlook the smaller venues. You don’t need a massive concert hall or a world-famous museum to have a memorable experience. A tiny gallery tucked into a downtown storefront, a community theater, or a local performance might introduce you to something completely unexpected.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

 4. Eat Your Way Around the World

If there’s one thing that can transport me somewhere without leaving town, it’s food.

Try that restaurant you’ve been wanting to visit. Order something you’ve never tried. Visit an international grocery store and pick up an ingredient you’ve never cooked with. Or find a restaurant representing a culture you don’t know much about and let the meal be your introduction.

Better yet, cook.

Choose a country you’ve always wanted to visit and make a recipe from that part of the world. While you’re cooking, take a few minutes to learn about the dish, where it came from, why it’s important, and how it’s traditionally prepared. Put on music from that country and turn dinner into a little adventure.

And if you’re a snack personโ€”who isn’t?โ€”try snacks from another country. You could even create your own international food tour, visiting a different restaurant each week or cooking your way through a different country at home.

Your passport may be sitting in a drawer, but your taste buds can still travel.

Close-up of a sushi roll topped with sesame seeds, drizzled with sauce, served on a black plate with a green wasabi side.

5. Read Yourself Somewhere New

Books are perhaps the easiest way to travel without actually going anywhere.

Read a novel set in a destination you’ve dreamed about visiting. Pick up a travel memoir. Explore a book about another country’s history, food, culture, or people. You can learn about a place, experience it through someone else’s eyes, and maybe discover somewhere you’d never thought about visiting.

And don’t forget travel blogs. Reading about a destination from someone who has actually been there can make a place feel much more real than a glossy travel brochure. Personal stories give you the little detailsโ€”the unexpected restaurant, the charming side street, the local traditionโ€”that can make you want to see a place for yourself.

If you’re looking for a few books to get you started, I’ve put together a list of travel reads that might spark your next adventure:

10 Travel Reads That Will Make You Want to Pack a Bagโ€”or at Least Open a Map

And when you’re ready for more stories, tips, and bite-sized adventures, there’s plenty to explore around the blog.

Fair warning: You may start reading with your feet up and finish by researching flights.

Close-up of reading glasses reflecting an open book, emphasizing travel and adventure reading materials.

6. Watch Your Way Around the World

Sometimes a good movie or television series can make you feel like you’ve traveled somewhere.

Watch a film set in a destination you’ve always dreamed about visiting. For me, that might explain why I’m watching Outlander again.

Scotland has been on my travel wish list for years, and those landscapes certainly aren’t helping me forget about it.

Travel shows can have the same effect. Anthony Bourdain’s travel programs may be several years old now, but his journeys to far-off places in search of unusual food and local stories have always inspired me.

He had a way of showing that food wasn’t simply something to eat. It was a doorway into a culture.

7. Take a Virtual Tour

The internet has made the world considerably smaller.

Google Arts & Culture offers an enormous collection of museums, artwork, landmarks, and virtual experiences from around the world.

You can also explore destinations through 360Cities, which features 360-degree panoramic images and videos from locations around the globe.

And those aren’t your only options.

Try:

  • Google Street View to wander through unfamiliar cities.
  • Virtual museum tours.
  • Online collections from major museums.
  • YouTube walking tours.
  • Virtual national park experiences.
  • Historic house tours.
  • Destination webcams.

It isn’t exactly the same as standing there in person, but it beats staring at the same four walls.

Independence Hall
Independence Hall

8. Listen

Close your eyes and let your ears do the traveling.

Listen to music created by musicians from another country. Explore traditional music from somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit. Find podcasts about travel, food, history, or culture.

Music can instantly change the atmosphere of a room.

And if you’re planning a future road trip, music is practically part of the packing list.

I’ve created The Ultimate Playlist for Road Trips for exactly that reason.

Turn it on, take a drive, and suddenly you’re not just running errands.

You’re on an adventure.

A cup of black coffee on a saucer with white headphones on a wooden table, evoking travel and relaxation.

9. Learn Something New

Use this time at home to learn something that will make your future travels even more interesting.

Learn a few words in another language. Take an online course about a country you’ve been curious about. Study its history, food, art, architecture, or traditions.

You could even learn something completely unrelated to travel.

Take a cooking class. Learn photography. Study maps. Learn about wine. Try a craft from another culture.

And if you’re learning another language, find someone who is learning yours and practice together.

The more you know before you arrive somewhere, the more you may notice when you finally get there.

10. See the World Through Art and Photography

You don’t have to physically visit another country to see it through someone else’s eyes.

Spend an afternoon looking through photography books. Explore online photography collections. Visit a local gallery. Follow photographers who document destinations you’re curious about.

Photography can be especially powerful.

One image can make you stop and think: Where is that? What’s it like there?

And suddenly you’re searching for the location on a map.

That’s wanderlust doing its job.

11. Prepare for When You Can Travel

If you can’t travel right now, prepare for when you can.

Research destinations. Start a travel savings fund. Make a list of places you’d like to visit. Check your passport. Create a packing list. Research accommodations and things to do.

This is also a good time to review your credit cards and loyalty programs.

Are you earning rewards that could help with future travel? Are you taking advantage of benefits you’re already paying for?

You don’t have to book a trip today.

Sometimes simply knowing you’re working toward the next one makes staying home a little easier.

Pro Tip: Keep a running list of destinations, restaurants, attractions, and experiences you want to try. Future-you will appreciate having the research already started.

12. Stay Curious

This may be the simplest and most important one on the list.

Stay curious.

Ask questions. Follow a random thought down an internet rabbit hole. Learn why a building was designed a certain way. Find out where your favorite food originated. Read about a place you’ve never heard of.

Travel encourages us to look at the world differently.

You can practice that same curiosity at home.

You just have to pay attention.

13. Go to a Local Cultural Festival

Check your local calendar for cultural festivals, parades, celebrations, concerts, food festivals, and community events.

If you live near a larger city, you may have plenty of opportunities to experience cultures from around the world.

But don’t overlook smaller communities.

Local cultural events can introduce you to music, food, art, traditions, and stories you might never encounter otherwise.

And there’s an added bonus: you’re experiencing something new while supporting the people bringing that culture to your community.

Pro Tip: Check event dates and ticket requirements before you go. Some popular festivals and performances sell out or require advance registration.

14. Subscribe to a Travel Magazine

There’s something wonderfully old-fashioned about a travel magazine arriving in your mailbox.

Grab a cup of coffee and flip through the pages. Tear out a destination that catches your attention. Circle a restaurant. Dog-ear a hotel.

Before long, you’ve got a list of places you want to visit.

And unlike scrolling through social media, a magazine permits you to slow down.

Which, let’s be honest, may be exactly what we need sometimes.

A Few Travel Magazines to Put on Your Reading List

Not sure where to start? Here are a few travel magazines worth checking out:

  • Travel + Leisure โ€” For a little bit of everything: destinations, hotels, food, travel trends, and trip inspiration.
  • Condรฉ Nast Traveler โ€” For beautiful destinations, culture, food, hotels, and a healthy dose of travel envy.
  • AFAR โ€” For travelers who want to go beyond the usual tourist checklist and experience a destination more meaningfully.
  • National Geographic โ€” For incredible photography, nature, culture, history, and stories that remind you just how big this world really is.
  • Outside โ€” For hiking, outdoor adventures, road trips, and getting outside.
  • American Road โ€” For road-trip lovers who enjoy historic highways, roadside attractions, small towns, and the stories hiding along the way.
  • Yankee โ€” For New England travel, food, history, charming towns, and scenic getaways.

You don’t have to subscribe to all of them. Pick one that matches your travel style, grab a cup of coffee, and start dreaming.

Just don’t blame me when your “I’m not traveling right now” budget suddenly turns into a “maybe I should book a trip” budget.

You Don’t Have to Go Far to Wander

There will always be times when you can’t travel.

Maybe money is tight. Maybe work is busy. Maybe life simply has other plans.

That doesn’t mean you have to stop exploring.

You can walk somewhere new. Read about another country. Try an unfamiliar meal. Listen to music from around the world. Visit a museum. Learn something new. Take a virtual tour. Talk to someone with a different story.

And you can keep dreaming about where you’ll go next.

Because travel isn’t only about the places we visit.

It’s about the curiosity we carry with us.

So if you can’t travel right now, don’t put your wanderlust away in a drawer.

Feed it.

Nurture it.

Let it grow.

And when the time finally comes to pack your bag, you’ll be ready.

Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!

โ€“Beth