I use my vacations to visit friends and family. My trips are easier, less expensive, and more meaningful.

A few years ago, my partner and I took a trip to Southeast Asia and didn’t know anyone.

Although we undoubtedly had some great adventures together, it was exhausting trying to figure out everything on our own, from the best things to do to how to get around.

That trip made me realize just how much more I enjoy the kind of travel I’ve been doing for the past decade — using most of my vacations to visit loved ones in places like Los Angeles, London, Seattle, Melbourne, Chicago, Monterey, Washington, DC, and more.

In addition to saving money on hotels, traveling this way gives me everything I crave from a vacation: exploration of a new place, quality time with people I love, and a certain amount of ease.

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I love getting to see a city through my loved ones’ eyes

One of my favorite things about traveling this way is that it gives me insight into my loved ones’ favorite things about their cities, like coffee shops, restaurants, and parks.

We get to build memories together, and later, when we’re catching up from afar, I’ll know some of the places and people they’re talking about. I think it’s special to be able to picture my friends and family members in their homes and haunts.

I often get to enjoy incredible experiences I never would have found on my own, too — like when my former coworker who lives in Melbourne invited me to her friends’ annual bike bar crawl.

And sometimes, I even get to help them discover new parts of their cities. For instance, during a trip to Colorado, my friend and I took my aunt and uncle to a local magic show they’d never heard of. They both loved it and said they’d have to bring future visitors.

I typically plan some of my own activities and have frank conversations about scheduling and boundaries

I always try to make it very clear to my host that they don’t have to entertain me the whole time I’m in town. Before I arrive, I usually ask about their work schedule, existing plans, and if they need me to leave the house at any point during the day.

I also do some research and try to pick one or two things I want to do while visiting. Then, I’ll either invite my loved one to join me or let them know I’m happy to venture off on my own if they need some alone time.

Doing so has led to some incredible solo adventures. During my trip to Melbourne, for example, I joined a multi-day tour group along the coast of Victoria since my friend had to work during the week. It was great to have the opportunity to explore freely without relying too heavily on my friend during my visit.

I still go on other trips, but this will always be my preferred way of traveling

There are places I’d like to visit one day where I don’t have anyone to stay with, so I’ll definitely continue to plan travel that doesn’t involve visiting friends and family.

However, I don’t mind spreading those out further so that my annual trips can be focused on my loved ones.

I find more meaning in seeing the wonderful people in my life than the wonders of the world — but this way, I get to do both at the same time.

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