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As we turn the page to a new year, there is so much to look forward to. There are new places to visit and new experiences on our 2025 list, BUT you aren’t traveling right now. For me, one of the most frustrating times is when I don’t have any travel planned. So, I’ve come up with a list of retail therapy: awesome items for when you are staying home.
When the January blues hit, I like to have little things at home I can look forward to. Fortunately, this doesn’t have to be big or expensive. Sometimes, little things can bring a lot of joy and spark inspiration for our next adventure.
Travel Books
What better way to find inspiration for your next travel destination than through a new travel book? Like many others, I have an E-reader, but there is something special about holding a travel book in my hand. The words and pictures jump to life while I am reading inspiring me to visit destinations I had not previously considered.
The Bucket List
Why not start big? The Bucket List is a gorgeous hardcover book that is filled with 1000 bucket list ideas for all travelers. Whether you are a seasoned globe trekker or someone who is just falling in love with adventure, this book has something for everyone. I also love that it covers all the continents, so you are unlimited in your travel dreaming.
The Most Scenic Drives in America
Get ready for 120 of the most jaw dropping drives in America! This beautiful book is your step-by-step guide to seeing firsthand some of the most beautiful places anywhere. You can choose from east coast, west coast, the deep south or coastal New England or anywhere in between. This is your sign to start planning that road trip!
50 States, 5000 Ideas
All you have to do is pick a state and then read this book to find the BEST things to do. Find out which beaches are the best. Are you a history buff? Discover the best historical sites to see in each state. Whether you prefer touristy or off the beaten path, you will fill your travel card with fun ideas that you can’t wait to experience.
Where to Go When
There are thousands of places to travel and for some of them, there are definitely better times than other to visit. Follow this guide for a month-by-month guide of 25 destinations to choose from. You will find out what festivals are happening, which activities are not to be missed and what the ideal trip length is for each spot. If you are like me and like traveling in shoulder season, it may also offer insight on which months would be perfect for you.
Clever Fox Travel Journal
While not technically a book, this fun travel journal may be just what you need to get you over the hump of not traveling. Filled with pages to track your favorite destinations, travel plans, expenses and more, you can actively plan and document your next adventure. I am looking forward to filling up my journal. Let’s get to planning!
Travel Games
What better way to spend an evening at home than with a travel inspired game? These board games will have you yearning to visit new places, some you may not have previously considered going to. Games are awesome items for when you are staying home, so they are perfect for filling that gap.
Trekking the World
Pick from 48 carefully chosen destinations and travel through them learning about each place. You will enjoy the gorgeous illustrations of some of the world’s most stunning locations. This game is suitable for adults and families so everyone can enjoy.
There is an expansion pack to continue the adventures after you have completed the first 48.
Adventure Bucket List
I LOVE this because it encourages us to explore the state we live in. This scratch off bucket list game is full of fun ideas to seeing the area where you already live. This is perfect for times when more extensive travel may not be possible, but day trips and long weekends are totally doable.
Each card lets you know the cost involved, what season it is best suited for, indoor or outdoor, active or relaxing and the area you will be visiting. You just need to choose the state you want to explore.
Food
If you are spending time at home reading or playing games, you need some fun travel inspired food to enjoy. There are so many to choose from, hopefully this inspires you find something to new.
Cherry Republic
Whenever we are in Michigan, I always make a stop at Cherry Republic. I pick up things for myself and for gifts. Three of my favorite items are the dark chocolate covered cherries, cherry jam–I love using this with our charcuterie board and the cherry salsa-choose from mild, medium or hot.
Belgian Chocolate
I didn’t know chocolate could be sooo good until we traveled to Belgium. Don’t get me wrong, I love chocolate and always have, I just didn’t realize what a difference there is in chocolate. If you are craving chocolate, this dark chocolate might fit the bill until you can get to Belgium.
Fondue
Next to chocolate, my other favorite food is cheese. I love cheese! So, naturally I had to add a fondue pot for travel inspired food. It’s not the same as dipping bread in hot, melty cheese high atop the Swiss Alps, but it will evoke those same thoughts.
S’mores Kit
Maybe camping and the outdoor life is more your thing. Is there anything simpler and more delicious than a S’more? Nope! Perfect for game night or an evening watching a movie. This S’mores kit will be having you dreaming of summer nights outside.
Old Florida Salsa
Being from Florida, I couldn’t not include my favorite chips and salsa for travel inspired food. I am a sucker for fruit-based salsa and this peach salsa is my favorite. Pair it with these chips and I am a happy camper. I recommend getting the original. The flavored chips are heavily flavored and distract from how good the chips are.
Candles
This may seem like an odd category, but if you are like me, scent evokes strong memories. I always prefer scents that remind me of special places I have traveled. Is there any better example of retail therapy for awesome items when you are staying home than candle shopping?
Hemlock Park
These self-described travel inspired candles combine pleasant scents with the crackling wood wick. You can choose from multiple scents each from different regions. Aspe brings back memories of winter among the pine trees. If you are longing for a tropical escape, Kauai has hints of dragon fruit. Whichever you choose, they are sure to add a little extra to your home.
Anecdote Candles
What do you get when you combine relaxing scents with a little bit of humor? Anecdote candles. These creatively named candles add a little tongue-in-cheek humor to your daily life.
If you are dreaming of a spa retreat, the Self Care candle will be the perfect scent to hold you over until you are lying on a massage table in absolute peace. Wanderlust is mandarin and blackberry, perfect for setting a tropical vibe.
Conclusion
I hope you are able to have some fun with this retail therapy: awesome items for when you are staying home. As someone who truly enjoys travel both at home and abroad, the time between trips can feel long. These items were chosen to add some joy and spark your imagination of ideas to fill your travel planner with.
If you are planning to travel in the upcoming months, this post on great travel items might be for you. Or, if you are searching for travel ideas, Mackinac Island is a great summer getaway.
