You don’t have to board a plane to have a proper vacation. Whether you’re avoiding airport chaos, cutting down on costs, or just prefer to keep your feet on the ground, there are plenty of ways to escape without taking off. From scenic road trips to lakeside retreats, these ideas will satisfy your wanderlust – no boarding pass required.

1. Go Camping – Rough It or Glamp It

Pack up your gear and head for the woods. Camping is the perfect no-fly escape, offering a full reset with fresh air, starry skies, and zero airport security lines. If you’re not the pitch-a-tent type, opt for a fully equipped campground or RV park. Many have cozy cabins, fire pits, and even hot showers, so you can keep things low-key without roughing it too much. For a touch of flair, bring string lights, a few comfy chairs, and a cooler stocked with local brews – instant glamping vibes.

2. Book a Spa or Wellness Retreat – Relaxation Without the Red-Eye

Skip the plane ride and book a spa day or a full-on wellness retreat closer to home. Plenty of resorts and countryside lodges offer spa packages, meditation classes, and yoga retreats, giving you the chance to fully unwind without dealing with jet lag - plus the less you spend on getting there, the more you can indulge in spa treatments and luxurious accommodations - the math just maths. Spend your days soaking in hot tubs, getting massages, and sipping green juice – all without ever stepping foot in an airport.

3. Take a Road Trip – The Scenic Route Wins

There’s nothing like hitting the open road with the complete freedom that being in charge of your own travel gives you. Even when we do to another continent, we often take the road trip approach once we get there, we've do it everywhere from South Africa to Oman to Albania. Whether you’re cruising along the coast, winding through mountain passes, or exploring quirky small towns, a road trip gives you the flexibility to stop whenever and wherever you want. Map out a loose route but leave room for spontaneity – sometimes the best roadside diners and hidden hiking trails are the ones you stumble upon. Don’t have a reliable car? No problem – renting one gives you a chance to test drive that SUV or convertible you’ve been eyeing. When we used to have a small electric car, we would take every chance we got with an SUV to hit the road - once I was hired to take a few photos of a car, which we easily could have done in LA, but took it out on a 1500 mile road trip instead just because we finally could.

4. Rent a Lake House – Water Without the Crowds

If you’re craving nature but want a bit more ease and comfort, consider booking a lakeside cabin or house. Rent out a lake house and spend your days paddle-boarding, kayaking, or just floating with a cold drink in hand. In the evenings, grill dinner on the deck, build a bonfire, and watch the sun melt into the water. Look for rentals with private docks or fire pits for the full lakeside experience. Some of my best memories from my early twenties in NYC are renting houses in the Catskills with big groups of people - which were about the only vacations we could afford at the time, but it didn't matter that we weren't heading off somewhere exotic because we always had such a great time. 

5. Take the Train – Scenic and Stress-Free

If you’re itching for a change of scenery and a touch of old-world glamour, look into a train trip. Amtrak routes cut through some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes, from the snow-capped Rockies to the sun-soaked California coast. You’ll skip the stress of driving and get to sit back, relax, and watch the scenery roll by. Many long-distance trains even have sleeper cars – perfect for turning the journey itself into part of the adventure.

6. Escape to a Tiny House or Cabin – Big Charm, Small Space

Tiny house rentals and remote cabins are popping up everywhere – and they’re perfect for a no-flight escape. Tucked away in forests, deserts, or rolling farmland, these charming little spaces offer minimalist coziness with just enough modern comforts. Bring books, board games, and plenty of wine. No airport security, no rental car lines – just you, nature, and maybe a wood-fired hot tub.

Check out some of the coolest and most unique cabins across the US here.

7. Explore a Nearby National or State Park – Nature Without the Jet Lag

You don’t need to fly to experience jaw-dropping scenery. National and state parks often make for easy road trips, offering incredible hiking trails, wildlife encounters, and scenic picnic spots. Pack a lunch, lace up your boots, and spend the day getting lost in nature. Many parks also have on-site lodging or nearby cabins if you want to turn it into a weekend escape.

8. Visit a Wine Region – Vineyard Hopping Without the Flight

You don’t have to fly to Napa or Bordeaux to enjoy a wine-filled escape. Many states have scenic wine regions with charming vineyards and tasting rooms - all 50 US states make wine now! But not all of them are great... Drive through rolling countryside, stop at local wineries, and stock up on your favorite bottles. Many wine regions also have boutique inns or bed-and-breakfasts, making it easy to turn your wine tour into a weekend getaway.

9. Rent an Off-Grid Cabin – Disconnect to Recharge

For a true escape, find an off-grid cabin or yurt where you can completely disconnect. These rustic spots often have no Wi-Fi or cell service – just you, the woods, and maybe a wood-burning stove. Spend your days hiking, reading, and listening to the sounds of nature. It’s the perfect no-flight getaway for a mental reset.

10. Plan a Group Trip – Road Trip or Rent a House with Friends

Sometimes, a getaway is less about the destination and more about the people - most of the time when you get together with a group of friends, especially ones you don't see that often, it doesn't really matter where you are, just being together anywhere is enough. Skip the airport and plan a group trip somewhere within driving distance. Rent a big house with a pool or a cozy cabin in the woods and make a weekend of it. Spend your days hiking, barbecuing, or lounging by the fire, and your nights playing board games or swapping stories over drinks. A road trip caravan with friends is another fun option – multiple cars, shared playlists, and spontaneous roadside stops.

11. Plan a Staycation – Rediscover Your Own Backyard

If you're short on time, funds, or simply the energy to make plans and go through the logistics of travel: plan a staycation. Book a night or two at a boutique hotel in your city’s downtown, or rent an Airbnb in a nearby neighborhood you’ve been meaning to explore. Treat it like a true vacation – sleep in, order room service, and splurge on a fancy dinner. If you’re staying home, turn it into an event: unplug from work, try that trendy new restaurant, and finally visit the museum you always drive past. Bonus: no travel exhaustion.