Escape the 9-to-5: why extended travel is the new luxury
The siren song of a long weekend getaway is tempting, but it barely scratches the surface of truly immersing yourself in a new culture. For those fortunate enough to wield the power of remote work, a more substantial escape—an extended vacation—is rapidly becoming the defining luxury of our time. It’s a shift I've witnessed firsthand, and one I wholeheartedly endorse.
Trading tourist traps for local routines
My husband and I are seasoned proponents of the longer sojourn. In 2025, a month-long odyssey through South America offered a depth of experience impossible to glean from a whirlwind tour. We savored the wines of Montevideo, fell headfirst for the vibrant pulse of Buenos Aires, and found unexpected tranquility at Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge—a place we affectionately dubbed “the White Lotus of the Amazon.” But this summer presented a different challenge: two European weddings a month apart, and the prospect of frantic transatlantic dashes felt, frankly, exhausting and expensive.
The solution? A strategically booked Airbnb in France, bridging the gap with a few weeks of slow-paced exploration. And I'm not being biased; extended stays have fundamentally altered my perspective on Travel. Rather than frantically ticking off landmarks and museums, an extended visit grants permission to truly experience a city—to linger over a leisurely morning café, to browse a local farmer’s market, to slot into a rhythm mirroring that of the locals. I recall our time in São Paulo, routinely sipping fresh coconut water while strolling through Ibirapuera Park—a simple pleasure amplified by the extended timeframe.
Of course, the cornerstone of any successful long-term trip is securing the right Airbnb. Diligence is paramount. Beyond the obvious checks (ensuring “long term stays allowed” is listed), I prioritize rentals in safe, character-rich neighborhoods, seamlessly integrated into daily life. For both my husband and myself, who work remotely, functionality is key: sufficient workspace, laundry facilities, and, crucially, reliable WiFi are non-negotiable. A quick chat with the host to verify the internet speed is always a worthwhile precaution.
Vogue-approved havens for extended stays
Here, a curated selection of Airbnbs, handpicked with the long-term traveler in mind:
- Water Mill Beach Barn (Water Mill, New York): Ideal for large groups, starting at $1,327 per night.
- Architect’s Flat (Barcelona, Spain): A design lover's dream, from $599 per night.
- My Kyoto Pied-à-Terre (Kyoto, Japan): Perfect for cultural immersion, from $376 per night.
- Quintessentially British Two Bedroom (London, England): A charming option for first-time international travelers, from $455 per night.
- Villa Armonia (Paros, Greece): A stunning beach escape, $465 per night.
The investment in slow travel
Let's address the elephant in the room: extended Travel, particularly when coupled with a premium Airbnb, represents a significant expense. However, many hosts offer substantial discounts—hundreds, even thousands—for month-long bookings. As a freelance journalist, my income is directly tied to my output, and the flexibility of remote work has made this approach surprisingly cost-effective. And while PTO is an option for some, the ability to work remotely softens the financial blow considerably.
If the prospect of an extended journey sparks your interest but you’re unsure where to begin, consider the options detailed above. These properties, vetted by Vogue, provide a beautiful backdrop for embracing the art of living like a local.
Beyond the postcard
Consider the Spanish-style bungalow in Echo Park, Los Angeles, a happy medium for families hesitant to venture too far. With a dedicated workspace and a treasure trove of toys and consoles for the children, it offers a harmonious blend of productivity and entertainment. Or perhaps the Newhouse Cottage in Leafield, England, evokes the charm of a Nancy Meyers film, promising peace and quiet amidst the Cotswold Hills. The key, as with any transformative experience, is to prioritize quality over quantity, to embrace the slow burn of discovery, and to trade the fleeting thrills of tourism for the enduring richness of immersion. The Instagrammable moment is fleeting; the impact of truly living somewhere—that resonates long after you’ve returned home.