Traveling Far While Staying Home

Arm Chair Traveling

Mr. LBD will jump in anyone’s suitcase…. at anytime.  He is infamous for agreeing to be part of your travel plans during what I call “polite conversations”.  He is the ultimate traveler and makes every journey the event of a lifetime.  You can’t wait to plan your next travel season with him.   Tough to plan right now.  So how can we stay home and yet travel far?

There’s one catch to traveling with Mr. LBD…with him you get moi.  I am not a traveler…I am a nester.  I have regular meltdowns packing and unpacking a suitcase.  To me travel is for business, and a necessity.  See how this can cause friction during “the trips of a lifetime”?  But because I adore this guy, our old friends, and our new friends (who also have been bitten by his travel bug),  I’ve come up with a solution that works for all of us a majority of the time.  If I don’t get to pick the destination…..

I AM IN CHARGE OF TRAVEL ACCOMMODATIONS

The White Villages of Malaga, Spain

I’ve even gotten sneaky and preselected the accommodations before my beloved, or his entourage, know where they want to go.  This works even better when they think it is their idea.  A skill, I admit.

Soaking In Architecture When Traveling

If you have been following LBD since our inception, then you know I am an expert at Armchair Travel.  I know a place inside and out before I agree to go.  I am like a truffle-hunting pig digging up the best value for our dollars and with the cleanest bathrooms.  This week let’s look at Southern Spain.  This region is full of what is termed “The White Villages”.  The exteriors of the architecture speak for themselves.  The interiors are a vast array of pure design pleasure.

Update 6.2020- This post was written before we all got “grounded”.  We are reposting it because now, more than ever, we want to take in the sites of others who are longing for the freedom of travel just as we are.  I for one, appreciate all these photos so much more!

Exteriors

Drodiva

Escuela La Crujia

Archez White Village

Farmhouse in Gaucin

Look what you get with the Farmhouse Choice.  I do love my Alpaca socks and our border collie would have gone nuts with these guys as her neighbor!

Interiors

Pablo-Paniagua-Nuevo-Esto

Pinterest

nanobuffet

Now that you are on the edge of your seats (like you know who), and itching to book the next adventure, here’s an option of a place we will be feathering our nest when the idea of Malaga, Spain pops up in his head.

One of the best things with European destinations is that it’s easy to enjoy big city amenities with public transportation.  When ready to explore, we love to hire guides who know the countryside.  No need to have an auto.  Love the idea of an interpreter and chauffeur all in one!  We literally have been sung to by a French driver wearing a beret!

Another Benefit of “Pre Armchair Traveling….

Immediately Cool Architecture

That’s right.  With a little effort, we can stay in rentals that are truly someone’s home they choose to share with others.  Even though now we always opt for an entire apt, because we like to keep our own schedule,  we usually develop a casual friendship with our hosts.  I am convinced that unique architecture and interior design guarantees the best host as well.  Passion shines thru every time.  Look at this cutie!

Reality Living

Eat, Sleep, Bathe

(sounds like a book I’d write!)

Learn More!

One last “trick” I employ.  If I pre-select a nest, as perfect as the one above, I don’t always tell our group where we are staying.  I let them make their own abode arrangements.  Other times, we book an incredible villa for all of us and the party never ends.  It’s all about finding the Perfect LBD…even if it’s not ours!

Did you see this Perfect LBD we previously enjoyed while Arm Chair Traveling? 

“Grease” is the Word…

Leave us a comment below…if you could leave tomorrow, where would you go?

Some of the best kitchens are in travel rentals!

Like the ones from Friday’s Post