From Club Stay at Home to Club Jet Set Again: What Our “Lockdown Spring Break” Taught Us About the Real Meaning of Travel

A few years ago, our family found ourselves members of an unexpected destination — Club Stay at Home.

It wasn’t on anyone’s bucket list. There were no brochures, no flight confirmations, and definitely no beach bar. But what started as a disappointing change of plans quickly turned into one of the most memorable “vacations” we ever had.

And that’s when it hit me — travel isn’t just about where we go. It’s about how we connect, create, and celebrate together. 

Welcome to Club Stay at Home

During that unique spring break, we decided that if we couldn’t go out into the world, we’d bring the world home to us.

Chef Mom (that’s me) opened the “restaurant,” serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner — with interactive cooking classes for anyone willing to slice, stir, or taste-test. Pancakes became edible art projects, taco night turned into an international fiesta, and even cleanup became a group activity (okay, almost).

In the afternoons, Club Stay at Home hosted “gaming hour.” We dusted off the classics — UNO, Monopoly, Life, Rummy 500 — and even introduced a little friendly competition with a twist: the prize was a bag of pretzels. And yes, the dealer could be bribed with chocolate from the Easter basket.

Then came DJ Dad, spinning tunes from 7 to 9 p.m. Our living room turned into a dance floor, complete with disco lights (thank you, smartphone flashlight app). Requests were taken, dance-offs erupted, and laughter echoed through the house.

For a few precious days, our home transformed into something more than four walls. It became a destination — full of laughter, learning, and love.

Kids Club, Family Edition

One of my favorite features of Club Stay at Home was the Kids Club, also known as the Video Kingdom. Parents could “drop off” the kids for a few hours of movie time, while the adults enjoyed some peace and quiet — a rare luxury for any family vacation.

Our family movie nights became mini film festivals. We laughed with Throw Momma from the Train, dreamed with Last Holiday, and sang along with Moana and Lilo & Stitch. There were snacks (each person had their own popcorn container — no sharing here!) and M&Ms mixed in for that sweet-salty perfection.

It wasn’t the resort experience we had imagined, but it was exactly the connection we needed.

The Lesson That Stayed With Me

When travel paused, we learned that adventure isn’t just found in faraway places — it’s something we create wherever we are.

As a travel advisor, that realization changed the way I see the world — and how I help others explore it. Yes, travel is about breathtaking destinations and bucket-list experiences, but at its heart, it’s about meaningful moments: the shared laughter over breakfast, the late-night conversations, the stories we bring home and retell for years.

What we discovered during our “Club Stay at Home” days was that the spirit of travel is connection — and that doesn’t require a passport.

But once you’ve rediscovered that feeling, it makes the real thing — the sandy beaches, the cobblestone streets, the ocean breezes — even more magical.

Rediscovering the Joy of Real Travel

Now, as the world is wide open again, families are ready to trade homemade taco night for authentic cuisine in Mexico, swap living room dance parties for sunset cruises, and upgrade movie night to a starlit evening in paradise.

Travel today isn’t just about getting away — it’s about celebrating the togetherness we once created at home.

If Club Stay at Home taught us anything, it’s this: joy doesn’t come from the destination alone; it comes from the memories we make along the way.

And now, it’s time to make those memories somewhere new.

Your Invitation to the Next Adventure

Ready to take your next journey from the living room to the world?

Contact me today to start planning your next adventure!

If you’re not quite ready to plan yet, no problem! You can still stay inspired by joining my Live It List Club — where you’ll receive travel tips, destination inspiration, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox. 

Because whether you’re at Club Stay at Home or Club Jet Set, there’s always something worth celebrating.