by Kelly Anne Gould for Travel Impressions

We’ve all experienced that feeling of deep satisfaction and anticipation that comes with having a trip planned—a mood-booster when spirits are low. That’s been something we’ve needed plenty of this year. But how do you travel safely, in a way that makes everyone not only comfortable, but meets, or even exceeds, their vacation expectations?

The answer comes down to the where: a place that your party can be in full agreement on. Choose accommodations that are not only private but fully vetted. Spacious, but with an air of intimacy. Luxurious, but often less expensive than comparable options.

It’s a tall list of requirements, for certain. Yet with The Villa Experience by Travel Impressions, available in 50 destinations worldwide, it’s part-and-parcel of every package.

Take privacy, for example. In the age of social distancing, the first concern of most travelers is how do I keep apart from others while still enjoying myself? The Villa Experience makes it simple. Each of their more than 2,500 personally inspected properties is private, rented out to one group at a time.

Try a celebrity-loved penthouse in West Hollywood, or an “extra private” beach house or European estate. Or, for those who truly want to take it to the next level, have an entire island all to yourself in the Caribbean, Central America or French Polynesia.

You shouldn’t feel limited to the grounds, however. Arrange for a day out on the water with a private boat charter. Hire a personal chef (or book a villa where this service is included) for a romantic dinner on the beach—to which only you have access. Set up reservations at trusted restaurants, tee time on the green, or a private yoga or cooking lesson. Travel Impressions’ Villa Concierge will work together with your AAA travel agent to plan every detail in advance.

And if you want to stay put, safely secluded in paradise? They’ll ensure you never need to leave. Tell them your must-have groceries, and they’ll pre-stock the pantry for you—the ultimate contactless delivery. Your wellness routine won’t skip a beat either, in a villa with its own spa or gym.

Entertainment is just as easy. Amenities like pools, game rooms and home theaters are common, as are gardens and beaches to fill your hours with tranquility. And for those who need to work—or homeschool—while they play, office spaces create a refuge for focusing. Extended stays let you spend the whole semester abroad, transforming the unexpected into a blessing.

Traveling with extended family or friends is possible as well. Multiple bedrooms and floors allow for conscientious distancing while sprawling grounds make gatherings doable. Not filling every bedroom provides another benefit, too: many villas offer reduced rates for fewer guests.

If you’re ready to travel again, a stay in a home away from home can help you do it safely—without sacrificing on luxury. And who knows? You may just discover a new favorite way to travel.

For more information on booking a getaway, be sure to talk to an AAA travel agent.