Not all who wander are lost. True, but recently, trying to wander has been a bit disorienting, to say the least. And even though we live at a top vacation destination, another day at the tourist-packed beach or night out on the over-crowded town hasn’t been cutting it for dream getaways. Instead, people have been taking on the challenge and bringing “staycations” to a whole new level, investing in 20-, 30- or 60-minute car rides to experience that missed feeling of seeing home in the rearview mirror.  

The Londoner  

For all the Anglophiles out there, sipping tea as you settle into a new British drama on Netflix, Historic Downtown Bradenton might hold the key to your heart with The Londoner Bed & Breakfast & Tearooms. Visit Bradenton like a tourist while feeling like a true Brit in this refurbished historic home, built in 1906, where you can sip from a floral tea cup while savoring every bite of a scone (served with clotted cream and jam). When you sleep in the Kensington, Victoria or Westminster bedrooms—you’ll never know that home is under an hour away.  The Londoner Bed and Breakfast, 304 15th St. W, Bradenton, 941-741-4981, thelondonerinn.com

Palmetto Riverside  

Forget the “air” in Airbnb and instead remember the days of historic homes with creaky floorboards, cozy comforters and secluded views.  At Palmetto Riverside Bed and Breakfast, located in historic downtown Palmetto, old Florida never felt so good with hors d’oeuvres and a river breeze, vintage furniture and an outdoor chandelier over the patio Not to mention a private, limited-edition champagne label, “LaDiva.” You’ll be welcomed by Wim and Mieke Lippens, your Belgian innkeepers, and feel you’ve truly gotten away from the hullabaloo of home.  Palmetto Riverside Bed and Breakfast, 1102 Riverside Dr., Palmetto, 941-981-5331, palmettoriverside.com/bnb

Tiny House Siesta 

Ever seen those model homes on wheels en route to a mystery destination? This is not like that. Tiny House Siesta offers rentals to locals and tourists who want something different.  Lined up in a colorful row on Avenue A, Tiny House Siesta rentals are the perfect staycation for whoever you want to get away with—or get away from. The bright blue Aqua Oasis house sleeps up to six people and features stairs that double as cabinets and a barn door to the rain shower. Or try the neon yellow Margarita, fit with an outdoor patio, “Welcome to Paradise’’ pillows, parrot wall art and tropical-themed sheets. Located just over the South Bridge—a hop, skip and a jump from Siesta Key Beach—your Tiny House Siesta rental will offer the sun and surf in a whole new light, reminding you why Sarasota is truly a prime vacation destination. Tiny House Siesta, 6600 Ave. A, Sarasota, 941-474-3782, tinyhousesiesta.com, @tinyhousesiesta

IMAGES COURTESY OF THE PROPERTIES.