Traveling for Games: Planning an Escape Room Vacation

• You can build a full vacation around escape rooms by picking cities with dense, high-quality games instead of squeezing one room into a random trip.
• The best escape room trips balance 2 to 3 games per day with real downtime, good food, and sleep so you do not burn out.
• Planning around difficulty, theme variety, and booking windows will save you money and protect you from last-minute stress.
• Choosing the right travel buddies and being honest about everyone’s skill level will make the trip smoother and way more fun.

An escape room vacation is exactly what it sounds like: you travel to a city or region mainly to play escape rooms, and you build everything else around that. You pick a destination with strong games, you plan 2 to 3 rooms per day, you lock in booking times early, and you leave space for food, sleep, and maybe a museum so your brain does not melt. If you handle the basics well, the trip feels focused but not rigid, like a fun little tour of other people’s puzzles.

Why plan a whole vacation around escape rooms?

Let me get ahead of a question I hear a lot: “Is it worth traveling just for escape rooms?”

If your group loves puzzles, stories, and shared challenges, then yes, it can absolutely be worth it. Not in some life changing way, but in a normal, fun, “we still talk about that trip years later” way.

Here is why it works so well.

• You get a built-in structure for each day.
• You see how different cities design games.
• You create easy conversation and shared memories.

Traveling for escape rooms works best when the games are the main event, but not the only thing you do.

The nice surprise is that you experience the city differently. You meet game masters who love their local food spots. You visit neighborhoods you would have skipped. You notice small design choices that reflect local culture, not just generic puzzles.

Step 1: Pick the right destination

What makes a city good for an escape room trip?

You do not want a city with just one or two decent rooms. That is fine for a weekend errand run, not for a full vacation. For a real trip, look for three things:

• A high density of rooms within a reasonable distance
• At least a few top-rated, story-driven games
• Reliable public transport or easy parking between venues

Here is a simple way to compare cities when you are starting from scratch.

Factor	What to check	What “good” looks like
Number of venues	Google Maps + review sites	5 or more venues within 45 minutes of your stay
Standout games	Top lists, awards, local blogs	At least 3 to 5 rooms that people rave about
Travel time within city	Map routes between top venues	Average travel under 30 minutes between games
Non-game activities	Tourism sites, food blogs	Enough food and sights that fit your group

You do not need perfect conditions. You just need a place where you can play several strong rooms without spending your entire day in traffic or on trains.

How to research escape room cities without copying anyone

Here is a simple process you can follow without building some huge spreadsheet you never use.

1. Pick 3 candidate cities that are realistic for your budget and time.
2. Search “[city name] best escape rooms” and open 3 to 4 different sources per city.
3. Write down the rooms that show up again and again. Those are your anchors.
4. Check each anchor venue’s full list of games. You often find hidden gems there.
5. Drop the city if you cannot build at least 6 to 8 solid games out of it.

You might be tempted to focus only on “world famous” escape room hubs. Sometimes that works. But I think mid-sized cities with growing scenes can be just as fun. Less hype, fewer overbooked slots, and more time to talk with owners.

Link the destination to your group’s style

Not every city fits every group. Some scenes lean heavily into high-tech, action-heavy rooms. Other places focus more on puzzle density or theatrical acting.

Ask your group some direct questions:

• Do you prefer intense, story-heavy games or calmer puzzle labs?
• Are you okay with physical challenges, crawling, or small jumpscares?
• Does anyone hate horror themes enough that it could ruin a session?
• Is your group more first-timers or veterans?

Take those answers and compare them with what you find about each city’s style. If a city is known for dark, horror-heavy rooms and your group hates that, pick a different place. There is no prize for suffering through themes you dislike.

Plan your destination around your group’s genuine preferences, not what a list says is “top tier.”

Step 2: Build your escape room schedule without burning out

How many rooms per day is realistic?

This is where many fans go a bit too hard. They cram 5 or 6 rooms into a day because “we are here only once.” Then by game 4, nobody can solve a basic riddle, and arguments start over simple locks.

A safer rule of thumb:

• Casual players: 1 to 2 rooms per day
• Mixed group: 2 rooms per day, maybe 3 on your strongest day
• Experienced teams: 3 rooms per day, with real breaks

If you want to test your limits, do it on a middle day, not right when you arrive or before you leave. Travel days are already tiring.

Time blocks that actually work

A single room usually takes:

• 10 to 20 minutes for arrival, check-in, and briefing
• 60 to 90 minutes of game time (depending on design)
• 10 to 20 minutes of debrief, photos, payment questions

So one game can easily eat 1.5 to 2 hours of real time. Add travel in between venues, and a 3-room day quickly fills 7 to 8 hours.

Here is a simple template for a 3-room day that does not feel like running a race:

Time	Activity
10:00	Room 1
12:00	Lunch + walk
14:00	Room 2
16:00	Coffee, short break, travel
18:00	Room 3
20:00	Dinner and chill

If you have a jet lag situation or kids in the group, reduce that to 2 rooms. There is no shame in leaving with energy left.

Mix difficulty and themes smartly

You do not want three back-to-back, brain-melting rooms in one day. That sounds cool in theory and weirdly stressful in practice.

Try something like:

• Slot 1: Medium difficulty, lighter or fun theme
• Slot 2: Hardest room of the day, story-heavy or intense
• Slot 3: Medium or easier room, more playful tone

Also play with theme variety:

• If you do a sci-fi room, follow it with a heist or mystery.
• If you do a history-themed room, follow it with something modern or silly.

That way each game stands out in your memory. They do not all blur together into “the room with some locks and that one riddle with numbers.”

Treat your schedule like a tasting menu: varied difficulty and tone keep the whole trip fresher in your mind.

Step 3: Plan the travel logistics around your games

Where to stay in relation to the rooms

When you look for hotels or apartments, do not only filter by “city center” or price.

Also check:

• Walking distance to at least 1 or 2 of your chosen venues
• Simple transport routes to the rest (ideally one train line or a simple drive)
• Nearby food that stays open late for post-game dinners

If most of your rooms are in one part of town, staying near that cluster often beats the classic tourist center. Saving 20 to 30 minutes each way per game adds up.

Transportation choices for an escape room trip

Your best option depends on the city, but each choice has trade-offs:

Mode	Pros	Cons
Public transport	Cheaper, less parking stress, predictable routes	Fixed schedules, possible delays, crowds
Rideshare / taxi	Door to door, good when running late	Higher cost, traffic can still hurt
Rental car	Maximum freedom, great for suburban venues	Parking, fuel, navigation stress, designated driver needed

You do not have to commit to only one. In many trips, a mix of public transport plus the occasional rideshare for tight gaps works well.

Time buffers: boring but critical

Escape rooms run on schedules. If you show up 15 or 20 minutes late, the operator might have to cut your time, or in some cities, cancel the game entirely with no refund. Harsh, but that is how their timetable works.

So be honest about your own habits. If your group always leaves 10 minutes later than planned, bake that into your schedule.

Simple rule: if travel time looks like 20 minutes, treat it as 35.

• 10 minutes to wrap up at the venue
• 20 minutes travel
• 5 minutes leeway for wrong turns or slow elevators

That extra margin will save you more stress than almost any other planning trick.

Step 4: Budgeting for an escape room vacation

What you actually spend money on

People often undercount the cost of the games themselves. Rooms are not cheap, and on a dedicated trip, they add up.

Here are the main buckets:

• Travel to the city (flights, train, fuel, tolls)
• Accommodation (hotel, apartment, hostel)
• Escape rooms (ticket price x number of games x number of people)
• Local transport (passes, rideshare, parking)
• Food and drinks (including coffee breaks between rooms)
• Other activities (museums, tours, attractions)

If you want a quick way to avoid surprises, define your “per day” game budget first.

For example:

• Total trip days: 4
• Target games: 7
• Average price per game per person: 30
• Group of 4: 7 x 30 x 4 = 840 for games

Then ask if that fits your reality. If not, you adjust the number of games or pick a cheaper region.

How to save money without ruining the trip

You do not have to cut all the good stuff to stay on budget. You just have to be a bit pickier.

Some ideas:

• Travel midweek instead of weekends. Many rooms are cheaper and less busy.
• Look for bundles or loyalty discounts on venue websites.
• Prioritize the highest-rated 2 or 3 rooms, then fill gaps with cheaper but still solid options.
• Share larger hotel rooms or apartments with your group instead of booking many small rooms.
• Have some meals from supermarkets or casual spots rather than every meal at premium restaurants.

And yes, sometimes the answer is to play fewer but better rooms. That usually gives you a stronger overall memory than a flood of mediocre games.

Step 5: Choose the right team for your escape room trip

Who you travel with matters as much as where you go

This part is not talked about enough. Great city, strong rooms, bad group dynamic? The trip will feel off.

You want a group that matches on a few key things:

• Puzzle interest: Everyone is at least reasonably excited to play multiple rooms.
• Energy levels: Night owls vs early birds can clash.
• Spending comfort: Some people are fine paying for many rooms, others are not.
• Play style: Some groups enjoy debating puzzles, others want one person to lead.

I think it helps to have at least one person who is ready to handle logistics: reservations, maps, time checks. Not a dictator, just someone who cares enough to keep the schedule sane.

Set expectations before the trip

Have an honest pre-trip chat. Not a formal meeting, just a clear conversation.

Questions to cover:

• How many rooms per day is everyone comfortable with?
• Are there any no-go themes (horror, medical, war, religion, etc.)?
• Who is okay with failing a room, and who gets very frustrated?
• Are hints welcome early or only as a last resort?

If this feels excessive, think of the alternative: mid-trip arguments about someone “talking too much” or “not letting others solve.” A small discussion upfront saves that.

Escape room drama usually comes from mismatched expectations, not from the puzzles themselves.

Step 6: Booking your games the smart way

When to book

If you are traveling to a city known for strong rooms, do not wait to book. Popular games can fill up weeks in advance, especially on weekends and evenings.

A basic timeline that works:

• 6 to 8 weeks before: lock in your travel and accommodation.
• 4 to 6 weeks before: book anchor rooms (top-rated games, limited slots).
• 2 to 3 weeks before: fill remaining gaps with flexible, less time-sensitive games.

Some venues want prepayment. That is normal. Just keep track so you do not double book or forget which slot is on which day.

Things to check before paying

Every venue is a bit different. Look at:

• Cancellation policy: how late can you change or cancel?
• Private vs public bookings: will strangers join your group?
• Language: is the game fully playable in your language?
• Accessibility: stairs, crawling, tight spaces, strobe lights, etc.
• Age limits: some rooms do not allow younger kids.

If you cannot find clear answers on the site, send a short, direct email. “We are visiting from out of town, group of 4, can you confirm X and Y?” Most owners are happy to reply.

Order of games during your stay

You might think you should save the best room for last. I think this is overrated and a bit risky.

Instead, try this pattern:

• Day 1: One medium room to warm up, then one strong but not overly complex room.
• Middle days: Peak difficulty and your most hyped games.
• Last day: Flexible slots, backup games, maybe a repeat if you loved a venue.

Travel delays, sickness, or fatigue hit randomly. Placing your biggest games in the middle gives you more buffer if you need to shuffle things.

Step 7: Balance games with the rest of your vacation

Other things to do between rooms

Even if your group thinks they want “only escape rooms,” brains need variety. Short breaks reset your attention and make the next game feel fresh.

Good filler activities:

• Cafes where you can talk through what you just played
• Short walks in interesting neighborhoods
• Local attractions that do not eat half a day
• Light museums or galleries if your group enjoys them
• Casual photo walks or small food markets

Try to avoid long, draining activities right before a mentally heavy room. For example, a 4-hour history tour then a hard puzzle room is rough.

Food strategy for puzzle-heavy days

Food is not just about being full. It directly affects how well you solve.

Some practical tips:

• Eat a real breakfast before a morning game. Not only coffee.
• Do not schedule heavy meals directly before a room. Sleepy teammates solve slower.
• Carry water and a small snack for emergency energy between sessions.
• Plan at least one “celebration” meal at a place your group is excited about.

If a game runs longer than expected, you might have to pick quick food. Having a shortlist of backup spots near each venue helps more than it sounds.

Step 8: Choose better rooms, not just more rooms

How to read reviews with a critical eye

Not every 5-star review is helpful. Look for patterns, not individual opinions.

When scanning reviews, notice:

• Do people mention staff being engaged and friendly?
• Do they describe puzzles as fair and logical, not random?
• Does the story hold together, or is it just “a bunch of locks”?
• Are there any recurring complaints about broken props or rushed briefings?

If one review says “too easy” and another says “too hard,” that is normal. If twelve people say “the last puzzle did not make sense,” that is a red flag.

Types of rooms to include on an escape room trip

Try to mix different kinds of experiences, not just different stories.

For example:

• A strongly narrative room with actors or live interaction
• A puzzle-dense room that pushes your logic skills
• A more physical or exploration-heavy room (with your group’s consent)
• A family-friendly game if you are traveling with mixed ages

That variety reveals what your group likes most. It also makes post-trip conversations more interesting than “we did ten rooms that all felt the same.”

The best escape room vacations are not about the sheer count of games but about a handful of sessions that feel truly memorable.

Step 9: Handle failure, hints, and group tension

Agree on your hint philosophy

Some players treat hints like a last resort. Others do not care and would rather keep the pace up. On a trip, this mismatch can get annoying fast.

Before your first room, talk about:

• Do we want the game master to offer hints when we stall, or only when we ask?
• Are we okay using more hints in earlier rooms while we “warm up”?
• Is anyone strongly against using hints at all?

Personally, I think using sensible hints is fine. You paid for the experience, not for suffering. But if your group truly wants to avoid them, let the staff know at the start.

When you do not escape

On a long trip, odds are you will fail at least one room. Maybe more. That is normal.

The question is how your group reacts.

Some simple habits help:

• Ask for a walkthrough at the end so you still see the full story.
• Focus your debrief on puzzle design, not on blaming each other.
• Take a short break before your next room, even a basic walk outside.

If someone gets very upset easily, be kind but honest. A vacation built around puzzles will include frustration. That is part of the format.

Step 10: Capture and share the experience

Keep a simple record of your games

You do not need a huge database, but a basic record helps you remember what you played and what you liked.

You can keep a simple log like this:

Game	Venue	Difficulty	Time left / result	Favorite element
Example Room A	Venue X	Medium	Escaped, 6 min left	Final puzzle with the light pattern
Example Room B	Venue Y	Hard	Failed, last step	Hidden entrance to the second space

You can do this in a note app on your phone. Nothing fancy. It gives you something to look back on, especially when all the rooms start to blend together months later.

Use photos and small rituals

Almost every venue offers team photos. Instead of just the usual “we escaped” shot, try to add your own small routine:

• Always stand in the same order in photos.
• Do one “serious detective” shot and one “celebration” shot.
• Pick a recurring prop, like a fake magnifying glass, and bring it to every room.

These small rituals sound silly, but they create a sense of continuity across different cities.

Treat each game like one episode in a longer series your group is starring in.

Sample 3-day escape room vacation plan

To make this more concrete, here is a sample structure you can adapt to almost any city. Adjust timings based on local conditions, but the shape will still work.

Day 1: Arrival and warm-up

• Morning: Travel and check-in
• Afternoon:
  • Light lunch near your accommodation
  • Game 1: Medium difficulty, friendly theme
• Evening:
  • Walk around the area to get your bearings
  • Dinner at a relaxed spot recommended by your game master

Goal: Get into the rhythm of playing without pressure. No need for big stakes on the first day.

Day 2: Core escape room day

• Morning:
  • Breakfast
  • Game 2: Strong, story-driven room
• Midday:
  • Lunch
  • Short non-game activity (park, gallery, or simple sightseeing)
• Afternoon:
  • Game 3: Hardest or most hyped game of the trip
• Evening:
  • Relaxed dinner and long debrief of both games

Goal: Put your best energy behind your best rooms.

Day 3: Flex and favorites

• Morning:
  • Optional Game 4: A shorter or lighter room
• Afternoon:
  • Free time for souvenirs, photos, or rest
• Evening:
  • Backup slot: add a game you booked late or rebook a venue you liked for another room

Goal: Finish with flexibility. If the group is tired, you downgrade. If everyone is still excited, you fill the slot.

Common mistakes to avoid when planning an escape room vacation

Overpacking the schedule

Cramming too many rooms into each day is the classic error. Your brain has limits. Attention does not reset instantly just because you love puzzles.

If someone in your group starts to say “I do not care, just try whatever” inside the room, that is a sign you are doing too much.

Ignoring travel times and geography

On paper, two venues “only 20 minutes apart” looks fine. Then you hit rush hour or a confusing transfer. Suddenly you arrive late and stressed.

Map your actual routes between confirmed bookings. Look at timings for the exact day of the week and time of day, not vague estimates.

Not accounting for different skill levels

One person might be a veteran who plays monthly. Another might be on their second or third game ever.

If you only book brutal, difficult rooms because the expert wants a challenge, the rest of the group will feel lost. On a vacation, shared fun beats individual ego.

Aim for a mix that lets everyone have moments of feeling smart.

Forgetting about recovery time

Travel itself is a mental tax. Time zone shifts, early flights, late arrivals. If you book a hard room an hour after you land, you are making things harder than they need to be.

Give yourself at least half a day between arrival and your first high-stakes game. A simple warm-up room is fine on arrival day. Nothing more.

Turning your first escape room trip into a tradition

If your first dedicated escape room vacation goes well, this can turn into a recurring thing. Each year, a new city, new puzzles, same group.

To make that smoother:

• After the trip, ask what everyone liked and did not like about the schedule.
• Note how many rooms felt right vs too many.
• Capture your absolute favorite design moments to guide your next destination choice.
• Keep a shared document with cities you want to visit in the future.

Over time, your group will develop its own rhythm. Maybe you discover that 2 rooms per day is your sweet spot and that you care more about immersive sets than puzzle density. Or the opposite.

The point is not to build a perfect system. It is to keep tuning the way you travel so each new escape room trip feels a little sharper, a little more “you,” and a little more memorable.