Two-Week Short Stays

A Short Stay is a 15-day (14-night) immersive travel experience in a carefully selected European city. Like our Signature Month-Long Programs, you'll have your own private apartment, a local Community Manager, and a built-in group of like-minded travelers aged 55+. The difference is the format: two weeks instead of four, in an aparthotel where everyone lives in the same building.

The core experience is the same — your own apartment, a dedicated Community Manager, weekly community events, and the freedom to explore at your own pace. The main differences are length (two weeks vs. one month) and housing style. Short Stays take place in aparthotels, meaning all participants stay in the same building, in most cases there's a front desk to handle any issues, and shared common spaces make it easy to connect with fellow travelers. It's a more streamlined setup that's perfectly suited for a shorter stay.

It's a fair question, and the short answer is that they're fundamentally different programs — not just shorter versions of each other.

In our Signature Month-Long Programs, you live in an independent apartment in a local residential building, much like a true local would. It's a wonderful setup for four weeks, and part of the experience is setting up your space, visiting the houseware stores, and really making it feel like home.

Short Stays work differently. Because you only have two weeks, you want to hit the ground running — not spend your first few days hunting for towels or figuring out the washing machine. That's why Short Stays take place in full-service aparthotels: you arrive, and everything is already handled. If you need something, there's a front desk. If something needs fixing, you go downstairs. The added service and convenience of that setup is built into the price.

There's another reason the value is high: everyone in your cohort lives in the same building. That shared environment — the lounge, the garden, the courtyard — creates the kind of spontaneous connection that takes much longer to build when you're scattered across a neighborhood. In two weeks, that matters a lot.

In short, you're not paying for less — you're paying for a more supported, more immediate social experience that's specifically designed to make the most of your two weeks. To hear Andrew explain this in his own words, watch the short video below:

You can absolutely book a Short Stay as a standalone experience — no month-long program required. That said, many travelers love combining a Short Stay with one of our Signature Programs (for example, a month in Lisbon followed by two weeks in Porto, or a month in Paris followed by two weeks in Nice). You can also combine two Short Stays back-to-back to create a four-week experience across two cities.

Yes. If you've never traveled with us before and book two programs together, you'll automatically receive our alumni discount of $200 off per person on the second program — the same discount our returning travelers receive. This will be reflected on your final invoice. 

Yes. One of the defining features of Short Stays is that everyone in your cohort lives under the same roof. We intentionally chose properties with shared common areas — lounges, gardens, courtyards, or cafés — so that community happens naturally, not just during scheduled events.

Every Short Stay follows a rhythm that balances structure with freedom. After an orientation and Welcome Party on Day 2, your week includes a Tuesday Lunch Club at a local restaurant, a Wednesday cultural activity (think walking tours, cooking classes, and the like), and a Thursday Happy Hour.* Fridays through Mondays are yours to explore freely. The program wraps up with a Farewell Party on your final full day.

*Specific days for community events may vary.

Your Community Manager is a local staff member who organizes and leads all scheduled events, helps you get your bearings when you arrive, and is available by WhatsApp Monday through Friday, 9–5, for any questions that come up along the way. Think of them as a knowledgeable local friend — whether you want a restaurant recommendation, help figuring out a day trip, or advice on how to get theater tickets. 

Note - It is the responsibility of the member to book optional events. Community Managers do not book or attend outside events for members.

Short Stay apartments are clean, comfortable, and well-equipped — with a kitchenette (cooktop, microwave, fridge, and basic dishes), a private ensuite bathroom, smart TV, air conditioning, and a safe. They aren't luxurious by design, but they're everything you need for a meaningful two-week stay. All properties have elevators. For specific details on a destination's property, visit that location's page on our website.

Yes, and it's encouraged. Part of the joy of living like a local is picking up fresh ingredients at the market and making a simple meal at home. The kitchenettes in Short Stay properties are well-suited for breakfast and light cooking, though most guests enjoy going out for lunch and dinner to explore the local food scene.

Yes. Short Stay properties have a communal laundry room in the building, typically available for a small nominal fee (a couple of euros per wash and dry cycle). 

Transportation to and from the airport is not included in the program fee. Most guests arrange an Uber or taxi to their aparthotel — it's straightforward, and we provide the address in advance. If you'd prefer a private airport transfer, we partner with Wings Travel, a full-service travel agency that can arrange transfers and other travel logistics. Your program coordinator can provide that information after booking.

Yes. Travel medical insurance is included in the program fee for all Short Stay participants. If something comes up, your Community Manager can also help connect you with English-speaking medical care in the area.

Because Short Stays take place in aparthotels — not independent apartments — there's a front desk on-site to handle any issues. Just head downstairs and let them know. It's one of the key reasons we chose this housing format for shorter stays: easy, fast resolution without the hassle of coordinating with a separate property management company.

Absolutely. About 30% of our community members travel solo, and they are warmly embraced by the group. Solo travelers typically opt for a studio apartment, which is priced accordingly — there's no single supplement. The shared-building format of Short Stays actually makes it especially easy for solo travelers to connect with others organically throughout the two weeks.

Yes, you're welcome to have visitors come and stay with you. We do ask that you register them with us in advance. Guests are not able to participate in the scheduled community events, but they're welcome to join the many informal activities and outings that happen organically within the group.

Unfortunately, pets are not permitted on any of our programs.

The dates for many Short Stays are designed to connect back-to-back, but in some cases there may be a small gap between programs. If that happens, it's a nice opportunity to spend a couple of nights in a hotel, explore another city, and then carry on to your next destination. Your program coordinator can help you think through the logistics.

The Short Stay experience involves a meaningful amount of walking and use of public transportation. Participants should be able to walk at least two miles on uneven surfaces (cobblestones are common in our destinations) and navigate stairs. All Short Stay properties have elevators. If you use a cane or walker, you should be well accommodated; if you use a wheelchair, we'd encourage you to contact us directly so we can discuss the specifics of your destination.

Yes! We're actively expanding our Short Stay program. If you'd like to be notified when new destinations open, keep an eye on our Future Destinations page or join a waitlist for destinations that interest you.