My goal for this travel blog is to help people (like me!) who are absolutely terrified of doing new things when they have no idea what to expect, to know what to expect so they don’t have to be absolutely terrified of doing it.
While this particular activity may not require boarding an airplane or learning how to ask for the bathroom in a new language, it is something that is completely confusing if you haven’t done it before. And since there are still a lot of people who haven’t done it (but you really should!), I figured it was time to explain it.
- (Plus! Escape rooms are great things to try out on vacation and support local businesses!)
What’s in this Article:
What is an Escape Room?
While I can’t tell you all the ins and outs of every escape room (then they would be no fun!), I can explain the basic idea.
You’re in a room… and you have to escape.
No, no! Just kidding (sort of)!
The Theme/Story
All escape rooms have some sort of “theme,” and most of them have a short background story. You can usually find this story, or at least part of it, in the room description on their website.
Before you begin, your “host” will explain the “story” of the room to you, and what your ultimate goal is. Sometimes it’s to find an object. Sometimes it’s to get a code to unlock the door.
For instance, I once did an escape room where our goal was to find the seven wonders of the world (mini versions, that is). Once we found all seven, we won! But other times your goal is literally to find the key to let yourself out of the room.
Once you’ve been told the story (and what objects NOT to try to move), your time is set, and you are left alone in the room to start figuring it out.
How to Get Started
And… if you’re like me, you’re just staring at the door behind them wondering where in the world you’re supposed to start!
I’m not going to tell you what to do (that would be cheating!!), but I can give you a clue. Once you’ve done a few escape rooms, you start learning to know what to look for.
If you’re standing in the room, staring mindlessly into space while the intimidating clock slowly counts down, here’s where you start: look for something out of place. Then, once you find your first clue, things just keep rolling from there.
You’ll find clues that will lead you to your next clue, and so on. Sort of like a scavenger hunt.
You Can Get Hints
If you get stuck along the way, the host is always watching you (not embarrassing at all…) and will give you hints.
Some rooms that are more difficult will offer unlimited hints. Most rooms usually have a three hint limit.
However, the host may offer up hints on their own, without you having to ask. These do not count against your limit.
Escape Room Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do You Have in an Escape Room?
Most escape rooms give you about 1 hour to escape.
It may only take you 30 or 40 minutes, if you figure out the clues quickly enough. For Jason and I, on average, we usually take close to the full hour.
It’s always fun to see what the best time is and try to beat it!
Are You Actually Locked In?
In the beginning, most escape rooms really did lock the door, so you were “locked” in the room. You would have to find a code to unlock the door (thus winning the “escape” room). Although there was always an “escape” word you could use, if you really did need to get out before you finished the game.
However, these days, they do not actually lock the doors (safety laws, you know…). So no, you will never actually be locked in a room.
How Many People Do You Need for an Escape Room?
The number of people required for an escape room will vary depending on the difficulty level of the room. This could be anywhere from about 2-10 players.
Jason and I usually do escape rooms on our own. But there are some that we can’t do because they require more than 2 people. The ideal number of players is around 3-5. That way you have several brains and several people to do all the different tasks, but not too many that some people get left out.
Do Escape Rooms Require Physical Activity?
For most escape rooms, no, there will not be much physical activity, other than simply walking around the room.
The escape rooms that really require any activity are the ones in the mall, which… if you read the next title, I don’t consider to be “real” escape rooms. But some of these rooms do require physical activity, and they will make sure you’re aware of that before trying them out.
Where Can You Find the “Best” Escape Rooms?!
(in my opinion!)
Upside Down Escape Games
The best escape room we have been to BY FAR is Upside Down Escape Games on Cape Cod!
Now, I should be perfectly honest in telling you that this particular escape room happens to be owned by my cousin…
BUT, that really has nothing to do with our (Jason’s & my) opinion. It seriously was so much fun, and SO much more detailed and in depth than any other escape room we’ve done. And since it’s not too far from Boston, it makes a great activity to do on a trip to the area.
Plus (since my cousin is OBSESSED), he can certainly tell you where other great escape rooms are!
Casa Loma Escape Rooms
Did you know that there is a castle in Toronto, Canada?
Did you further know that you can play themed escape rooms in said castle?? Last year, Jason and I visited Toronto to play one of the Casa Loma escape rooms, and it was SO MUCH FUN!
It was a little awkward, because you can be grouped with up to 12 people, so you will have to play this escape room with strangers. But I honestly had so much fun doing it in the castle, that I didn’t mind. I’d love to go back and try some of their other themes!
Escaparium
One final escape room I would recommend is the Escaparium in Montreal, Canada (yay, Canada!). Specifically their Wardrobe for Sale room. My cousin (the one who builds escape rooms for a living) loved this game so much, he literally cried.
That’s how cool this is.
So if you’re on an escape room vacation (it’s a thing), or just looking for things to do in Montreal, do this.
Want to visit your first escape room?
Save this pin for a quick refresher course:
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