Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →In The Sims 4, vacation travel is not a separate aging setting. Whether Sims age depends on the save’s gameplay aging controls and, for played Sims, whether their household is active. Check those settings before a trip rather than assuming vacation pauses aging.
How aging settings affect Sims on vacation
EA’s November 10, 2020 update made vacation travel to any world and the Rental lot type available to all players. It also says toddlers left at home while the rest of their household vacations receive care, or can join the trip. The update does not say that vacation travel pauses aging.
A separate set of gameplay options controls aging. EA Forums guidance describes distinct controls for played and unplayed Sims, including an active-household-only option for played Sims. The exact labels may have changed, so check the current options shown in your game.
| Sim category | What the setting controls | Practical implication |
|---|---|---|
| Played Sims | Guidance describes choices for aging played households, including aging only the active household or disabling aging. EA Forums guidance | With active-household-only aging, Sims in another played household are not meant to age while that household is inactive. A vacation itself is not identified as a separate toggle. |
| Unplayed Sims | A separate aging control is described in the same EA Forums guidance. | Review this separately from the played-Sim setting; the two controls are not interchangeable. |
Check the settings before traveling
- Open Game Options > Gameplay.
- Inspect the aging controls for played Sims and unplayed Sims. EA Forums guidance describes the played-Sim option to age only Sims in the active household; terminology can vary in the current UI.
- Choose the settings that match how you want aging to work, then travel. The guidance supports household-based aging choices, not a vacation-specific aging switch. See EA Forums guidance on active-household-only aging.
If a Sim’s age changes or appears to revert after travel
An EA Forums bug report described a Sim aging up during vacation and then appearing to return to an earlier age after coming home. The report was marked fixed. It is historical evidence of a reported issue, not proof that this happens generally or that it remains present in the current patch.
#1 Best Overall
![The Sims 4 - Vampires - Origin PC [Online Game Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/513y5rPI8OL._SL160_.jpg)
- Requires The Sims 4 & all game updates. For PC, see minimum system requirements for the pack.
- Create Vampires
- Unleash Supernatural Powers
- Escape to Forgotten Hollow
- Live the Immortal Life
If you notice an unexpected age, distinguish an age-up event from a display or return-to-home anomaly. The report does not establish whether a similar issue can be reproduced in the current version.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- PLAY WITH LIFE, IN REAL LIFE: Dive into the neighborhood, meet iconic Sims, and fulfill your life’s aspirations like never before!
- A NEW WAY TO PLAY SIMS: Gather up to 5 players as you each craft your own story while collecting matching SIMbols along the way in this family strategy game
- EVERY GAME, A NEW STORY: Embark on an entirely new journey each time you play while encountering unexpected surprises at every turn — what will your life look like?
- ICONIC DETAILS FOR FANS: Ideal for play and display, featuring iconic artwork, nostalgic touches, plumbob movers, interaction dice, and a needs tracker familiar to fans
- MAIN CHARACTERS WANTED: Recommended for 2-5 players, ages 12 and up
Rank #4
![The Sims 4 StrangerVille [Online Game Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51pIwWba5ZL._SL160_.jpg)
- A Different World - Explore StrangerVille, a rural desert town shrouded in secrecy. Encounter weird weather, creepy townies, dangerous plants, odd collectibles, and more.
- Unravel the Story – Immerse your Sim in unique and mysterious events. Unmarked vans appear in neighborhoods, government agents use secret listening devices, and scanners are key in detecting the unusual.
- Crack the Code – Have your Sims investigate using their Military training, searching for clues to solve a mystery that lies within the secret lab.
- Suit Up Your Sim – Get Sims in the mystery-solving mood by gearing them up in desert-inspired clothing and military fatigues, or prepare them for the end with conspiracy-themed clothes, secret agent attire, and a hazmat suit.
Rank #3
![The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy Expansion Pack - PC EA App [Online Game Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51iL3EXTL6L._SL160_.jpg)
- Requires The Sims 4 & all game updates. For PC, see minimum system requirements for the pack.
- Rule your story: Build a powerful Dynasty, shape shared Values, choose an Heir, or exile family members in a deep life simulation driven by legacy, prestige, and choice.
- Claim the crown: Rise through Nobility by winning the people, pleasing rival Nobles, dueling with swords, or exposing Scandals that can change the balance of power.
- Scandal fuels drama: Forbidden romances, secret children, and public disgrace can impact careers, relationships, Dynasty Prestige, and Noble Favor.
Rank #2
![The Sims 4 - Parenthood - Origin PC [Online Game Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51N60qq6z6L._SL160_.jpg)
- Requires The Sims 4 & all game updates. For PC, see minimum system requirements for the pack.
- Develop Parenting Skills – Level up your Sim’s parenting skills to satisfy their child’s needs and influence their behaviors. Gain new abilities through experience and choosing when to discipline bad actions, encourage good behavior, or just let kids be kids.
- Shape Your Sim’s Childhood – The decisions you make influence how your Sim parents and leave a lasting impact on their child’s future. Each choice shapes their personality, affects their traits, influences their family relationships, and guides their path into adulthood.
- Gather your Sim’s family to participate in new activities and spend quality time with each other. Sims of all ages can work together to complete a variety of school projects, express their creativity using construction blocks, or volunteer their time for good.
- Customize your Sims’ looks and their home with new family fashion and build items. Give the kids’ bedrooms extra personality, remodel the kitchen to feel homier, and let your Sims express their sporty or artistic sides with new outfits.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.
