After an unconventional year, and in changing times, many people are looking for respite in smaller, off-the-grid locations to recoup and spend time with friends and family. From Airbnb cabin rentals at the edges of busy cities to more remote cabin locations near national parks and rural ghost towns, 2021 is shaping up to be a year for alternative accommodations on vacation. If you and your family, partner, or friends are planning a cabin trip, there are a few things you’ll want to think about ahead of time. For tips on things to bring on your cabin adventure, read on.
Bring a well-researched plan.
One of the most important things you can bring on your trip is a well-thought-out plan. In doing your research ahead of time, you’ll make better use of your days. The truth is that not all cabin trips are the same. Where one cabin might be entirely off-grid in the middle of a forest, another could be close to town. Before booking your cabin, think about your goals for your trip. Are you hoping to spend all your time in nature, or do you want to do some socializing and sightseeing, too?
It’s a good idea to understand cabin living and the types of cabins out there before heading out for your road trip. Perhaps you live in New York and plan to drive to North Carolina for a cabin stay in the mountains. Try a Google search for ‘log cabins for sale in North Carolina‘ to view cabins in the area. While you might not be in the buying market, you might also be surprised just how quickly you fall in love with the cabin life while you’re out there. You never know — buying a cabin outside Asheville could ultimately become part of the plan, too. Many people list log cabins with gorgeous mountain views as their number one type of dream home.
When doing your research ahead, ask hosts about amenities. Not all log cabins have internet, for example. Bringing a WiFi booster or generator could be important if you plan to work from your temporary cabin home. Ask about mountain living, appliances, and if your cabin will be in a private setting. A front porch, stone fireplace, open floor plan, hot tub, rooms for extra guests, the size of the master bedroom and great room, as well as bonus rooms, are all things you’ll want to know about ahead of time, too.
Pack for off-grid living.
If your host has told you that you’ll be living in a cabin with long range mountain views but entirely off-grid, you’ll need to consider your needs and preferences and take additional steps with packing. Something like a portable ice maker might be important to bring if heat bothers you. Consider writing out a list now. If you can’t get out of bed without an iced coffee in the morning, you know you need to bring an ice maker to your log home, since a true log cabin probably bwon’thave any ice makers around.
A portable battery with a solar charger could be helpful for primitive living. Think about long sleeves, camping tables, solar lanterns, sleeping bags, food, and bug sprays to make your mountain retreat more successful. While natural surroundings with beautiful views will make for a fantastic digital photo album to remember your trip, living in comfort will be important, especially if bringing a large family.
Consider climate.
When packing clothing, the best way to pack is to think in terms of layers. This will give you the ability to change outfits based on Mother Nature’s mood. The same way you might pick up extra jackets for women for a business trip in New York City, you’ll want to bring extra clothing that makes sense for your final destination at your log cabin. Rain gear, proper hiking shoes, bathing suits, umbrellas, a winter fleece jacket, extra socks, and one outfit for a night out are all good ideas. If you’ll be staying at the top of a beautiful mountain, remember that it’s cooler up there than it is at sea level. When in doubt, consult with your cabin host. They’ll be happy to answer questions and may even have packing lists you can download.
Plan for day trips and adventures with a planner.
While it’s a good idea to leave room for spontaneity on your trip, it’s smart to have a sense of bucket list items you’ll want to check off during your cabin adventure. It might seem like the two weeks you’ve taken off from work is a lot of time, but those campfire nights, sunsets, days at the pond, and sunrises may move quicker than you realize. Pack a day planner where you can use your research to refer to places you hope to visit. Hours for museum or tourist spots, any social distancing or other requirements, the busiest times, amenities, and other important notes will prove useful especially if you don’t have access to WiFi at your cabin.
In the end, the most essential thing you can bring to your cabin trip is your own sense of adventure. In vowing to live in the moment and put stressors behind while you vacation, you’re more likely to return to daily life both rested and refreshed. Happy travels to you and don’t forget to bring the camera!
To read more on topics like this, check out the Traveling category
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