Are you a nature lover? Do you enjoy a gentle breeze through a copse of trees and a herd of deer grazing in the distance? How about a sparkling lake right outside your door?
If that sounds like paradise, you should book a cabin trip.
Mountain getaways are a popular choice for people who love the great outdoors. Tourism statistics in national parks show this is a climbing trend.
Like Rocky Mountain National Park, which had over 331 million visitors in 2017. They were one of the top 5 visited national parks in America!
Let’s explore how to book your best cabin retreat, now!
Plan the Perfect Cabin Trip
The perfect cabin trip does not happen on its own. You make it perfect by doing some necessary planning. The more you plan up front, the better your trip will be.
Here’s where to start.
Decide What You Need
You’ll want to find the perfect cabin, so you’ll need to gather some information. Here’s what you should be thinking about before you search.
Who’s Going?
Your first consideration is who’s going on this trip. Make a list of each person in the group. Don’t forget to include children and pets!
Do you have adults and children? Is it couples, singles or a family getaway? Do you have multi-generations in your group?
Make sure the cabin sleeps the number of people going. Determine who will need a bedroom and who can sleep on a sofa bed. Children can bunk together in rooms with a few twin sized beds.
Does everyone know each other well and get along? This can also determine the number of rooms you need. A great trip ensures everyone is comfortable during their stay.
Find a Destination
There are many wonderful mountain towns, national parks and scenic landmarks in America. Those make for great cabin trip destinations.
Think about the seasons you like and the activities you want to do. What are you looking for in your cabin getaway?
Remote or Town Access
Think about how you want to enjoy your time at your destination. Then, find a cabin in an area that offers what you want!
Do you want to go into town for dinner, shopping, and entertainment? You want to consider a cabin that has decent roads and access.
Looking to isolate yourself? Don’t worry about those roads, unless you need a four-wheel drive to get there. Then, make sure you’ve got what you need to make the trip.
Weather Considerations
If you don’t like snow, you’ll need to choose your destination based on the season. Some mountain areas experience snow into the spring season.
Snow season requires you to carry chains for your vehicle. You’ll need them after you pass into higher elevations. Make sure you gear up!
You’ll need to pack the right clothing, too. Mountain winters require special gear to stay warm. But, the best advice for any season is to bring layers!
Even in the summer, mountain areas can experience chilly evenings and rain. Be sure you have a sweater and pants on hand.
But, sunny days encourage lake play and boating adventures! Bring those swim trunks and floaties!
Available Activities
If you want to ski, look at winter destinations that offer access to slopes. You can explore Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. But, Colorado has some of the best options and plenty of things to do.
Interested in boating, swimming, and fishing? Look at late spring and summer. Destinations in and around national parks have amazing options for summer activities.
Research and Compare
Now that you know what you want, it’s time to search! You’ll need a budget, so get anyone who’s paying involved in the conversation. Determine how much you can spend and start shopping!
Cabin Size
Start your search based on cabin size. Consider the number of rooms you decided you’ll need. Think about movement inside the cabin, too. Make sure there’s enough square footage for everyone to move around.
Is this a couples retreat? Go small! The intimacy of a small cabin will cast a romantic glow over your getaway.
If you have a large group, you’ll need a large chalet or more than one cabin.
Atmosphere
Rustic? Modern? Luxury?
What kind of atmosphere are you looking for? Think about the theme you’re going for during this trip.
Rustic cabins have very basic furnishings and floorplans. You won’t have much in the way of amenities: a basic cooking method and simple furniture are common.
That’s not to say rustic isn’t the way to go. A simple, quiet cabin getaway encourages family or couples time. You’ll also find yourself focusing on the scenery outside the cabin.
Modern cabins are more up-to-date, with nice kitchens and furnishings. You may have amenities like TV and WiFi. This type of cabin can be nice when you’ve got a group or family.
If you’re planning to spend any amount of time inside the cabin, modern amenities are great. Cold weather destinations are more enjoyable this way.
A luxury cabin may not be necessary, but it sure does set the stage for a gorgeous getaway. Consider one if you are looking for a romantic trip or an adults-only trip.
The Kitchen
Depending on your destination, the cabin’s kitchen is an important consideration.
If you’re isolated, you’ll want to pack in everything you need for your stay. Food, water, drinks, and snacks will need a place to be during your trip. Look for a cabin with a full-size refrigerator, a pantry or storage area.
You’ll also need a working kitchen with pots, pans, dishes, and utensils. If it’s not offered, it’s not a deal breaker. Remember to bring your own.
If you’ll have access to town and don’t plan to cook, then don’t worry about the kitchen. You won’t use it that much.
Extras That Matter
Here’s the difference between a good cabin and a great one. Amenities that add to the atmosphere. They don’t need to be fancy to add to the appeal.
Look for some of these to make your stay special!
- Firepit
- Boat ramps
- Private docks
- Fishing gear
- Canoes or kayaks
- Outdoor seating
Now that you’ve finished your research, it’s time to choose! Narrow down the results and compare them.
If two cabins catch your eye, go with the one that offers some extras or a great view. Involve the whole group, if necessary.
Choose your cabin; it’s time to book! As soon as you find what you want, book it!
Cabins go fast, especially in desirable tourist areas or peak seasons. You don’t want to miss out.
Rent a Cabin, Today!
It’s a lot of fun to plan your next mountain getaway. Talk to your group, choose a destination and get started!
If you wait, all the good ones might be gone! The perfect cabin trip is only a few planning steps away.
Looking for more ways to live a full life? Let me know how I can help! Contact me here.