This Is Your Sign to Take a Cozy Cabin Trip: Here’s How to Plan One

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning the camp scenes from The Parent Trap into a grown-up girls’ trip, this story is for you. With everything going on in the world right now, escaping to a cozy cabin in the wilderness sounds like my ideal kind of trip, especially as we head into the colder months. Many of us are coming out of a summer that was jam-packed with busyness, making these next few months the perfect time to hunker down and indulge in a slower-paced getaway. Think: cozy fireside hangs, apple cider cocktails, game nights in PJs, and picturesque forest views. A cabin trip offers a laid-back opportunity to squeeze in some true R&R this season—no sightseeing, late nights, or stress needed.

If a cozy cabin trip sounds like exactly what you need this fall or winter, start planning your own with the tips and ideas below.

How to plan your own cozy cabin trip

Dream up your ideal group

Since it’s relatively low-cost and low-key, a cabin getaway can be a great option for a group trip with friends or family. It’s a chill type of trip that can make the logistics of planning for a large group much easier. If you’re in your bridal era, a cabin trip could even make for a memorable bachelorette party idea. Or, you could book a cozy stay off the beaten path for a romantic couple’s retreat. The point here is that this type of getaway is appealing to a variety of people (and works for many occasions!).

Decide on a destination

In my opinion, sorting through the options of where to go is the most exciting part of the planning process. Are you after the classic cabin in the woods vibe? Do you prefer something with a more country feel? Is having access to the mountains or scenic hiking trails a must? Chat with your group about what they hope to get from the trip and start narrowing down your list from there. Logistics, like how far you’re willing to travel and how much you’d like to spend, will also come into play.

Outline your itinerary

Some people might argue that you should book your accommodations before mapping out your itinerary, but I like to start with my itinerary first. Why? Because I think it’s crucial to plan your activities before committing to any one place. If you and your travel partner(s) are hoping to head into town for a meal, go hiking, or spend time in a hot tub, you’ll want to be sure that those activities are offered near or at your rental. It can save a lot of time and stress to start with the basics of what you’d like to do before choosing a cabin. You can fill in more of the specifics once your reservations are made.

Find lodging that fits your vibe

Once you’ve accomplished the above, it’s time to book your cabin of choice. Vacation rental sites like Airbnb and Vrbo are a go-to for a reason—they typically have a wide range of reviews that can help you quickly decide which type of place will fit your needs. When searching for a cabin, be sure to utilize the filters and check off the amenities you’d like to have. For example, a fireplace, a hot tub, or a certain number of bedrooms might be at the top of your list.

Aside from those two sites and a good old-fashioned Google search, I’ve also had luck using hashtags on Instagram for inspiration. Try typing “cabin trip” into the Instagram search bar—you’ll find loads of posts from people’s personal getaways. Oftentimes, they tag the cabin or vacation rental company, which might just pique your interest. Even if not, it’s a great way to discover new location ideas!

Pick a few activities to focus on

The beauty of a cabin trip is that how you spend your time is really up to you. You can make your experience as low-key or action-packed as you’d like—yes, even in remote areas! For example, a trip that revolves around outdoor activities like skiing or hiking would be a bit more involved than a reading-focused retreat. Perhaps you mix a few higher-energy activities with some self-care for a good balance. Either way, deciding on at least a few must-dos will help you go into your trip with intention (and ensure you get what you want out of it).

Make the trip special

Even if your cabin vacation isn’t centered around a milestone event, like a bachelorette party or birthday, use the trip as an excuse to make things special. Order matching flannel pajamas for your group, pack a Polaroid camera for instant keepsakes, make a cabin trip playlist, or plan a themed dinner with cozy comfort foods. Romanticize the little things and you’ll return home with more meaningful memories.

Cabin trip activity ideas

If you’re looking for some inspiration on what to do during your trip, here are some ideas to get you started:

• Get out in nature with outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, or skiing.
• Play board or card games.
• Make s’mores around an outdoor fire pit.
• Have a movie marathon (this would be especially fun to do with holiday movies!).
• Cook a big meal together.
• Have a bakeoff.
• Set aside time for uninterrupted reading.
• Plan a group workout class.
• Have a craft night (make wine charms, paint portraits of each other, or watercolor your own stationery).
• Set up a spa experience, complete with bath essentials, face masks, and a manicure station.
• Stargaze with a glass of wine in hand.
• Use conversation cards, like these, to inspire deeper conversations.

Cozy cabin trip destinations

Ready to plan your own cabin getaway? Here are some spots in the U.S. to consider:

• Asheville, North Carolina
• Bend, Oregon
• Big Bear, California
• Breckenridge, Colorado
• Catskills, New York
• Gatlinburg, Tennessee
• Jackson, Wyoming
• Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
• Lake Tahoe, California
• Leavenworth, Washington
• Red River Gorge, Kentucky
• Stowe, Vermont
• Telluride, Colorado

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kara Thompson, Contributing Home Writer

Kara Thompson is a Denver-based journalist with a bachelor’s in journalism from the University of Oregon. In 2022, she left her full-time job as an editor and started her own writing, editing, and social media firm, Kara Thompson and Co. She has over five years of experience writing lifestyle content for publications including townandcountrymag.com, elledecor.com, goodhousekeeping.com, and Parents, where she covered all things home, food, health, travel, fashion, and holidays.

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