If ever there was a year that made us want to scream “Calgon, Take Me Away!” it was 2020. After a brutal, locked-down winter, we’re finally seeing a tiny light at the end of the tunnel. And while travel plans still need to include rigorous safety precautions and careful logistical considerations, a getaway is possible. Here are a few places — including Airbnb options and others — to go solo or with your household where you can fully immerse yourself in the grandeur and simple pleasures of nature, keep your distance from other humans, and get a well-deserved break.
Go glamping in a yurt in Zion National Park in Utah.
Go glamping in Zion National Park
For an adventure in the great outdoors that comes complete with all the modern conveniences, try glamping (that is, glamorous camping). A luxury yurt in Zion National Park (beginning at about $374 a night in March) comes with “jaw-dropping views of the surroundings,” as well as modern yet rustic finishes — like a plush king-size bed, a stylish bathroom with all the essentials, and air-conditioning. Spend your well-deserved time away hiking, wildlife watching, biking and marveling at the scenic white cliffs — or simply doing nothing at all.
A pear orchard near Mount Hood in Oregon.
Escape to a tiny, rustic cabin in Oregon
Bring your pup along on your journey when you visit The Roost, a rustic yet contemporary tiny cabin in Mount Hood Village, Oregon. At 500 square feet and featuring an open-floor plan, this is ideal if you’re seeking a solo respite. Previous guests call this spot “idyllic,” “sparkling clean” and “inviting.” Take a hike on the Sandy Ridge Trail, sit and read by the stream, or pop over to Mount Hood (a 15-minute drive) for tasty dining options if you don’t feel like cooking.
Visit Getaway at multiple locations across the US.
Find a tranquil escape from city life
Looking for a quick getaway from city life? Getaway offers small, remote cabins that are close enough to several major cities (including Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and Chicago) so you don’t have to travel far to commune with nature. Each adorable cabin has a queen bed with fresh linens, a big window with views of surrounding trees, a fire pit, a picnic table and a kitchen with all the essentials. Cabins also are stocked with snacks and simple meals for purchase. Most of the outposts are on the East Coast, with a few scattered in the South and on the West Coast — and more opening all the time. (Near Washington, D.C., for example, prices start around $199 in May/June.) Dogs are welcome for a small additional charge.