If hotels are not your thing and camping is way too adventurous for you, then where do you go? Cabins!

Cabins offer the same proximity to nature and outdoorsy experience as any camping adventure, while also letting you settle in cozily after a long day of excursions.

No matter your preferred season or vacation spot, a cabin can uplift your experience. Whether you like winter or summer, smoky mountains or deep woods, a cabin is the perfect staying place for you. 

Also, the archaic notion about the cabins being too rustic and isolated is entirely false. Just like hotels, cabins across the United States offer as much luxury as you are willing to pay for.

Nowadays, you can find cabins with indoor pools, helping staff, luxurious interior designs, and basically anything you may want from a comfortable getaway.

Since staying in a cabin is unlike any hoteling or camping experience you’ve had, preparing for staying at one requires something special. So, if you are planning to book a cabin for your next vacation then you may want to update your “travel essentials” list accordingly.

Usually offering fewer amenities than a hotel and far more comfort than a camp, a cabin getaway requires some creative thinking when packing, so you can have all the right stuff for an enjoyable trip.

This article will show you how to and what to pack for your next stay in a cabin. 

1. Check What Is Already Available On-Site

The most important thing to do before you even start packing for a cabin getaway is to check what amenities are provided at the cabin. The list of cabin amenities will decide what items you must pack for a worry-free vacation.

For example, if you have booked Gatlinburg cabins with indoor pool, you may want to pack your own towel and a robe, so you can take a dip whenever you feel like it and dry off by the poolside.

Similarly, if you have chosen a remote cabin with no on-site Wi-Fi and you plan to post on your social accounts frequently, you may want to pack an internet device for your own ease.

The same goes for board games, toiletries, and kitchen utensils – always ask what will be available at the cabin to avoid any frustrations later on.

2. Pack Clothes Sensibly

Everyone wants to look good in their vacation photos. That is why they usually pack way more clothes than they really need and end up with a huge suitcase, which can become a major nuisance during your vacay.

Pack garments that complement each other and can be worn together to create an outfit rather than packing your most extravagant dress and losing precious bag space.

Also, always pack an extra layer than you think you need. Temperatures drop and weather becomes unpredictable the higher you go. It's always better to pack an extra layer than to miss it when you desperately need it.

Pack moisture-wicking fabrics, especially if you want to indulge in hiking or any other outdoor activities.

3. Bring a Backpack

Always pack a small backpack with you – it’s a great way to carry around your essentials with you during your daily excursions at the cabin or outside of it.
It’s a necessity if you plan to hike or enjoy nearby trails. Pack water, food, first aid kit, maps, and whatever you deem necessary in it to make sure that your hiking goes as smoothly and safely as it can.

Even if you plan to stay indoors most of the time, it doesn’t hurt to bring along a backpack. Use it as a separate packing space for little items, such as toiletries, hand towels, or undergarments.

You can also carry it to the pool for keeping all your belongings safe and packed in one spot while you take a swim.

4. Pack Paper Maps and a Compass

When it comes to driving to your cabin or hiking around it, always stick to the directions given by your accommodation provider.

Always download map of the cabin’s location on your phone in advance, but don’t rely on the phone as a primary source of navigation since it can lose service in remote areas or the batteries might get drained.

Moreover, don’t forget to bring paper maps of the area along with a compass, and learn how to read them so that you don’t stray from the right path in case your phone dies. 

Getting lost on your hiking trip is more common than you would think, so it pays to be vigilant and pack the right navigation tools.

5. Pack a Camera

What’s a stay in the coziest cabin with the most scenic backdrops if you don’t snap beautiful pictures to relive those moments later? That is where a good camera can help.
Almost all phones have an in-built camera these days but having a high-quality camera on hand to click beautiful pictures of yourself, your family, or your surroundings is another experience altogether.

A stay in the cabins can also be a wonderful experience if you want to pursue your passion for photography. With so many moments and landscapes to capture, you will never run out of stunning landscape photography ideas.

6. Bring Your Own Chargers

Nighttime is usually considered downtime in a cabin vacation. At the end of the day, people want to put their feet up and relax, and for some, that means using their phones, laptops, or tablets.

But all your gadgets would be to no avail if you don’t pack your chargers. Make sure to bring your chargers along, so that you can keep your gadgets running.

7. Make A List

Vacation prep can be as exhausting as it is exciting – from planning the perfect itinerary to packing the essential items, the pressure to get everything right can make for a stressful experience. Streamline everything by creating a list. Start by arranging the items mentioned in the article above and then move onto secondary items. Packing lists are subjective to a certain degree, so write down everything that you can think of and then try to cut it down to size to accommodate only the bare essentials, which will save you valuable luggage space. Thoughtful planning will ensure that you are not left wanting for anything on your trip and enjoy a stress-free stay in the cabins.