As we head into the cooler months, cosy cabin getaways creep up the bucket list. Holidaymakers swap golden sands for snowy destinations, where log fires crackle and the warmth of the hot tub eases the crisp chill of the air.
If youโre looking at last minute holidays this winter, a cosy cabin in Europe or further afield could be the perfect escape. ย
From the Alps to the Nordics
You donโt need to travel far to discover captivating cosy cabin stays. The Alps are a great place to visit if you want a balance between action and rest, whereas Austrian and Swiss chalets can offer you closeness to the ski slopes if you want an adventure, whilst also enjoying the indoor comforts of the spas.
In Scandinavia, the retreats deliver something different. In northern Sweden or Norway, you can look up from your accommodation and watch the Northern Lights through vast glass panels. Lakeside cabins in Finland offer great saunas beside frozen waters, giving you a refreshing plunge between the heat and the snow that surrounds.
If you want to stay close to home, the Scottish Highlands offer beautiful scenery without the hassle of long-haul flights. A woodland lodge near Aviemore in the Cairngorms or Glencoe in Argyll provides the perfect base for you. You can spend the day hiking or skiing before retreating inside for whisky by the fire.
For something a little different, Sloveniaโs forest cabins or the Dolomites in Italy give you rustic simplicity surrounded by rugged peaks.
Beyond Europe
If you want to go further, cabins in North America provide space and scenery on a grand scale. Lakeside cabins in Canada sit vast in forests, whilst in the United States, many cabins are located in the Great Smoky Mountains, creating adventurous escapes for many tourists and locals.
These longer-haul options demand more planning and preparation, from checking flight routes to arranging transfers into remote regions. But in the end, it makes a rewarding holiday that gives you the full immersion in the surrounding landscapes that you wonโt find anywhere else.
Practical tips for your cabin retreat
When youโre planning a cabin retreat, there are a few things to consider beforehand.
Cabins can be booked quickly during the peak winter seasons, especially around Christmas and New Year, so make sure to try and get ahead of the peak season rush and book months in advance to secure your spot.
If you decide to travel midweek or outside of major holidays, then this can help you save money and reduce your experience of larger crowds.
When youโre travelling somewhere that has heavy snow conditions, try and make sure to confirm your travel route by seeing if the roads are accessible by a standard car or if you will potentially need transfers in a 4ร4 or snowmobile. Whereas, if you plan to travel by plane, flights to alpine hubs like Geneva, Oslo, or Munich are quite frequent.
Packing & extras
When packing for a cabin retreat, it is important to think practically when it comes to a winter break. Think about packing extra thermal layers, waterproof boots and thick socks to remain warm and comfortable in colder conditions.
While cabins can range from being affordable huts to a luxurious hideaway, you need to remember to budget wisely, as youโll need to factor in heating costs, food supplies and fuel for local travel. Travel insurance is also key for any type of holiday and is especially important in the winter, as the weather can disrupt journeys.
