Getaway House: Tips for Disconnecting

The day of your reservation to Getaway House, the staff will text you about 30 minutes before your scheduled check-in time with the name of your cabin, and the access code to enter. Getaway Houses consists of several tiny houses all named after grandparents of staff. This past time my cabin was named Earl, but the time before I stayed in Yaya, which coincidentally is the nickname I called one of my grandmothers. I love this little personal touch! If you have any trouble, you can text or call the number directly, and staff is on site to help with anything you need. They will also send a map of the entire outpost you will be staying at. I highly recommend you download the map! Service can be spotty, so you want to make sure you can find your cabin even if you don’t have service.

In my opinion, tiny houses are the best mix of having all the comforts and conveniences while also camping. You aren’t sleeping on the ground, instead, each tiny house has at least one queen-size bed for 1-2 people, and a bunk queen-size bed above for up to four people if you want to stay in your tiny house with your family or a bigger group. In addition to a queen-size bed, each tiny house is equipped with A/C and heating systems which come in handy during those hotter and colder months. There is a kitchenette with a mini fridge, sink, cooking utensils, a pot, pan and enough plate and silverware for up to four people. The tiny houses also have bathrooms with toilets and showers (and hot water!) Right outside the tiny house, there is a wooden picnic table and two - four chairs in front of a fire pit and grill grate. Getaway House provides fire logs bundles and firestarters available for purchase in a fire box outside. They also have aluminum foil, olive oil packs, salt and pepper for you to use when cooking.

WiFi was only recently available in the outpost so if you need to connect you can, but I highly recommend utilizing the cell phone lock box and truly disconnecting. Many visitors cook on the campfire, play cards, read books, journal, create and just spend time in nature together or on their own. Each outpost comes with a map of a few hikes you can take that are driving distance, as well as grocery stores so you can stock up on food. In our super-connected world filled with screens, it is a big treat to disconnect, relax and recoup in nature. Getaway House is the absolute best place to do so. I highly recommend picking an outpost near your city, booking your getaway with FORA for exclusive rates.

Bring groceries (from home or picked up from the nearest store) for cooking at your outpost, download anything you'll need while you are there (maps, etc) and bring some games/crafts. And mosquito repellant if its hot out, and blankets if its cold!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to New York. In need of further inspiration? Check out Claudia Love‘s guide, Solo Weekend in New York.