7 reasons why tiny homes are the top vacation trend this year

If you had to list the most popular travel trends of 2020, you would likely mention a local road trip that allows you to maintain a safe distance from others. You would drive to a nearby destination in one go without any stops, arriving to a place without a formal check-in or bustling lobby. It’s an outdoor adventure that is budget-friendly.

Even if you’ve never considered downsizing, tiny homes—small houses that represent both an architectural movement and a social phenomenon inspired by simple living—are scattered across the country in scenic yet accessible spots close to major cities, making them the perfect blend of all these travel trends into one Instagram-worthy experience.

Last week, I decided to experience one of these compact homes through Getaway, a company that specializes in tiny vacation rental cabins. There's no doubt that they could tick all the essential boxes for a getaway this year. Here’s why tiny homes might just be the travel trend we never knew we needed.

For more updates from TPG delivered straight to your inbox every morning, subscribe to our daily newsletter.

They are easily accessible

Perhaps you've decided that it's time to break free from your coronavirus "bunker," but you're not quite ready for a lengthy cross-country road trip. Or maybe you’re still facing travel restrictions that keep you from venturing outside your local area.

Getaway cabins are scattered across the nation and are just a short drive from major cities like New York City, Boston, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Washington, D.C. The cabin we stayed at in the Brazos Valley is roughly a 60- to 90-minute drive from Houston. It’s a quick trip that doesn’t even require planning for a bathroom break along the route.

There’s no need for human interaction

Staying at a Getaway cabin means you can avoid contact with others, apart from your travel companions.

On the day we arrived, we received texts and emails from Getaway containing a map and check-in details. This included a four-digit code for unlocking the door, allowing us to avoid any human interaction from start to finish on this trip.

While we did encounter other families and couples at nearby campsites during our walks, we maintained a distance of at least 30 feet from other guests throughout our stay.

You have a fully equipped escape

Our cozy cabin featured a compact kitchen with a mini-fridge, a small sink, and all the basic cooking and serving utensils you could need. Everything is conveniently located within your little space, eliminating the need to venture out.

If you happen to forget any food items, Getaway has your back with a basket of snacks and essentials available for a fee right in your cabin (think: bowtie pasta and tomato sauce). This way, you won’t need to make a store run or even consider calling for room service (since that’s not an option).

The cabin is equipped with its own campfire, featuring a grilling rack, allowing you to prepare your own meals. Nowadays, this choice is not only budget-friendly but also one of the safest dining options available.

The cabin included a s'mores kit as well, but I suggest bringing along some hot dogs or burgers in a cooler for a more substantial dinner.

Believe me, cooking and dining outdoors is a far better option than using the small kitchen inside.

You also have your very own private outdoor dining table ready for use.

It's an affordable option.

You can not only save money by grilling your own burgers and roasting s'mores, but booking a Getaway cabin is also quite affordable, especially when compared to larger properties listed on Airbnb or similar platforms.

Our one-night stay in a tiny East Texas cabin cost us $99, with an additional $40 for bringing our dog. Prices vary across the country but typically start between $99 and $119 per night, provided you avoid peak times when rates can soar to several hundred dollars.

Additionally, there were no hidden costs like parking fees, resort fees, or other extra charges to worry about.

You can bring the entire family along...

I enjoy the occasional couples getaway where the kids stay with their grandparents while the parents recharge. However, this summer, leaving the kids with their grandparents isn't a viable option for many families looking to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 to the older generation.

Check out TPG's guide for all coronavirus news and updates

Though the tiny cabins are, indeed, small (about 150 to 200 square feet), they boast a modern cabin aesthetic reminiscent of Ikea and Instagram, making them family-friendly as long as everyone is comfortable sharing the same space.

Guests can opt for either a one-bedroom or two-bedroom layout, with the latter featuring stacked queen beds that are surprisingly comfortable.

Getaway provides crisp white linens and plenty of pillows, creating an upscale feel in the cozy cabin, despite its rustic location in the woods.

If you're counting on the air conditioning to keep you comfortable during the summer, be aware that the lower bunk is much cooler than the upper one. However, the views from the top bunk give you a delightful treehouse vibe.

... Including the dog

Traveling with pets is certainly not a new trend, but it continues to gain popularity in 2020 as well.

Getaway welcomes pets, so you can bring your furry friend along. It costs an additional $40 to include a pet, but having her with us probably tripled the enjoyment. In the past, we often traveled by air, leaving our dog behind on family trips, so taking her along is still a delightful novelty for the kids.

Getaway provides an outdoor dog lead attached to the picnic table, and the large picture windows in the cabin offer just as much enjoyment for dogs as they do for humans. This means you can forgo the expensive house sitter or boarding kennel and take your dog along for the adventure.

It's (nearly) like camping

As we were grilling burgers over the campfire, our oldest daughter suddenly declared her love for camping.

Now, camping enthusiasts might quickly argue that staying in a tiny cabin doesn't count as camping. That's a valid point: there are no tents, sleeping bags, or camp stoves to be found. However, I would contend that this experience captures all the best aspects of camping without any of the downsides. You enjoy a comfortable bed, running water, a private shower and toilet, and air conditioning, all while engaging in the cherished tradition of a campfire evening surrounded by nature.

I mean, while I’m sure sleeping on the ground and washing in a stream has its charm, for now, I’m perfectly content to explore the great outdoors step by step.

But let’s return to the moment when the tween remarked that this is fun: what I believe she meant, as the burgers sizzled on the open fire in the summer heat, is that certain classic camping experiences genuinely delight everyone.

The tradition of nurturing a campfire, sharing amusing stories that surface when you lower your defenses, and enjoying camp treats like soda and brownies can enchant even the most skeptical of critics, like tweens.

You have the freedom to be as active as you wish — or not at all.

2020 has certainly been quite the year.

Perhaps your coping mechanism is to keep yourself active and engaged. Or maybe you prefer a book, a glass of wine, and a peaceful campfire without any interruptions. If you escape to a tiny cabin, you can indulge in as much or as little activity as you desire without any guilt.

During our stay in the tiny cabin, we found ourselves without Wi-Fi, television, a community center, a pool, waterslides, or any entertainment—just us, a small collection of books, and the previously mentioned campfire. Getaway even suggested we lock up our phones, though I didn't actually follow that advice.

However, there were trails to discover, and some tiny cabins are located near natural wonders to explore during the day before you settle in to watch the sunset from your picture window at night.

Bottom line

Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, I really enjoyed using points to book stays at luxurious hotels, indulging at all-inclusive resorts, and traveling to exotic locations. With that mindset, it’s understandable that a drive of about an hour to sleep in a tiny cabin in the woods wasn’t on my personal getaway wish list.

But that was before the pandemic hit.

Now, what might be most crucial — striking a balance between an enjoyable escape and staying as safe as possible — could be perfectly captured in a tiny cabin. This simple, socially distant, budget-friendly nearcation offers a delightful break from the routine of home without putting too much strain on your wallet or exposing you to excessive risks. And let's not forget, the views are quite stunning as well.

I hope that in the coming years we can return to a wider variety of travel experiences, but for 2020, the standout travel trend might just be reserving that cozy cabin in the woods that’s conveniently close to home.

If you're interested in experiencing a Getaway stay for yourself, use the code TPG25 to get $25 off your first reservation. Simply apply the discount code during the checkout process, right before you enter your credit card information.