With technology seemingly present in every aspect of life and corner of the globe, it can feel almost impossible to truly unplug and relax. But there are still some sacred spots where you can escape the world and all its stresses – you just need to know where to look.

Luckily, we’ve done all the hard work for you. These are our favorite cabins and lodges scattered across the USA that allow you to unclench, reconnect with the natural world and recharge yourself rather than your devices.

1. Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge, Alaska

Reaching this coastal lodge on Fox Island in Alaska requires a 12-mile boat ride from Seward. The eight-guest cabin property and its main lodge are nestled in the woods between a pristine pebble beach and a quiet lagoon.

Relying on renewable energy as a power source (but backed up by propane generators), the cabins go without electrical outlets, TVs, radios or phones (don’t worry: emergency communication access is available in case of a serious issue). Guests can also hike, kayak and learn more about the area’s marine life from on-staff naturalists.

2. Osprey Cabin, Lake Metigoshe State Park, North Dakota

This backcountry cabin within a state park in northern North Dakota is accessible by one of two ways: a two-mile hike or a 1.5-mile canoe ride and short portage. Once you get there, you can expect throwback rural simplicity. The property sleeps up to six with two full beds and two twin beds. It includes a wood-burning stove, supplied wood to fuel it and a lantern with propane cylinders.

Now, here comes the hard part: along with no electricity or cell service, a vault toilet is available onsite, but water has to be packed in. Breathe in that clean country air on more than eight miles of trails open to hikers and mountain bikers and go swimming or boating within small lakes.

3. Glamping Getaway Goblin Valley Yurts, Utah

Within southern Utah’s Goblin Valley State Park, you’ll find two heated and cooled yurts that blend in with the park’s rock formations and look like they arrived from outer space. Available to reserve year-round, the tan-colored yurts contain just a porch, living area, a single bed bunked on a double bed and a futon.

You’ll need to pack a flashlight and candles, as the yurts lack electricity. Yet this certified Dark Sky park will keep you busy with wanderings among its Valley of Goblins or canyoneering down into Goblin’s Lair.

4. Taos Goji Eco-Lodge, New Mexico

Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, miles outside of Taos, New Mexico, this eco-lodge will inspire you with its forest views and peaceful surroundings. These turn-of-the-century-built cabins hosted writers DH Lawrence and Aldous Huxley; the latter wordsmith built an outhouse at the property that’s still intact.

Heat comes from wood-fired stoves; wi-fi can be spotty and cellular service can be little to none. Nonetheless, the property also introduces a bit of farm living by growing organic goji berries, fruits and vegetables, and raising free-range chickens, goats and alpacas.

5. Timberlock, New York

This camp-style retreat in New York State’s Adirondacks region provides a nostalgic experience for those who fondly remember spending their summers away from home and time in the woods with new friends.

The family-owned property features rustic cabins ranging in size from small to extra large, all with views of Indian Lake’s shoreline. Note that none of the cabins have electricity: propane both provides light and warms up the water heaters, and a wood stove helps out with chilly nights.

Complaints about no wi-fi or TV are few to none, as visitors keep busy kayaking, canoeing and enjoying other waterside activities along with biking or playing tennis.

6. Pioneer Cabins, Kumbrabow State Forest, West Virginia

Situated on top of Rich Mountain, along the edge of the Allegheny Highlands, this West Virginia state park provides the opportunity to stay in one of six West Virginian pioneer cabins. These rustic gems will transport guests far back from our digital age – as in no electricity and running water – yet all feature modern-day comforts, with gas lights and gas refrigerators, a kitchen, linens, a wood fireplace and a grill. Showers take place at a central bathhouse, and the need for a restroom is fulfilled by outside toilets.

7. Appalachian Mountain Club Maine Wilderness Lodges, Maine

This property in Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness is a collection of lodges along with a trail system that truly provides an off-the-beaten-path feeling. Originally a private camp in the mid-19th century, the pond-side Gorman Chairback Lodge & Cabins have four deluxe cabins with private bathrooms and eight shoreline cabins with woodstoves and gas lamps, plus a bunkhouse.

The Little Lyford Lodge & Cabins’ nine private cabins offer a combo of doubles and bunk beds plus a porch, a wood stove and gas lamps; for an additional fee, dogs can camp out here, too. Medawisla Lodge & Cabins (“medawisla” means “loon” in Abenaki) has five private hilltop cabins and four waterfront cabins with electric LED lighting and a wood stove.

8. Len Foote Hike Inn, Georgia

You reach this backcountry inn in Georgia via a hike to Amicalola Falls State Park. Before you go, know cellphones, radios and just about any electronic device aren’t allowed (the park’s visitor center can become an emergency contact). Its four main buildings hold 20 bedrooms with fans or heaters, bunkbeds, furnished linens and ample lighting.

Within the dining hall, guests are served family-style breakfasts and dinners. After hiking, go for a soak in the bathhouse or hang out and chat with others in the Sunrise Room. The inn is also a gateway to the Appalachian Trail and the moderate 9.8-mile loop Len Foote Hike Inn Trail.

Chances are most travelers aren’t coming to Athens for its beaches. As capital of a country with world-famous islands, Athens is better known for its resplendent ancient ruins and busy cultural life than for its sandy glories. But this is Greece after all! And the coast as well as several major ferry ports are just minutes away.

If you are looking for a quick swim or a bit of rest and relaxation, there are plenty of beaches to choose from on the Athens Riviera, aka the Apollo Coast – the coastline running south of Athens from Piraeus to Cape Sounion. Do you have a whole day to spare? Then consider hopping a boat to an island in the morning and returning in the twilight glow. Either way, despair not, the water awaits you.

1. Varkiza Beach

Best for relaxation

One of the southernmost beaches on the Athens Riviera, Varkiza is a favorite for its relative peace and quiet. Small sandy sweeps alternate with rock formations where you can hang out independently. The beach is free to visit and is surrounded by restaurants and cafes. If you want a daybed, you can pay for a chaise at the popular resort Varkiza Resort – Yabanaki Beach and join the fray of seaside umbrellas and restaurants.

Local tip: After a day of seaside fun, satisfy your hunger with a visit to Aperanto Galazio, an excellent seafood taverna offering fresh fish directly on the beach.

2. Astir Beach

Best for glamour

Silky sands and softly lapping seas are only the start of what makes Astir Beach great. It feels more like Mykonos than Athens, and it’s one of the most beloved of the see-and-be-seen organized beaches on the Athens Riviera. Entrance fees vary by season and the location of your sunbed. Astir is a land of high fashion, seafront chaises and cabanas, and luxury like Nobu Matsuhisa’s Athens outpost and the Four Seasons Astir Palace.

Planning tip: If you want to go all out bougie, daybeds can be rented at Astir Beach Club, but they don’t come cheap, with parasol rentals starting from €160 per two people per day.

3. Schinias Beach

Best for swimming

Repeatedly recognized for its crystal-clear waters with Blue Flag ratings, Schinias Beach, 45km (about 28 miles) northeast of Athens, offers a grand stretch of pristine white sand backed by pine trees. Shinias is free to access but you can also rent sunloungers for the day. The shimmering waters near the town of Marathon are a favorite for swimming and windsurfing followed by lunch at one of the nearby seafood tavernas.

Planning tip: There are sunloungers and a taverna, but no other major developments around. It gets busy at the weekend with locals so arrive early to secure a spot.

4. Legrena Beach

Best for nudists

Care to get (wonderfully) lost on the coast near Athens? Explore the coves and inlets along the Legrena area, about 3km (2 miles) west of the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion. Devoid of the organized umbrellas and thumping sounds of the grand resorts of the rest of this coastline and with no cover charge, this place is for the explorers. The currents keep these waters crisp and clean, and nearby tavernas dot the coast. It’s also the place to go if you care to sunbathe in the buff.

5. Sounion Beach

Best for sightseeing

Undoubtedly the claim to fame of this small beach at the farthest reaches of the Athens Riviera is the Temple of Poseidon on the cape overlooking the beach. The gleaming marble columns 65m (about 213 feet) above the sea are one of the country’s most inspiring coastal sights, and the sunset here is also eye-catching. On a clear day, you can enjoy views of Kea, Kythnos and Serifos to the southeast, as well as Aegina and the Peloponnese to the west.

Planning tip: The beach is well-serviced with beach bars, tavernas and shower facilities. There’s a small entry fee at weekends.

6. Aegina and Angistri Islands

Best for island-hopping

One of the beauties of Athens is that it is surrounded by ports. If you have an entire day, it’s short work to go to Piraeus and catch a ferry to one of the Saronic Gulf islands. Aegina and Angistri are the closest, a mere 30 minutes away, and both will give you an instant sense of island life, replete with beaches. Aegina is the larger, with ancient ruins and nightlife to boot, while Angistri is more remote and peaceful.

Planning tip: There are daily ferry services from Athens to Aegina and Angistri during peak season. The route can be popular with overheated Athenians, especially at weekends so book tickets in advance.

7. Vouliagmeni Lake and Beach

Best for families

Vouliagmeni, 23km (about 14 miles) southwest of Athens, is an evergreen favorite of Athenians. People visit year-round for the saltwater natural lake just inland, backed by cliffs. It stays warmer (at 21°C or about 71°F) than the open sea and is served by an understated restaurant complex. Or you can brave the weekend crowds at the busy seafront, which arcs around a deep bay and is lined with lounge chairs and umbrellas.

Planning tip: Vouliagmeni offers a wide range of facilities suitable for all ages, including amenities such as racquetball, tennis, volleyball and changing rooms. Like most beaches on the Athenian Riviera, Vouliagmeni is privately-owned and charges an entry fee.

8. Vravrona Beach

Best for a quick dip

A mere 11km (about 7 miles) east of Athens International Airport, this small, pebbled beach rewards you if you have a few hours to kill between flights. Better yet, pair a swim with a visit to the nearby 420 BC Temple of Artemis (goddess of the hunt) to combine relaxation and culture. There’s a small entry fee that increases at weekends.

9. Marathon Beach

Best for history buffs

Stone and sand combine to form the thin scrim of Marathon Beach, near the town of Marathon, made famous by the 490 BCE battle and its 42km (26 mile) runner. This beach is best for a quick dip after visiting the local sites, from the battlefield and tomb and the town’s archaeological museum to the famed 435 BCE Doric sanctuary of Nemesis at Ramnous. You can also raft up for a long, lazy afternoon at the organized beach Galazia Akti.

Local tip: Feeling peckish? Head to Isidora, right on the beach, a restaurant serving seasonal fresh fish and seafood.

10. Glyfada Beach

Best for budget travelers

Packed during the summer, Glyfada Beach is perfect for those who want to avoid the high price tags of the private resort chaises. Bring a towel, stake out a square of sand on this beach alongside the busy Athenian beachfront suburb of Glyfada, and wade right in.

Planning tip: Glyfada is on the Apollo Coast and is easily accessible from the center of Athens by bus. It’s popular with Athenians during the summer months and renowned for its nightlife and seafront clubs.

Lonely Planet’s Aoife Breslin is just back from a week of road-tripping around Switzerland. She shares some of her top tips and insights on exploring the country by campervan.

As a ‘van life’ newbie, I was initially skeptical that it might not live up to the hype, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. The convenience of having a home on wheels provided a level of freedom and flexibility I’ve never experienced while traveling before. This mode of travel allowed me to adapt my itinerary on the fly, whether pulling over at roadside lakes for an impromptu swim or stumbling upon charming little villages that we would have otherwise never known existed. The ability to explore at our own pace and discover hidden gems along the way made the trip truly unforgettable.

Here is a snapshot of what I got up to in Switzerland!

Where did you stay? And what was the vibe?

Switzerland has a well-known reputation for being expensive, so you’re probably wondering how three 20-something-year-olds could afford a week in this pricey paradise? The answer: rent a campervan. By combining accommodation and transport into one cost, we saved money while enjoying an unforgettable adventure. 

Traveling this way allowed us to experience Switzerland’s stunning beauty at our own pace, from waking up to majestic mountain views and enjoying breakfast by tranquil lakes to taking spontaneous detours through charming villages.

We rented our campervan, the Family Finca, from Roadsurfer in Zurich. It comfortably fits three adults, making it the perfect home for our week-long vacation. Their professional and responsive service was a lifesaver. When we punctured a tire mid-week of the trip, they had us back on the road within an hour, ensuring a stress-free trip.

Switzerland offers an abundance of campsites, but booking in advance is wise, especially during the high season. A standout campsite was Camping Gletscherdorf Grindelwald, where the sunrise over the mountains created unforgettable mornings. Its proximity to the town center and train station made it convenient for daily excursions and dining out. Another favorite of mine was Easybuchen Camping Eichholz in Bern, a well-organized site with excellent facilities like a restaurant, kitchenettes and free train tickets into the city center. Its location along the River Aare provided perfect opportunities for swimming in crystal-clear waters and relaxing on lush green banks.

What was your route?

After flying into Zurich, we started our journey with a delicious breakfast at Babu’s Bakery and Coffeehouse before picking up our campervan and heading to Lucerne. Arriving in the historic city center, we explored medieval architecture, exploring iconic landmarks like the Chapel Bridge and the Water Tower.

Our next stop was Interlaken for two nights, where we swam in the clear waters of Lake Thun, indulged in gelato and chocolate at Vittorio Vanini, and fell in love with the quaint town of Brienz. We then spent three nights in Grindelwald, a place that instantly became my favorite when I met a man from my hometown of Donegal working in a local souvenir shop. Grindelwald was truly special – whether it was the breathtaking views from the First Cliff Walk, sipping wine while admiring the mountain scenery or witnessing snow in the summer, every moment was unforgettable.

We wrapped up our adventure with a quick visit to Bern to see the city’s sights and sneak in one last swim in the River Aare.

Most scenic experience of the trip?

A day at Lake Oeschinensee felt like I was stepping into a real-life postcard of alpine perfection. Nestled in the Bernese Alps, this lake is a hidden gem surrounded by towering peaks and forests, which offer breathtaking views at every turn.

We started our adventure with a scenic gondola ride from Kandersteg, a charming town just an hour’s drive from Interlaken. After reaching the top, we did a short hike through the forest, where we were met with even more incredible Swiss landscapes. Upon reaching the lake, nothing could have prepared me for the sight that awaited us: the sun shining down on the snow-capped mountains, which reflected perfectly on the turquoise water of Oeschinensee, felt surreal to me. 

My Irish bones were well-equipped for the cool temperatures of the Swiss lakes, so we spent the day swimming in the crystal clear waters of Lake Oeschinensee. As a traveler who finds joy in nature’s raw beauty, spending the day sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking by the lakeside was nothing short of perfection.

From the gondola station, you will be met with a variety of hiking trails to suit every preference, making it an ideal day trip for families, seasoned hikers or anyone simply looking to immerse themselves in nature. With a regular tram service to and from the gondola station, this destination is easily accessible, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the area’s breathtaking beauty.

What was your favorite activity?

Seeing snow in the middle of summer is a rare experience – unless you’re visiting Jungfraujoch. Often referred to as “The Top of Europe,” this experience must be ticked off your bucket list when visiting Switzerland. Standing at an altitude of 3454m, Jungfraujoch offers an adventure like no other. The journey begins with a steep gondola ride, followed by a scenic train trip through tunnels carved into the mountains, before your arrival at the snow-covered peaks of Jungfraujoch.

The crisp alpine air, the dazzling brightness of the snow, and the sheer magnitude of the surrounding peaks create a sense of being on top of the world. Beyond the stunning views, Jungfraujoch offers a range of attractions, from the Ice Palace, where intricate ice sculptures are displayed, to the Sphinx Observatory, providing an unparalleled viewpoint.

Top tip: Consider purchasing the Good Morning ticket package, which allows you to arrive between 7 and 8am. Not only is this option more affordable, but it also lets you experience Jungfraujoch before the crowds arrive around 9am.

I lived in activewear while in Switzerland

The country is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, so it is important to be kitted out in the right gear. As Switzerland has a diverse climate, we were surprised to be met with sunshine and warm temperatures for most of the trip; wearing breathable and comfortable clothing allowed me to still do all the exploring I wanted to. 

Along with your clothing choices, I would recommend a good pair of walking shoes. Whether or not you’re planning to hike, Switzerland’s picturesque cities are best explored on foot.

Top Tip: If you are planning to visit Jungfraujoch, the “Top of Europe,” be sure to bring a coat. Temperatures dropped drastically during our visit. We went from 28 degrees of sunshine at ground level to 5 degrees with snowfall within just an hour.

Best tip for someone who wants to plan the same trip?

When planning a road trip through Switzerland, take driving time into account. While you can’t go wrong with your chosen destinations, minimizing driving time can enhance your experience – especially if you aim to be active throughout your trip. I found that keeping each drive to under two hours worked best for maximizing time spent exploring rather than on the road. My longest journey in a single day was a three-hour round trip.

Our route: Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Grindelwald, Bern, and back to Zurich!