Planning Careful Escapes from the City

Note: This post was created in collaboration with Airbnb.

I’m feeling the need to step out of the city more and more these days. Our mini trip to an Airbnb in Joshua Tree last week turned out to be a gulp of fresh air that we hadn’t realized we could all really use.

Above: Our most recent visit to Joshua Tree. Airbnb property details here.

We planned and packed for pandemic-era car travel. For the car ride itself, we stuffed a cooler full of beverages and snacks, we toted a travel potty along for our little one, and we kept bottles hand sanitizer at-the-ready. For the stay, we packed enough washable face masks for one per person per day (along with an empty dirty laundry bag), as well as helpful little items like reusable drinkware and utensils to help us avoid single-use goods when out, and to minimize potential exposure. 

Above: Packing for a road trip to Joshua Tree

The property was pristine, and we found it notably easier to practice social distancing while in the rural environment than it is daily at our home in the city. In short, we felt safe and relaxed, and the experience inspired me to investigate more spots for (safe, careful), relatively nearby getaways.

Here’s the list of properties that I’m compiling for such escapes. (Spoiler alert: My favorite one has an outdoor shower, of course… you know I can’t resist.) 

Lakeside A-Frame - I love a good A-Frame, and this window-filled cabin escape is nestled beautifully between National Parks, and perched on four wooded acres overlooking a lake with staggering views of mountain peaks. 

Malibu Airstream Eco-Retreat with Outdoor Shower and Lounges - This property is both extravagant and eco-minded at the same time. With abundant outdoor lounges (and even an open-air screening zone), a swing and piano overlooking the mountains and ocean, and — my favorite — an entirely outdoor bathroom, including a compost toilet, this Airstream is an actual SoCal dream of mine.

Topanga Getaway with Outdoor Tubs - Topanga’s quiet hills and old growth trees have always held a special place in my heart, and this 

Wine Country Cabin - This renovated yet rustic cabin was once a military bunker that was relocated to the rolling hills of Paso Robles wine country and transformed into a cozy home. With views of wineries and rolling hay fields, it looks like a sweet escape from the city.

Refined Cottage Under Old Growth Tree Canopy - A bright, SoCal cottage on the Central Coast that’s close to town yet removed enough to enjoy wooded views and a quiet sundeck.

Topanga Tiny Home - An earthy, mountain getaway in Topanga canyon with designs that are as simple as they are stunning.

Bright, Minimal Wine Country Tiny Home & Garden - A sweet and simple tiny home for a quiet work/live retreat.

Minimalist Modern Cabin with Walls of Windows - A truly indoor/outdoor home in the high desert within the hills of yucca valley. With visually striking, clear walls, a sun deck and propane fire pit, this compact, uncluttered, off-grid home generates its own power from the sun.