Many people dream of getting “off the grid,” but few actually do it.
One way to see if an unplugged lifestyle will suit you is to take an off-grid vacation. That will give you an opportunity to get a brief taste of homesteading and more sustainable living choices.
It could be enough time to convince you to commit to living off the grid—or not.
First, learn some off-grid basics to help you plan a weekend away from it all, below.

CONTENTS – In this article you will learn important tips about getting off the grid for vacation, including:
- Off Grid Basics
- Best Ways To Prepare For a Vacation Off-Grid
- 1. Have a Source of Energy
- 2. Pack Plenty of Food
- 3. Bring Any Creature Comforts
- 4. Research The Lay of The Land
- 5. Get Into Shape
- Final Thoughts on Getting Off the Grid
- Next Steps
Off Grid Basics
If you’re not sure what it means to be “off grid,” it’s an independent, sustainable way of life that doesn’t require public utilities. At the extreme, that might be living without electricity, water, gas, or even all three.
The “grid” refers to the electrical grid.
Going off-grid may also mean:
- Living a more sustainable existence
- Reducing your carbon footprint
- Recycling and reusing useful materials
- Producing more than you consume
Those dedicated to living off the grid are sometimes called “homesteaders.”
Homesteading means growing your own food and creating your own power source. That power could be solar panels, wind turbines, or micro-hydro (or water-based) energy. It might also be caring for your own chickens.
Whether you’re considering completely going off the grid or you just need a digital detox, you’ll want to give it a trial run first.
Planning a weekend off-grid is a great start.
5 Ways To Prepare For a Vacation Off-Grid
Have you been constantly tired or stressed? Does every day feel like too much work?
If so, you’re burned out.
There’s only one cure for this feeling: unplugging.
While modern technologies give us many benefits, they can also be energy drainers. The responsibilities of daily life leave us depleted after a while.
Those are good reasons to go off the grid for a weekend.
Some time away from all the noise can be just what you need to reset. And today, you’ll discover how to do it while still in comfort.
Here are some helpful tips for preparing for your off-grid vacation.
1. Have a Source of Energy
Just because you’re taking time away from a fast-paced life, doesn’t mean you should be without conveniences. You’ll still need a way to keep devices charged in the case of an emergency.
One way to do this is with a solar-powered generator. This will serve as your power source.
It gains energy from the sun.
Then, you can charge your devices to check your work messages and have some ties to the outside world.
With the right custom solar power installation in place, you can keep your electronics running and enjoy the benefits of an off-grid vacation. Further, it is a clean and renewable energy source, making it an environmentally-friendly option.
If you enjoy your experience with it, you can learn more about solar generators. That way, you’ll see if it should be a permanent addition to your home.
2. Pack Plenty of Food
When you go off-grid, you probably won’t be somewhere with a restaurant or grocery store nearby.
You also won’t want to drive a long way every time you want something to eat.
So, bring some foods that are easy to prepare but are satisfying.
It’s a good idea to bring as few perishables as you can. Easy snacks and finger foods are ideal, so you won’t have to deal with a mess.
You don’t have to bring a truckload, but do take enough to be comfortable.
Anything you think you might want to eat or drink while you’re off-grid, bring it along. This will help set the “plentiful retreat” mood.
3. Bring Any Creature Comforts
You aren’t going to get the benefits of an off-grid getaway if all you can think about is being uncomfortable. You’ll just wish you could go home!
So, the most important part of vacation is making a place away from home feel like home.
This includes comfort items like blankets, pillows, lounge chairs, and anything else that will make you feel pampered.
If there is anything specific that you need for comfort and entertainment, be sure to bring that, too.
You could bring a loved one’s photograph, a board game, a stack of books to read, or a special stuffed animal.
Remember that this is your retreat. There are no rules while you’re living off the land, except the ones you want to make .
4. Research The Lay of The Land
Nothing can ruin a restorative time, like getting lost in an unfamiliar place. It can also be troublesome not knowing anyone there.
You can avoid this by gathering information ahead of time.
It’s not necessary for you to memorize the entire city. Instead, get these important landmarks down:
- Where you’ll be staying
- The closest grocery store
- Gas stations
- Medical facilities
When you know these basic details, your trip will go much smoother. That’s because it will help put your mind at ease.
Then, you can actually enjoy your trip.
5. Get Into Shape
When you go off-grid, you may give up some of the modern conveniences of city life. And, you may find yourself walking long distances.
This is actually a good thing, because connecting with nature is so restorative!
Yet, a drawback to being out in a remote location is that everything, even getting from the driveway to your weekend home, can be a journey.
To prepare for this more active lifestyle, you’ll want to start building up your strength. Start about two weeks before your getaway.
Begin with a walk in the morning.
Maybe there’s a special place you enjoy going to, such as a park. This will make the experience more enjoyable, which will make you more likely to do it.
Then, instead of feeling tired and overextended while you’re off-grid, you’ll be in a good frame of mind and body to really enjoy it.
Best Places for An Off-Grid Vacation
Some of the best places in the US for an off-grid vacation may come as no surprise.
- Alaska
- Maine
- Oregon
- Utah
- Arizona
- New Mexico
These destinations are ideal for experiencing a simpler lifestyle. But you might be surprised that any place is fair game.
You can find off-grid cabins to rent, a yurt in the mountains, or go tent camping in the wilderness. You’ll also discover a growing number of eco-retreats that are good for getting your feet wet. That’s the first step in deciding if living off-grid on your own land is going to suit you in the long run.
You might find an adorable tiny house on a small plot of land that looks perfect for a sustainable lifestyle. But, unless you’ve spent much time making important considerations about the local laws and the energy needs of an off-grid system, don’t make an impulsive decision.
Remember that after your initial investment, your new home may need to be outfitted with renewable energy sources. Perhaps you will need to install battery systems, or consider a water supply like rainwater harvesting. You may even want to invest in a composting toilet.
It can be a lot of work and a lot of money.
You also have to be sure you’re operating within local regulations. And don’t forget to include planting your own vegetable garden among the important things of setting up your new lifestyle.
In the end, your off-grid lifestyle might not make sense to different people.
But when you combine sustainable practices with modern technology, it will be to your best advantage. And every bit you reduce your use of fossil fuels, it helps combat climate change.
Related: Cottages & Cabins Set in Nature
Final Thoughts on Getting Off the Grid
A weekend off the grid doesn’t necessarily mean you have to rough it. In fact, it can be the most comfortable getaway you’ve had in a while.
Once you figure out the creature comforts that will make a more enjoyable off-grid vacation, you can reap the benefits of going off-grid.
Those benefits include a greater sense of personal satisfaction, better health, reduced stress and anxiety, and the freedom to live anywhere without depending on the grid.
It’s worth a try, isn’t it?
Next Steps
To learn more about sustainable living and make eco-conscious choices, check out these articles next:
- 5 Best Reasons A Park Model Cabin in Massachusetts is A Great Option!
- 17 Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Brands
- How to Plan Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Travel
- Efficient, Eco-Conscious House Features to Make Your Home Eco-Friendly
- Eco-Friendly Decor Ideas That Look Great!
- Make These 3 Changes to Offset Your Carbon Footprint When Traveling
What are your thoughts about going off the grid? Let me know in the comments below.

About Jackie Gately, editor-IN-CHIEF
I'm Jackie Gately, your travel confidante and the creative force behind Enjoy Travel Life, awarded the "Best Casual-Luxury Lifestyle Blog (USA)" in Travel and Tourism by LUXlife Magazine for four consecutive years. With 25 years of published expertise, I'm a seasoned writer, editor, and photographer curating inspiring travel guides and lifestyle tips for empty nesters. I hope to kindle your spirit of exploration, encouraging you to overcome obstacles and turn your dreams into reality. Learn to minimize your pre-travel angst and maximize the joy of exploration with insights from my experiences. Let's make every adventure a celebration of this exciting phase of life! Follow my social channels for more inspiration.