What is a Trek-in and when to choose it

A Trek-in is a compact and practical cottage designed for short stays during an active holiday. You use this type of accommodation when you are out and about on a cycling or hiking trip or when you want to stay without a tent at a campsite or glamping. The cottages are usually sustainably built, often from wood or recycled materials, and have a layout that focuses on simplicity and independent use. Within a relatively small area, you have amenities such as a kitchenette, plumbing and multiple sleeping spaces. This keeps the accommodation uncluttered and functional while still giving you everything you need.

A Trek-in is a cottage that you can use without preparation. The amenities are close together in a compact space, allowing you to quickly cook, sleep and freshen up without having to bring extra equipment. Cottages are often built of wood or recycled materials, which makes for a light, durable construction that fits well on quiet sites with lots of nature. Because of this method of construction and their reduced size, Trek-ins fit well with travelers who want to keep their footprint as small as possible and consciously choose an environmentally conscious, compact form of lodging. In addition, Trek-ins are usually located in places where nature and space are central, such as natural campgrounds and small-scale parks. From these locations, hiking trails and bike paths often connect directly to the property, making it easy to start or continue a route.

The combination of a compact design and a quiet location makes Trek-ins suitable for travelers who like to be active in the outdoors and are looking for a practical place to stay overnight. Trek-ins therefore fit well with cyclists and hikers who visit multiple locations during a multi-day itinerary and want to be able to move on quickly. You have a fixed accommodation with all the essential amenities, without having to rely on a tent or extra equipment. In addition, trek-ins are suitable for short stays in one location when you are looking for a small and independent cottage. The layout offers enough space for a comfortable stay without extensive amenities. This makes trek-ins a suitable choice for solo travelers, couples and small families who want to stay compactly in quiet surroundings.

When looking for suitable accommodation within this compact segment, you will see that Trek-ins come in different forms. Some examples of Trek-ins bookable through Vipio show well how diverse this type of accommodation can be.

This Trek-in is on a versatile vacation park in Overijssel and is suitable for four people. The cottage has two double beds above each other, a compact kitchen with stove, refrigerator, kettle and coffee maker and a bathroom with shower, sink and toilet. You have wifi and can book the cottage all year round. You are staying in the Vechtdal, an area that offers many opportunities for beautiful cycling and walking tours. This accommodation is therefore a good fit for a long-distance walk or bike ride.

On a spacious nature reserve in Central Drenthe you will find this Trek-in. Built from scrap wood, the accommodation has a terrace with two chairs and a table, a fire pit and beautiful views of the setting sun. An ideal place to meditate or otherwise enjoy the silence. Inside, you have a compact kitchenette with inventory, a sitting area that can be converted into two extra beds and a toilet. Upstairs is sleeping space for two people, accessible via a ladder. On the grounds you will find additional amenities such as a dining area, laundry room and playground equipment. The location in Middle Drenthe offers many opportunities for walks and other activities in nature.

Located on a vacation park in North Holland, this modern and eco-friendly cabin is a practical base for a stay close to the coast. The cabin is simply and efficiently furnished. You have a kitchen with fridge, induction hob and microwave and a living area with sitting area and flat-screen TV. There are two bedrooms, one with a double bed and one with bunk beds. The bathroom has a shower and sink, and the toilet is separate. The staggered roof creates extra height and a spacious feeling in the living area and bedrooms. Outside you have a terrace with picnic table, chairs, a shade cloth and a hammock.

How about a Trek-in with its own wood-fired hot tub? This tiny house is on a nice campsite in Overijssel, located at the edge of the forest and near vast heathlands. The cottage offers a wonderful place to completely unwind. Outside, you can relax in your own hot tub, large enough for four people, or quietly enjoy the sun on the picnic bench. If you prefer to be active, there are plenty of things to do at the park or in the surrounding area. From here you step right into nature: walk or bike through the woods and across the heath and discover hidden, quiet spots along the way.

In this Trek-in you have two double beds, a fully equipped kitchen and a bathroom with shower and toilet. With this, the accommodation offers all facilities for a comfortable and compact stay. The large glass frontage gives an unobstructed view of the surrounding meadows, making the location in the middle of the countryside come into its own. The cottage is located on a campsite in Winterswijk, where you can use various facilities such as swimming facilities and a playground.

This romantic forest cabin also qualifies as a Trek-in. It offers compact but complete furnishings for a short stay. You have your own kitchenette, a private toilet, a dining area and a loft with a double bed. The cottage is equipped with an electric heater, allowing you to stay here comfortably all year round. The accommodation is on a small-scale glamping site in North Brabant. There are shared facilities on the property, including a Finnish kitchen and a campfire area. You can also participate daily in yoga and relaxation workshops.

This pet-friendly tiny house shows well how a compact stay can be suitable for guests who want to bring their dogs. The accommodation is located on a small-scale country estate in Overijssel, home to six lodges and several camping spots. There are beautiful hiking trails in the area, making this lodging a good fit for travelers who want to go out with their pets. The cottage is compact but fully equipped. You have a fully equipped kitchen with induction hob, refrigerator and dishwasher and a living room with large windows. On the first floor is a bedroom with two single beds and on the second floor is an additional bedroom with a view and a sloping roof.

You decide which cottage best suits your needs based on your travel plans. If you are actively on the road and are primarily looking for a practical cottage, a Trek-in remains an appropriate choice. If you prefer to stay in one place and value comfort, space or a certain style, a tiny house, a design cabin or another small holiday home in nature may suit your way of traveling better. On the Vipio website, you can take your time to see which compact accommodations suit your travel plans and what amenities you like. This way you can easily choose an accommodation that suits your itinerary, planning and desired comfort level.

If you own or manage a Trek-in or another compact house, you can easily offer your accommodation through Vipio. You reach travelers who are looking for small-scale and independent accommodation and you present your cottage within a stays that fits well with their travel plans. Contact our team at [email protected], we will be happy to tell you more about the advantages of renting through Vipio. You can also visit this page for more information about offering special stays on Vipio.