Travel
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are Island Cabins?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Island cabins are rental cabins located on islands, from the sunny South Seas to the islands which dot the network of lakes in Canada. Island cabin rentals are popular among some vacationers, and cabins can also be used for extended stays or permanent residence. Listings of island cabins available for rental are available from vacation companies, cooperative listing organizations, and tourism boards, and people can also seek out rentals by scouring newspaper listings in an area of interest, or simply asking around.

When people hear the word “cabin,” they usually think of a rustic structure with only the most basic of amenities. In fact, island cabins vary widely, from very simple structures designed for fishers and hunters who want a no frills vacation to much more elaborate accommodations which more closely resemble rental homes or villas. Island cabins may have features like open fireplaces, gourmet kitchens, and other luxuries, or they may consist of a single room with no electricity or plumbing.

Resort cabins are a popular summertime destination in Canada.
Resort cabins are a popular summertime destination in Canada.

Islands can be enjoyable to vacation on. They often offer a sense of seclusion, and they also provide a number of recreational opportunities like fishing, swimming, snorkeling, sailing, hiking, hunting, horseback riding, and so forth. Depending on where one travels, it is possible to visit heavily built up islands which cater to the tourism trade, or remote islands with small communities and a slower lifestyle.

Islands often have recreational activities like horseback riding in the area on offer.
Islands often have recreational activities like horseback riding in the area on offer.

Some things to consider when renting an island cabin include where one wishes to vacation, and the kind of activities vacationers would like to engage in. Birdwatchers, for example, might enjoy an island cabin in an area rich with wildlife, with regular bird walks scheduled for visitors. If members of the party have health problems, it is important to think about accessibility to medical services. International travel may require getting immunizations and visas which need to be planned out ahead of time.

Island cabins may include private beaches.
Island cabins may include private beaches.

Other considerations include necessary amenities, and the level of privacy. Some island cabins are part of clusters of cabins which are very closely together, providing relatively little privacy or insulation from noise. These rentals tend to be cheaper, and they can be great for a big group of people who want to travel together, while other travelers may prefer more remote cabins, which tend to be more expensive. Generally, the more amenities a cabin has to offer, the more costly the rental will be, with some firms or cabin operators offering discounts for extended stays.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Resort cabins are a popular summertime destination in Canada.
      By: Adrian Hillman
      Resort cabins are a popular summertime destination in Canada.
    • Islands often have recreational activities like horseback riding in the area on offer.
      By: yanlev
      Islands often have recreational activities like horseback riding in the area on offer.
    • Island cabins may include private beaches.
      By: spvvk
      Island cabins may include private beaches.