With busy, hectic and often over-caffeinated lifestyles, finding the time to unwind and refresh the senses can be a challenge. Sometimes our commitments of looming work deadlines, kid's soccer practices and activities in the community can leave our bodies and minds incredibly wound and stressed. Our mental and physical health may suffer, and so can our relationships with our family and friends. With some people and their busy lifestyles, getting away is not just a luxury, but can also be a necessity. With mobile technology, instant access and immediate delivery on things that are so readily available, carving out the time and finding the right place can also be quite a challenge. So where is the perfect place where there are no distractions, over-stimulation or too much activity so that a person can relax?

The American Institute of Stress suggests that one way to avoid the effects of stress, among other things, is to simply take the time out to relax. Relaxing and unwinding on a frequent basis allows our bodies to repair and restores our sense of well-being. Would that be at a lake house? Private beach front property? What about a quiet, nestled away cabin in the woods or a cottage in the mountains? Just the visual images alone are enough to entice anyone to want to pack a few belongings and enjoy temporary solace. A brief reprieve from the busyness of everyday life is an inviting image when routines, schedules and appointments become too much to handle.

Securing the perfect, quiet place is ideal for refueling, thinking, reflecting and energizing your thoughts and body before resuming a hectic lifestyle. Many retreat vacation locations offer secluded areas where there is no access to the “busyness� of life including mobile technology, traffic and the hustle and bustle of over-activity. Also, if you know where to look and what to look for, you can find quaint little hidden places of quiet solitude.

The image of a cottage may conjure up the idea of a small, quaint and humble abode with a dirt floor and wooden furniture. Maybe about 25-50 years ago that would have been partially accurate. Although a cottage will have some of these elements, the idea and the pure essence of a cottage takes the senses back to the most basic means of living. A cottage-dweller's lifestyle was simpler with just the necessary amenities; including no technology, no traffic and no noise.

Although we do not live in the perceived idea of cottage living any longer, those seeking the same peace and solace they offer can find it in modern times. One of the most descriptive and engaging qualities about cottages is their size and minimal maintenance that is involved in caring for them. If you secure one to rent long or short term, the maintenance is minimal, and worth the effort. It's like having a home away from home, minus any stressors. What do you look for?


Low Population
Choose places with low population and low traffic areas to seek out your dwelling place. These will likely be places where there are dense areas of woods, trees, greenery and sparse traffic. Reception for modern technologies like laptops and cellular phones is usually poor or non-existent in those hidden places. Even if you find that you must perhaps vacation in a larger city, look for places that are off the beaten path, those that are tucked away and not mass advertised. These are little known places that only a few people may know about. How can you find these places?

Ask Friends
Ask around to people who have rented cottages or small dwelling places to get away. It's always exciting to know of a place that's a secret from the mainstream, and friends will be delighted to share them with you! It's also good to know of secret places for quick get-a-ways or extended weekends.

Your Needs
Determine what you would like and what you want in a cottage layout. The basics usually include a kitchen, one or two bedrooms a bathroom and sometimes a front and back porch. Do you need more? Less? Are you planning to spend more than a week or two there? Assess what you'll need first and find the place that will accommodate your tastes and preferences.

Family Fun
If your time to get away involves the family, you may want to consider a larger cottage to comfortably accommodate everyone. Remember that although they are routinely quaint and quiet, the size can differ depending on your needs and preferences.

Budget-Friendly
Cottage rentals vary in price according to location and accommodation. After determining your preferences for your vacation living, compare prices and value for rentals that you are interested in. Negotiate the price with the owners or cottage manager by promising them repeat business or friends referrals. It's likely that you'll become a permanent repeat customer yourself!

There are so many different types of people, jobs and lifestyles that have the need to turn off their hectic lives every once and while and regroup and refuel. It's important for health reasons and important for mental reasons to live balanced. Finding that balance by creating the perfect environment to unwind is simply a matter of finding what works for your personality and taste. Cottages provide a true source of stress-free living that can be enjoyed as frequently as possible. Customizing your cottage experience not only makes you a better person, but also a happy camper!

CottageCountry.com is the premier online destination for people looking to enjoy the great lifestyle of Cottage Country. With many cottage rentals available you’re sure to find the one you're looking for. Listings include Muskoka cottages, Stony Lake Cottages, Kawartha Highlands Cottages to name a few. Visit us online today and you will know you have come to the right place.

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