Writers can spend hours a day on a laptop or tablet. Often, this can mean small, dark spaces of their home offices or noisy cafes with limited seating. For those of us who enjoy writing, this can be stifling at times. There’s nothing wrong with seeking a little creative inspiration for when things get stale. Inspiring getaways for writers can help nourish the creative soul. 

Whether you are a professional writer, a blogger looking to write a lot more, or an aspiring writer without much published work yet, writing can be an isolating profession. Sitting at home all day and writing words into your laptop computer isn’t the most social activity. Where you go, how you live, and your environment affects your creativity and productivity as a writer. Even if you aren’t a writer, one thing we all share is the need to get away from it all now and then. This article will give you some ideas on getaways for writers and refreshing your inspiration while taking your work on the road.

Getaways for Writers

Create a unique writing retreat experience that works for you by thinking about what you want or need to to support you in your journey. You may want to take an all out writer’s retreat, seek out writing residencies, or just be inspired by the open road. Travel and road trips have inspired writers and artists the world over. 

One popular spot for many writers and writing retreats known for its inspiration is Big Sur. In addition to its beautiful nature, what made it special is that it brought so many people in to seek creativity. If road trips and the woods entice you, you will be sure to find inspiration here. There are a number of great spots to take your breath away, as well as to stop and write. Go to places that wow you.

Building in Time to Write

Pay attention to the types of places that work the best for you. If you are inspired by silence and scenery, then seek out a serene place by the water. Or if you need to see people moving about and have access to bottomless coffee, then maybe some headphones at the local cafe or co-working space. 

Alternatively, you may find that different types of writing work better in different places. Short stories and fiction writers may be more inspired to work outdoors where thoughts can flow more naturally. On the other hand, someone working on technical writing or manuscript consultations may opt for a more focused environment. You may give yourself a time or word goal, or choose to completely explore a topic.

No matter what methods you choose, don’t rely completely on creative inspiration. Sometimes we need to jump-start it ourselves though practice. Just like your own writing, this is work in progress, as you find out the best habits for yourself. Learn from what works the best, and change it up as you need. 

Taking it on the Road

Find open mics in places you travel to or engage in an online community to share writing prompts or recommended reading. If you prefer to write outside of your room, most towns and cities have one or two cafes with Wi-Fi aimed at the creative crowd. These easy way to find these spots are to see which ones are open after 3 or 4PM. Most coffee shops close around 2PM, so the ones open later are usually filled with people on their laptops working. 

Seeking out other people who share similar lifestyles can help you stay connected and focused. However, don’t let anything stop you from typing long emails to friends, or getting soaked in thunderstorms as you go after that book award. Go explore somewhere more remote if you have to, just get some uninterrupted time every day to listen to yourself think and see what happens in there.

Enjoy world class national parks as your office for the day. Turn your everyday life into an adventure by carrying a portable “office” that you can set up anywhere for reading or writing. Above all, inspire yourself by making a creative space while nature surrounds you.

Final Thoughts on Getaways for Writers

Good writing requires a healthy body, mind and spirit. Maybe you’ve been feeling stuck on that novel you haven’t quite finished yet. Or maybe you’re anxious about the state of your business and need to take some time for yourself to get the inspiration flowing again. Either way, don’t let yourself get down on your current situation; instead, head out on an inspiring vacation to help you get back on track.

Hopefully, this article has inspired you to plan your first of many getaways for writers or dream vacation. If it has, we’d love to hear about it in the comments below. And if you share this with your writer friends, we’d also love to hear about that. The more conversations we can have about inspiration and creativity, the better. Join our conversation here!