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Ask anyone who knows me, and they’ll tell you that nature and I just don’t mix. We’ve tried to make it work, but—for better or worse—I am a paved-roads-and-air-conditioned-buildings kind of person. Which is all fine and good…until a pandemic hits, and your only viable getaway is the great outdoors. So, this is where I found myself: desperate to get away, but slightly terrified of my options. Thankfully, I realized that the beauty of living in the 21st century is that you can make nature as fabulous as you want. If you, like me, are a delicate soul attached to your creature comforts, fear not. Let me guide you through the best ways to embrace an outdoor adventure.

Location, location, location

First, and most importantly, do yourself a favor and pick a popular, well-known destination. Why? Simply put, because those are the spots that are likely to have restaurants and accommodations to suit different types of travelers, including those that don't want to rough it. For domestic trips, your best bet is visiting one of the United States’ majestic National Parks. But how do you pick from the hundreds of national parks? (Yes, there really are hundreds—423, to be exact.) If your goal is to be able to enjoy some creature comforts while you’re out, stick with the nine major ones: Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Acadia, Great Smoky Mountains, Zion, Grand Teton, and Death Valley.

Accommodate yourself accordingly

Visiting a National Park doesn’t have to mean hammering tent pegs into the ground. In fact, some of the most beautiful lodgings can be found at National Parks. Take a look at the historic Grand Canyon hotel El Tovar. This glam spot is over a century old, features handcrafted furniture, and has hosted such famous names as Albert Einstein and Oprah Winfrey. Want your own space? Check out the Spanish Colonial bungalows at La Quinta Resort & Club. My personal favorite, however, is Blackberry Farm. Aside from the fact that you can literally walk into the Great Smoky Mountains from the resort, it also has an award-winning restaurant and more ambiance than anyone could ever ask for.

Glamping, anyone?

If you do decide to go camping, it doesn’t mean you have to stay in some dusty, dinky cub-scout tent. Aside from the fact that today’s tents can be incredibly spacious and high-tech, you don’t even have to sleep on the ground anymore—treetop tent, anyone? Next, outfit the whole thing with cushioned sleeping pads and inflatable furniture. There’s even a sofa that pulls out to a queen-size bed. Not feeling the DIY method? Check out Under Canvas, whose safari-style tents include en-suite bathrooms, wood stoves, and West Elm decor. Best of all, they have locations at five of the nine major National Parks. Head to their Instagram for some serious wanderlust.

Up your packing prowess

OK, so you might not want to rock a micro skirt, poofed sleeves, or other 2021 fashion trends while hiking. But that doesn’t mean you're doomed to a weekend of sad, unfashionable clothes. Planning on exploring some of the park’s beautiful trails? Grab this backpack by Cotopaxi. It celebrates SS21’s love of candy colors, is ultra-lightweight, and features an internal hydration sleeve. Worried about dropping evening temps? Embrace the shacket. Oh, and let’s not forget footwear. Since casual clothing is de rigueur at the moment, you can rock your sneakers (including this sleek pair by Nike) and know you’re combining the best of style and substance.

Get into feast mode

Adventuring in the great outdoors doesn’t mean eating questionable hotdogs on sticks and drinking powdered coffee. Trust me, there are plenty of restaurants that serve both ambiance and artful cuisine. Spots you won’t want to miss include Acadia’s Jordan Pond House and Joshua Tree’s Country Kitchen. More interested in picnicking like a pro while visiting Grand Teton? Make sure to stop at Persephone and stock up on their handmade pastries and artisan salads and sandwiches—all made from natural and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Also, you’ll have to wait until November, but The Handle Bar comes highly recommended for delicious pub fare with a side of breathtaking scenic views.

Indulge in self-care

One way to ensure you won’t enjoy your trip is to be unprepared for the outdoors. To that end, make sure you liberally apply sunscreen and bug spray and take care to pack Band-Aids for any potential blisters. However, in addition to the necessities, I recommend stowing away some self-care essentials. An evening with your favorite sheet mask and eye patches does wonders when relaxing after a day spent hiking the Bright Angel Trail or rafting down Snake River. Add a hydrating lip scrub, and you’re good to go. One word of caution: avoid anything fragranced if you're camping outside, as that’s guaranteed to attract insect friends and could even lure a bear.

Make yourself at home

You can still enjoy homey comforts while adventuring al fresco. Can’t function without that expertly brewed cup of joe? Grab a Minipresso Gr and you can enjoy a delicious (freshly ground!) espresso with that perfect crema. If bathroom breaks have you worried, then the Tushy Travel is all you need. This portable bidet is compact, discreet, and allows you to reduce your carbon footprint. If you’re like me and cannot function in dry air, make sure to get yourself a portable wireless humidifier. This one has an auto-shutoff function, includes a built-in USB port to charge your phone, and an optional LED nightlight.

Do it for the 'gram

Nothing says #MondayMotivation or, even better, #FridayVibes like an awe-inspiring shot of a sky-high mountain peak or sun-dappled lake. But if you’re not familiar with identifying flowers in the wild or flecked pygmy owls, then a guided tour is the perfect outdoor activity. Not only do they offer a great way to safely take in your surroundings, but you can also benefit from the experience and expertise of your guide to call out those primo photo ops. Some popular examples include: Yellowstone Day Tours, Small Group Walking Guided Tour of Zion Park, and Yosemite’s Guided Hiking Excursion.

Be well

The number one tip I can give to ensure you enjoy your outdoor excursion is simply this: Listen to yourself and try not to fit too many things into your trip. Pick the outings that are the most important to you and prioritize those first. That way, if the other stuff does not end up happening, you won’t feel like you’ve missed out. Likewise, if you wake up one morning and are not feeling the outdoors, then take the day and just enjoy being where you are. Whether that’s reading in your room or taking in the beauty around you with a to-go bag of pastries. As long as you’re being true to yourself and your needs, you are guaranteed an amazing vacation.

Leanne Philip is a content creator and strategist who loves to help people and brands discover their voice and connect with their audience in new and meaningful ways. She has written for numerous print and digital platforms, including Travel + Leisure, The Atlantan, and Barneys New York. Leanne is an avid traveler and has made it her mission to visit 40 countries before her 40th birthday.