Glamping has really taken the world by storm over the past ten years! What started as a cool trend in the UK has now become a favorite way to stay for people all over the globe.
In a recent report by Mintel reported the number of folks packing their bags for a glamping trip was expected to hit a whopping 21 million by 2020.
That’s a lot of glampers!
It just goes to show how much everyone’s loving the mix of camping with a touch of luxury. And it’s not just a flash in the pan; it’s a real change in how we all want to get out there, soak up nature, and have some awesome adventures.
As glamping’s popularity has surged, entrepreneurs and designers innovated to create diverse and unique glamping accommodations.
Today, glamping sites vary widely, including yurts, geodesic domes, Airstream trailers, and luxury treehouses, each featuring stylish interiors that blend with natural surroundings. Another vital aspect of glamping’s evolution is its focus on sustainability. Many glamping sites now prioritize eco-friendly practices, such as using renewable energy sources, implementing waste management systems, and employing sustainable building techniques.
So, What is Glamping?
Glamping, a portmanteau of ‘glamorous camping’, is an outdoor experience that infuses the essence of luxury and comfort into the heart of nature. Moving beyond the confines of traditional camping, glamping incorporates a range of modern amenities and conveniences to create a memorable and comfortable outdoor adventure. It’s a way to connect with nature without sacrificing the comforts of home, and it’s considered eco-friendly as it allows people to be close to nature without the need for extensive construction or land alteration. The essence of glamping lies in its blend of luxury and nature, creating unique experiences that form an integral part of the destination itself.
Types of Glamping Accommodations
Glamping accommodations are as diverse as the environments they inhabit, offering something for every taste and preference:
- Airstreams & Trailers: Known for their nostalgic appeal and portability, these accommodations can be either stationary or mobile, providing a flexible glamping experience.
- Barns & Farmhouses: These offer a rustic charm with lofty interiors, ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat in rural settings.
- Cabins: Combining home comforts with luxury hotel amenities, cabins offer a cozy and remote vacation experience, often termed ‘cabineering’.
- Eco-friendly Pods and Cubes: These unique structures provide a singular experience in nature, emphasizing luxury and environmental consciousness.
- Domes & Eco-domes: Designed for full immersion in nature with minimal environmental impact, these offer amenities like wood-fired hot tubs and panoramic views.
- Huts & Cottages: Whether overwater or nestled in the hills, these accommodations provide a luxurious way to commune with nature.
- Lodges: From the remote corners of Nepal to Maine, lodges offer luxury with an up-close experience of nature.
- Tents: Far from basic, these tents feature comfortable beds and sometimes ensuite bathrooms, removing the hassle of traditional camping.
- Tipis: Modern tipis maintain their historical shape but are equipped with comforts like beds and unique decor.
- Treehouses: Offering a blend of modern architecture and luxury, treehouses are amongst the most popular glamping options.
- Luxury Villas and Homes: These provide the comforts of home in unique outdoor settings, often with concierge services.
- Wagons & Shepherd Huts: Offering a quaint and idyllic glamping experience, these accommodations are reminiscent of simpler times.
- Yurts: Traditional structures used by Central Asian nomads, modern yurts offer luxury without a large carbon footprint.
Glamping as a Family Experience
Glamping, has risen as a popular trend for families seeking to enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing home comforts. Family-friendly glamping sites offer a range of accommodations, from luxurious tents and yurts to treehouses and cabins. These sites provide the unique opportunity for families to experience the beauty of nature while maintaining the amenities and conveniences of modern life.
Benefits of Family-Friendly Glamping
Glamping offers several key benefits that make it an ideal vacation choice for families:
- Comfort and Convenience: Unlike traditional camping, glamping provides comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and fully equipped kitchens, ensuring a comfortable stay for the entire family.
- Unique Experiences: These sites often feature activities and experiences tailored for children, including nature walks, wildlife spotting, and outdoor games.
- Quality Bonding Time: Glamping encourages families to spend time together away from daily distractions, fostering bonding and creating lasting memories.
- Access to Nature: Located in beautiful natural settings, glamping sites allow families to immerse themselves in nature, benefiting children’s mental health and physical activity levels.
- Flexibility: Glamping offers the flexibility to tailor the vacation to the family’s preferences, whether seeking relaxation or adventure.
Unplugging and Connecting with Nature
One of the major draws of glamping for families is the opportunity to unplug from technology. Many glamping sites have limited or no cell service, encouraging families to disconnect from digital devices and engage with each other and their surroundings. Activities like archery, skeet shooting, and campfire chats replace the typical screen-focused entertainment, providing a refreshing change and fostering deeper family connections.
Social Interaction and Community Building
Glamping also facilitates meeting new people and building camaraderie with other families. Shared experiences, like trail rides, tubing adventures, and communal activities, create a sense of community and often lead to lasting friendships. This social aspect adds another layer to the family vacation, making it more enriching and memorable.
Activities and Games for Families
Glamping resorts offer a variety of activities that cater to family fun:
- Hiking and Biking: Many resorts have trails for hiking or biking, with options to use field guides or scavenger hunts for an interactive experience.
- Campfire Activities: Building campfires is not only fun but also educational, teaching kids about fire safety and responsibility. Activities like roasting marshmallows, singing songs, and storytelling enhance the experience.
- Games and Puzzles: Resorts often provide games like I-spy, Two Truths and a Lie, flashlight tag, and board games, ensuring entertainment for everyone.
- Nature Exploration: Simply allowing children to explore and be bored can lead to creative and unexpected interactions with nature
Benefits of Glamping for Families
1. Hassle-Free Preparation and Luxury Experience
Glamping eliminates the typical stress and extensive preparations required for traditional camping. Families can enjoy the outdoors without the need to pack all the camping equipment and supplies, as most glamping accommodations come fully equipped. This convenience allows families to simply show up and immerse themselves in the experience. Moreover, glamping sites often feature luxurious amenities such as private bathrooms and king-size beds, elevating the outdoor experience with a touch of luxury and ensuring a comfortable stay in nature.
2. Improved Sleep Quality
Quality sleep is essential for health, and glamping offers a superior sleeping experience compared to traditional camping. With comfortable beds and linens provided in glamping accommodations, families can enjoy a great night’s sleep, crucial for a rejuvenating vacation. This comfortable sleep environment allows everyone to wake up refreshed and ready to enjoy their day in nature.
3. Digital Detox and Unplugging from Technology
Glamping provides a much-needed opportunity for families to unplug from technology and engage more deeply with each other and their surroundings. Away from the constant distractions of electronic devices, families can relax, recharge, and appreciate the beauty of nature, contributing to a more meaningful and connected vacation experience.
4. Mental and Physical Health Benefits
Spending time in nature through glamping can significantly boost mood and health. Being outdoors helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Glamping allows families to enjoy fresh air and engage in physical activities, contributing to overall well-being and offering a refreshing break from indoor, sedentary lifestyles.
5. Enhanced Family Bonding
Glamping fosters quality time among family members. By stepping away from daily distractions and immersing in a shared outdoor experience, families can strengthen their bonds. Activities like building campfires, engaging in outdoor adventures, and simply spending time together in a beautiful setting create lasting memories and deepen family relationships.
6. Learning and Skill Development
Glamping offers families the chance to gain new experiences and develop skills. Many glamping sites provide a range of activities such as hiking, kayaking, and horseback riding, which are not only enjoyable but also educational. These experiences allow family members to learn new things and challenge themselves, enhancing their vacation experience.
7. Creating Lasting Memories
Family glamping trips are memorable experiences that create lasting impressions, especially for children. Engaging in various outdoor activities, from wildlife watching to swimming and hiking, ensures that there is never a dull moment. These experiences are the ones that children often fondly remember as they grow older, forming an integral part of their childhood memories.
Choosing the Right Destination
Selecting an ideal glamping destination is key to ensuring a memorable experience.
Consider the following factors:
- Scenic Beauty: Seek destinations with stunning natural landscapes like forests, beaches, or mountains.
- Activities: Align your choice with the activities you enjoy, such as hiking, kayaking, or relaxing by the campfire.
- Accommodation Types: Glamping sites offer diverse accommodations. Choose based on your preference, whether it’s a cabin, yurt, or treehouse.
- Proximity to Amenities: Decide whether you prefer a remote location or one close to towns and amenities.
- Season: Consider the best season for the location, like fall foliage in the mountains or summer beach escapes.
- Budget: Glamping has a range of options to fit various budgets.
Packing Essentials
Packing for glamping requires balancing essentials with comfort items:
- Clothing and Personal Items: Include weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy footwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, swimwear, hat, sunglasses, and a water bottle.
- Accommodation Comfort: Pack bedding essentials, toiletries, towels, portable phone charger, flashlight or headlamp, earplugs, eye mask, and specific items needed for your accommodation type like cooking utensils.
Enhancing Your Glamping Experience
To maximize the glamping experience:
- Embrace the Outdoors: Appreciate nature’s beauty, from rustling leaves to waves at the beach.
- Disconnect from Screens: Take a break from technology to enhance your experience.
- Stargazing: Utilize the remote location for stargazing, bringing a telescope if desired.
- Local Experiences: Explore local culture and cuisine, and interact with locals.
- Mindful Relaxation: Engage in mindfulness activities like meditation or yoga.
- Nature Walks: Take leisurely walks to observe wildlife and flora
Future Trends in Glamping
1. Surge of New Entrants and Year-Round Operations
The glamping industry has experienced a significant influx of new businesses, indicating its vitality and potential for further growth. New glamping sites, like Quaint Glamping in New Hampshire, are emerging with unique offerings. These sites are planning to operate year-round, catering to seasonal demands such as winter camping. Their facilities include amenities like full bathrooms, kitchenettes, queen beds, and communal spaces for activities like wine tasting, yoga, and outdoor classes. This trend reflects a growing demand for diverse and luxurious outdoor experiences throughout all seasons.
2. Strategic Location and Proximity to Natural Attractions
Many glamping sites are strategically positioned near state parks and natural attractions, enhancing the guest experience with easy access to outdoor activities and scenic beauty. Over half of the campgrounds and glamping sites are located near state parks, with a significant number also near national parks. This trend highlights the importance of natural settings in the glamping experience, allowing guests to explore these natural treasures while enjoying luxury accommodations.
3. Sustainability and Technological Integration
Sustainability and technology are becoming key elements in the glamping industry. There is a growing trend towards eco-friendly practices, including the use of solar power and sustainable materials in constructing glamping accommodations. Additionally, technological advancements are being integrated, such as digital check-ins, text notifications, Wi-Fi connectivity, and EV charging stations. These innovations aim to streamline operations, enhance guest experiences, and cater to the needs of modern travelers, including those working remotely.
4. Increasing Quality Standards and Diverse Accommodations
As the market becomes more competitive, glamping operators are raising their standards to attract guests, focusing on the quality of both their services and accommodations. The scope of glamping structures is broadening, with inventive additions like underwater pods, treetop cabins, and accommodations in caves. These diverse offerings are not only increasing in quality but also extending the traditional camping season, allowing guests to enjoy nature in various weather conditions and settings.
The benefits of glamping are manifold. It provides families with an opportunity to bond, explore, and create lifelong memories in beautiful natural settings. The convenience and comfort of glamping sites make them a preferred choice for those who wish to enjoy nature without the hassles of traditional camping. Moreover, the focus on sustainability and eco-friendly practices within the glamping industry resonates with the growing global consciousness towards environmental conservation.
Looking ahead, the future of glamping is bright and promising, marked by innovative trends like year-round operations, strategic locations near natural attractions, and the integration of technology and sustainability. These advancements are not only enhancing the guest experience but also broadening the appeal of glamping, making it an accessible and desirable option for a wider audience.
Glamping stands at the intersection of luxury, adventure, and sustainability. It offers a unique way to disconnect from the hustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature, family, and oneself. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, it promises to offer even more innovative and diverse ways to experience the beauty and serenity of the natural world, making it an enduring and beloved choice for travelers around the globe.
