Your guide to glamping
Your guide to glamping
Inside this article:
Are you new to glamping? Glamping is a comfortable, fashionable way to camp and has grown in popularity in recent years, thanks in large part to the ideal social media photo-sharing opportunities it presents. In this guide you will learn all about what glamping is, why you should try it, and tips for getting started.
What is glamping
Glamping is a combination of luxury and camping; it is camping with a twist. While a simple tent and sleeping bag may suffice in most camping cases, glamping usually entails additional comfort, such as a real mattress, running water, and a toilet (oftentimes a compost toilet). Plus, the canvas material that glamping tents are usually made from is much heavier duty than a typical camping tent, giving you better protection from outdoor weather.
Types of glamping
1. Yurts
Yurts are spherical, wooden constructions with collapsible fabric walls and ceilings. They originated in Mongolia and have been used by Mongolian nomads since the 13th century. They can usually fit a sizable group, are simple to set up and are well insulated. If you want to experience glamping in Yurts, try our Eastern Washington Exploration.
2. Safari style tents
Safari tents have been around for hundreds of years. They have been used as movable accommodation by kings, nomads, and hunters. Safari tents are now largely used for luxury African safari trips and, more recently, for glamping vacations.
Safari tents are typically enormous in size, supported by a pole framework, and have hard flooring. The walls and roof are composed of weatherproof and long-lasting canvas. For a unique safari glamping experience try ourSan Juan Island Getaway.
3. Domes
Domes are modern constructions that provide a high level of comfort while minimizing environmental impact. As their name suggests, they are dome-shaped and made of a combination of wood, iron, and canvas. Looking for an exciting dome glamping experience?Our Salkantay & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu offers luxurious ecodomes that will make you feel at home with a king or a double room, and a private bathroom.
4. Wagons
Known as Conestoga wagons, this is a specific design of heavy covered wagon that was used extensively during the late eighteenth century, and the nineteenth century. While covered wagons may seem rustic, these accommodations are quite comfortable. Book ourNorth Cascades camping experience and stay the night in an old-fashioned covered wagon.
5. Cabooses
Cabooses were once employed as train cabins. Fortunately, today's "glamping" caboose accommodations are a far cry from the days when freight train personnel slept on bunks next to a cast-iron stove with an oil lamp swinging from the ceiling. Caboose cabins are perfect for a unique train car experience! If you’re looking for a quick summer getaway, travel to Mt. Shasta and stay in your very own caboose!
Why you should try glamping
1. Comfort - Glamping means sleeping in actual beds, but still being outside. Glamping tents are more spacious than traditional tents, allowing you and your traveling buddies to sprawl out horizontally and vertically.
2. Unique places to stay - Glamping allows you to see locations that hotels and resorts do not. You could be waking up only steps from a private island's beach, or deep in a mountain range overlooking a tranquil alpine lake. As soon as you step out of your "room," you're in the middle of nature. It doesn't get any better than that!
3. No camping experience required - Many of the skills and gear required for camping are not necessary for glamping, such as scouting a good location to pitch a tent, or specialty cooking equipment. So, glamping is perfect for adventurers who want to take it a notch further than staying at a hotel, but aren’t prepared or interested in traditional camping.
4. It's eco-friendly - Glamping eliminates the energy costs of modern construction, and many setups use solar or wind power. As ecotourism becomes more mainstream, glamping has a good potential of continuing to grow in popularity.
Glamping tips for beginners
Pick the right destination
While glamping facilities may be found anywhere in the world, make sure you choose a location that appeals to you. If you're not satisfied with the location, even the nicest amenities will fall short. Consider if you want to be in the extremes of wide open desert heat, snow-capped mountains, or anywhere in between. If you're going on a trip with your partner, siblings, or friends, make sure you discuss with them and come to an agreement on a good place.
Decide on the glamping type
As mentioned above, there is a wide range of glamping options available. However, before deciding, keep your budget and travel interests in mind. This is also an excellent time to investigate the amenities provided by various glamping facilities. Standard facilities include comfy beds, adjacent bathrooms, housekeeping, and room service. However, a few establishments go above and beyond the necessities by offering cutting-edge facilities such as an in-house spa, 24-hour concierge, and so on.
Prepare your meals
Cooking over an open fire is a popular summer activity - nothing beats the excitement of sharing food with friends and family beside the warm glow of a campfire. So, add a little glitz to your glamping with real plates and excellent cuisine. Make sure you've brought plenty of supplies for s'mores!
Pack entertainment
Glamping is a chance to reconnect with nature, friends, and family. One of the great things about glamping is that you have all the outdoor camping games that you can play, as well as indoor games that you can enjoy if the weather isn’t what you had hoped it would be, such as cards or board games.
Pack the glamping essentials
One of the most difficult aspects of camping is remembering to bring all the necessary equipment and accessories. Glamping eliminates this hassle because most amenities are available on-site. However, it’s still good to come prepared so you can stay comfortable throughout the experience! We’ve put together a packing list below to get you started.
What to bring for glamping
Glamping Essentials
Depending on your level of glamping, you may require more items than those listed here. In most glamping destinations, you'll need the following essentials:
· Sunscreen
· Mosquito repellant
· Hats
· Hiking backpack
· Water bottle
· Umbrella
· Flashlight
· First aid kit
· Cooler
· Blankets
· Food and/or snacks
· Water and/or juices
Clothing
Pack your clothes as though you were going camping. Whether or not your weekend trip includes heat and air conditioning in your accommodations, spending much of your time outside can be enjoyable. This could be chatting around the fire at night or hiking and exploring the area throughout the day. Check the weather forecast to see what to bring, but keep one thing in mind: pack layers! Layers are an excellent method to prepare for a wide range of weather conditions.
· Warm weather clothing
· Cold weather clothing
· Wet weather clothing
· Sun hats and glasses
· Extra blankets
· Night wear
· Walking boots
Toiletries
Luxurious glamping sites may provide you with shampoos, body wash, soaps, paper towels, etc. in your private bath, but it’s still a good idea to bring your own in case your particular location does not keep these items stocked for visitors. In addition, also pack sanitary products like deodorant wipes; they will come in handy during and after outdoor adventures!
Entertainment
When packing for a glamping trip, here are some other things to consider bringing for entertainment:
· Phone and charger
· Books or magazines
· Speaker for music
· Card games or board games
· Outdoor games
· Camera gear
· DVDs or movies
· Portable WiFi
For the list of other camping gear to bring, refer to our blogAdventureTripr's Camping and Backpacking Guide.
And that’s a wrap! So, what are you waiting for? Whether you're a first-time glamper or a seasoned vet, summer is the ideal season to go glamping! Get out there and enjoy!
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