Elevating Outdoor Escapes: The Ultimate Guide to Glamping in Style

Glamping: A comprehensive guide

When it comes to holidays that are sustainable, accessible, and extremely enjoyable, glamping has it all. In this article, Hannah Rose-Wynter from Boutique Camping shares her insight, including the many benefits of a glamping trip.

If you’re looking for a new adventure, you may have already thought about glamping. But what exactly is glamping, and what do you need to know?

A glamping trip is the perfect blend of nature and luxury. Here, I’ll take you through how it started, tell you how to find comfy stays in beautiful spots, and debunk some common myths.

What is glamping?

Short for ‘glamorous camping’, glamping rose to prominence as a more luxurious option at festivals for celebrities and other VIPs, before making its way to campsites and resorts. When glamping, you stay in a high-quality canvas tent or pod — usually one you can stand up in — and you may have access to more facilities than you would normally, like electricity and running water. In addition to a bed (no sleeping bags here!), other luxurious features like wood burning stoves or hot tubs might also be included.

What are the glamping benefits?

For those who want to get closer to nature but still like their home comforts, glamping is the perfect balance between adventure and luxury. Glamping can even be considered more accessible, providing more comfortable options for those of us with illnesses or disabilities including mobility issues, some forms of autism, and more.

Glamping is also ideal if you’re looking to lessen your carbon footprint, especially if you usually stay in a hotel. Many glamping sites take sustainability very seriously, using materials like reclaimed wood to build their structures as well as reducing energy consumption and prioritising renewable energy sources. In contrast, resource consumption at hotels is often much greater due to their size and the high turnover of customers.

Glamping myths

There are a few myths about glamping, many of which may put people off trying it. Here, we’ll try to debunk them.

• It's expensive. While some glamping experiences can be pricey, options vary widely in cost. Like hotels, there are many affordable glamping sites that can provide luxury without breaking the bank.
• You have to stay in a tent. Glamping includes a range of accommodations such as yurts, treehouses, cabins, and pods, so there’s plenty more on offer than just tents.
• It’s not real camping. Glamping will still provide an authentic and immersive experience, allowing you to connect with nature and spend the night under the stars. You simply do so without sacrificing comfort!
• It’s only for nature enthusiasts. Glamping is enjoyed by people with varying levels of outdoor experience. In fact, it can be a fantastic way to introduce someone to camping who’s never done it before.
• It requires special gear. Unlike traditional camping, glamping accommodations usually come fully furnished, eliminating the need to bring extensive camping gear.

Glamping tips

The first tip when planning a glamping holiday is to choose somewhere in a good location. As comfortable as your glamping accommodation may be, you’ll want to explore and get out into nature too, so a glamping site near a nature park, lake, or another point of interest will give you plenty of opportunities for adventure.

Many sites allow campfires, and some may even provide fire pits for you to do so. However, there are just as many campsites where fires are not permitted, so if sitting round a campfire is important to you, make sure you ask in advance whether they are allowed or not.

Finally, although your glamping accommodation will have more facilities than a standard tent, it’s still best to prepare for the worst and pack as though you won’t have access to electricity or running water. That way, you won’t be caught short if your phone battery dies or you run out of loo roll. It’s also important to take plenty of clothing with you, as the British weather can be very changeable. Be sure to pack a mix of warm and cold weather clothing to cover every eventuality.

Activities to try while glamping

Glamping sites are often situated in opportune areas that provide easy access to outdoor adventures such as hiking, water sports, and more, so there are plenty of activities you can enjoy on your trip. However, if you’re looking for more easy-going ways to connect with nature, you can also use your glamping break as an excuse to enjoy a picnic or try some wildlife observation. Your glamping holiday can be as intense or as relaxing as you like, and the site will likely provide information on places to visit nearby. At night, there’s stargazing and the opportunity to practice campfire cooking, or you could even watch a movie!

Glamping offers the perfect blend of adventure and luxury, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying all the comforts of home. The tips in this guide can help you to make the most of your glamping trip, including deciding where to camp and what to take with you. Have fun!