Looking for a unique vacation where you can immerse yourself in the outdoors without sacrificing basic comforts? Then glamping, or glamorous camping, may be the perfect fit for you. Nature is great, but so is running water, wi-fi and a cozy bed at night. People may cringe at this buzz term, but in reality, glamping is more than just a fancy tent. It provides a way to authentically experience some of the most amazing places around the world.
Who to Go Glamping With
The best part about glamping is that everyone can enjoy it. Avid campers can make glamping a DIY project and upgrade their typical camping experience. Urbanites who prefer the comforts of air conditioning and their couch can find luxury accommodations to get excited about. Glamping is great for a fun family vacation, romantic weekend getaway or an adventure with friends.
Deluxe cabins and airstreams are great if you plan to bring the kids along or are going with a group of friends. These type of glampsites are often more spacious with the amenities needed to keep everyone happy. Yurts, teepees and safari tents are more suitable for couples looking for unique lodging in awe-inspiring places. You can stargaze under the full moon, treat yourselves to a spa day or simply enjoy snuggling next to the fire. Last, but certainly not least, don’t be ashamed to take a glamping trip solo. Relaxing in nature and disconnecting from the world around you can be just what you need to recharge.
Occasions for Glamping
There are many reasons to book a glamping trip as it is suitable for a variety of occasions. Finding multiple sites in the same area, or “glampground”, is great for a family reunion or girls’ weekend. If you want to surprise a family member for a special holiday, such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day or a birthday, glamping is a great gift to show that you care about spending time with them.
It can also be an opportunity to bond with your children, especially if they have just accomplished a big milestone in their life, like graduation. Alternatively, if you need a break from the kids (or fur kids), glamping is perfect for romantic weekend getaways and anniversaries. All of this isn’t to say that you need a special occasion to go glamping. If this sounds like an appealing type of trip and you have some PTO days to use, take a spontaneous glamping trip just for fun!
How to Have the Best Glamping Experience
Planning your glamping trip should be treated the same as any other vacation or weekend excursion. To have the best experience possible, research where you’re going and prepare accordingly. If you’re not sure where to start, here are some tips on how to plan for glamping.
Pick the Best Time & Location for You
You should consider the type of surroundings you want to be in and the recreational activities that interest you. Whether you enjoy hiking in the mountains, relaxing on the beach or even sightseeing in a new city, take the time to experience the place you’re visiting to have the full glamping experience. Fall and spring are particularly great times to go glamping as these seasons offer stunning nature experiences, such as wildflowers blooming and leaves changing. In addition, the weather will be more pleasant with fewer crowds.
Pack as Much or as Little as You Want
Glamping accommodations are often much more accessible and roomier than traditional campsites. Bring at home comforts that will make you smile while on your trip, whether that’s your favorite sweater or a few books you haven’t had time to read yet. Alternatively, if you are a minimalist, oftentimes glampsites have all the amenities you need, making packing a lot simpler. You should check what type of kitchen appliances and other essentials the glampsite provides so that you can pack accordingly. Gather everything you need to enjoy your glamping experience, even if that means packing your car to the brim or checking that extra bag at the airport. It’s in the word – glamping is meant to be glamorous!
Review What Amenities are Available
It’s important to review what amenities are available and to research what activities are nearby. Be sure to read about the bathroom and shower accessibility, room service offerings, number of electrical outlets and pet policies before booking. Also, review the services provided by your glampsite host. Some offer an array of amenities, from freshly prepared gourmet meals to horseback riding. While others may only provide the basics, which let’s be honest, is usually more than enough.
Embrace Flexibility with Your Glamping Plans
Although you want to have some form of itinerary for your trip, don’t make the mistake of overpreparing. Planning your trip down to the hour doesn’t leave room for relaxation or unexpected adventures that await you. Also, even if you book your glamping experience during a beautiful time of year, the weather may not cooperate. Rather than getting upset about how the weather has ruined your plans, embrace the downtime to relax and enjoy the comforts of your unique glampsite.
Balance Relaxation & Exploration
Glamping is a great opportunity to disconnect from work and your phone. Be present and revel in the moment while on your glamping trip. Be okay with stopping to take in the nature around you and enjoying a lazy afternoon. You can also try an activity you normally wouldn’t do or, more realistically, haven’t had time to do. While exploring, learn more about the location you’re staying in, especially if it’s a place you’ve never been before. By meeting new people or visiting a local museum or hiking trail, you’ll come to appreciate your glamping experience that much more.
The Psychological Benefits of Glamping in Nature
Being outdoors is good not only for your physical health, but also your mental health. There’s something about disconnecting from your day-to-day life (and cell phone) that puts your mind at ease. By unplugging in nature, glamping can benefit your health and overall well-being.
Taking in the natural beauty and fresh air leaves you feeling refreshed. Spending just 30 minutes outdoors per day can help to release the endorphins in your body. According to a
study
, group walks in nature can help reduce depression and anxiety and improve mental well-being. Sharing new experiences, away from the distractions of your busy schedule, can have a profound effect on your stress levels. These are the psychological benefits a simple glamping trip can provide for you and your loved ones.
The Pros and Cons of Glamping in the City
As great as it is to enjoy the benefits of glamping in nature, you may still prefer to stay in the city. Urban glamping provides a more modern and luxurious experience. Several hotels have adopted glamping by offering deluxe tents or domes on their rooftops for guests to reserve to themselves. Imagine sipping wine on a rooftop in Chicago under the stars or people watching from your comfy lounge chair in New York City. The best part about glamping in the city is that you’re still in civilization. If you want to go out for a nice dinner or meet up with friends one evening, this is much more convenient if you’re glamping in the city.
The downside of urban glamping is that you don’t get any of the benefits of being in nature. Sure, you’ll likely be spending a lot of time outdoors, but it will be amongst loud traffic and more polluted air. It doesn’t offer the peacefulness or serenity that more remote glampsites have. Glamping in the city is also generally more expensive, so be prepared to spend a good chunk of change to get that skyline view. Ultimately, where you go glamping depends on personal preference. If you love the hustle and bustle of the city and don’t understand why anyone would willingly spend extensive time in the outdoors, then glamping in the city may be the best option for you.
How to Find the Best Price for Glamping
Although glamping is meant to be a more luxurious experience, it doesn’t have to break your budget. Pricing on glamping accommodations varies based on location, views, size, and amenities. Here are a few tips to help you find the best price for your next glamping trip.
Avoid Peak Vacation Times
Certain times of the year are busier than others. Avoid these peak times, such as Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day, to not only lock in lower prices, but also avoid crowds. Another strategy is to plan your trip on weekdays, rather than weekends, if you can. Oftentimes, you can find lower rates during the week as compared to the weekends, since those days tend to book faster.
Look for the Best Deals
Start to follow travel deal sites to find some of the best glamping deals. On most vacation rental sites, you can filter by price to ensure you’re only looking at glampsites within your budget. Lastly, don’t forget to utilize any discount memberships you have, such as AAA, Sam’s Club, or Costco, to reduce costs while on your trip.
Plan Your Own Itinerary
Although the all-inclusive package deals are appealing, you’ll save money by planning your own itinerary. Some packages include on-site dining with local cuisine, yoga studios, spas, fitness centers and planned activities for guests. By cooking your own meals and researching activities to do in the area, you’ll likely spend less money than you would with a package deal.
Pass Up Certain Amenities
Similar to the above, passing up on some of the amenities is an easy way to save money on your glamping experience. Bring your own home comforts, such as pillows, blankets, a cooler, or a portable fan to make the space feel more relaxing. This can replace paying an extra fee for room service or other perks that certain accommodations may provide.
How to Find the Best Glamping Near You
If it’s your first time glamping, you may be wondering where the best places are to go. Glamping has become an increasing trend across the globe, so there are plenty of options to choose from. Picture yourself relaxing on the coast in California or the epic mountains in Colorado. The best part is that it is completely up to you. Here are some of the most popular websites to book a “glampsite”.
GlampingHub
Essentially the Airbnb of glamping, GlampingHub is one of the most expansive sites to find a glampsite near you. With over 25,000 accommodations in 115 countries, you are bound to find the perfect place to stay for your next trip. Their search is user friendly and allows you to filter by the type of glampsite you want. From treehouses to yurts, you can book your ideal glamping experience directly on the site.
Glamping.com
Offering a wide range of unique, luxury accommodations in their global collection, Glamping.com is another great site to find glamping near you. Their system allows you to easily connect with and book from their affiliate partners. With the option to search by type of accommodation or desired activity, you can find an awe-inspiring glampsite nearby that has all the amenities you’re looking for.
Hipcamp
With both private and public camping accommodation offerings, Hipcamp has a variety of glamping options throughout the United States. Their system is very similar to Airbnb where you can book your stay directly on the site. You can also search by national park. Whether you want a secluded glampsite in the woods or a group experience on the lake, Hipcamp makes it easy to find your next glamping destination.
Hometogo
One of the largest search engines to find vacation rentals, Hometogo is another site you can use to find glamping experiences in the United States. With over 1,300 partners, from Vrbo to Expedia, there are a variety of glampsites to choose from. Make sure to use the “Camping” filter under the “Accommodation Types” dropdown to find the best glampsites near you.
Tentrr
A growing site, Tentrr has a quality selection of unique outdoor accommodations to choose from in the United States. The site breaks down their offerings into two categories, Tentrr Signature and Tentrr Backcountry. You’ll want to filter on Signature accommodations to find a glampsite near you.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to be an experienced camper to enjoy the glamping experience. With options to stay in a secluded treehouse in the rainforest or an extravagant yurt under the metro skyline, glamping is an experience for nature lovers and city dwellers alike. In addition, glamping can be suitable for all budgets and is often less expensive than a decent hotel. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your glamping adventure today.