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LCN OutdoorsCampingCamping BasicsWhat is Glamping? The New Concept of Camping

What is Glamping? The New Concept of Camping

What is Glamping The New Concept of Camping
What is Glamping The New Concept of Camping

What is glamping? The words “Glamping” and “Camping” seem to be on completely different levels of meaning, and they are not allowed to cross over in any case. But that’s just the way it seems! So many travelers have taken the relatively new way out of having all the comforts of home – glamping. How much does it cost, where to get it – let’s sort it out together. You will learn more about What is Glamping by LCNOutdoors article.


What Is The Meaning Of This Strange Word?

The word “glamping” is a combination of the English words glamorous camping. In 2005, the word “glamping” began to be used in the UK, and in 2016 it was even included in the Oxford Dictionary.

In fact, glamping is a holiday in the countryside labeled “luxury”: instead of tents and sleeping bags – glamping has comfortable accommodation with soft beds, instead of toilets under the trees and bathing in the river – glamping has bathrooms with all conveniences, instead of stews – glamping has meals in restaurants. Such holidays are for people who don’t mind living in the bosom of wild nature but don’t want to go hiking and can generally afford a quality rest even away from civilization.” A tent with all the comforts of home can cost quite a bit of money, the equivalent of a luxury room in a popular international hotel chain. Glamping prices range from $50 to $1000 per night, although everything can be more expensive.


Who Invented Glamping?

Although the term “glamping” is a recent phenomenon, it is said to have deep historical roots as far back as the Middle Ages. Glamping’s predecessors included the chalets of every medieval king. In those days, it was not just simple tent camps built for rulers, but huge, chicly decorated tents equipped with all the most necessary tents – the epitome of a royal’s room.

But back to modern times. The glamping boom in Britain is said to have started after Brexit. Britons are increasingly choosing to enjoy comfortable holidays in their native wilderness areas rather than travel abroad. Overall, the number of glamping areas in Europe has grown exponentially in recent years. More and more often, wealthy travelers are choosing to go to nature with all the amenities and comforts of home, no expense spared.


The Magical Life – Glamping?

Glamping is a harmonious blend of urban comfort and unspoiled nature. Glamping is camping. Glamorous enchanting, charismatic, magical. It is magical glamping. If you see a glass dome by a lake, a dozen perfectly white decorated yurts in the middle of the wilderness, or a fairy-tale-looking cabin on a hill in the Black Hills, be sure it’s glamping.
The name may tempt some people because the media has made glamour synonymous with high living and glamorous, silly charm.

“Glamping” has several characteristics. Let’s label them in no particular order.

  1. Far from civilization. As a rule, “Glamping” is located in an impeccably beautiful and inaccessible place, where you can not build a hotel. Rarely is it possible to access the “Glamping” site via the sidewalk? More often than not, it can only be reached by all-terrain vehicles, helicopters, specially prepared jeeps, or snowmobiles.
  2. Everything must be real. The goal of many “Glamping” organizers is to capture the flavor of the local culture. If the camp is in the North Sea, there may be walrus bones inside, fish, and reindeer on the menu. If the “Glamping” is in the French hinterland, the house will have a small French garden, and guests will enjoy a year’s worth of rare cheeses and sauces.
  3. Eco-friendly interior and food. As far as possible, the goal of the “Glamping” location is to keep nature as unspoiled as possible and to use natural materials for furniture and utensils. If the climate is cool, beautiful natural wool plaid is more likely. If it’s tropical, wicker chairs and napkins made of palm leaves are used. Design plays an important role in this type of holiday.
  4. Considerate leisure! Organizers usually offer a range of exciting adventures, from hiking or snowmobiling to ostrich racing or flying on the wings of a dragon

The 10 Best Glamping destinations you can’t miss when traveling in Europe and America!

  1. Mongolian Yurts, Vaud, Switzerland
  2. EcoCamp, Patagonia, Chile
  3. 4 Rivers Floating Lodge, Koh Kong
  4. Casas Karen, Cadiz, Spain
  5. Hillfort Tipis, Pembrokeshire, Wales
  6. Karijini Eco Retreat, Western Australia
  7. Halvorseth Yurts & Camping, Prestfoss-Sigdal, Norway
  8. Lua Cheia, Beach Camp, Mafia Island, Tanzania
  9. Treebones Resort, California, USA
  10. LeChteaudeMonfreville, Campground, Normandy, France

Each luxury tent does not resemble a standard hotel room. This type of accommodation is characterized by an interesting location, proximity to nature, or the ability to observe animals or natural phenomena. For example, there are glass igloos in Finnish Lapland from which you can see the Northern Lights. In France – luxury tents with transparent roofs and sky maps. Accessible guests can gaze at the stars in a warm, comfortable, and romantic environment. In African countries, there is a complete network of campsites whose main feature is monitoring the wildlife, like giraffes, lions, and rhinos.


Why Is “Glamping” Becoming More And More Popular?

Why Is Glamping Becoming More And More Popular
Why Is Glamping Becoming More And More Popular

Simply because there is more and more work, hassle and money in the world, and no more free time. City life, business, technology – all of these have alienated people from nature, and at the same time, created a category of people who are quite unsuited to life without comfort. But even such people occasionally want to be alone with nature. Glamping is the ideal type of vacation in nature for those who can’t imagine a day without a hot shower or a fire made by rubbing two sticks together. So while we wander through the woods and decide to pitch their used tents over anthills and moss, many travelers are ready to pay big bucks for a chance to spend a few days in a luxury tent at the end of the world.

Many travel analysts are critical of this new trend, seeing glamping as another way to extort wealthy travelers. Lovers of this boutique glamping are paying for the completely ordinary and simple. I mean, a comfy crib and an outdoor restaurant dinner are cool, but why so expensive? Analysts call this the trap of post-consumerism – when you get bored with the cult of things, you want something fairly simple and soulful. And you end up with a lot of money in the same luxury, only more naturally and simply. Moreover, the main task of classical camping – getting back to nature – is pacified here. But what kind of integration with nature is glamping if glampers haven’t even built a fire or caught fish for their fish soup?

Many people want to experience the beauty of the unspoiled wilderness, but not everyone is prepared to endure the hardships of ascetic tourist life. Most city-dwellers sigh when they see beautiful photos of hikes, photos of tree houses or tents at sunset at the base of mountains, “Oh, I wish I was there, away from the hustle and bustle!”. But it’s very inconvenient. You can’t shower at night. You will have to wash in cold streams, eat noodles and stews while sitting on logs. You will be bitten by mosquitoes and scared by wild animals. No way, we’re going to a hotel!”.
However, there is a solution where the comfort of the city is perfectly combined with the form of a wilderness vacation. A new type of vacation, glamping, is rapidly gaining popularity. It allows a person who never has in his life picked up a backpack to sit at the door of a very wild tent, a glass of wine in hand, and enjoy a magnificent sunset. Then take a hot shower and fall asleep in the comfort of his bed.

But while critics frown on glamping, many travelers find it the only way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The businessman’s excuse: the cost can be so high because glamping is, after all, a one-time, unique experience. And there are always people willing to pay generously for this experience.


How Long Has The “Glamping” Format Been Around?

The term is relatively new. The first camping sites opened their tents in the UK in 2005. But looking back at history, the idea is not new. No self-respecting emperor, sultan, pasha, or military leader would sit at home on a pillow. Military operations, days-long hunting trips, meetings with heads of neighboring principalities in neutral territories formed a significant part of the ruler’s life. The king did not want to give up luxury, and noble kings were not in the habit of gorging themselves on meadows! So instead, the king’s caravans brought tents, kitchens, supplies for cooking gourmet meals, beds, tables, and chairs for guests, cooks, musicians, and jesters.

Thus, the richest Moorish king in history, Mansa Musa, made a pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324, 6,500 kilometers away from his palace. Twelve thousand servants and slaves dressed in silk carried the royal tent Mansa Musa sat and other necessary luggage. Every day brought fresh vegetables and fish ​to the king’s table in the heart of the waterless desert. On Fridays, the king would erect a small mosque where he had stayed for rest. All in all, such a charm is what we dream of!

Today, you don’t have to move slowly with the carriage procession. Glamping is built in advance, and their Majesties, the guests, have arrived in the midst of the finished beauty. But in general, the form of royal travel is preserved. It feels like the Sultan or Queen Shamakhi


What Is The Difference Between “Glamping” And “Camping”?

What Is The Difference Between Glamping And Camping
What Is The Difference Between Glamping And Camping

Camping is a more democratic option for the more independent camper. While campers have to cook their own meals and pitch their own tents, camping life is much more strenuous and often more dependent on you. Your “home,” your furniture, utensils, and other conveniences. The organization of your leisure time also falls on you.


Camping

Camping residents do not need to think about how they will spend their time. In most cases, programs are prearranged; if not, there are always excursions, hikes, and real entertainment options.
Camping sites will always have a restaurant, usually featuring local cuisine, but the chef will cater to each client’s tastes like a good hotel. Even in the most remote campsites, you won’t be served porridge and stew; the food is as beautiful, colorful, and delicious as anything else.


Glamping

Glamping’s guests always sleep in comfortable beds, even if the beds are in the style of Buddhist monks’ beds. He has a clean shower, a toilet where he can leisurely contemplate eternity, and hot water.
And, of course aesthetics. Glamping is designed with every detail by a designer. So glamorous, so glamorous


How Is Glamping Different From A Hotel, Cabin, Or Bungalow?

Good glamping has many attributes of a hotel: reception, comfortable bedding, comfortable bathrooms, showers, restaurant, daily housekeeping. But unlike ordinary hotels, glamping always has amazing views from any window, the setting is well thought out and kept close to natural life, and the civilized conditions of glamping are so organically integrated into the surrounding landscape that they become quite imperceptible.

Of course, you can’t expect well-groomed five-star hotel staff, couture towels, expensive designer shampoos, and access to what you want at all times. For example, washing and ironing all your clothes in one night when the nearest civilized area is over 100 kilometers away.

However, glamping offers a level of service that does not inconvenience the average city dweller, and life there is often more comfortable than in tourist tent camps.
In theory, you can do a higher level of service, a “component,” so to speak. But then the price would be very high and only available to a very narrow circle of wealthy people. And glamping is designed for the middle class of big-city dwellers.


What Types Of Glamping Are There?

The most important requirement for a glamping holiday to be called glamping and not just a normal glamping place is, as you have realized, the facilities. For your camp accommodation to be glamping, it has to have electricity, showers, toilets, 24-hour service, and other amenities you would expect from a quality hotel rather than a glamping holiday.

Then again, the imagination of boutique camp creators isn’t limited to anything: room capsules in the mountains, tents, glass yurts for observing the Northern Lights, cabins for rangers and loggers, mirror houses in the trees, rooms, bubbles in the middle of the forest, and plenty of “rich” options away from nature.

All sorts. There are even urban or suburban camping sites for team-building events, exhibitions, forums, and workshops. You’ll set up a beautiful tent in a park, invite a chef from a good restaurant for a while, and participants will mingle not only in a commercial setting during the day but also in a public area at night, to beautiful music and good food.

There are seasonal camping sites built with temporary structures as spring arrives in the northern latitudes (or the dry season near the equator).
There are year-round camping sites. Of course, in hot countries, on islands, these are the easiest to organize. However, in Finland and North America, for example, there are also camping sites that operate all year round: in summer, guests fish and raft on rivers and lakes, while in winter, they go skiing, dog-sledding and snowmobiling. The lodges have heated blankets, eco-friendly heaters, and cozy stoves.

Design choices are more plentiful here; the imagination of builders is on the rise. In practice around the world, glamping is divided into many kinds.

  1. Modern eco-house. Glass-walled, spherical, or cubic structures – futuristic villages in luxury landscapes.
  2. Trailers and mobile caravans. Mainly in the United States, where it is a romance, a dream – your own house on wheels. Stylized trailers are placed in picturesque places, ordinary touring porches (taverns) are equipped, and the romance of conquering the West is evident.
  3. Eco-farm. This is more of a European theme. It is known that small Europe is more concerned with the theme of ecological life, and resting on a farm in a stylized house is very popular. Often, it is not just glamping, but a complete complex: here they herd sheep, make cheese, make wine, all you can see with your own eyes, taste, and even participate in the cooking. The ultimate in integration with the idyllic village!
  4. Eco-capsule. Those same ‘Hobbit houses.’ The shape may be different, but the essence is the same – a fixed tent made of breathable wood in a wilderness setting, a complete imitation of fantasy life.
  5. Forest Log Cabin. Traditional accommodation that blends in as much as possible with the natural landscape. No ostentatious details, just nature.
  6. Treehouse. Children of all countries happily build their dwellings in the trees. The genes of their distant ancestors are making themselves felt. And here is a ready-made treehouse with all the comforts. Fruit for breakfast and fish soup for dinner. And, of course, the children’s delight at living in a tree!
  7. Awning camping is very popular in hot areas. Of course, they are not just tents – but very cool, designed tents!”.
  8. Yurts, cabins, tents, chalets, igloos – glamping with an ethnic flavor. Tapping into the nomadic culture without losing comfort. Yes, a shower cabinet is unlikely to be in a yurt or tent, where it would look out of place, but an authentic sauna would be nearby, heated daily.

Where Do You Find All These Glamping Locations?

Well, In Theory, Everything Is Clear. So, Where Do You Find All These Glamping Locations?
The greatest resource for bringing together a bunch of glamping accommodations is to google and search the results. You can find the perfect glamping tent on any continent. There is a wide variety like treehouses, yurts, bungalows, etc. Unfortunately, the prices are pretty high. For example, a humble yurt near Granada, Spain, starts at $45 per day. Particularly popular on the site are spots for glamping on the beach and in national parks.


Is Glamping An Active Or Passive Tour?

Whatever you like. Sure, it’s silly to come to the mountains and lay in a yurt for a week. Any glamping site has a cool list of activities to keep your guests entertained. But if you want peace, romance, and solitude, then glamping is also possible.
There are more or less accessible campgrounds by the road where you can come and spend a weekend and sit by the cabins and enjoy the beauty and quiet. Glamping in Equatoria, of course, means wild beaches and swimming, and then activities. On the other hand, glamping in the northern countries is usually designed for active vacation plans. Then again, if guests come as a family, one eager for action and the other for relaxation – you’re welcome.


What Shouldn’t You Expect From Glamping?

First of all, don’t expect the kind of fun camping and new friendships you’ll find at a youth hostel or festival. Glamping is for people who like peace and comfort. It’s not meant to be invasive, and it’s okay to have a little contact with other people.

Secondly, you shouldn’t expect glamping vacation plans to be cheaper than hotel vacations. No, it is often more expensive: there is no communication in nature, glamping organizers will have to build everything, you won’t even notice showers in the city, organizing showers on wild rocks is almost impossible! It is not possible. But it has been done. The delivery of food is often only possible by off-road vehicle or helicopter. And so on.


What Is The Future Of This Glamping Travel Field?

There is certainly a future. Renting large glamping, a great idea for corporate retreats, communicating away from civilization, hiking, and rafting together, and bringing the team together is much better than team building in the nearest conference room.
Plus, it’s an excellent family and friendly break after the exhausting pace of the big city. Active lifestyles are becoming fashionable. But can’t you, all of a sudden, pack up your backpack and go somewhere and throw away all the usual comforts, all the hard-earned, achieved standard of living? In this regard, glamping is the perfect adaptation of active tourism for city dwellers. Such a vacation offers a rich aesthetic experience in the wilderness, the kind of photography that the average tourist in a boarding hotel could never dream of. A small feat in a beautiful setting, and why not?

Well, it has a silver lining; the number of boutique glamping locations around the world is growing by leaps and bounds, and there are articles and books for business people on how to set up a glamping business. If you do a thorough google search, you will find many small private camps offering their services. Many aspiring entrepreneurs struggle to give up the luxury of a yurt near their cottage. All in all, it is a good idea for those who dream of doing business in the travel industry.


Frequently Asked Questions About Glamping Vs. Camping

Frequently Asked Questions About Glamping Vs. Camping
Frequently Asked Questions About Glamping Vs. Camping

Where can I go to Glamping in the USA?

From the Rocky Mountains of Colorado to the warm beaches of Florida, there are Glamping opportunities all over the United States and even Canada. Through some of the platforms that offer Glamping services, such as KOA, you can experience the most beautiful landscapes, historic sites, and tranquil settings in almost every state in the United States, all from one luxurious accommodation option. Check out our campground directory for a list of campgrounds in each state.


What is the best time of year to go Glamping?

Glamping allows you to bring all the creature comforts you want on your outdoor adventure. Therefore, any time is a good time to go Glamping. No matter the season, there are interests of your own that you can enjoy. Imagine wrapping yourself in a fleece-lined blanket as you snuggle up next to a fire pit on a snowy winter day. Or, even if the thermometer climbs higher on a summer day, you can sip a cool drink and strut around the pool.


What are the benefits of Glamping vs. Camping?

If you’re deciding between a Glamping trip and a more traditional Camping adventure, each has its unique benefits and qualities. It just depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want a more traditional experience in the great outdoors? Camping might be for you. Or, is the lack of running water, electricity, or mattresses too much for you to bear? Glamping may be the answer. Decide ahead of time what you want your trip to be like and the type of experience that best suits you and your family’s needs.


Is Glamping a better option for small children?

You know your kids better than anyone else. Because Glamping typically offers more amenities than traditional Camping trips, it may be the best answer to your family’s needs. For example, the luxury cabins on Glamping trips offer you a private bathroom. This means no scrambling to go toilet when your kids need it in the middle night. They also provide a lot more privacy. On the other hand, if your kids are excited about the idea of “roughing it,” then a more traditional Camping experience may be a better fit. Even in Glamping’s more traditional tent camps, you still have access to amenities like clean bathrooms and hot showers.


Is “Glamping” an accurate word?

Over 10 years ago, “Glamping” was a fabricated concept that combined glamorous and Camping to describe a high-level Camping experience. However, as travelers embraced Camping fever, the concept spread like wildfire across the globe. So much so that in 2018, the Merriam-Webster dictionary added the word to their official list of words. So, yes – “Glamping” is now a real word!


How do you turn Camping into Glamping?

To turn a Camping Trip into a Glamping experience, all you need are some great accommodations, those luxuries and essentials you can’t live without, and a little creativity. The main difference between a more traditional Camping experience and a Glamping trip are those extra amenities that make your stay more comfortable and the special things you bring that you know will take your trip to the next level.

Glamping is all about making your Camping experience comfortable and luxurious. Electricity, plush blankets, running water, mood lighting, delicious meals all of these creature comforts, and more make Glamping the ideal vacation for many people.

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