For those new to the term, glamping is a combination of two words: glamour and camping. It offers campers an elevated experience, where they can still enjoy the serenity of being outdoors, but with the added luxury that comes from a few carefully chosen home comforts.
Rather than sleeping in a leaky nylon tent in sleeping bags on air mattresses that deflate throughout the night, glampers enjoy cosy tent-like surroundings complete with a comfy bed, luxury bedding, and proper lighting.
If you’re new to the concept, you might be wondering what to expect. To help you make the most of your experience, we’ve put together this guide to the ultimate glamping experience.
Types of glamping
There’s no one way to glamp. In fact, whatever your personal style and taste, there’s a glamping accommodation to suit:
- Yurts: A traditional yurt is similar to the tents that have been used throughout the ages by nomads in central Asia. They’re often round, and usually made from canvas or felt or some other type of fabric.
- Tents: The best way to describe a glamping tent is as a luxury home made from canvas walls.
- Treehouses: Typically made from wood, treehouses allow guests to sleep among the treetops and convene with Mother Nature.
- Tipis: These types of tents echo those used by Native Americans. The shape helps the interior to stay cool during the summer, and warm in the winter.
- Railway carriage: A converted railway carriage offers visitors the unique experience to stay in a beautifully repurposed wagon.
- Airstream: An iconic American trailer, Airstreams are a luxury choice for those looking to enjoy a lavish glamping experience.
- Huts: Usually wooden, hideaway huts are cabins fitted with a range of amenities including an ensuite bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities, and a king-sized bed.
- Camper van: Hiring a camper van allows you to take your glamping experience on the road.
- Safari suite: These large tents have been inspired by the tents used on safari, and are decked out with lots of creature comforts.
What are the benefits of glamping?
Aside from being a fun and novel activity, camping or glamping offers adventurous holidaymakers plenty of benefits. Glamping at festivals allows for a higher degree of comfort which usually results in a better nights sleep equalling a better festival experience.
Enjoy the fresh air: Unlike staying in a stuffy hotel room or clinical apartment, glamping allows you to benefit from the immune system boosting and mood enhancing benefits of fresh air.
Soak up your natural surroundings: Like camping, most glamping spots are situated in areas surrounded by natural beauty. From clifftops in Cornwall, to the picturesque landscapes of the Lake District, there are many locations across the UK where glamping can be enjoyed.
Good food: Most glamping spaces are equipped with cooking equipment, enabling visitors to whip up an enhanced version of typical camping grub. Festival Glamping means that you can enjoy the food offering provided with no need to argue about who’s turn it is to cook.
Something a bit different: Sure, staying in an all-inclusive resort is convenient, but is it all that exciting? A few nights spent in luxury tent or hideaway hut allows you to experience a fun, alternative way to stay somewhere new.
Sustainable and eco-friendly: Every year, thousands of tents are abandoned at festivals. The types of accommodation used for glamping – including the canvas tents – are high-quality and reusable, meaning they aren’t destined to have a short-lifecycle that ends with a trip to the landfill.
What to bring on a glamping trip?
Before heading off on a glamping trip, you’ll want to know you’ve packed all the essentials. Here are a few things we recommend you bring with you:
- Clothing: Make sure to pack appropriately for the season and include an extra blanket for when the temperature drops during the evening. If you’re planning on doing some outdoor activities, such as walking, don’t forget to bring your hiking boots and thick socks.
- Entertainment: If you’re glamping, ditch the TV and try entertainment you wouldn’t usually get the chance to enjoy at home. Books, board games, and cards are all worth considering.
- Toiletries: Asides from the basics – toothpaste, shampoo, body wash, and deodorant – you might also want to bring along some sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Reusable wet wipes are also handy.
- Additional items: If your accommodation doesn’t include an ensuite toilet, pack a head torch so that you can navigate your way to the facilities during the night. You may also want to bring a pair of slippers to be worn inside.
For more festival tips, read our recent article here.
Is glamping more expensive than camping?
While the costs of camping can add up, glamping does tend to be a little more expensive. Although you may expect to pay that little bit more, you will be rewarded with increased luxury and an unforgettable experience. From real beds with comfortable bed linen to electricity and log burners, the amenities that often accompany glamping make the price tag more than worth it.
