Glamping: the luxurious alternative to camping

Do you love being in nature but are you not willing to give up comfort? Luckily, a solution has come up in recent years. This popular holiday choice is called 'glamping' and, as its name might state, it’s a glamorous alternative to camping.

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Glamping is the ideal solution for nature lovers who do not want to give up the comforts of a 4- or 5-star hotel. In fact, there are several glamping accommodations equipped with the comfort of an excellent hotel.

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The word 'glamping' first appeared in the United Kingdom in 2005 and was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2016. The word is new, but the concept of luxurious camping is not.

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Although it only became popular and accessible to a larger public in recent years, glamping has long been an exclusive experience for the rich and wealthy.

Glamping takes its cue from the habits of ancient kings or queens, who during their travels did not want to give up the comforts of their palaces and brought everything along that they needed to continue living their luxurious lives.

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The first real glamping experience, however, is associated with travels made by western explorers and tourists to Africa in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

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They usually belonged to a higher class in society who were used to all kinds of comforts. During their safaris in Africa, they did not want to give up on those luxuries.

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In each tent one could find a king-size bed and Persian rugs, as well as devoted staff always ready to fulfill the wishes of these particular travelers.

This early, peculiar way of 'sleeping in the wild' is the one that probably comes closest to the new trend that has gradually established itself as 'glamping' in recent years.

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What makes this experience even more special is the original architecture and locations of the accommodations. In addition to having different shapes, the 'tents' are usually made out of natural materials such as wood or bamboo. Concrete or bricks are likely to be avoided to ensure an 'all-natural' experience.

Glamping is considered an eco-sustainable alternative to traditional hotel accommodation, as it is often oriented towards renewable energy. Many accommodations have solar panels, for instance, in order to lower their environmental impact.

Another advantage of this new way of camping is its adaptability. It’s an experience that suits every type of place, from the beach to the woods, to the deserts to the mountains, so as to really satisfy every taste.

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Like any other traditional campsite, glamping enables you to do various outdoor activities such as trekking, rafting or climbing. It depends on the destination.

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Let's see some examples of a typical accommodation that you could find in case you decide to go glamping on your next holiday.

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One of the most luxurious options is undoubtedly the eco-lodge. It's a real house but technically defined as a glamping tent with a wooden floor. A lodge is nearly always equipped with one or more bedrooms, a kitchen, and a small veranda where you can spend the evening with family or friends.

Another typical glamping accommodation is the yurt, a mobile home used in ancient times by nomadic people for their travels. Today, the yurt is set in a glamorous context for the art of glamping.

The more romantic vacationers can opt for bucolic tree houses. These are real houses, made of wood, between the branches of a tree. They are built around the trunk or to the side, and with varying heights. But don't worry you'll have to climb down at night to go to the bathroom! These original accommodations are equipped with every comfort.

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Popular and suitable for this type of experience is the tipi, also known as a teepee or tepee: a tent with a conical structure used by Native Americans. Nowadays it is one of the most popular glamping options in North America.

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Another accommodation that will make you want to book your holidays immediately, is the geodesic dome. It can be defined as a more modern and captivating version of an igloo.

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An aspect of glamping that should not be underestimated is that, compared to traditional camping, you will not have to worry about putting up or taking down your tents. The accommodation will be ready to welcome you with all possible comforts.

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Now that you've gotten a glimpse of glamping, are you ready to book your holidays in a luxurious yet natural environment?

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