I fell in love with glamping before it was cool, and I’m going to share my best glamping tips with you to have the best first-time glamping experience.
Glamping appeals to so many different aspects that an outdoorsy diva would benefit from a crash course in Glamping 101.
WHAT IS GLAMPING?
Glamping is simply glamorous camping. It combines all of the fun aspects of camping with all of the modern conveniences and creature comforts that affluent people like me still desire while communing with nature.
It’s become a trendy word, particularly in the hipster millennial vernacular. Tents, yurts, cabins, treehouses, teepees, and even an airstream camper are available for glamping.
Who says you can’t be comfortable while spending time with Mother Nature? You certainly can!
WHAT GLAMPING IS NOT
Remember the failed Fyre Festival, which was organized by Ja Rule and Billy McFarland and promoted by Kendall Jenner and other Instagram influencers?
It was billed as a “once in a lifetime musical experience” in the Bahamas, complete with luxury glamping tents (flimsy geodomes), first-class culinary experiences (cheese and bread), and a lineup of chart-topping artists from all genres (also not true).
How dare they discredit my favorite glamping activity! Ja Rule, you’re a jerk. You should be ashamed of yourself.
So, with these essential glamping tips, let me explain what a true luxury glamping experience entails.
I can assure you that the Fyre Festival was not a train wreck.
8 ESSENTIAL GLAMPING TIPS FOR A LUXURY GLAMPING EXPERIENCE
- Accommodations with an actual structure and floors
It is not glamping if you are exposed to the elements. You’re going camping. True glamping includes a sturdy structure and, ideally, a floor, rather than just the bottom of a tent or dirt. We had wood floors in every glamping experience I’ve had, whether it was in a glamping tent, yurt, or cabin. A nice rug or faux fur rug is also a nice touch.
- Bedding
Luxury glamping means sleeping in style. That is critical. A cot will not suffice. An air mattress is acceptable, but a real bed is the ultimate luxury glamping amenity. Pillows for sleeping, decorative pillows, sheets, and blankets are all required.
- Climate Control
My favorite glamping experiences, such as the Texas Hill Country eco-cabins, have had air conditioning. However, some areas have such a pleasant climate that they can avoid using air conditioning as long as the structure allows for adequate ventilation. At the very least, fans are required.
If the destination experiences colder temperatures, it must have some kind of heater. Conestoga Ranch in Utah, for example, had a heater and faux fur electric blankets! It was warm and cozy at night.
- Ambiance
The atmosphere is everything when it comes to luxury glamping. String lights and lanterns are my favorite way to add a dreamy ethereal feel to a glamping tent. I also enjoy adding decorative touches to the space, such as cute pillows, tables, chairs, and other trinkets.
- Appliances
Not all luxury glamping properties are created equal in this regard. The glamping tents at Westgate River Ranch have full-size refrigerators and microwaves, as well as a gas grill right outside. That was pure heaven. I’ve stayed in other places that didn’t have that, but they did have on-site restaurants with amazing meals, so it was all good. You will, at the very least, require electricity.
- Wow Factor
There should be some type of included service or amenities available to enhance your experience. I’ve stayed in places where breakfast was delivered to the tent’s front porch. I’ve paid for a fire valet to come every night and light the fire pit.
Having bath robes and shower shoes available, as I did at the M&M Glampground at NASCAR, is another nice touch that adds to the wow factor.
I’ve also stayed in a yurt in a Georgia state park that wasn’t as fancy but had an outdoor deck overlooking a lake and included the use of a kayak.
- Bathroom
This is possibly the most important glamping amenity. Port-a-potties and glamping do not mix, and a bush will not suffice.
If you’re glamping, you’ll need a real toilet and running water. A full private bathroom and shower will be provided with luxury glamping. I prefer not to leave my structure to get there, but sometimes it is in a separate building, which is manageable.
- Security
Inside your luxury glamping structure, you should be able to secure your belongings. If you can’t lock it, there’s probably a safe somewhere. There should also be some kind of onsite security, such as a guard or a gate.
So there you have it, kids, the glamping tips to ensure a truly authentic glamping experience. To qualify, you must have all of these elements. For more glamping tips, visit Southernglamping.nz.
I consider myself a glamping expert, so I know what I’m talking about. It’s fine if you have your own ideas about what constitutes glamping. You can post them on your personal blog.
Just kidding, tell me everything in the comments if I missed anything.
