The chances of jetting off somewhere sunny are looking a little slim for most Brits this year. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean you can’t still have an excellent holiday at home! Whether you’re a keen camper or not, our transformational tips will show you how to turn a mundane camping trip into a luxury glamping holiday!
What is Glamping?
Quite obviously a play on the word camping ‘glamping’ refers to a more luxurious, comfortable and even extravagant version of traditional camping (although how extravagant you choose to be is up to you). Glamping combines all the wonderful parts of camping e.g. being close to nature, enjoying the outdoors, relaxation etc. however adds a little more comfort and indulgence than you may be used to on a typical camping trip. Some may say that this new-found style of camping takes all the fun and thrill away from traditional camping, but those who do fail to see that glamping is an activity in its own right. Glamping shouldn’t be compared to traditional camping, it offers its own unique benefits just as traditional camping does.
Tips for Turning Your Next Camping Trip into a Glamping Trip
Camp Closer to Home
When glamping, you’ll inevitably be packing quite a bit more than you’re used to on your usual trip. Glamping is a luxury activity and so it goes without saying that you’ll be bringing some less-than-necessary items along with you. To avoid trekking too far with your abundant cargo load, plan to stay somewhere closer to home where you can easily unload your car or
camping trailer. You may also want to rent a
roof box or invest in a
roof bar to accommodate for your excess luggage.
Comfortable Flooring
Regular, avid campers may welcome the cold, hard ground but glamping calls for more luxurious floor coverings. Start with a foam mat to cushion the floor and insulate against the cold of the ground. Interlocking foam mats are excellent for this (the kind you find for a children’s playroom or home gym). Once you’ve built your cushioned base, start layering with rugs and floor cushions to create a cosy and rustic feel. Don’t waste money on brand-new outdoor rugs, instead scour your local charity shops, second hand shops and discount stores to find pre-loved indoor rugs, the more worn the better (it will only add to the rustic feel). As long as the rugs can be cleaned there’s no reason to opt for brand-new over second hand.
Night Stands
One thing that is sure to make camping feel more like glamping is to add furniture to the inside of your tent. Whether you choose to sleep in your usual sleeping bag or opt for a more luxurious camping bed, a nightstand is sure to make you feel fancy! You can either buy a camping nightstand or choose to create one yourself from things you already own. For example, vintage suitcases or books stacked on top of one another make a great makeshift nightstand with a rustic feel. All you need to do is add atop a camping lantern and a vase of flowers and you have an instantly more luxurious tent.
Décor
Practicality may be number one on the priority list when it comes to regular camping, but glamping is all about extravagance. You don’t need to go OTT with the décor but a few personal touches here and there will make all the difference. A few potted plants, a hanging decoration or two, some scatter cushions; add whatever you feel will make your tent feel that little bit cosier and equally won’t take up to much packing space.<
Upgrade Your Sleeping Area
Your sleeping gear is perhaps one of the most important considerations when planning a camping trip but when it comes to glamping it’s perhaps even more so; A good night’s rest is a glamping essential! Try swapping the sleeping bag for an air bed or camping bed and add a thick, cosy duvet. If you’re camping with an electric hook-up try a heated duvet for even more luxury. Forget the camping pillow too and upgrade to a more extravagant feather or memory foam variety.
Bring Your Cocktail Shaker
Whether you’re a cocktail drinker or a mocktail drinker, one way to bring your camping trip to glamping status is to get mixing! Bring a cocktail shaker, a few nice spirits (or soft drinks) and some good quality outdoor drinking glasses. Don’t forget the garnish!
Upgrade your Dining Area
Cooking around the camping stove with family and friends is one of the most enjoyable parts of camping. However, when it comes to glamping, a plastic plated piled high with tinned spaghetti, balanced on your knee simply won’t cut it. Pack a fold out camping table and cover it with a nice table cloth. Add a centrepiece and set the table with real silverware. Use napkins and napkin rings and fill a pitcher with some freshly squeezed juice, or a decanter with wine. Cook some
real food, sit back and enjoy your meal!