What is glamping? The familiar coziness inside and the wild reality outside

What is glamping?

The word “glamping” first appeared in the UK in the early noughties. It was formed as a result of the merger of two English words glamour and camping – which means glamorous camping.

Glamping refers to ecotourism and includes organized and comfortable recreation in the wilderness with elements of “luxury” hotel: a double bed, furniture, kitchen utensils, shower and toilet.

Glampings provide an opportunity to wake up in a cozy warmth on a bed with snow-white linen to the singing of birds, enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Their owners try to create the most comfortable conditions for guests.

Such a vacation is intended for those who do not mind to live in solitude with nature, but do not want to go camping and can afford a top-class vacation away from the high rhythm of the big city.

Olga Maikopova

expert in glamping organization and development

Many people will be interested in spending a weekend surrounded by forest, even if the glamping site has no communication and internet. Innovators, people interested in self-development, people who are easy to communicate and easy-going are drawn to such places. So if you try to “leave” your inner introvert in the tent and get to know someone in the general tent of the camp – there is a high probability to stay there until late at night talking with new friends.

What types of glamping are there?

Each glamping tent is unique in its design and pitch.

• Bell tent is a tent that is made of natural cotton. The main supporting element of the tent is the center pole. Since the material is breathable, it is not hot in the warm season. If necessary, the bottom of the tent can be unzipped to allow even more fresh air flow.

• Asafari tent is a large tent that consists of a tall wooden frame and a stretched tent. The advantage of this design is that it can be set up on any landscape.

• A-Frame – wooden cabins in the shape of the letter A or triangle. More stationary, they are installed on a catwalk. A great option for those who are not ready to live in a tent.

• Yurts, tepees, igloos, igloos, tipis are common dwellings of nomadic peoples. They have a unique, but at the same time simple design: the frame consists of bent laths and planks, on top of which a mat is stretched. Such a dwelling reliably protects from the conditions of bad weather.

• Domes – the advantage of this design is that it can be easily installed on any landscape. It also has panoramic windows. It is not uncommon for these domes to be equipped with a fire bath, which is environmentally friendly and preserves nature.
• Motorhomes, vintage campers, Airstreams, gypsy caravans and caravans – these structures are good because they can be moved and set up wherever you want. They have everything you need for a comfortable stay: soft and comfortable bedding, closets, kitchen utensils and many other things that provide coziness. There is a lot of space in these designs, which allows you to rest in them with your family or a large group of friends.

What to do on a glamping vacation?

Everything that implies rest for body and soul. The main thing – try to keep quiet, especially after 22:00, so that your vacation does not disturb others.

Olga Maykopova

expert in the organization and development of glamping sites

Glamping sites offer a lot of entertainment and activities. In summer, water activities are available – kayaking, sap-boarding, fishing, swimming in a river or lake, boating. You can also take quad and jeep tours, go on barbecues, do meditation, devote time to cycling, badminton, go trekking. In the evening, have songs around the campfire, try out the sauna.

In winter, you can go skiing in the snowy forest, take a ride on a snowmobile. And you can also go back to your childhood: build a fortress and have a snowball fight.

Olga Maykopova

expert in glamping and development of glamping sites

Not to leave a trace, not to harm the land, plants, inhabitants – this is the environmental friendliness of glamping. But you will be provided with insect repellent for sure.

Weather conditions can also be a small disadvantage. During a heavy downpour you will be limited to the space of your “room” or a common tent. But even in the rain you can find something to do to your liking – read a book, listen to music, play board games with friends. Or arrange a complete relaxation, opting in favor of sleep under the sound of rain.

There are times when remote glamping sites are not connected. Such destinations include: Kamchatka, Altai, the north of Russia. But it can not be called a disadvantage, because many people go there for this reason.

Before choosing a glamping, carefully read reviews, check the living conditions, weigh all the pros and cons to ensure yourself the most comfortable rest outside civilization.