There will always be an innate human desire to get outdoors, to enjoy the profound restorative effects of nature and to seek adventure in braving the unfamiliar, the uncertain and the nonroutine. However, there will also invariably be a friend or family member who isn’t willing to forgo their creature comforts no matter how big of an adventure you promise. So what is glamping and how can it help?

Glamping? What’s wrong with camping?

When it comes to camping, does anyone else have a prevailing memory of being wet, a lot?

There is a powerful magnetic draw that camping has on many people, myself included. It evokes a deep and primal sense of freedom and connection with the world around us. It ignites the kindling of our imagination with adventure and possibility. It allows us to throw off the shackles of routine, everyday life and create special, shared memories that we may carry throughout our lives. Camping calls to us so strongly that, if you are anything like me, we keep on trying to make the most of it no matter how wet, or uncomfortable we get. Unfortunate enough for the heavens to open as you struggle to pitch your tent? You may well spend your nights slowly sliding down that slight incline, the one you didn’t notice in your rush to pick a spot away from the communal toilets, into the cold puddle at the far end of your ‘shelter’. Living in sunny England, I suspect that didn’t only happen to me?

So, what is Glamping?

Glamorous + camping = glamping. The term glamping has become popular, although perhaps ‘luxury camping for the comfort conscious’ is a little more descriptive in trying to understand what it is. Maybe a bit long winded though.

Of course, there has been ‘glamping’ in a yurt, mongolian style, for at least 3 thousand years. In its modern form however, with the growing cornucopia of options on offer, glamping has only just started to get going. According to google trends, the term started to become a regular search topic in 2007. Now there are thousands of options to choose from in the UK alone. Obviously, glamping in Norfolk, the driest and most beautiful County in England, is the best choice. But perhaps I'm biased?

A glamping definition from Cool Camping:

“To be considered glamping, it should have a genuine connection to the outdoors, and give guests the chance not only to enjoy comforts but also to run wild, climb trees, splash in rivers, star-gaze and have the sort of experiences that we associate with camping.”

Glamping: The best bits of camping….but better

All the best bits of camping

A sense of freedom and adventure
Step outside directly into natural surroundings
A chance to see, hear and be a part of nature
Departure from everyday life
A focus on the simple things like spending time with loved ones or staring into a roaring campfire (or is it a glampfire?)

...but better

Everything is ready and waiting when you turn up
You’ll be dry when you are inside - No puddles in your tent
Plenty of space to hang out inside on a rainy day
Its usually warm too - a woodburner is a common feature
Some form of inside lighting other than torchlight
A comfortable bed and bedding - No camp bed, punctured air mattress or lumpy floor
Proper cooking facilities, crockery and cutlery
A lot less to pack

Let’s go glamping!

Now that you know the meaning of glamping and you’re convinced of the benefits, it may be worth taking a few moments to consider your options before rushing off to book somewhere. There are an enormous range of glamping offerings, some more camping and others more glamorous. Some simply offer a pre-erected structure, like a bell tent, that you need to furnish yourself. Others pride themselves on creating a complete experience, where all you need to do is turn up with your toothbrush.

Because of this vast variety on offer within the glamping world, it can be really helpful to know what important features to consider when making your choice. You want to know you’re getting the best you can in your precious holiday time. See our article How to choose the perfect glampsite for some useful advice to help you narrow down your glamping holiday choice.

Are you a camper or a glamper? We’d love to hear about your interesting camping experiences? What defines glamping for you?

Comment below and if you enjoyed this post, please share it with a friend who deserves a glamping holiday.