You’ve decided to embark on your very first glamping trip—you must be so excited! I remember my first glamping trip, with mountains as far as the eye can see and pine forests denser than my overstuffed suitcase. Before you go, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
It can be challenging to plan for your first glamping trip. You may be wondering if the accommodation will lean more towards camping minus the glamour. The last thing anyone wants is to be upstream without a paddle. Then again, you also don’t want to be downstream with a canoe brimming with camping equipment you won’t need. Maybe it’s best to save the emergency flares for the 4th of July.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the do’s and don’ts for your first glamping trip in order to give you a good idea what to bring and what to leave at home. To ensure the best glamping experience possible, take the time to research the specific accommodation and the amenities provided to get a good idea of what to expect and how to pack accordingly.
Tips
Do your research
Before leaving for your trip, make sure you learn a bit about the area you’ll be traveling to. Find out what sort of activities are at your disposal. Whether it be horseback riding, river rafting, or mountain biking, you won’t want to miss out on any once-in-a-lifetime experiences. If you find out about any nearby waterfalls, you’ll also want to have a swimsuit, and if there are any breathtaking views nearby, find out the best hiking trail to get there.
Dress accordingly
Depending on where you want to go glamping, there are many things to consider when packing. If you’re going someplace warm like a desert or jungle, you’ll want something to keep cool in, like shorts and t-shirts. Having a light jacket is also smart, because it may get cold at night.
The types of activities you plan may affect the type of wardrobe you need, too. On hiking-intensive trips, bring a pair of comfortable shoes or hiking boots. Most of the time, you’ll be able to get away with just sneakers, but if you plan on trekking Lewis and Clark-style, hiking boots are the way to go. Don’t forget to check the forecasted weather as close to your departure as possible, too!
Journal and take plenty of pics
We promise you that you’ll never want to forget this trip. Make sure you make it as easy as possible for yourself to remember the beautiful time you spent with your friends and family. Take plenty of photos of your travel companions and the views, soon to be destined for your screensaver or wall. For more detailed accounts of your glamping experience, bring a journal and spend a half hour a day describing what you did. Down the road, you’ll be so glad you did that. Journaling will also keep you in the moment and allow you to fully enjoy your time in nature.
Tricks
Solar charger
If you are on a long day hike and are using maps on your phone to navigate, you definitely will need to keep a long charge. A very nifty tool to ensure you have enough charge to get you back home would be a solar charger. Simply attach it to your day bag and let it soak up the rays. Plug in your phone when your battery is running low and recharge!
Get to know your host
The best resource at your disposal for any questions you have regarding activities or the surrounding area is always going to be your host. The host lives there, so who better to ask than them? Even if your host isn’t a seasoned tour guide, chances are they will definitely make great conversation.
Leave work at the office
Make sure you’re entirely present and in the moment for your first time glamping. What’s the point of a vacation if you’ve got work to do? Nobody needs emails looming overhead and casting a shadow on their relaxation. You’ve earned the break, so leave the laptop behind, disconnect from the stress, and reconnect with nature.
How-Tos:
Choose your perfect destination
To find the perfect destination to go glamping, think long and hard about what type of vacation you want. A staycation closer to home? Some place as far from home as possible? Somewhere warm? Cold? Beach? Mountains? There are so many places to go glamping, but so little time! After answering these questions, use the smart map-search tool on glampinghub.com to find an accommodation that perfectly meets your needs. The only thing left to do after that is to mark your calendar.
Pick your glamping companion(s)
Finding the perfect person to glamp with is no easy task. A trip with a group of friends is always great, but sometimes it’s nice to spend time with that special somebody. Few accommodations can compete with how romantic a tipi for two is. That could be just what you need to reconnect with a loved one and rekindle your relationship. If you’re looking for a fun trip with friends instead, make sure you find a place with ample space for all of you to stay comfortably.
What to Expect:
Connection to nature
When glamping, it’s a guarantee that you will connect with nature. Whether that be due to the remoteness of the accommodation or the fact that your stay has a minimal carbon footprint, you will feel closer to Mother Earth. Memories of childhood summers getting lost in the forest will come rushing back the second you smell that campfire. Nothing is quite as calming as looking into the night sky as the campfire crackles and warms your legs. You’ll return home with an inner peace unlike anything you’ve ever felt before.
Lasting memories
Without the distractions of everyday life, you will have nothing but opportunities to build beautiful memories with the people you love most. Frequently, we lose sight of what’s most important in life because of all the clutter competing for our time and attention, which can be very overwhelming. When you feel like this, that’s all the proof you need to take a step back and focus on the now. When you add river rafting into the mix, your mind will be entertained by that memory for years to come.
Comfort
One thing you can be sure of is that glamping means you are in for a relaxing retreat. Not only will you be surrounded by the most beautiful scenery, but every need will be properly taken care of. A cool, soft bed with the fluffiest of pillows, a shower with the perfect water pressure, and gourmet food ripe for the cooking are all possible amenities for your enjoyment. You may be even more comfortable than in your own home!
What NOT to expect
Camp preparation
Say goodbye to the days of having to pitch your own tent. Fumbling tent poles and pounding stakes wouldn’t be the most glamorous thing now, would it? With glamping, there is no need to find your own campsite. When you book through glampinghub.com, everything will be all set and awaiting your arrival. Not only will everything be ready for you, but the accommodation will also likely be in a place you never would’ve imagined staying before. Ever slept in a tipi? How about a yurt? A lighthouse? No matter what type of accommodation you book, it will be easy, unique, and comfortable.
Perfect cell reception
Venturing off into the wilderness to connect with nature has certain implications. When going to such a remote area, you sometimes have to sacrifice perfect cell reception. It’s more than likely you will have a bar or two, but it’s not always a guarantee. Not to worry though, you can still use Wi-Fi to contact those back in the modern world. If cell reception is an absolute essential, call you cell provider to make sure the glamping site’s location is within your coverage area.
