The term “glamping” was introduced to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2016. The term is a portmanteau created by combining two words: glamourous and camping. The vacation fad grew from a hilarious mashup to a full-fledged enterprise.
There are glamping magazines, blogs, and membership organizations. There’s even a summit dedicated to glamping. The Glamping Show Summit is a trade show where industry leaders, suppliers, and operators gather.
So, what exactly is this industry, and how has it evolved? Here’s what you need to know about glamping and if it’s the right vacation experience for you.
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What is glamping?
Glamping is a luxury camping experience in which campers spend time in semi-indoor locations as opposed to the normal tent or sleeping bag. Glamping often provides indoor facilities that traditional camping does not: mattresses, power, and indoor plumbing.
Glamping has many different looks, including airstreams, barns, cabins, huts, cottages and treehouses. Glamping.com has everything from yurts and shepherd huts to luxurious camping villas.
What does it mean to go glamping?
Do you want to know how glamping works? The glamping experience is determined by the location, pricing range, and tastes. Glamping.com advertises outdoor activities like ATV excursions, hiking, canoeing, fishing, horseback riding and even dog sledding. Try a premade travel guide to plan out your glamping trip, or make it your own by hand selecting your favorite activities.
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The history of glamping
The term “glamping” was originally used in the United Kingdom in the early twenty-first century, according to The Glamping Association. As a result of the worldwide financial crisis, young families resorted to glamping in pursuit of a luxurious vacation experience at a fraction of the cost. When the United Kingdom’s driving license prohibited pulling caravans in 1997, travel businesses devised a low-cost luxury holiday for families who would otherwise go caravanning.
Despite the term “glamping” did not appear until the 2000s, the notion extends back to the 16th century. In 1520, a summit known as “the Field of the Cloth of Gold” brought together King Henry VIII of England and King Francis I of France, who were rivals looking to wave the white flag. As a consequence, an 18-day celebration was held, complete with opulent events, festivals, tournaments, and eating in tents put up for royal courts. According to Historic U.K., the tents were built to seem like “portable palaces,” complete with fountains, stained glass, and magnificent gold and diamonds. Glamping is a real thing.
Another example may be seen in Scotland, where the Duke of Atholl constructs a lavish hunting lodge for King James V and his mother when they visit.
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Related Questions
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What is better camping or glamping?
While camping is more traditional and cost-effective, glamping offers a unique experience with luxurious amenities that can make your vacation even more special. Whether you want to go on an adventure or just rest in nature, both alternatives have something to offer.
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What does glamping mean in camping?
Glamping glam-pi: outdoor camping with conveniences and luxuries not often associated with camping (such as mattresses, power, and access to indoor plumbing).
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Is RV camping considered glamping?
In general, RV camping is sleeping in a motorhome, travel trailer, pop-up, or truck camper at a campground, while glamping entails sleeping in an elevated tent in a campground or, in some cases, a glamping-only site.
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Do glamping tents have toilets?
Some may have nothing at all! In any case, you’re likely to find yourself trudging across the dark site in the middle of the night to use the restroom. On the other hand, many glamping properties have real bathrooms with hot running water and flushing toilets, so there’s no need to worry.