Glamping, or glamorous camping, is a growing trend that offers the same exposure to the outdoors as traditional camping but with more luxurious amenities. Tents are often brightly colored and equipped with electricity, air conditioning, and comfortable mattresses. Glamping trips also include excursions and full meals, catering to the comfort of guests. The idea was inspired by wealthy concert-goers who wanted to avoid the discomforts of traditional camping. Glamping has also led to a rise in designer camping gear and convenience items for outdoor travel.
The idea of crunching it on a camping trip might sound appealing were it not for the bugs, wildlife, sudden storms, leaky tents, smelly sleeping bags, and questionable food. For a number of people, their first camping experience often becomes their last, but now there’s one camping option that’s growing in popularity: glamor camping, otherwise known as glamping. Organized glamping trips offer as much exposure to the great outdoors as traditional camping trips, but the amenities found at the campsite far surpass anything most campers have ever experienced.
On a typical glamping trip, for example, the tents are often designed in bright designer colors and materials, not the olive drab canvas tents of yesteryear. These tents can be equipped for electrical power, which means that the occupants can operate electrical appliances, reading lamps and air conditioners. People can sleep on full size air mattresses or even regular spring mattresses provided by the outfitters.
Many of these trips involve the same types of excursions that traditional adventure groups provide, such as game drives, hiking and river rafting, but the focus is often on the comfort of the guests. Convenient transportation from the campground to the hike and back is usually provided, and guides are responsible for providing services such as full meals and laundered clothing upon the guest’s return to camp. However, some trips are more primitive than others, so guests may experience some discomfort while glamping.
The idea appears to have been inspired by the experiences of wealthy young entertainers and models at outdoor events such as open-air rock concerts. Many wealthy concert-goers have wondered if it was possible to avoid the trappings of a hot tent on a muddy field just to enjoy a show or the wonders of nature. Several adventure groups saw an opportunity to cater to the needs of disillusioned campers who wanted to experience the positives of camping without as many negatives.
Many companies specializing in camping equipment and supplies have created high-end or designer gear over the years, but few campers wanted to be seen carrying brightly colored tents or packages of gourmet foods. With the growing popularity of glamping, however, many would-be campers are purchasing designer camping gear and other amenities before setting off on their travels. Even those with more modest budgets are finding that it’s now acceptable to carry a few extra convenience items along when camping outdoors. While this may still be a niche market, it offers people a chance to experience all of nature, not just its bugs and bad weather.
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