Unplugged glamping guide for your next trip
Past 18 months have been tiring in more than a few ways. Staying home involuntarily for any given time feels like house arrest and since the virus in England has calmed down (retrospectively) we are getting back in the mood for some time off. Seeing as our home country is still in red-list and we are way too burnt out to wait for it's status to change, we decided to kick back and spend some quality time as a family in England. Our definition of a family includes our spoiled little King Charles Spaniel "Bambam" and so any plan we make must allow our pet to travel with us as well.
Our research as to where to go and what to do started with the usual websites Airbnb and Booking.Com and soon enough we got lost in tiny houses by the seaside, inns in the country and lodges in Scotland. One search lead to another and before we knew it we were captured by the new trend "glamping" and all that it offers. If you are on the prowl for a calm getaway and still feel like social distancing is a priority, let me make easy for you. Dive into the world of glamping with me and who knows, maybe we'll camp side by side sometime?
What is glamping?
In the simplest form, glamping refers to the elegant mesh of the words "glamourous" and "camping". As the name suggests, this experience seeks to stroke the luxurious and adventurous side of a traveller. With accomodation options of tree houses, pods, bell tents, yurts, tipis, shepherd's huts and even converted double decker buses, there is a glamping adventure for everyone.
Why should you prefer it?
Glamping is ideal for anyone who loves being in the nature with obvious attachments to their everyday luxuries. You can pick from many destinations (I'm sharing a list with you below) where you can enjoy a sunrise mountainview, sunset lake, pastoral farms and even snow as far as the eyes can see depending on the weather. You can turn off all your electronics, although I bet Instagram will want a post or two, and spend your day enjoying a good book, a magazine, the company of your family and friends, sip a cup of cocoa by the fire, walk your dog and at night enjoy the hot tub, have wine and just pamper yourself. If you are traveling alone, it is the perfect get away for a retreat where you can practice yoga, meditation and if you;re up for it even socialise with neighbouring tents.
Where to go?
Honestly, you'll be able to find a glamping camp or facility anywhere you go in the UK. My (not-so) unbiased top 3 list would include destinations where I would be in nature, watching the sunrise over the mountains or the morning hue over a mystical lake. I would have to start my list with Lake District, England. Taking a road trip to this destination is an adventure on its own but the sceneries and light games make it a whole other experience. My second favorite would be Scotland and not because of the incredibly dark yet uplifting vibe of the country but also to watch the northern lights from September to March in a glass pod. Tell me that is not the ultimate glamping destination? Lastly, if you feel like staying close to London but still want the ultimate glamping experience my third suggestion would be typing in Peak District, England in your navgitation app. Peak District checks a lot of boxes with its easy commute, incredible views, serenity and wildlife. For a wider and truly unbiased list check out the list by the Traveller.
Booking your glamping vacation
Well, there are the obvious booking app and site options; Airbnb anBooking.com both of which have good options but when it comes to glamping you need to widen your scope and check out a few other websites such as CoolCamping, GoGlamping, GlampingUK and many others an easy click away on Google. As for your budget, it is hard to assume what you are looking at as there are many types of accomodation you can choose from a wide range of options. If I were to give a ball park figure (gun to my head) then I would say you're looking to spend between 90 GBP and 200 GBP per night for two people depending on where you're going and in which type of tent you're hoping to stay in. Keep in mind that although most properties allow pets some don't and some want extra fees for dogs.
What to pack?
Depending on how long and when you're going away adjust the following list:
A few books that you bought a while ago but never had the chance to read,
Few good bottles of wine and whisky,
Mocha pot, and depending on the amenities available, enamel cups,
Coffee of course!
Marshmallows,
Yoga mat,
Fully charged camera and power banks (if you don't want to spend the vacation unplugged)
Bathing suits if the place has a hot tub or lake
Trekking shoes and boots
Make a roadtrip songs list on Stopify.
If this post doesn't get you online, looking for where to go for your next glamping getaway I don't know what will. Let me know where you end up and if you have any more suggestions jump in!
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