Over the past fifteen years, glamping has transitioned from a trendy niche in the UK to a beloved lodging favorite globally. Travelers’ interest in unique accommodations such as bell tents, Airstreams, eco-pods, yurts, tiny homes, and treehouses is fueled by a desire for adventurous and sustainable experiences. This enthusiasm extends beyond activities and dining, encompassing the very places where they rest at the end of the day.
From music festivals to eco-retreats, nature preserves to NASCAR rallies, and from safari camps to urban caravan parks and historic ranches, the travel industry has fully embraced the glamping trend. Consequently, the popularity of glamping is here to stay, reflecting a significant shift in travelers’ preferences.
Increased Bookings at Glamping Sites
Although the COVID-19 pandemic initially halted the travel industry, including camping and glamping, these types of lodging experienced some of the earliest rebounds as travelers sought ways to social distance while enjoying a change of scenery.
Even in early March, when reopening was still on the horizon, The Guardian reported glamping sites in the UK, such as Canopy and Stars and Host Unusual, witnessing significant booking surges ranging from 33% to 45% compared to the previous year. Although these figures were affected by England’s delayed campsite reopenings, they suggest a robust demand for outdoor experiences as glampers return to nature.
In the United States, early data reflects a similar trend. Alyssa Ravasio, the founder and CEO of HipCamp, a platform resembling Airbnb for private landowners accommodating campers, noted that many major glamping hubs in California, Oregon, and Colorado remained under stay-at-home orders. However, states with earlier openings, particularly in the southeast, already see eager glampers booking their spots.
Is Glamping for Me?
Many reasons contribute to glamping being the top choice for travelers experiencing cabin fever. Firstly, glamping does not necessitate expensive outdoor gear or any profound technical skills for setting up camp, filtering water, or starting a fire. Even those lacking wilderness skills can benefit from the health advantages of activities like forest bathing or simply sleeping under the stars.
Moreover, glamping makes the outdoors accessible to individuals who may otherwise face challenges in enjoying nature. Platforms like Glampinghub allow users to find wheelchair-accessible lodging, enabling disabled campers to enjoy the wellness benefits of the great outdoors. Numerous state parks offer yurts and cabins catering to those relying on mobility aids. Earlier this year, Oregon also introduced special programming to provide free visits to certain groups, including disabled individuals and queer campers.
Historically, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) face decreased access to outdoor spaces and often feel discouraged from outdoor recreation. Similarly, queer and trans communities, already facing higher rates of violence, may feel particularly vulnerable in remote areas.
The 2018 Outdoor Participation Report by the Outdoor Industry Association highlighted that while 49% of the U.S. population engaged in outdoor activities the previous year, only 9% of participants were Black, 10% Hispanic, and merely 6% Asian. Although these figures improved slightly in the 2019 report, white individuals continue to dominate the camping demographic.
For those unaccustomed to camping or who have not seen themselves represented in advertisements for camping gear, glamping offers a welcoming way to become more comfortable in outdoor settings. According to Ravasio, HipCamp emphasizes inclusivity, stating, “People who currently don’t feel welcome outside – and maybe they aren’t actually safe outside – that’s a lot of where we focus as a company. Glamping is an excellent transition into your first outdoor experience.”
Sustainable Glamping
A significant attraction of glamping lies in its connection to sustainability. From its inception, both hosts and travelers have viewed glamping as a form of ecotourism. Notably, even semi-permanent structures like yurts and bell tents impact the environment less than typical hotels. Moreover, many reusable amenities contribute to reduced waste compared to conventional car camping.
Glamping also incentivizes landowners, who might otherwise engage in farming or ranching, to conserve their properties and promote rewilding efforts. A 2019 report by Booking.com revealed that around 70% of travelers prefer eco-friendly accommodations.
Ravasio remarked, “If we want future generations to care more about the outdoors and truly restructure our society, we need to cultivate excitement about the land. Many of our hosts use their earnings on HipCamp to protect and restore their habitats.” This includes replanting forests or restoring watersheds.
Social Distancing While Glamping
Alongside accessibility, inclusivity, and sustainability, glamping offers travelers an additional sense of safety and control in a post-pandemic world. The ability to limit contact with other guests, enjoy fresh air, and even bring pets to certain venues appeals to health-conscious tourists.
Glampgrounds around the globe facilitate adherence to public health guidelines, such as those from the CDC, which endorses physical activity as essential for maintaining physical and mental well-being while recommending visits to local outdoor spaces for social distancing.
Unlike crowded state and national parks, which may have hotel-style lodging in close proximity, private glampgrounds provide a greater sense of privacy and the ability to maintain household space. Some glampgrounds, such as Valley Center Glamping in San Diego County, California, have implemented measures like temperature checks on every camper upon arrival, ensuring safety while tents remain spaced at least 35 feet apart.
As Europe approaches its phased reopening strategy, glampgrounds and caravan sites are often among the first types of accommodations permitted to resume operations. For instance, France allowed many campers to return to nature in early June. Campsites in Portugal, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic have also opened their doors again.
In Northern Ireland, the reopening of both hotels and caravan sites was initially set for July 20, with only the latter considered for earlier returns. Meanwhile, Wales will allow outdoor attractions and “self-contained accommodation” to resume operations starting July 6 and July 13, respectively. In England, “Hotels, holiday apartments, campsites, and caravan parks” will welcome guests again starting July 4, contingent upon proper cleaning of shared facilities.
In conclusion, grab your s’mores kit and keys – glamping may have been around for over a decade, but the era of outdoor luxury is just beginning.
