For outdoor enthusiasts who are put off by the lack of comfort and private facilities when camping, glamping offers a comfortable and safe alternative, making the outdoor experience more accessible and enjoyable for all.
Glamping combines traditional camping with the comfort of hotel-style amenities, offering those who may not be keen on traditional camping a way to experience nature in a more comfortable way. But convincing nature lovers to spend a night outdoors, away from the comforts of home, can be difficult.
As someone who loves spending time in nature, whether it's taking a forest walk or going wild swimming, I often squirm at the idea of pitching a tent at the end of a long day—but I could be convinced to go glamping.
These are my tips for glamping businesses who want to attract travellers like me looking for an outdoor experience that doesn't compromise on comfort. This guide to glampsites will help convince wannabe glampers that camping doesn't have to be uncomfortable!
1. Offer Unique Accommodations
Offering a variety of unique and memorable accommodations, from luxury treehouses and comfy yurts to eco-friendly domes or basic trailers, would be enough to convince anyone to try glamping. Each type of accommodation will provide a different experience, depending on whether visitors want a quiet place to escape into nature or a community space to make new friends. Providing a variety of options not only makes your site more attractive but also ensures every guest can find the perfect fit for their ideal glamping experience.
2. Prioritise Comfort
Comfort is essential when it comes to glamping. Nature lovers who don't want to pitch a tent are looking for a more comfortable alternative to traditional camping that doesn't compromise on the outdoors experience. Providing plush beds with high-quality bedding and soft pillows is a must. While thoughtful touches, like hot water bottles and cosy blankets for cold evenings or fans on warmer days will greatly enhance the guest experience.
3. Provide Modern Amenities
While glamping is all about connecting with nature, it doesn't mean sacrificing the comforts of home. Having some of the conveniences of modern living help bridge the gap between nature and the home, making outdoors adventures much more appealing. Make sure that modern amenities, such as a well-equipped kitchen, reliable Wi-Fi, and a private bathroom, are provided to entice more guests to stay at your glamping site.
4. Be Dog-Friendly
Many people consider their pets part of the family and prefer to travel with them rather than leave them behind. As the trend of travelling with pets continues to rise, offering dog-friendly accommodations and pet amenities becomes crucial for attracting travellers who want options that include their four-legged companions. When pets are welcome, these travellers are often more likely to stay longer and make repeat bookings in the future.
5. Create a Welcoming Atmosphere
First impressions matter. Giving guests a warm welcome with a personalised touch, such as a welcome basket with tea, coffee, and treats along with a handwritten note, will make their glamping experience feel special. Information about the site, including maps of the surrounding area, local guides highlighting nearby landmarks and dining recommendations will prove useful for guests and turn a good experience into a great one.
6. Ensure Privacy
For a relaxing glamping experience, a sense of seclusion and privacy is essential. Guests should feel as if they've escaped their daily lives and are immersed in nature, even when they aren't completely isolated. Maximize privacy by strategically spacing accommodations and using natural landscaping to create private spaces where guests can relax and unwind without being seen or disturbed by others.
7. Highlight the Scenic Beauty
One of the biggest draws of glamping is the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature. Make your glamping site stands out by highlighting its scenic beauty with walking trails, observation decks, and quiet spots where guests can relax. To further enhance the experience, ensure each accommodation offers a memorable view, whether it's of a forest, field, mountain range, or meadow. These touches will create an unforgettable experience that guests will remember.
8. Curate Local Experiences
Help guests connect with nature and the local culture by offering curated experiences. Partner with local businesses to provide activities such as guided hikes, wildlife tours, wine tastings, or craft workshops. Alternatively, provide guides on local attractions and landmarks for guests to explore, along with local pubs and dining recommendations. Providing guests with unique, location-specific experiences adds value to their stay and helps them create lasting memories.
9. Foster Community Spaces
While privacy is important, some travellers are looking for the opportunity to socialise with like-minded individuals. Create inviting communal areas where guests can gather, such as fire pits, picnic areas, or a communal kitchen. Organise events for guests such as group hikes or stargazing nights to foster a sense of community. These spaces and activities provide a way for guests to connect with others, making their stay more enjoyable and memorable.
10. Emphasise Sustainability
Eco-conscious travellers are a growing market, and sustainable practices can be a significant draw. Wherever possible, use eco-friendly materials for your accommodations, install solar panels for energy, and offer recycling and composting facilities. Highlight your commitment to sustainability in your glamping marketing. Not only does this appeal to environmentally aware travellers, but it also helps preserve the natural beauty that makes your site special.
Provide Modern Amenities While glamping offers a nature escape, many guests still expect certain modern conveniences. Reliable Wi-Fi, charging stations, and clean, private bathrooms with hot showers are essential. Consider offering kitchenettes or outdoor cooking facilities for those who prefer self-catering. Offer Unique Accommodations Diverse and unique accommodations can set your glamping site apart. Think beyond the standard tent—consider yurts, treehouses, vintage Airstreams, and eco-friendly domes. Each type provides a different experience, catering to various tastes and making your site Instagrammable. Prioritise Comfort Glamping is all about comfort. Ensure that beds are plush with high-quality linens, and provide climate control options like heating and air conditioning. Adding thoughtful touches such as cozy blankets, pillows, and even hot water bottles can enhance the comfort level. Emphasize Sustainability Eco-conscious travelers will appreciate your efforts to minimize environmental impact. Use sustainable materials for your accommodations, offer recycling and composting options, and consider renewable energy sources. Highlight your eco-friendly practices in your marketing. Create a Welcoming Atmosphere Personal touches can make a significant difference. Greet guests with a welcome basket featuring local goodies, provide detailed information about the area, and offer exceptional customer service. Staff should be knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to assist with any needs. Ensure Privacy A sense of seclusion is key to a relaxing glamping experience. Arrange accommodations to maximize privacy, using natural landscaping, fencing, or strategic spacing. Private decks or patios where guests can unwind and enjoy nature without disturbance are a big plus. Highlight the Scenic Beauty Make the most of your natural surroundings. Ensure that each accommodation has a stunning view, whether it's of a mountain range, forest, lake, or meadow. Create scenic walking trails, observation decks, or even provide hammocks or swings where guests can soak in the scenery. By focusing on these tips, glamping businesses can create an enchanting escape that blends the best of nature and luxury. As a potential glamper, these elements would make my stay unforgettable and compel me to recommend the experience to others. Embrace these strategies to enhance your glamping offerings and attract adventure seekers looking for a unique and comfortable outdoor experience. Curate Local Experiences Help guests connect with the local culture and environment. Offer guided hikes, wildlife tours, or workshops on local crafts. Partner with nearby businesses to provide unique experiences such as wine tasting, fishing, or farm-to-table dining. Foster Community Spaces While privacy is important, so is the opportunity for social interaction. Create inviting communal areas where guests can gather, such as fire pits, picnic areas, or a communal kitchen. Organize events like storytelling evenings, stargazing nights, or group hikes to foster a sense of community. Ensure Safety and Security Guests want to feel safe and secure during their stay. Clearly communicate safety procedures, provide secure storage for valuables, and ensure the property is well-lit at night. Regular maintenance checks and safety inspections are also crucial.