Glamping

Yes.  Glamping.  It’s kind of like camping but… a little more glamourous.  If this is your first time hearing this word, you are not alone, but soon it will be on everyone’s lips. Glamping is rapidly becoming one of the most popular camping options available and the industry expects it to keep growing. It has taken off in many countries, but especially all over Europe and the United States.

What is Glamping?

The simple answer is that it is camping but with more amenities offered. It is like getting the rugged wilderness and beautiful views of tent camping, combined with the amenities of a cabin or hotel room. But the answer really is not that simple, and according to glamping.com,

“Glamping is where stunning nature meets modern luxury. It’s a way to experience the untamed and completely unique parts of the world—without having to sacrifice creature comforts. … A fusion of glamour and camping, glamping is a way to authentically experience the most awe-inspiring locales around the world.”

In this spirit, glamping is really about the experience and amenities with uniqueness being the factor. The accommodations themselves can be anything and only enhance the uniqueness of the experience. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as

Glamping (noun)

A form of camping involving accommodation and facilities more luxurious than those associated with traditional camping: ‘glamping is likely to satisfy any city slicker seeking a

little refuge in nature—without foregoing any of life’s luxuries.

Jul 20, 2016

Is This Some New Trend?

I called it a new trend, but really it is quite an old concept. The word glamping became recognized by the Oxford English Dictionary in 2016, but according to Wikipedia, the word had been around in England since 2005, combining the words glamorous and camping. Indeed, glamping can be glamorous, the origins of glamorous camping can be traced all the way back to the 16^th century, when monarchs would host or meet other monarchs with a field of lavish tents. Such an affair was noted between King Henry VIII of England and Frances I of France when they met for a diplomatic summit in 1520 in Northern France. We have seen it in numerous medieval depictions both historic and modern takes, the royal tents set up with all the luxury and furnishings of a castle, like in “A Knight’s Tale”, or even in “The Sword in the Stone”. The field of this particular summit between France and England was depicted in a painting called the “Field of the Cloth of Gold” and is said to have been the most extravagant example of luxurious tents in history, also the beginning of glamping, even if that is not what it was called.

While not all glamping today is as lavish an  affair as monarchs meeting to discuss the futures of nations, they do give you an experience. From yurts and treehouses to tents in the woods, with each glamping adventure you get a unique experience, whether it be a breathtaking location, or a tent fit for a king. There are glamping sites in nearly every state, each as unique as the environment they are in. One of the things that makes glamping so popular is that it is not a one size fits all. Each glamping site has a unique take on what camping can be and they range from ultra-luxurious to almost primitive and lots of themes in between, so really, imagination is your limit.

Purple Alpaca Glamp Site #5

What Qualifies as Glamping?

A quick search on Google, Airbnb, or Trip Advisor will bring up a slew of listings depending on what area you are looking in, and you may be curious which listings really count as glamping. The answer is anything, if it offers already made accommodation. Glamping, as opposed to camping, offers some type of amenities, such as a place to cook and eat, a bathroom of some kind, and sleeping and living arrangements closer to what you would get at home. They offer some type of comforts, which vary by campsite.  When looking for a glamping location, it is going to be more than a basic campsite and in a more natural setting than a hotel room.  Some glamping locations offer experiences as well — like here at Purple Alpaca, you’ll be able to feed and pet alpacas, hold a chicken, run a hula hoop competition or lounge in your hammock nestled in the forest with your favorite book.  Whether it is luxurious amenities, and a glass ceiling to see the stars, or an authentic farm experience, there will be lots of choices when deciding where to go.

Why Should I Try Glamping?

The absolute best reason to try glamping is the no hassle camping! No messing with air mattresses or mattress pads and sleeping bags. No setting up a tent. You just arrive, check in, and you are ready to enjoy your vacation. You do not have to worry about bringing chairs or body aches from sleeping on a hard floor.  Blankets? Covered!  Glamping is sure to give you a comfortable experience. Glamping locations are also found in some beautiful locations, by the water, in the woods, near natural wonders, or just a little private spot out of the way to relax. Relaxing should be the main goal of glamping. A location with amenities; where you do not need to worry about quite as much as you would if you were just camping. This makes camping ideal for families with kids, for retired travelers, couples looking to get away and, really, for just about everyone. Glamping also provides a sense of community; you can meet new people and see new places!

How is Glamping Relevant to Purple Alpaca Farms?

One main reason is that Purple Alpaca Farms embraces what the glamping lifestyle represents.  It’s the blending of modern and rustic, the coming together of nature, and sustainability. Purple Alpaca Farms has set out to provide the public a glimpse into that natural beauty in our own little pocket of North Carolina, with our tours and classes, and continue to appreciate the natural beauty around us, that we enjoy sharing with you.  These are the things that helped inspire our desire to launch glamp sites at the farm — the connection to the outdoors, the comforts of home, and bringing that connection between all of us.  Stay tuned for more information on Purple Alpaca glamp tents!

Get your reservations for glamping at Purple Alpaca starting in June 2021 with bookings launching mid July!

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