7 Things You Should Not Do While Glamping

If you’re looking for a holiday that combines nature with luxury then glamping is for you.  It’s a big step up from the camping holidays you might not remember fondly, because it incorporates high-end aspects like proper beds, electricity and flushing loos, and in some cases, hot tubs, magical outdoor showers and rooftop saunas.  This doesn’t mean that glamping is exactly like staying in a hotel, as you’re still outdoors with nature on your doorstep (or should that be yurt-step?) and the ability to cook outdoors, enjoy a cosy campfire and toast marshmallows without having to retire to a chilly tent and a blow-up bed.

With this in mind, what are the rules of glamping?  What are the things to avoid when planning and enjoying a glamping holiday?  Here’s a list of our top 7 things of ‘what not to do’ when you’re glamping.

• Don’t bring everything and the kitchen sink.  One of the big benefits of glamping over normal camping is that you don’t need to lug everything with you.  Check whether the site you’re staying at provides towels and linen and then just take what you need.  If you have a particular pillow you love then do take that but you can leave the rest at home.

• Be respectful of your surroundings.  Glamping is a cut above camping, but you should still respect the natural world around you and clear up litter after yourselves.  Don’t make lots of noise late into the night, which could not only disturb your fellow glampers but the wildlife too, and do make sure you take off any muddy boots and wipe your feet before going into your glamping accommodation.

• Don’t plan a glamping holiday if you intend to be out and about every day.  One of the greatest things about glamping is that you have those touches of luxury and if you’ve paid for that, there’s no point in spending every day elsewhere sightseeing or having days at the beach.  By all means, explore your surroundings but make sure you spend some quality time enjoying your glamping accommodation.

• Don’t get complacent about the basics.  Of course, glamping is all about the luxury but you’ll still need things such as; sun cream, a first aid kit, spare toilet roll, torches and batteries and some games to play if the weather isn’t great (plus wellies if it’s really wet).

• Don’t overlook the aspects of camping that are retained within the concept of glamping. While many sites have communal kitchens equipped with everything you could possible need and more, (we’ve even found oyster shucking knives in glampsite kitchens!), there’s something special about cooking over an open fire or barbecue and eating al fresco.  If you cook every meal in the kitchen or eat out every night you’ll miss out.  Some glamping accommodation (such as a safari tent) is designed for family cooking and dining and has a private kitchen inside, but use this in conjunction with outdoor cooking facilities to get the most out of your experience.

• Be aware of security and where your personal belongings are.  You might be tempted to bring a laptop or tablet and leave it in your accommodation while you pop out for food or a day out, be aware that this is a risky thing to do.  While your fellow glampers are probably trustworthy, you shouldn’t assume that is the case.  Remember there is nothing to stop thieves from walking into a glampsite and helping themselves to your stuff.  A high end glampsite is a more attractive target for thieves than a normal campsite, so be aware of this risk and don’t take anything valuable, or that would be a difficult to replace.

• Don’t expect hospital level sterility.  You can expect your accommodation to be cleaned before you arrive, but you’re still in nature so you may get insects and cobwebs, and the odd night time visitor like a hedgehog snuffling about outside your tent.

We hope these tips help manage your expectations of glamping, especially if it’s your first time, and that you make the most of your experience, making memories to treasure for a lifetime.