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Oct 21, 2019 • 9 min read
Most of us love nature, but enough to wrangle a tent and sleep on the ground? This used to be where outdoor enthusiasts diverged in the woods; then glamping hit the scene. A portmanteau of “glamorous camping,” glamping has shot through our Instagram feeds at an increasing rate, fusing all the comforts of a luxury hotel with the close-to-nature aspect of camping.
To find out more about this travel craze, we spoke to the couple who literally wrote the guide on glamping: Mike and Anne Howard, the adventurous couple of HoneyTrek.com (they’ve been on a honeymoon since 2012). Their expertise reveals insights into the best glamping destinations in North America.
In this informative Q&A, you’ll discover their wildest adventures, most inspiring characters, and where to roast your next s’mores.
The word “glamping” was only added to the English dictionary in 2016. How long has the concept been around?
Most people think of glamping as a 21st-century phenomenon, but as a pastime, it’s been around for centuries, and as a lodging style, it dates back millennia. Nomadic people opted for these portable and easy-to-assemble dwellings (think Mongolian yurt and Native American teepee) for their lives on the move.
Military expeditions also played a significant role in glamping’s evolution – from Roman generals’ spacious wall tents to the Ottoman Empire’s mobile palaces. Surrounded by beautiful decor and stunning landscapes, leaders recognized the joys of outdoor accommodations.
Glamping began to take hold as a form of recreation, and a variety of styles developed over the years. Safari tents, Airstream trailers, teepees, and yurts have been alternative hotel options throughout the 20th century. However, over the past decade, these outdoor accommodations have become so fabulous that glamping finally got a name for itself.
Would you define glamping as “glamorous camping”?
No. And for the record, we aren’t really fans of the word “glamping,” but absolutely love what it embodies. After three years of researching the topic, we’ve found that the best glamping presents the following criteria:
- 1) Comfortable lodging. At minimum, you should find an inviting shelter with a proper bed and all the amenities you need to rest at ease.
- 2) Creative structures. There are countless glamping styles to choose from – treehouses, teepees, wall tents, geodesic domes, yurts, vintage trailers, shipping containers – with many structures so unique they defy categorization.
- 3) Sustainable practices. With their roots as nomadic dwellings, glamping accommodations are typically light on the land, working with existing landscapes and often being off-grid seasonal spaces that can disappear without a trace.
- 4) Engaging experiences. The number-one criterion for glamping is delivering unforgettable experiences. It’s not just about eating a nice meal; it’s about harvesting the ingredients and preparing them alongside a five-diamond chef.
- 5) Inspiring proprietors. The best glamping spots are usually driven by passionate individuals who are nature-lovers and gracious hosts, making the wilderness more accessible for everyone.
What should people look for when choosing a glamping experience?
This new wave of lodging is emerging in various outdoor settings, from pop-up suites at music festivals to temporary glamping sites in local backyards. Stylish glamping options are increasingly available; however, we encourage you to seek out small, independently owned properties to support local economies and connect organically with the environment and fellow travelers. Some larger corporate glamping locations may not provide the authentic experience that truly reflects nature.
Consider what you seek in a vacation: relaxation, adventure, romance, farm-to-table cuisine, or a wildly new experience? Many glamping spots offer diverse activities, although some specialize in certain niches (wellness, culinary, wildlife, culture, etc). Reflect on your desires and how you want to feel when you return home. Moreover, consider how much effort you wish to invest in this glamping experience. Some places offer pampering with all-inclusive packages, while others are more hands-on, requiring you to cook your own meals over the fire.
Why do you think glamping is so relevant right now?
In our fast-paced, work-driven, tech-heavy society, we need glamping more than ever. According to data, we interact with our smartphones around 80 times a day, while the average American child spends merely seven minutes a day in unstructured outdoor play, contrasted with over 400 minutes daily in front of a screen.
Many of us have become disconnected from nature, forgetting the sensation of being surrounded by something greater than ourselves. We need time and space, devoid of smartphone distractions, to connect with friends and share our adventures, not merely what we saw online. Glamping benefits our health, fosters relationships, and has a positive impact on the earth while being genuinely enjoyable.
What kinds of travelers does glamping appeal to?
We present this information for anyone with a love or even a curiosity for the outdoors. Traditional camping can be intimidating for those lacking wilderness experience, but glamping offers inclusivity. You don’t need to own special gear, be physically fit, or be well-versed in outdoor skills. Trending images across social media have also made glamping seem more accessible.
Even city kids who haven’t ventured beyond urban parks are now seeing influencers camp in casual attire and think, “Wait, I can do that.” The LGBTQ+ community, once thinking camping was exclusive, now sees welcoming spaces and creative individuals behind them, feeling invited into this new adventure. Recent reports show that new campers are even more diverse than the overall population, highlighting the broad appeal of glamping. Glamping is suitable for families where kids can run wild, parents can relax, couples can enjoy romance, dogs are welcome, and city folks can come just as they are.
How much does it cost to go glamping?
There are incredible glamping locations available for as little as $35 per night (including breakfast!), and many remain under $200. Additionally, some high-end properties, such as Relais & Châteaux and National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, justify their higher price tags by including gourmet meals, fine wines, expert guides, and various activities – even skiing with lift tickets and gear. Priceless experiences don’t have to be costly, though, and you’ll always feel richer for having pursued them.
How did this project come about?
From the beginning of our seven-year journey around the world, we reviewed various unique accommodations and quickly recognized that glamping was our preferred option. It led us to remote and stunning locations, provided access to incredible adventures, and offered just the right amount of luxury to savor every experience.
We became enthusiastic about sharing our findings and embarked on a three-year, nine-country, 73,000-mile quest to discover the most unforgettable outdoor getaways on the continent.
From driving covered wagons to cowboy camps, ziplining to treehouse suites, and harvesting vegetables for farm-to-table dinners, we realized that “the best” boils down to the memories you create.
Who are some interesting characters you’ve met along the way?
Some of the most inspiring individuals we’ve encountered on this journey are the proprietors of glamping destinations. For instance, the co-owner of Panacea is a balloonist and artist by trade, so he shows guests around Oregon’s high desert from the basket of his hand-painted hot air balloon.
The founders of Teton Wagon Train & Horse Adventure are descendants of the first guide to bring pioneers over the Teton Pass in 1889, thus keeping the tradition alive by leading covered wagon journeys.
Linda Smith, who has faced mobility issues most of her life, is also noteworthy as she opened a multi-sport medieval glamping retreat with her knighted husband, showcasing how determination and passion can intersect.
What are some standout adventures you experienced?
Exciting activities include fat-biking across the frozen Arctic Ocean, river rafting in the largest contiguous wilderness area in the Lower 48, and crafting beer from hops harvested on a historic farm. Instructional moments like these foster unique interactions with the environment, creating lasting memories.
Fifty-six thousand miles is a lot of driving. Any road trip snafus slow you down?
We encountered a head gasket issue between a mountain and a fjord in British Columbia, with the nearest qualified mechanic 17 hours away by ferry, leading to an unplanned stay on Bella Bella Island. While we thought we were trespassing, we later discovered we were welcomed into a councilwoman’s backyard, which evolved into a positive experience of sharing meals and stories with the locals.
In the end, the challenges faced during our journey often turned into some of our favorite memories, showcasing the importance of maintaining a positive outlook and embracing the kindness of strangers.
Founders of HoneyTrek.com, Mike and Anne Howard started their honeymoon on January 22, 2012, and haven’t stopped since. Their latest work, Comfortably Wild, offers insights into the best glamping experiences.
