Glamping

History

The word "glamping" first appeared in the United Kingdom in 2005. While the word itself is new, the concept that "glamping" connotes, that of luxurious tent-living, is not. In the sixteenth century, the Scottish Earl of Atholl prepared a marvelous glamping experience in the Highlands for the visiting King James V and his mother. Here, the Duke raised lavish tents and filled them with all the provisions of his own home palace.

Probably the most extravagant example of glamping in history was the Field of the Cloth of Gold, a diplomatic summit in northern France in 1520 between Henry VIII of England and Francis I of France. Some 2,800 tents and marquees were erected, and fountains ran with red wine.

At around this same time, the Ottomans had ostentatious, palatial tents transported from one military mission to the next. Entire teams of artisans traveled with the army to erect and maintain these imperial tents. As described by Professor Nurhan Atasoy,

The exquisite ornamentation both inside and out of the tents used by the Ottoman sultans made them imposing dwellings fit for a ruler. On ceremonial occasions tents served to create a splendid theatrical setting, as we see vividly portrayed in miniature paintings depicting banquets, audiences and celebrations which took place in the imperial tent complex over the centuries. The imperial tents were richly decorated as if they were pavilions, and often had designs resembling tiled panels, usually in floral patterns, either in appliés work using cloth of different colours, or embroidered in various stitches using silk and metal thread.

Fast forward three centuries, and we find more examples of early "glamping." In the 1920s, African safari became the thing to do among wealthy Brits and Americans. But wealthy travelers, even those in search of adventure, were not willing to sacrifice comfort or luxury. From electric generators, to folding baths, and cases of champagne, travelers were afforded every domestic luxury while on adventure.

Glamping is its modern equivalent, combining both yesterday's amenities and today's technology. Also called boutique camping, luxury camping, posh camping, or comfy camping, today's glamping features such structures as yurts, tipis, pods, bell tents, vintage caravans, vintage trailers, safari tents, tent cabins, and tree houses. Glampsites range in price from as little as $50 per night to thousands of dollars per night, depending on amenities, which can include fresh bed linens, en suite washrooms, food service, and private verandas.

Glamping has also become a popular term amongst women vintage caravanners who deck out their caravans and vintage trailers with feminine touches such as fine linen, lace, floral curtains, bunting and decorate them with retro items and fine china to combine their love of adventure with the desire to create a peaceful home-like retreat.

Concept

Today's concept of glamping has its roots in these earlier forms of luxury camping. In a positive twist on these old forms of tent-living, however, glamping today is not within the exclusive purview of the rich. To the contrary, some form of glamping is accessible to most travelers: a quick search for glamping accommodations around the world reveals an incredible range of per night prices. Several major festivals now offer various glamping options for attendees which can range from a simple tent, pitched for the customer, to more luxurious units featuring double beds, TVs and sofas.

While the number of international glamping options has skyrocketed since the word first appeared in 2005, the main philosophy behind glamping has remained the same: sustainable, quasi-outdoor lodging that offer travelers comfortable experiences in nature.

Modern glamping sites generally fall into five distinct categories.

1. Franchises where the proprietor has land and buys into one of the existing brands.
2. "B & B" style where the proprietor has one or two units as additional income on their land.
3. Diversified campsites, family owned sites which also provide glamping.
4. Large corporate holiday parks that also provide glamping
5. Dedicated glamping sites.

As it has grown, the market for glamping in the United Kingdom has become increasingly competitive. In 2016 the AA organisation established a formal ratings standard to apply to glamping sites across the UK - sites are now generally expected to provide a certain level of comfort for their guests, including electricity (which can be provided both on and off-grid), shower and flushing toilet facilities, 24/7 warden service and other hospitality-industry staples in order to receive a good rating. Since the United Kingdom European Union membership referendum in July 2016, uncertainty in the Pound has meant that many holidaymakers within the UK are choosing not to holiday abroad, instead opting for luxurious camping in quaint, countryside locations such as Dorset and Somerset, where are number of sites have been operating successfully for many years.

The glamping market in the UK experienced several years of exponential growth, with a wide range of sites now available. The market continues to grow, though according to at least one industry expert, the growth rate has "plateaued" somewhat. Some guests, particularly from urban centres are now opting for more rural, woodland, off-grid sites, away from their bustling home cities and towns, for which the term "digital detox" has been applied - the concept being that one leaves their mobile phone and other non-stop-notification devices off for a few days in order to "get back to nature" and enjoy an experience outside of the world of social media.