How-To: Glamping

Love the great outdoors, but not ready to commit to a week of rugged living? Glamping offers travelers the best of two worlds — the experience of communing with nature while maintaining the luxuries of leisure travel.

Creating your own glamping experience from scratch can be both costly and time-consuming, which is why there are many online services that can help create your perfect glamping experience. Go Glamping is one such service that can help you find glamping accommodations no matter where in the world you are. If you’re on the west coast, maybe try out a vintage Airstream in Big Sur, complete with down pillows and a BOSE sound system. If you’re looking for something more exotic than traditional Americana, Go Glamping can hook you up with a yurt in Portugal that comes with both a pool and sauna.

Glamping Hub is similar to Go Glamping, but offers many more options in the United States so you can stay close to home for your first glamping experience. You’ll find lots of options on their site, from teepees in Malibu and tree houses in Austin to safari tents in San Diego and cabins in the Florida Keys.

If, however, you do decide you’d like to embark on a glamping adventure on your own, here are a few tips. Make sure to invest in a quality shelter, whether that be buying a spacious, sturdy tent or renting a cabin. Use comfortable bedding as well, incorporating nice fabrics and lots of pillows. Get creative with your lighting — candles, vintage lanterns, even old Christmas lights can create an entirely new ambience. Make sure your food is up to par — think gourmet picnic and a bottle of wine. Remember, successful glamping is about using your creativity to bring a luxury indoor space outdoors. Don’t be afraid to decorate, embellish and add your own dramatic flair.