Glamping: A How-To Guide
A campsite can be as glamourous as a five-star hotel simply
by adding a few magic touches such as a bigger tent, a plush mattress with
decorative pillows, and epicurean provisions. Check out some of my easy DIY
tips to turn any ordinary campsite into your very own luxurious nature resort.
Lighting
Create a warm glow around your campsite by using small or
mini Christmas lights. They are inexpensive, easy to use, and provide maximum
glamping-feel with minimal effort. They also don’t break as easily as bigger
bulbs, so come December you can use them again. Feel free to go crazy and add
even more ambiance to your camp with a variety of luminations, such as twinkle
or fairy lights, battery-powered LED candles, and solar-powered path lights.
For a show-stopper effect, add some vintage lantern lights. Simply hang a few
lanterns from low-hanging tree branches and use one as a centerpiece on your
picnic table. Your guests will appreciate the extra little touches.
Bedding
No matter where you go, everyone looks forward to sinking
into a cozy and welcoming bed at the end of the day. For the ultimate glamping
experience, get rid of the ground pads and sleeping bags and replace them with
a comfy base like an elevated cot or a massively plush sleeping mattress or an
air mattress. The trick is to use several layers of blankets and top it off
with voluminous pillows to achieve a glamourous look. Don’t forget to bring a
rug to put down next to your bed. You will be amazed at how much of a
difference that first step onto a soft rug will make you feel when you rise.
Complete the whole picture with side tables, fuzzy slippers, and your favorite
reading material. If you have a hammock for daytime napping sessions, don’t
forget to add decorative pillows for that extra fabulous touch.
Tent
Make sure your tent is tall enough for every camper to be
able to stand up fully and comfortably. Your camping experience will be much
more pleasant when you don’t have to crouch and crawl around inside your tent.
Another great tip is to double the size of your tent, i.e. if you’re camping
with 2 people, get a 4-person tent. This will give additional space for
everyone, allowing some to move about while others relax, and it will provide a
grand palatial feel to the entire area.
Dining
There is absolutely nothing wrong with cooking up some
hotdogs over the fire and serving them with a side of chips, but for some
extra-fancy flair, opt instead for fare like smoked fish and deluxe salads that
will make you feel as if you’re dining at a fine restaurant. In addition to
gourmet cuisine, give yourself a break from the traditional beer-in-a-coozie
and step it up with fine wine or mixed drinks in fancy glassware. Don’t forget
you will need a large cooler and plenty of ice to keep refrigerated items cold,
or depending on your campsite, a mini-fridge hooked up to a portable generator
could really be a boon. Likewise, a multiple-burner stove or griddle-top grill
will be beneficial to honing your skills as a glamping chef.
For more culinary inspiration, check out Food Network’s
ultimate glamping menu.
https://www.foodnetwork.com/grilling/grilling-central-how-tos/the-ultimate-glamping-menu
Accessorize
Little things can make a big difference. Items we often
overlook or take for granted, like area rugs and fresh flowers, or even just a
small mirror and some artwork, can truly take your site from “camp” to “GLAMP”.
I do suggest you not take anything too fragile or any items you may worry could
get irreparably ruined, and I also suggest, especially during this time of
COVID, creating a handwashing station with soap, clean water, towels, and hand
sanitizer for convenience.
Authentic outdoor enthusiasts may not be afraid to “rough
it”, but everyone deserves to be pampered and experience nature in luxurious
comfort, so next time you pack up for a rustic adventure, consider adding a few
of these extra touches and “glamp it up” in style!
Looking for your next adventure? Galactic can get you there.