How to Plan the Perfect Glamping Getaway

Everyone can agree that spending time outside is a good thing, but camping isn’t for everyone. Sleeping on the cold, hard ground and going a week without showers is a hard pass for most people. However, Glamping, or "glamorous camping," is a completely different experience. The perfect blend of luxury and nature, glamping has been taking the world by storm since 2007. If you have been wanting to give glamping a try, but aren’t sure how to get started, here’s a step-by-step guide to plan the perfect glamping getaway.

Romantic Getaway

Looking for love in the moonlight? For couples seeking intimacy in a beautiful setting, glamping can offer privacy without the discomfort of traditional camping. Most glamping resorts offer secluded locations with luxury amenities such as hot tubs and luxury bedding. Combine that with the best parts of traditional camping, open skies, and cozy nighttime fires, and you have an unforgettable romantic evening.

Girl’s Trip

Girls’ Trips aren’t just for girls; they are fun for everyone! Whether you are guys, gals, or a mixed group of pals, glamping is a great adventurous escape with friends. Choose a location that offers plenty of activities, in and around the glamping site. The key is to make sure there’s a good balance between relaxation and excitement for optimal bonding time.

Mini “Me” Retreats

An often-overlooked option is to go glamping solo. We all need a little “me” time on occasion, and glamping offers the perfect retreat experience. You can enjoy all the restorative properties of nature, without the potential dangers and discomfort of camping alone. Peace, privacy, and pampering? What more could you ask for on a vacation for one?

How Far Do You Want to Travel?

Sometimes we want to go as far away as possible. Other times, we want to “get away” without actually getting anywhere. The first step in scouting your glamping destination is deciding whether you want to stay local or take a road trip to an exciting new place. Some additional things to consider are proximity to major cities which offer more to do, and remote spots that immerse you deeper in nature.

How Glam Do You Want to Get?

Everyone has a different definition of glamping, so defining what you consider “glam” is key for a successful trip. Some glamping rentals focus on nature with minimal luxury amenities, while others offer 5-star hotel-level accommodations. Ask yourself what kind of amenities are important to you on your trip. Do you want the basic, cabins/beds/wifi package, or do you want to go all-out with the pampering?

Where Are You?

We already told you that choosing the location is one of the most important (if not the most important) parts of planning. Your location will determine the types of activities available. Are you in the mountains, by a lake, or in the desert? Research nearby attractions like hiking trails, local landmarks, or guided tours.

What’s The Season?

The time of year will influence what you can do, especially if you are glamping in northern areas like Ontario. Fall glamping trips might include leaf-peeping or apple-picking, while summer glamping is perfect for beach days and glampfire nights. Tailor your activities to the season for a more enjoyable experience.

What Do You Like To Do?

Personalize your trip based on what you love—whether it’s hiking, fishing, stargazing, or simply lounging with a good book. You’re not restricted to traditional camping activities, so incorporate some luxury like a spa day, vineyard tours, shopping, or gourmet campfire meals. The sky's the limit, so get as rustic or as bougie as you want!

What’s Provided?

Most glamping sites provide the basics—like bedding, towels, and kitchenware—so it’s crucial to check ahead so you don’t overpack. Some glamping resorts are all-inclusive offering special packages for everything from toiletries to charcuterie boards to enhance your experience. However, glamping sites only offer the essentials—meaning you’ll need to pack the extras. Knowing what is available is a vital step to planning, and packing, for your trip. If you want to know everything included, and what you should bring along, check with your glamping resort beforehand. You may be surprised at how much is already included!

What Will You Need for Activities?

After you’ve established what’s provided, you’ll need to consider what you plan to do while you’re there. For example, if you are planning on doing a lot of hiking, you’ll want to pack some comfortable shoes and extra socks. If there’s a hot tub, you may want to pack a bathing suit. Keep an eye on the weather, and make sure you aren’t just packing for sunny days. Bringing some extra clothing layers and backup activities (like books or movies) in case of bad weather is always a good idea.

How Long Will You Be There?

As with any trip, you’ll need to consider how long you’ll be staying. Are you going away for a weekend? If so, you may just need a change of clothes and some toiletries. Will you be staying for a couple of weeks? You may need to bring a couple of outfits for various occasions. Consider how often you like re-wear clothing items, and how you can pair different pieces together to make the most of limited packing space.