Glamping is the intriguing marriage of two seemingly unlike things: glamor and camping. If you love being outside but don't want to forfeit those creature comforts that keep the bugs and unexpected weather conditions at bay, then a glamping retreat is perfect for you.
Glamping resorts are the hottest new vacation spots. Here, you can stay in rustic cabins, teepees, and safari-style tents complete with cozy beds, wood-burning stoves, fully-furnished bathrooms, and other luxury amenities. To help make the most of your vacation, don't forget to pack these essentials for your luxury glamping retreats.
Underpacking (or dressing for the wrong season) is one of the most common mistakes made by first-time glampers. Packing irresponsibly will leave you vulnerable to cold nights and general discomfort. You should always check the weather beforehand and pack more than enough layers to keep warm.
While you always have an option to stay inside your glamping tent, you'll want to venture outside and explore to take advantage of the opportunities right outside your rustic cabin. Packing layers will help you ensure that you're prepared for any activity and any unexpected weather patterns. It's also a good idea to take along sufficient rain gear, in the case of an unexpected storm.
Most glamping resorts will provide sufficient light sources, so you and your fellow glampers aren’t restricted by nightfall. Your accommodation will have ample lighting and common areas will be well-lit. Some resorts will even include lanterns in their glamping package.
Still, it's a good idea to pack flashlights for your trip, just in case your glamping site is the one exception to the rule. Whether you decide to go out for a romantic evening hike, wake up early to capture the once-in-a-lifetime sunrise, or you need to use the bathroom in the middle of the night, a flashlight will likely come in handy on several occasions during your glamping trip.
Most glamping resorts will have nets, torches, and other bug-repelling devices, but these probably won't be enough to keep all critters at bay. With this in mind, it’s recommended that all glamping vacationers pack enough bug spray to last the duration of their trip.
Of course, the exact kind and amount of insect repellant you'll need will wholly depend on where you're camping and what time of year it is. While glamping during the summer brings warmer weather, it also means more buzzing pests—so, pack accordingly.
Everybody loves returning from a long camping trip with a glowing, golden tan. When glamping, you can achieve the same results, while avoiding heatstroke and any potential exposure to cancer-causing UV rays.
Though you can alternate your tanning oil with SPF, you shouldn’t forget to bring enough sunscreen to prevent that golden tan from turning into a painful burn. Don't forget to apply sunscreen every morning and a few times throughout the day. If you have really sensitive skin or are glamping in a very sunny area, you might even want to consider packing clothing with built-in SPF protection and sunglasses with UV protection lenses.
Most resorts strike an ideal balance between a luxury beach resort and run-of-the-mill tent camping. As you enjoy your glamping site’s luxury amenities, you'll still achieve that widely-coveted, gritty feeling of a week-long camping trip.
Since no camping trip would be complete without handy pocket-tools, don't forget to pack a pocketknife. Self-Reliance Outfitters stocks a wide variety of options for tactical knives to cover all of your glamping needs, i.e. sharpening sticks for roasting food, cutting firewood, and more. A survival knife will also come in handy if you get turned around on a hike, so it’s good to always be prepared. While an outdoor knife can undoubtedly come in handy, you’ll need more than that if you get lost in the wilderness or encounter an emergency. You’ll need navigation and communication tools that work even in no-network areas. That’s why do consider packing a satellite GPS receiver and a handheld CB radio, or citizens band radio, when you’re going outdoors even if you’re glamping in a luxurious mountain resort. It’s always better to be prepared for different situations.
There's a high probability that your glamping resort of-choice will have sufficient medical supplies available for their guests, but it's always convenient to store some supplies of your own. Bandaids, gauze wrap, scissors, safety pins, gloves, alcohol, and tweezers are just a few examples of the supplies you’d find in a standard first aid kit. You can purchase everything you need for your personal first aid kit in most convenience stores, supermarkets, and even some gas stations.
At some of the more luxurious glamping resorts, guests will have access to their own generators and solar chargers to keep all of their devices at full battery capacity. Since this isn't standard or guaranteed, it's smart to err on the safe side and pack your own solar charger.
While there are some impressive options, you'll have to sacrifice some charging power for portability. You don't want to feel weighed down on your trip because of solar chargers. If you’re willing to spend a pretty penny, you can find solar chargers that hook onto backpacks to charge your devices while you’re enjoying a scenic hike.
To make your luxury glamping experience one you won’t forget, you’ll want to pack wisely. Otherwise, you’ll be stranded hours away from home without a sweater to keep you warm or a first aid kit to treat unexpected wounds that can turn into festering infections, if the cut or scrape isn’t disinfected immediately.
Despite the amenities offered at most luxury glamping retreats, glamping still requires thoughtful attention to detail, so your home away from home can be fully-equipped with all the necessities.
