When most people think about camping, it conjures up visions of tents pitched next to a lake, fishing and nightly campfires. In many cases, this is an accurate picture, but in recent years traditional camping is finding itself with a new neighbor. It’s called glamping, and as the name suggests, it’s for people who want the outdoors and the comforts of urban life. Both offer advantages, and campers/glampers should compare the pros and cons of both styles.
Camping
Concept
The traditional idea of camping actually has varied definitions. It can be as simple as a two-person pup tent pitched in a wilderness spot or involve a small camper with a few frills. However, in general, people who do this type of camping are trying to escape the “real world” for a weekend or a more extended period of vacation. The United States is full of campgrounds that offer various levels of service.
For the hardcore camper, there are primitive campgrounds which means, the campers haul in everything that’s needed. There’s no electricity, running water or bathrooms. These areas are truly for those who like to “rough it” and connect with the nature in the area. However, there are also many places that offer pads for pitching tents or parking slots that accommodate campers. There’s electricity, bathrooms with showers and running water. There are also often areas for grilling and some campgrounds have on-site laundry facilities. All in all, there are a huge variety of choices for campers of all experience levels.
Experience
Most of the campgrounds are located close to many different activities that suit families, singles and retired individuals. Pets are generally very welcome, but there are beaches that don’t allow them in the public swimming areas. With the rise of the Internet, it’s even possible to log-in free or at least find inexpensive Wi-Fi connections.
Expectations
Expectations will vary, but finding suitable places to camp is a fairly easy process with the Internet. There are also a number of publications dedicated to camping and RV life. Many people find a favorite place, and use it as a jumping off spot for day trips. Most people enjoy the slower pace of camping, and the lower expense when compared with paying for a hotel room. Plus, even the most modest of campers usually boasts a small kitchen, so there’s no need to eat every meal in a restaurant, and it’s easy to keep a supply of snacks that stop the need for late night runs to the grocery store or fast food window.
Glamping
Concept
As the name suggests, glamping is for people who wish to enjoy a natural setting but bring all the comforts of home. In this case, it’s not about pitch tents or a modest camper. It’s about traveling comfortably in what amounts to a luxury tent or luxury RV. The interiors of these tents & RVs are plush and can include comfortable beds, full kitchens, bathrooms with tubs and showers, satellite dishes, and onboard Wi-Fi.
The kitchens are stocked with gourmet foods that are often purchased as custom meals from services that are popping up to accommodate the desire to eat well with little fuss. Usually, a car is towed behind a larger type of RV to make a day of sightseeing or a short road trip easy. There are many campgrounds that are equipped with glamping sites and are able to handle luxury RVs as well. There’s a large community of people who wouldn’t glamp any other way.
Experience
Any camping experience tends to be as good as the attitude the campers, or in this case, glampers bring to the campfire. It’s nice to be able to retreat to a shower and air conditioned comfort on a hot day. Glamping also allows for different personalities to travel together while enjoying different pursuits. One person can stay behind and enjoy a good book or surf the Internet, while the fisherman in the group spends the day casting a line. It’s also a good experience for children or teenagers that are very reluctant to leave the online and texting world behind.
Expectations
When a couple or a family travels at such a luxurious level, expectations can be high, maybe in some cases, too high. It’s important to remember that nothing is perfect. Even expensive glamping sites & RVs can have issues, the weather may not be perfect or the Internet might not work at each and every stop.
Living in an RV, even one that is designed for high levels of comfort, can present issues of too many people in close quarters. Learn to be flexible and be willing to change activities if something doesn’t work out as planned. After all, you are in nature so embrace it all.
Whether basic camping or high-end glamping is chosen, a good time is possible with some research and an understanding of everyone’s preferred activities.
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