Category: Experiential Travel

In this ever-changing world we must try to keep up with what’s modern, popular and safe for our environment. Many of us want to experience a vacation getaway worth the time and money, something new and social media worthy. But with so many glamping options out there, how do you choose? Well, the best way is to identify the type of accommodation that best suits your needs after picking a destination. Here I will go over the many glamping accommodation options available to you, structures that may be somewhat familiar, unique and quirky, comfortable, eco-friendly or just mindbogglingly luxurious. Prepare to be amazed at what you may find!

Tipis/Teepees and Tents

Let me first take you back to medieval times, when kings stayed in mobile tented camps while traveling. And long before that, when Native Americans still lived in tipis, also know as tepee or teepee. These luxury abodes are among the most popular options for glamorous camping. During cooler seasons the tents are heated by a wood-burning stove. The canvas homes are now built in different shapes and sizes, the most common shapes being Safari Tents which are large enough to fit a bed, bath, kitchen and living room and Bell Tents being the smaller, yet still spacious option. Tents and tipis are not permanent structures and some companies put them away during winter, while others pop them up on demand and for special events. Depending on the size your host offers, they can sleep 1-2 or 4-6 people.

Treehouses

Treehouses are the most romantic and whimsical lodging option you can find. Choose from a tiny house or uniquely shaped structure built on or among the trees. Afraid of heights? Just take a look through your options, you’ll want to face your fears soon if it means staying in one of these!

Yurts and Domes

Yurts are canvas homes, still used in countries such as Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkey among other destinations. Spacious and unique in shape, these units have no corners and are as large as a room or studio… same as domes, built out of canvas with panoramic windows or out of wood. Domes are made with a window-like opening in the middle of the ceiling, perfect for stargazing from your bed.

Lodges and Eco Lodges

Lodges are considered a large house or hotel. Building methods for eco lodges are completed with sustainability and the surrounding environment in mind. Fully furnished rooms are rented separately and are located inside a large building where you may find a communal kitchen or restaurant on the main floor. Rooms may offer en-suite bathrooms and are meant to sleep 2-4 guests. Most smaller lodges can be completely rented out for exclusive use, so don’t be afraid to ask when planning out that special event.

Wagons and Shepherd’s Huts

If this does not take you back in time, I don’t know what else will. Wagons were pulled around by horses or oxen and were the only means of transportation in earlier days, carrying just about anything that could fit inside. Shepherd’s Huts or Shepherd’s Wagons were also used back in the 15th century, mostly in the UK and France. Now, wagons and shepherd huts are transformed into luxurious accommodations for the curious traveler. These fun and compact size rooms have wheels, though are not for you to take around town as you would a trailer. These units can fit up to a Queen bed, perfect for 2 with enough space to move around. With less furniture and amenities, some can sleep up to a family of 3-6.

Cabins

When I think of winter, I imagine sitting in a cabin on a plush couch, staring at the flickering flames inside the fireplace while sipping on a warm cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows. These wooden structures resemble a cozy home away from home, often times built in a romantic setting near a river, lake, pond, or in the woods. For those of you who are not quite ready to go glamping under canvas, a cabin might just be for you.

Unique and Unusual

The title is vague because of the vast variety of unique and unusual lodging options available nowadays. A stay in a cave room, shipping container, converted bus or jet wouldn’t have crossed your mind, not even through your travel agent’s mind unless they’ve done some research. These sometimes isolated accommodations are not easy to find on your own, they are private and uncommon. Thanks to the creative minds of the owners and architects, now you have something worth telling your friends about and publishing on your social media accounts.

Huts and Cottages

Huts and Cottages are small and simple dwellings. Huts are structures of crude construction found just about anywhere, including on the beach and overwater. They are common in Mexico and throughout the Caribbean, Asia, and Africa. Huts can be made out of mud, stone or other material and are often roofed with bamboo, straw, palm leaves or branches. A cottage may be an upgrade in some countries, but glamping has turned both rustic accommodations into a comfortable lodging option.

Airstreams and Trailers

A home on wheels, Airstreams and Trailers are at times mobile, but usually sit on a lovely property for you to enjoy. Perfect for two, but considering the convertible dining room options, there’s room for a family of 3-5 in some units. Who doesn’t mind having a bathroom and kitchen just steps from your bed? If air conditioning is a must, check to see if this is an available option in your unit.

Villas and Bungalows

Either way you go, you can’t go wrong with these two glamping accommodations. Who doesn’t dream of waking up in one of those popular overwater bungalows published often in travel magazines. They resemble a villa, which is a large luxurious residence on land. Roof options for both can vary between shingles, tiles, and thatches. Take a peek at the different destinations and see where it takes you!

Cubes and Pods

These dwellings are compact and accommodate a small number of people. The pods are built out of wood and remind me of hobbit holes with their unusual shape. Cubes are square or rectangle shaped dwellings and can range in size from a small to spacious box-like room.

Barns and Farmhouses

Like the country or farm feel? These fully furnished homes are great for long vacations. Properties who do not have animals around may allow you to bring your dog with you!

If the type of accommodation you stay in is not as important, but the adventure that comes along with it is, you should look into Tour and Excursion companies. These companies focus on offering guests fun activities and tours through popular attractions while staying the night in a lodge, cabin, or hut among other lodging options.

Image Credits: Canvas Club, Holmen Husky Lodge, Kohima Camp, La Piantata, Cosy Under Canvas, Savage River Lodge, Tierra Patagonia, Conestoga Ranch, Withywood Sherpherd’s Hut, Windsock Acres, Museum Hotel, Esjan, Neeleshwar Heritage, Camping Miramar, Otway Escapes, Centara Grand Island Resort, Le Village de la Champagne, The Barn at Stonewall Ranch, West Coast Expeditions.

Winter is a time of year where sometimes all you want to do is curl up under a blanket, eat soup, and drink hot cocoa, but it’s actually the most perfect time to get outside and try new things. Here are nine winter adventure activities I’ve experienced and you should too on your next snow-covered glamping stay.

1. HIT THE SLOPES THEN APRES SKI

Whether it’s your first lesson, or you’re a seasoned snowboarder or an off-piste pro, there’s nothing more refreshing than when the cool mountain air hits your face as you take turns down the slopes. Equally as gratifying is the glass of wine and a pot of fondue after a long days work in your ski boots.

Go skiing at Tin Poppy in British Columbia

2. TOBOGGANING

One activity that always brings me back to the fun and free childhood feelings is tobogganing downhill.

Go tobogganing at Moose Meadow Lodge in Waterbury, Vermont

3. SNOWSHOEING

Snowshoeing is an excellent way to keep warm and stay active at a relaxed pace stopping along your path to enjoy the views while ascending to an overlook.

Go snowshoeing at Tree House Tranquil-a-Tree in Washington

4. SNOWMOBILING

A thrilling backcountry experience, hop on a snowmobile and feed your inner adrenaline junky. Many winter destinations even have their own ‘highways’ for use getting to school or work and back.

Go snowmobiling at The Resort at Paws Up in western Montana

5. DOGSLEDDING

Being pulled through the snow-laden forest by a pack of huskies eager for a good long run is a truly memorable experience – one for those ready to sit back, enjoy the ride, and maybe snap a few pictures along the way.

Go on a dogsledding adventure at Horses and Huskys de los Pehuenes in Neuquen, Argentina

6. SNOW SCOOTING DOWN A HILL

A cross between riding a scooter and snowboarding downhill this is one for the whole family to try. Make sure you wear a helmet for this one!

Try Snow Scooting at Whitepod in Valais, Switzerland

7. ICE FISHING

Ice-fishing is a patient mans (or woman) activity best done with a group of friends. Depends on the day what you’ll bring in, but half the fun is the conversation and catching up with friends.

Go Ice-fishing at Icehotel Jukkasjarvi in Kiruna, Sweden

8. ICE BATHING

An out of body experience, hopping in an ice-cold lake is an activity you’ll be telling your friends about for years to come. I’m told by locals practicing it regularly that ice bathing helps to push mental limits.

What is on your own winter experience bucket list?

Main Image, Snow Scooting Photo, and Ice Bathing Photo Credit: Lacy Colley Yamaoka

When the first snow falls each winter on the East Coast island I call home, I always daydream off to being atop a mountain. I made a vow to seek out more alpine experiences this year and I began that journey with Switzerland. A lover of small town experiences, I happened upon Whitepod in the Western Alps and I knew I had to spend a night in the region of Valais.

We made our way up to the tiny village of Les Cerniers (population 70) via bus from the train station and got a warm welcome by school children on their way home who must have been between the ages of two and five. The last stop at the top of the hill and we would arrive at Whitepod. Upon checking in, we traded in our luggage with the concierge for a backpack (with headlamps for night) and hiking poles for a 10 minute winter walk in our snow boots uphill to the main lodge as our bags were delivered to the room.

It was like Christmas day when we sauntered on the deck of Pod number 6, the white snow globe like dome we would be calling home for the next 24 hours. We couldn’t wait to unzip the flap door to see what awaited us inside. Our newly renovated Deluxe Pod was modern with natural design elements from floor to dome ceiling. A front and center table and chair set-up with fresh juice and homemade sweets to kick back and relax in-room, Nespresso machine for early mornings on your deck, wifi, and a walkie talkie instead of a phone to call for anything you need — like breakfast delivered straight to your Deluxe Pod. The pods are weatherproof for snowy nights and soundproof for late night conversations in bed by the fire with an iMax-like view to where the starry skies meet mountains below.

Of all of the snow-sport and alpine offerings at Whitepod including 25 kilometers of trails, private ski slopes, and mountaineering for the more extreme, my first time dogsledding was both thrilling and dreamy as we passed through snow-laden pines.

With all of the on-property activities at Whitepod, you’re bound to work up an appetite. The main lodge is open 24 hours with an honor bar for a night cap or two.

Breakfast is served downstairs and afternoon tea time on the main floor each day, which are included in your stay. Boil your own egg and choose from an assortment of homemade breads with melon jam and caramel sauce, dried and fresh fruits, fresh juices, hot coffee and cocoa.

The food and wine for dinner just down the hill is sourced from local producers and made on property, themed with sustainability in mind. We left full and happy after ordering a charcuterie assortment, Vacherin and Gruyere fondue and chestnut mousse topped with crumbled meringue.

Bring the whole family, make it a friend-cation, or couples nature retreat. It’s an authentic place. An eco-luxury experience wrapped in a blanket of white you will never want to end.