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.
Meyling “Mey” Martinez is a travel and outdoor enthusiast born in the tropical island of Cuba and raised in Las Vegas, NV. Consumed by wanderlust and inspired by nature and the fascinating world outside of her doors, she has set sail to visit new destinations. Mey enjoys hiking new trails and visiting national and state parks along with other wonders of the world. Forever an explorer at heart with an adventurous soul, she enjoys sharing her experiences and the latest on travel and glamping through blogging.
Native American Tipis – painting by Geroge Catlin in the 1830s
Abraham Lincoln and generals at Antietam
Honeymoon Tent at The Resort at Paws Up in Montana
