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Camping Trailer of the Future

Although glamping is still a relatively new trend it’s fun to think what the future will bring. German engineers and manufacturers at Knaus Tabbert recently revealed what it calls the “caravan of the future.” It’s called the Caravisio and its design is inspired by nautical elements and cutting edge technology advancements.

Let’s talk about the new ideas and technologies in the Caravisio. The clearly improved aerodynamics are due to a new bed layout idea. Single beds in the front are arranged in a V formation. The beds can easily be pushed together to form a large double bed.

carivisiocaravan-14Photo Credit: Gizmag

The entrance door and outside hatches and storage compartments are centrally locked with a finger scan. The shower/washroom feature an intelligent water control system with storage function that is controlled with a touch display. The living room opens up to the rear with adjoining veranda, designed like the salon of a yacht.

The seating is designed to converted easily from a lounge to modern workroom and vice versa. Laptops and tablets were kept in mind when designing these features; they can be safely stowed or easily charged.

One of the travel trailer’s most appealing features is also somewhat low-tech, the panoramic window. After all, campers head out to take in the pretty views of nature and not the inside of a trailer. The open yacht-like rear makes it possible to stay close to nature and remain as comfortable as possible.

carivisiocaravan-18Photo: Gizmag

Not surprisingly, the Caravisio has features designed to be controlled by way of an app that can be downloaded to a phone or tablet. The Caravisio levels itself automatically and can even be lowered to ground level. The sun roof in the rear can be moved down by remote control and turns into a protective cover, not to mention added privacy.

Inspired by luxury yachts, the sleak lines of the Caravisio will definitely turn heads as you drive down the interstate. If nothing else the Caravisio could boost interest for the industry, but what it does best is show what is technologically possible.

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Glamping is Good For Your Health

Spending nights under the stars is much more than taking a break from your everyday life. Vacations have always been viewed as a great way to getaway and recharge your batteries. Recent research now explains part of the reasons why we feel so good.

A report recently published in the Current Biology journal reveals that camping for a week can reset the body’s natural internal clock. The study hypothesized that the biggest culprit of insomnia is electric light. Although electric light is arguably one of the most important human inventions, it has a side effect of interrupting natural circadian rhythms.

In the study, the volunteer subjects went camping for a week but were limited to only natural light sources, i.e. no flashlights or other electronics. By the end of the week the internal clocks of the campers had reset and synchronized with the natural light-dark cycle. Most of the subjects’ body clocks were reset earlier by two hours.

The benefits of getting a good night’s sleep are nothing new, but now it’s easier to understand what’s preventing it from happening. So what should we do? Cut the electricity to our homes? At least knowing how our bodies are reacting to the artificial light helps. Maybe the best solution is to upgrade our vacation habits from ‘rarely’ to ‘frequently.’

The Resort at Paws Up May 2012Photo: The Resort at Paws Up

And because of my biased opinion I would add that the bed you sleep in will affect your results. Camping implies sleeping on the ground, which can be, if we’re honest, downright uncomfortable. Going to bed at a better hour is great, but if you’re sleeping on a rocky, uneven ground you won’t wake up feeling refreshed. This is where glamping comes in – sleep in a king-size bed while “camping.” I happen to know of a website where you can find a plethora of glamping choices. This would be great for a follow-up test. There would be no trouble finding volunteers to participate.

It’s always good news when doing the things you love also improves your health. So, happily add “health reasons” to your list of justifications for planning your next glamping adventure today. Now, take a vacation and go glamping – your health depends on it!

Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Paws Up Montana, USA
Turtle Inn, Belize
El Capitan Canyon, USA
Chem Chem Safari Lodges, Tanzania
Cuckoo Down Farm, UK
Whitepod, Switzerland
Emerald Glamping, Ireland
Canonici Di San Marco, Italy
4 Rivers Floating Lodge, Cambodia
Tiger Tops, Nepal

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Glamping in Cabins and Tents in Hotel Rooms

In June 2013, The Baltimore Sun Travel discussed glamping and highlighted locations in Maryland. Title image Savage River Lodge.

“For those who want the outdoor experience without sacrificing the comforts of high-end living, there is glamorous camping, or ‘glamping.'” Read the full article.

Glamping is a trend that is not likely to fade as our lives become more fast-paced and connected through technology. The glamping ideology tells us to get away from stress but not sacrifice comfort.

The Sun highlights two glamping experiences. The first is Savage River Lodge with comfortable cabins and tents. Savage River Lodge is located within Western Maryland’s Savage River State Forest, and is a tranquil getaway from a hectic world. And because of high demand, Savage River Lodge will be adding eight yurts to its 18 luxury cabins. The glamping yurts, permanent tent-like structures, are 30 feet in diameter, can sleep two adults and are outfitted with a bathroom, deck, wet bar, and fireplace. “We have been so busy the past few years we decided we needed more units,” said Emily Newman-Edwards, Marketing Manager and Operations Director for Savage River Lodge.

The second is the Four Seasons Hotel with an in-room tent experience for younger guests. “During the summer especially, we welcome a lot of families to the hotel, and we wanted to offer children a unique and memorable experience during their stay,” said Audrey Slade, Four Seasons Baltimore’s Director of Public Relations. “It’s definitely a ‘wow’ when they walk into the room and see the camp amenity.”

BS sc-glamping

Photo: Four Seasons Baltimore

It’s interesting to note that bigger hotels are taking notice of the glamping trend. If in-room camping works out well for this one, you can bet you will start seeing it at more and more hotels. Ultimately the hotels are only responding to what its guests want. It may not be so surprising if hotels start offering in-room camping for adults too, just a thought.

The two cited glamping examples are just the tip of the iceberg; there are ample glamping destinations worldwide. The important thing to remember is that you don’t have to go on safari in Africa (although you could) to experience glamping, there is likely to be a place close to where you live already.

People who glamp can step out of their tent, yurt, tree house, or hobbit hole and experience the raw and relaxing simplicity of nature. Not everyone wants to sleep on the hard ground. Besides, what is so authentic and great about sleeping with a rock in your back?  You can enjoy the outdoors without ditching the king-size bed. And isn’t that the point–enjoying nature?