Throughout the last decade, the glamourous camping or “Glamping” trend has in fact developed into its own category of travel. Through a number of sources, the team of experts at GLAMPING.COM have refined their predictions on the top glamping travel trends – or continued growth interest areas – for 2018.
Here are five of GLAMPING.COM’s predictions on the hottest trends, growing in the glamping world.
1. Think Outside The Tent: Unique & Unusual Glamping
Glamping started with the idea of bringing comfort and luxury to the great outdoors for a unique travel experience. This trend has grown and now includes many styles and levels of luxury. Today the GLAMPING.COM collection is made up of 16 types of accommodations. While 2017 was arguably “Year of the Treehouse,” now Domes, and a category dedicated to Unique & Unusual on GLAMPING.COM, are earning the spotlight for 2018.
There are over 50 properties that offer these unique glamping experiences. They’ve thought outside the box and tent, including glamping in caves, ice hotels, trains, glass towers, and planes.
Domes satisfy travelers that are looking for a unique stay in nature with a minimal environmental impact. They are suitable for the four-season traveler. For example, in winter the Whitepod in Switzerland is like staying in a real life snow globe. Other examples in “Unique & Unusual” include the Permanent Camping at Mudgee property in New South Wales, Australia, an eco-friendly glass tower that opens up and welcomes the landscape inside. Another example is the Jumbo Stay in Stockholm, Sweden where guests can spend the night onboard a real jumbo jet.
2. Emerging 2018 Glamping Destinations: Slovenia
In between Italy, Austria, Croatia and Hungary, Slovenia is a popular location for glamping. With 11 properties listed on GLAMPING.COM, Slovenia ranks 6th in Europe on the website for the most glamping locations. Some examples of Slovenia’s glamping experiences have the environment in mind, and also involve staying on an organic family farm, ethnological eco-resorts, a luxury herbal camping experience and romantic pier tents and treehouses. These lavish and interesting architectural experiences also come at a reasonable to moderate cost from $100 – $249/night
3. Head in the Clouds: Glamping as the Ultimate Stargazing Experience
The 2017 Total Solar Eclipse across the United States most certainly grabbed everyone’s attention from age 5 to 95. Astrologist are planning for the next solar eclipses.
South America: Chile, Argentina, Easter Island – July 2, 2019 and December 14, 2020
In Chile, Elqui Domos is one of seven astronomic hotels worldwide and in the direct path of the July 2, 2019 total eclipse. Their Dome Rooms or Observatory Cabins are perfect for stargazing, while providing comfort. In December 2020, Patagonia Camp, the first glamping experience in Chile, is in the direct path of the eclipse.
North America: Mexico, United States, Canada – April 8, 2024
In addition, twelve states will see eclipse totality in 2024, from Texas to Maine. Travelers don’t have to wait seven years to get their astrological vacation, though planning ahead will be key to availability come 2024! Stargazing experiences are bountiful on GLAMPING.COM. With user-friendly search filter functions for location (search by state); experience (desert, caves, countryside, island, etc.); type of accommodation (treehouses, barns, tents, etc.); and traveler (family, couples, pet friendly, etc.) it’s easy to find the one for a perfect starry night.
4. Connecting with The Elements: Earth, Air, Fire, Water
Travelers enjoy nature in their own ways. Being near the ocean brings peace to some, while others look for grounding experiences in a cave or volcanic landscape. Some properties that attract to those traveling with the elements in mind include: a gentle rocking overwater in Cambodia’s Four Rivers Floating Lodge (water); a stunning view of the Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica at the Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs Resort (fire); watch monkeys while at eye level from the only Treehouse Lodge of its kind in Peru’s Amazon Rainforest (air); and, finally, get (under)grounded with a stay in the restored ancient caves in the village of Matera, Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita (earth).
5. Farm Stays 2.0
Taking the agrotourism movement, vacationing on a working farm, vineyard, or a working cattle ranch, to the next level with amazing accommodations is certainly what this glamping experience is all about. These three types of glamping experiences are offered by over 180 properties on GLAMPING.COM. While wine lovers will find nirvana at Entre Cielos “Wine Lofts” situated over the grapes themselves in Mendoza, Anglophiles can enjoy the English countryside in a Shepherd’s Hut on a working farm in Yorkshire, UK. Furthermore, guests of The Resort at Paws Up and their new three-bedroom North Bank Camp (the only one of its kind in North America) can participate with cowboys in a real cattle drive activity.
GLAMPING.COM, the industry authority on all things glamping for the discerning experiential traveler, is a highly curated collection of glamping properties around the globe. GLAMPING.COM believes in extraordinary travel – destinations that offer unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. With over 800 glamping sites on six continents, the company’s mission is to empower people to try this form of experiential travel with hand-selected, personally vetted properties. Find inspiration on www.glamping.com and Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @glampingdotcom.
Although people consider us too picky, me and my wife are always looking for traveling with style and a level of comfort which makes us feel good. Simply put, we believe in quality above quantity and we’re aiming for that ultimate experience that is going to stick with us for the rest of our lives! After all, what matters is the experience, right? Awesome trends, I already have a few ideas for our next 2018 adventures!