Newlyweds are among the throng of vacationers embracing a rising trend in romantic getaways: Glamping. Glamping is the term coined for glamorous camping, which, as it turns out, is more than just a euphemism for flush toilets. As a honeymoon option, glamping offers a wealth of advantages. While couples are free to spend lots of money on services that will arrange and serve as concierge for an elegant outdoor excursion, it can just as easily be a do-it-yourself adventure.
Accommodations
In regular camping parlance, this can translate to the musty two-person tent your fiancé used in her trek across South America/the Southwest/Canada in her senior year. On the other hand, it may mean some very high tech and efficient gear from last year's sale at REI. In glamping, however, the words, "nylon" and "pop-up" are rarely, if ever, mentioned. The word "luxury" is heard quite a bit, instead. For a retro visual, think Out of Africa, with its spacious canvas tents and elegant table linens, but without the cultural burdens of colonialism. An example of a glamping resort is Orenda, promoted as a "camping retreat" in the Adirondack mountains. Glampers can enjoy a beautiful spot in the wilderness, with access to whitewater rafting, horse trails, and gorgeous hiking. The retreat features:
- A rustic open-air kitchen
- Farm-to-table, locally-sourced meals
- Heated outdoor showers
Other, similar places offer private outdoor hot tubs, as well as truly luxurious amenities such as a private chef and butler.
RV Glamping
Another option for a sophisticated glamping honeymoon is to secure an Airstream for a week or so of adventure in the great outdoors. AKA Beverly Hills supplies newlyweds and others with upscale RVs furnished to rival the most luxurious hotel suite. They will book a custom tour that lets you wake up to a different piece of the magnificent California coastline every morning, or whenever you wish to change the view.
Glamping on a Budget
It is possible to enjoy the finer things in life without an unlimited budget. Good planning can take the place of bottomless funds. If you think a glamping honeymoon is for you, treat it as you would the rest of your wedding plans. Secure a spot at a national park of choice well in advance, or ask a local parks or forestry department ahead of time about available campsites. Some equipment, such as a version of the canvas cabin, may be available to rent. Supplement traditional gear with luxurious details, such as down blankets and pillows.
Maintaining the Fantasy
Camping is a wonderful opportunity to get close to nature, and to shed the accouterments of civilized life. As anyone who has spent more than a couple of days in the woods knows, a camping trip can leave nothing to the imagination. As a couple, you have an entire life ahead of you to reveal every last detail about yourself. A honeymoon is a space where it may be nice to retain a bit of mystery and romance. Camping can be antithetical to this goal, to put it mildly. It is perfectly acceptable while glamping, however, to create a little space for fantasy. A certain level of primping is encouraged. Even a minimalist would be wise to remember two words: dry shampoo.
The Glamping Wedding
For many couples, there is no better way to celebrate their union than to organize one big camping trip for all of their nearest and dearest. Family and friends can have a ball canoeing, hiking, organizing whiffle ball contests and generally playing together in nature. Where does the glamping come in? When it is time for the ceremony, everyone scrubs up and changes into their finery. Pine and wood smoke will scent the air. Eventually, someone will raise a plastic champagne flute to toast the happy couple, and it will feel like the height of sophistication.
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