What Is Glamping? The Legitimate Origin of The Word
What is Glamping? The Definition
What is Glamping? Indeed! ‘Glamping’ is a relatively new word first used in the UK press in 2005 to describe luxurious bell tent camping. It is a blend of two words ‘glamorous’ and ‘camping’. Lexicographers would describe these blended words as portmanteaus – a combination of words to create a new one.
The word ‘glamping’ was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2016, and so it became an official word.
The word glamping made us cringe a little at first, but we soon got used to it (and have since ran with it!) and it’s now a very well used and industry-wide-recognised word.
Word Growth
Perhaps you’ve heard the word but never really understood its origins, or maybe this is a new word you’ve never heard before. It’s certainly a word that has grown in popularity since its first use in 2005, and it has come to mean so much more since then.
Nowadays the term glamping has extended to include any outdoor accommodation (shepherds huts, caravans, camping pods and so on), so long as the accommodation is outdoors, temporary, resembles camping, is luxurious and, well, glamorous.
Glamping Expectations
Glamping is not only a word, but also a concept – one that is now recognised around the world. Think regular camping but with bells and whistles, like proper beds and coffee machines! Some ‘glampsites’ will even go so far as to provide hotel quality bed linen and towels, robes and slippers, flushing toilets and hot showers.
Our friend’s over at Experience Freedom put it nicely;
“Today, Glamping is far more accessible to all with the focus on maintaining your creature comforts whilst also enjoying the great outdoors. By and large, tent campers enjoy the traditional style of camping, where you can hone your wilderness skills perhaps with just a simple tent and a sleeping bag under the stars, whereas glampers are after the full-sized beds and accommodation with cooking facilities.”
Experience Freedom
Give Glamping a Go!
Anyone getting started in Glamping should certainly trial the experience for themselves first. Consider a stay at Ling’s Meadow, Norfolk or Leafy Fields Glamping, Devon and experience glamping first hand.
By giving it a go you will quickly work out exactly what it is you want to offer at your site, and what you’d prefer to leave out. You’ll return with fresh ideas and unique selling points of your own.
