Camping means becoming one with the great outdoors and getting down and dirty with nature, right?

Well, no, actually. Not always.

Camping doesn’t always have to mean roughing it. In fact, it’s becoming quite the trend to go “glamping.” Yes, you heard me, glamping.

Exactly as it sounds, glamping is a more glamorous spin on camping and it is bringing a whole new level of interest to the camping scene.

So, what exactly is glamping?

WiFi

For starters, cell service is a great place to begin. If your campsite offers Wi-Fi and your cell phone works properly, consider yourself a glamper. Sure, there’s certain sweet spots you can find at any campground that offer limited service to call a friend, check emails or even post to Instagram, but consistent cell service is definitely considered a glamping perk. Camping, on the other hand is an opportunity to really disconnect. The lack of cell service on a traditional camping trip allows campers to unplug and step away from the real world, if only for a moment.

Sleeping Arrangements

Another major differentiating factor between camping and glamping is shelter and sleeping arrangements. If you’re traditional camping, you’re typically taking a tent to a remote location and creating your own makeshift shelter to truly enjoy nature. Just you, your sleeping bag and a tent. While glamping, you’re still enjoying all that nature has to offer, but you don’t necessarily want to part with that cozy, homey vibe. So, instead, glampers can find themselves at home in an RV, trailer, cabin or even hotel/motel.

Cooking

Cooking has its similarities – like marshmallows, for example. Whether you’re around a campfire, portable grill or even a microwave, who doesn’t enjoy a good s’more? But glampers have the luxury of still enjoying home cooked meals. Come dinner time, glampers can preheat their oven and turn on the stove to prepare their meals. Campers on the other hand keep it simple and the first order of business is starting up a fire, as this will serve as a makeshift stove, oven and microwave.

Shelter

Wildlife neighbors are also something you need to take into consideration. Glampers might have a better chance of staying safe from unwanted furry friends than the traditional camper. Tents do not provide as much protection from nosy neighbors the same way an RV, trailer or cabin would. Being locked away in a tight and structured environment is a perk that glamping offers to stay safe of wildlife critters.

Some may consider glamping an upgrade in rest and recreation, while others still prefer the ruggedness of camping. This new type of travel undeniably captures any potential “negatives” of camping life and pivots a high level of service that can focus on the complete comfort of its guests.