Glamping Hacks: A Chic Guide To Roughing It

Choose your location wisely

The whole point of glamping is to get as close to nature as humanly possible without actually having to rough it (much). It’s all well and good to find that perfect secluded camp spot with an ocean vista, but if bathroom facilities are non-existent you might feel like you’re up the proverbial sh*t creek. Sometimes the trade-off for serenity is a drop-loo, so decide which is more important before you embark on your trip. If all else fails invest in a solar-powered shower and a shovel :D.

Invest in a Bell Tent

What would glamping be without the ubiquitous canvas bell tent? They’re like the ritz-carlton of the camping world, and they’re not as expensive as you might think. A standard 4-metre bell-tent is a little over $800 to purchase from these guys. The tents are super durable with plenty of headroom and the canvas material is hardy and waterproof and as such, the tent will last for decades if cared for properly.

When you consider this is little-more than a 3-night Glamping adventure with most hospitality companies, you’ll realise this is money well spent. Plus you can deck out your site any way you like and be the envy of those poor shleps close by covered by ugly fluoro PVC tents.

Be eco-friendly

Glamping is an inherently sustainable pursuit. But not so if you’re racking up a rubbish bag the size of Mount Koziosko. Why not go the full-monty on your carbon footprint? Stick with biodegradable bags, take mostly perishable foods like fresh fruit, veg and meats and store in a cardboard box or esky.

Go electricity-free and set the mood with candles and gas lanterns and use external chargers (charged prior to the trip) or solar panels for anything electrical. Not only will you be doing the earth a favour but the clean-up will be super easy!

Food fit for a queen

If you want a glamorous camping experience you’ll need to treat it like one. If you’re anything like me, yummy food factors rather prominently in your daily existence, so plan to buy produce from the local markets close to your site and cook up a gourmet storm while you’re away. No cans of tuna or baked beans, no potato chips, just good old-fashioned Farm-to-table. Try to invest in a decent-sized gas-stove – it’ll make life a whole lot easier if you’ve got space! Same goes for the esky.

All air mattresses are not created equal

Is the mattress you plan to take one of those full-bodied queens or simply a skinny self-inflatable pathetic-excuse-for-a-bed that’ll deflate as soon as you roll onto your side in the middle of the night? I don’t want to remind you how important a good night’s sleep is… especially out in the middle of nowhere!

Taking a good, solid, mattress can mean the difference between hell and some restful zzz’s. Get one that’s at least half a metre thick and dress it up with your duvet from home for a bit of style and comfort. Sleeping bags are for backpackers.

Superior Glamping Style

What really makes Glamping different from camping is those little extras you bring from home to spruce up your surrounds. It’s actually pretty fun styling your campsite if you’re there for a few days. Think rugs, fairy lights, bunting, hammocks, cacti, candles (make sure you blow them out when you go to sleep else your tent might not be there in the morning) and anything that can be folded or stored easily in the car en route.