More Than
JUST GLAMPING
By Kerry Roy
Psst! Haven’t you heard? There’s a new trend to travel, which is more than just glamping. The word ‘glamping’ is not so new and unique as it once was. For a handful of countries, it’s another recognised level of travel that began over 15 years ago. For other countries, it’s only the beginning and still an experience on its own. So how do the more saturated geographical areas stay ahead of the game and keep their competitive stakes high in order to continuously attract strong bookings? Not only is good service along with quality clean accommodation of the utmost importance these days, there’s the increasing trend among Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z to have the ultimate ‘experience’.
n Winter foraging walks (find your local foraging expert if you’re not au fait yourself). n Cycling and trekking trails can be offered all year round, not just summer. For snowy resorts, you can rent out specialised bikes to ride across the snow, or snow shoe crampons (inexpensive) for beautiful winter wonderland trekking. n Themed rooms; Bring out the magic with Halloween and Christmas Grotto themed rooms. What age doesn’t like the magic of Christmas? n If you have horses or donkeys onsite or nearby, why not hire or buy a sleigh to offer sleigh rides? You don’t need to have snow, just a good imagination!
Glamping experiences form perfectly together like a bat and ball! If you are stuck on ideas of what else to offer, here are some ideas to help you along. Wintering the Hygge Effect Hygge: a cosy, contented mood evoked by comfort and conviviality. Here’s how you can set the mood for guests with additional cosy atmospheric winter packages: n Hot cocoa, s’mores and popcorn arrival hamper. n Mulled wine and hot ciders with homebaked cookies by the fire. n Telescopes, blankets with hot water bottles to sit outside and stargaze whilst sipping a glass of mulled wine. n Invest in some projector screens for communal or private movie nights alongside nibbles hamper – of course, not forgetting the popcorn.
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Year Round Fun & Frolics There are endless activities that can be offered all year round, such as: n Cookery classes or campfire cooking with outside dining, which – even in winter – has become increasingly popular over recent years. n Cocktail making. n Wine, gin, rum or beer tasting. n Craft and survival skills workshops. n Art and nature art workshops. n Book writing workshops. n Foraging and forest bathing walks. n Geocaching and scavenger hunts. n Bushcraft and summer forest school camps.
