Glamping is the new kid on the block. It’s a global phenomenon that has already swept most of Europe and is rapidly establishing itself as the cool thing to do in the US and Canada.
But what is glamping?
In the most basic sense, glamping means “glamorous camping”. The issue is, that doesn’t give us much to go off.
At first glance, the term “glamorous camping” implies staying in a fancy tent. And, to a degree, that’s true. Bell tents, tipis, safari tents and yurts can all constitute glamping.
But it’s undeniable that glamping has taken on a wider definition in the areas it’s most popular. In the UK, for example, glamping pods (see above) are probably the most in-demand style of glamping units, and yet they’re nothing like tents.
Google search volume for "glamping pods" across the world
To us, glamping is anything that allows you to experience nature in a luxury setting. So, despite being timber structures that are undeniably more permanent than tents, glamping pods meet the definition of glamping. This is because you’re immersed in nature the moment you step out of the door, and of course they meet the requirement of luxury.
By extending this logic, we’d also argue that wagons, cabins, Airstreams and huts can be classified as glamping if they provide a sufficient level of luxury.
Google search volume for "glamping" across the world
The glamping revolution certainly didn’t start in the USA. The UK has been a flagbearer for the glamping industry for a number of years now, and is a big reason why it’s becoming popular in the US and Canada. As the Google search data shows, glamping is more common in the UK, Colombia, Italy and Germany when taking population into account.
Google search trends for "glamping" in the USA over time
The USA is rapidly catching up, however. 60,000 Google searches per day is a lot, and search volume is only going one way. We don’t think it will be long before the USA becomes the largest glamping provider in the world.
Want to get into the glamping industry? We'll show you how to start a glamping business. Read our blogs on glamping startup costs, glamping profitability and zoning for glamping, or download our Glamping Site Setup Handbook.