It’s the start of a new year. So, what better time to be bold and decisive? With that in mind it’s the 4Points Leisure prediction that glamping is here to stay. With more and more locations added every year, the glamping industry continues to grow apace. Heck –  it even has its own awards ceremony!

If 2017 was the year of the treehouse, what will mark 2018? We take a look at six emerging trends for glamping and holidays for 2018.

Unusual Abodes

In 2017, the most often encountered glamping abodes were yurts, shepherds’ huts, pods and bell tents. However, 2018 sees the rise in more unusual places to rest our heads. From ice hotels, caves, trains, planes, helicopter and, double decker buses to glass towers. Even a dragon’s eye, winner of the Channel 4 programme Cabins in the Wild. We’re looking for that quirky, different experience – one that will stay with us forever.

We especially like the cave glamping in Zaragoza, Spain. This is a ground breaking hotel, providing eight double rooms surrounding an internal patio. And when it comes to flights of fancy look no further than our friends at Quirky Nights Glamping Village Co Sligo, Ireland. They transported a Boeing 767 along the coastline, to get it in situ for their glamping village. Chocks away!

Wellness Breaks and Connecting with the elements

We want to glamp in the open, and fill our souls with nature. We’d also rather like it if we felt better and improved ourselves at the same time. Glamping with yoga, massage, mindfulness or new skills are attracting us. And there are plenty of locations offering retreats for your chosen passion.

New locations – South Korea and Slovenia

With the Winter Olympics peeking around the corner, South Korea is a full-on destination. And glamping gets a look in, with a variety of sites to choose from.

Raventree Glamping resort  offers two storey tents on the water’s edge, or in a mountain or by the historic art museum. Located in Gapyeong each tent has underfloor heating, private deck and cooking facilities. Also in Gapyeong, Florance Glamping is ideal for families.  The tents are spacious and again there’s underfloor heating for the winter months. While you’re there you can try your hand at rail biking – an activity that uses bikes and railroads specially built for sightseeing. Just hop on a railbike and pedal your way along the rail tracks to take in the scenery.

Another hot new destination for 2018, is Slovenia.  First and foremost, Slovenia is an outdoor destination. Slovenia is perhaps the greenest European country, with the Julian Alps, Adriatic Sea, lakes and rivers to explore. Yet, if you’re an architecture fanatic you’ll be more than catered for. Here Hungarian style farmhouses nestle with gothic churches and Venetian harbour towns. As for glamping – there’s a growing choice.

Go five-star glamping with Garden Village Bled. Here you can stay in tree houses, glamping tents or pier tents. Garden Village Bled is exactly that:  a garden village. Each glamping tent has its own garden. The village part of the name means a greenhouse, restaurant and open fireplace to enjoy. Alternatively combine two of our trends and stay in a wine barrel – count me in!

Terme Ptuj Camping offers wine barrel glamping, as part of its wine village glamping experience. A reflection of Ptuj’s wine-making tradition, the barrels stand around a central area with a communal fireplace.

Multi-generational

Glamping with your parents and your children at the same time. Okay don’t shudder. It can be a good idea to take everyone glamping at the same time. Holidaying with the generations together gives grandparents the chance to connect with the grandchildren. And, well, even we adults could do with taking time to connect with our parents! With all the generations interacting, all parties can get a well-earned break from their nearest and dearest.

Wildlife Adventure

In 2018, we’re going to look for more adventure, especially if it involves wildlife. Two ways of achieving this are to glamp in the middle of the wildlife, or to go glamping in a zoo. Brings a new meaning to the phrase ‘monkeying around’.

Not that wildlife has to be lions and giraffes. How about a shepherd’s hut on Elmley Nature Reserve? Geese, wildfowl, tidal streams and marshland life, abound and there’s an opportunity to watch wading birds in the hides provided.

If glamping in a zoo, with the offer of a night time mooch around the animals appeals, look no further than Camp Baboon. Based within the Wild Place Project in Bristol, the en-suite camping pods provide a great experience. And if you’re still hungry for more animals (metaphorically speaking), this package gives you free entry to Bristol Zoo.

Art Painting

Activity holidays have always been around so in essence they aren’t new. What is new though is the choice of painting holidays within a glamping setting. You’ve already chosen to be outdoors glamping. Now add in professional painting instruction and you’ve got a package covering a couple of hobbies! Old Oaks Glamping in Glastonbury offers exactly that, with glamping in pods, shepherds’ huts or cedar lodges. As an adults only campsite, it offers total peace and quiet. So you can concentrate on that great art work you’ve always wanted to create.

Well, that’s our take on the trends to be looking out for in 2018. Let us know what holiday plans you’re making as we tip toe into the new year.

And if you find a new and exciting glamping destination don’t forget to share it on Facebook or Twitter. Until next time, #getoutdoors.

Jo & Richard

4 Points Leisure
The Glamping, Camping and Festival Accessories shop, with years of camping experience