7 Tips for the Ultimate Glamping Adventure

Looking to book the perfect vacation without breaking the bank? Instead of paying for five-startreatment, create it yourself! Glamping, aka glamorous camping, allows you to experience the spoilsof nature with all the comforts of the great indoors. The best part? You likely have everything youneed right at home. So pack up the wineglasses, and set out on your next adventure in style withthese foolproof glamping tips.

Don't just set up camp; create a cozy, alfresco living area. Lightweight outdoor furniture, throwpillows and a portable area rug can make any trip into nature feel like home away from home. Anddon't forget a few decorative accessories to complete the look. Copy this outdoor space

Step into these incredible glamping adventures

When the sun goes down, the fun begins. Add chic ambiance with a cozy campfire and lots oflanterns and candlelight. For glampers on a budget, DIY paper bag lanterns are a cheap and easyway to dress up your campsite. String them from tent to tent for a festive look. Other fab lightingoptions include portable hurricane lanterns, recycled can lanterns or even plain white string lights.

Get these outdoor candle ideas

The great thing about glamping is that you have the choice to fall off the grid...or not. Stayingconnected is super easy with tech gadgets, like portable Wi-Fi hotspot devices or solar-powered USBchargers. But if you're looking for a few days away from the hustle and bustle, simply unplug andunwind. The choice is yours.

Check out this solar-charging backpack

Forget the throwaway paper plates and plasticware, and pack the real deal instead. You'll thankyourself later when you aren't sawing into your grilled steak with a plastic knife. In addition to platesand cups, must-haves include silverware, wineglasses and a cocktail shaker. If you're a little wary ofpacking your fine china, consider lightweight but sturdy serving options such as melamine dishes orstackable wineglasses.

Camping fare shouldn't be limited to hotdogs and potato chips. To maintain your five-star theme,plan to prepare one or two gourmet meals during your trip. You'll need to pack a cast iron skillet,

cooking oil and maybe even a portable cooktop if your campsite doesn't provide a grill. Remember,you're making memories so don't skimp!

Make the best camping sandwiches

Have you ever dreamed of staying in one of the magically enchanted tents from the Harry Potterseries? On the outside it's just a normal canvas tent, but on the inside it's a gorgeous retreat. Well,now you can! (Just without the magic part.) The ideal glamping tents are sturdy canvas types thatprovide room to stand and walk, but any tent will do in a bind. Just set yours up on a flat surfacethat's free of sticks and debris.

Find the perfect tent

To ensure the absolute best glamping experience, dress up your tent to resemble a hotel room oryour own bedroom. I always bring my memory foam sleeping pad, air mattress and bedding fromhome for ultimate comfort. Folding TV trays make perfect side tables to hold your lantern, phone,etc. And of course, don't forget a rug and other cozy decor.

Get more glamping tips and tricks here

What are your glamping must-haves? Tell us in the comments below!

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