No Bookings? No Problem. Craft Your Own Luxurious Glamping Experience

June 5, 2021

Words by: Mona Butler

Photography by: Michael Trudeau

The glimmer of hope that the loosening restrictions provided has been dampened for some who may have been vying to get away at some point this summer. With resorts filling up and spilling over into endless waitlists, one might think that their only chance of a vacation is to sit in the backyard with a drink, close their eyes, and imagine themselves elsewhere. What if that wasn’t the case? What if there was a way to “DIY” the latest luxury vacation experience? It’s time to make a regular camping trip extraordinary by crafting your own “glamping” excursion!

James Schutz of Campers Village here in Edmonton broke down the elevated camping essentials needed for do-it-yourself glamping, starting with the base of any camping experience: the tent!

The little nylon tents commonly found throughout campgrounds everywhere won’t cut it here. No crouching in and out of zippered doors, the glamping experience requires something that someone can stand in. “A canvas wall tent gives the most room, feels more like a little house or cabin, and has that pioneering richness and texture. You could even put a wood-burning stove right inside!”

After a long day of relaxing in the great outdoors, no one is going to sleep on the tent floor. While the queen-size bed and frame usually provided at resorts may be too unwieldy to pack in and out, a cot and air mattress will substitute quite nicely. “A cot raises you off the floor, which feels more civilized, and the luxury mattresses that are available now are amazing! You have to feel the fabric to understand, they are likely softer than what many folks have at home.”

In addition to the cot and mattress, bedding is also required. The deciding factor between bringing bed sheets or a sleeping bag will depend on the size and shape of the air mattress, but regardless, pack blankets and throw pillows for added comfort and style.

It’s time now to craft the perfect outdoor living and dining space. A heated chair is a nonnegotiable. Whether for cuddling up or stretching out to relax, it will provide extra comfort on those cool forest evenings. Add a table and stools for dining out of the way of any offending bugs that try to partake in your delicious camping fare, and to complete the space, James recommends at least one hammock.

At this final stage, James says that the sky’s the limit! Accessorize with however much will fit in the car to the campsite. LED string lights and lanterns will all help to build the right ambiance, as well as games and even shower tents.

www.campers-village.com

With resorts filling up and spilling over into endless waitlists, one might think that their only chance of a vacation is to sit in the backyard with a drink, close their eyes, and imagine themselves elsewhere.

A quintessential glamping experience is not complete without a craft cocktail to sip lakeside. Instead of settling for the run-of-the-mill camping alcohol such as beers and coolers, why not pack something that could pass for a freshly mixed beverage? Tumbler & Rocks Craft Cocktails by The Fort Distillery come ready to serve. Simply shake and pour over ice. Choose from a classic old-fashioned, a cosmo, a daiquiri, a manhattan, a margarita, or a shaft. It’s like having a bartender right there in the woods!

www.tumblerandrocks.com

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