Many of us love our jobs, and many of us simply don’t. So if you’ve always dreamt of setting up a deluxe camping, glamorous, luxurious, cool camping or glamping business then there are many opportunities out there just for you. All you need is a little business know how, an imagination, some courage, a plan to discover your path and some glamping business essentials. So if you want to leave the day job behind and move onto something else that really lights your fire, here’s how you can decide what’s right for you.
Luxury or luxe camping is not just about yurts, tipis and safari tents. It now becoming as big as our imaginations and is fast becoming one of the most intriguing genres of alternative tourism, and one of the most exciting new businesses to get involved in. Glamping sites aim to melt into the landscape be as environmentally friendly as possible and yet still provide unique spaces to pamper relax, refresh, regenerate and inspire its visitors.
Cool camping and glamping holidays are becoming more popular now that families are cutting back on certain luxuries, and with the holiday chaos felt after volcano ash clouds, airport strikes, freak weather and natural disasters, many people are deciding to stay closer to home, or at least to have a greater number of their holidays there. The buzz word of course is camping ‘staycations’. In the UK alone Visit England reported an 11% increase in this type of trip in Great Britain in 2011. This may not seem like much, but it is when you consider most other tourist businesses are in decline then it’s quite a bit of growth. However, just because families are cutting back on their spending doesn’t mean they don’t want to experience something a bit special or unique.
The trend of glamorous camping, or glamping, has now emerged and is growing stronger by the day as its boosted by media hype. We’ve recently had the likes of the USA’s Justin Bieber and UK’s Amy Childs claiming they want to go glamping, which has set the Internet buzzing much wider than just through the traditional camping market. These types of headlines get those who have never even thought of camping before wanting to stay in the great outdoors, therefore opening up an untapped market ready for new businesses. Most popular trends always take off when celebrities start to jump on the wagon, so as far as glamping is concerned things are looking to remain strong into the future.
A New Devon,UK business: Bell Abode
Luxury camping moves away from the traditional roots of the industry by showing that camping can be both stylish as well as functional, and hey… you don’t even have to pitch your own tent if you don’t want to. There’s always a company out there that will do it for you. All you need to know is who to ask and sit back while they do the rest for you. Glamping is therefore making the wilderness accessible to all, including inexperienced campers who have never even pitched a tent or lit a campfire before.
In addition to this we are also seeing a growing desire for authenticity and genuineness amongst consumers and the business they interact with. This is demonstrated by the growing popularity of local produce markets, farmers markets, organic food, local crafts, Fair Trade, and people generally becoming more earth friendly and considerate of their surroundings. Time with family and friends outdoors amongst nature supports this fundamental desire, as does using and supporting small locally based businesses. Currently both these elements make up the foundations of the niche glamping and cool camping industry, which is possibly one of the reasons why it is seeing such growth at times of financial difficulty.
What deluxe camping has essentially done is made a traditional activity of camping accessible to all, whilst matching the needs of the modern consumer to link only to authentic and genuine businesses. This opens up the size of the market and the potential for future businesses to be started by others wanting to step into this non-traditional camping arena.
So if you’re wondering how you might be able to get involved then all you need to do is get yourself a great idea, a bit of deluxe camping knowhow and a strong plan to consider your:
- Great business ideas;
- Business brands and branding elements;
- Fundamental elements of the idea (i.e. what do you need to make it happen);
- How to become a social media guru with great strategies for success;
- How to get a well designed, styled and written website, including branding and professional photography;
- What to do if land is involved and what permissions you will need;
- How to make sense of procurement and service agreements;
- What you need to do to get good marketing skills;
- Basic office systems you will need, including: storage, maintenance, signage, email, stationery, bookkeeping and accounts, public liability coverage, reservations and administration;
- How you can develop a launch plan or re-launch plan to make the most of good PR and set your business plan rolling.
Phew! Yep… we never said it was easy… but it is possible. So are you eager to find out more? Well if you are then we have a real treat for you.
Over the coming months and through the winter we will be taking each of the above elements and looking into them in detail in terms of what works for the luxe camping industry, and what you would have to think about to improve your chances of becoming a new business success. So if you are thinking, planning or simply dreaming of jumping onto a new path, make sure you sign up for our free updates and bonuses so you don’t miss out on any of our future business inspiration articles.
So now it’s over to you…
What cool camping and glamping businesses have you been tempted to get involved in and what have been your biggest obstacles so far? Use the comments section below to let us know.
Inspired Camping: Sarah Riley
Picture Credits: Bell Abode
We recently launched Outdoor Discoveries. We hire quality family tents, pre pitched at a campsite of the customers choosing. all the equipment needed is provided and at the end of the stay guests simply zip up the tent and leave, we dismantle it and pack everything away.
This business was started because I love the outdoors, am passionate about children getting outside to play and have fun, and it saves valuable money. People without their own gear can still experience a great camping holiday.
Our biggest obstacle so far has been promotion of the business, but we have received great encouragement from everyone we have spoken to, and although not a social media guru just yet I am learning every day!
So it is with great delight that I read this post and am eagerly looking forward to the future articles on this subject.
Very happy to help. Make sure you sign up for our regular updates so you don’t miss out on this business series. Look forward to hearing from you again over the coming months. Sarah
I have been on caravan holidays since I was a child with my parents at home and in France. When my own family came along I wanted the same. I found modern caravans lacked something, I wanted my home from home to look more like my home! We bought a vintage caravan and I transformed it into something amazing! since then I have transformed the interiors and exteriors of vintage caravans for families, businesses and sewing rooms. I absolutely love what I do and it cheers me no end to think I am making it an affordable option (and whilst recycling) “The happy Caravan” is keen to learn from your business series!
Thank you so much
Sharon
Hello Sharon.. I’ve just sent you an email. So good to have you visit and that you will be following our business series. I’m looking forward to working with you. Sarah
Hello,
We are hoping to open a glamping business in Ontario Canada. We are in the early stages of finding out if its possible to do and how to do it. We hope to learn as much as possible so we can get our ideas off the ground. Any info or advice would be of great help.
Thank you,
Denis
Hi… Great to hear from you. We have stacks of great advice for you over the coming months in our business series, so make sure you sign up for our free updates so you don’t miss out. Sarah
Hi Sarah,
I set up my VW campervan rental business (www.happycamperholidays.co.uk) almost 2 years ago now..and bookings have been steady, I’m just not sure how profitable!
I absolutely love my business, and have met lots of lovely people. The learning curve is steep, particularly (for me) in the field of social media and SEO, so I will wait with interest for the next updates.
Hope you’re well – we have corresponded before, and now things are quieter I would love to contribute to your amazing website if possible.
Best wishes,
Jill
Hi Jill.. Looking forward to receiving your contribution. Simply say hello to let us hear your idea. Smiles.. Sarah
We are looking at setting up a glamping experience at our small farm at Sirindhorn Dam, Ubon in Thailand. Anyone interested in such a project?
Sounds lovely and I think your roundhouse is fabulous. Say hello and let us know what you have planned. Sarah