Over the last several years, the number of vacation rentals available has significantly expanded. Nowadays, hotels strive to provide a one-of-a-kind experience tailored to each guest. There is something for everyone: a studio apartment, a luxury villa, or a modest family home. Travelers may also pick where they want to stay depending on their unique interests and preferences.
What exactly is glamping?
“Glamping” is a term that combines the terms “glamour” and “camping” in a single word. It’s a hybrid of traditional camping and luxury vacation in terms of idea. Consider being surrounded by nature and peace while relaxing in the comfort of luxurious accommodations, including comfy mattresses, flat-screen TVs, a built-in kitchen with an electric oven, air conditioning, a bathtub, and a sauna. It doesn’t sound too horrible, right? It’s much better if you’re a company owner.
Glamping isn’t exactly a new trend, but its popularity has soared in recent years. The popularity of such unorthodox holiday rentals shows no signs of slowing down as tourists continue to seek fresh and original experiences for their vacations.
What exactly is a glamper?
Your visitors will be referred to as glampers. These vacationers want the authenticity of staying off the grid without sacrificing the conveniences of a traditional holiday rental. You’ll need to appeal to your target group by emphasizing outdoor and luxury themes.
Because glamping is such a specialized industry, you’ll need to know who will be staying at your property to maximize your profits—making your stay memorable, appealing to the eye, and providing all of the facilities that your visitors expect.
Is Glamping a Good Investment?
If you’re going to establish a vacation rental company of any type, you want to be sure it’ll be profitable. The prospect of investing money in something popular might make purchasers nervous, and properly so. Trends come and go, making investing in them a risky proposition.
Glamping has grown in popularity since its inception in the late 2000s, and it’s becoming a travel fad that’s here to stay. Younger generations, who make up a big share of the general vacationing population, are particularly fond of it. Thankfully, glamping’s appeal isn’t going away anytime soon.
Glamping caters to a variety of demographics, bolstering the investment case. Families, in addition to Millenials and Gen-Z, have taken to glamping. Because glamping allows families to spend quality time together while avoiding some of the pitfalls that come with vacationing with children, it’s a huge hit! It’s a terrific way to go out in nature, disconnect from your phone, and yet experience the comforts of home.
Glamping is worth the effort since it caters to a wide range of tourists rather than a certain niche. It’s also a tempting stay for travelers planning future travels. Many tourists have horror tales of camping gone wrong, whether it was a rain-soaked tent or the fear of being without a shower. Because of the trouble, many individuals prefer not to go camping again. All of it is taken care of when you go glamping! Glamping is unquestionably lucrative, given its widespread popularity.
Glamping comes in a variety of forms.
There are various possibilities for your glamping campground, depending on capacity and demand. There are many different types of glamping lodgings, and they usually differ based on geographical location, qualities, or tradition. The forests, beaches, and deserts are popular “glamping” destinations in the United States. We’ve included eight distinct samples so you can see how drastically they vary.
1. Yurts
When it comes to glamping, yurts are regarded as one of the most popular solutions. They are Mongolian circular tents built of timber beams and animal skin or fabric walls. Yurts are often seen in rural areas and during various events.
Because of their accessibility and wellness travel ambiance, they’ve gained popularity. Glamping in a yurt combines the natural beauty of the outdoors with the convenience of modern comforts like air conditioning and power.
2. Treehouses
Treehouses, unsurprisingly, are composed of wood and are often erected inside a tree, using the organic design of the tree or in the woods. Perfect for those looking for a relaxing vacation in the woods.
With treehouses, the possibilities are unlimited. By promoting your home to families or bigger groups, you might anticipate more revenues if you add extensions or numerous apartments.
3. Tents and tipis
Traditional Native American tents tipis are made of cotton cloth and hardwood beams in the contemporary form. These triangular-shaped tents, attached with beams and ropes, are used around campgrounds (also known as safari tents).
Tipis and tents are similar to yurts but with fewer features. You may need to make your facilities available outside of the lodging with that in mind. A bathhouse, spa unit, or portable air conditioning will make your glamping visitors’ stay more pleasant.
4. Tiny dwellings
Tiny homes are one of the most environmentally friendly solutions since they are meant to take up the least amount of space, consume the least amount of resources, and pollute the least. Furthermore, many are constructed using environmentally friendly materials.
Vacation rental owners that manage small houses often have many units on a bigger piece of property. Managing many properties has its own set of challenges, but you may generate a tidy profit with the correct tools and preparation.
5. Train cars
Adapted railway carriages might be a unique glamping alternative. They’ve just refurbished railroad carriages that are being used as holiday accommodations. Travelers will appreciate the distinctiveness, and you will save money by staying in this recycled lodging. You may even go all-out vintage by restoring a 1950s carriage.
6. Caravans
The adaptability of caravans makes them ideal for holiday rental stays for vintage lovers. They’re a terrific way to get away from it all in the countryside without having to give up all of your creature amenities. Additionally, by installing some outside furniture, visitors will appreciate the outdoors as much as the inside.
7. Bubble Domes
A bubble dome is a translucent pod that allows visitors to experience the fresh air, sunsets, and sunrises while being at one with nature. They may be rather popular in areas with a wide, starry night sky!
8. Caves
Houses constructed into underground caverns or the side of a dry hill may be found in particular geographic places, providing a unique holiday experience. This takes off-grid living to a whole new level.
Make sure this stay can be changed into a glamping site rather than a rough camping experience before making this investment. Wiring power or installing pipes in these settings may be challenging and expensive at times.
What are the benefits of starting a glamping business?
According to Arizton, the glamping industry in the United States is predicted to exceed $1 billion in sales by 2024. Luxury treehouses and modern yurts are among the most likely to increase income. As the glamping trend grows, there are several sites in the United States where glamping may be simply set up. Take a look at some of why you should establish a glamping company.
1. Everyone can enjoy glamping
Glamping has already shown to be a successful business for many property owners, as it introduces a whole new set of tourists – individuals who have never gone camping and who want to experience nature. And, of course, those who wish to have a luxurious vacation while staying on a budget.
Traditional camping is unappealing to many people because of the cold, bugs, lack of running water, and lack of access to fresh food. Glamping, on the other hand, is entirely another animal. Glamping is for those who want to be close to nature without putting up a tent.
This lodging provides:
- Seclusion.
- A close encounter with nature.
- Maybe a cost-effective but luxurious alternative.
Glamping, on the other hand, is for everyone. It appeals to family (fun outdoor activities), groups of friends (music festivals), and couples (many couples select this choice for their honeymoon!)
2. It is both environmentally responsible and elegant.
Imagine the appeal of combining the two since both luxury and eco-friendly travel trends are on the rise. While glamping is connected with nature, environmental actions like installing solar panels or utilizing wind power in your glamping property may be adopted.
However, I don’t believe that having gorgeous scenery is sufficient. Guests have high expectations after the glamping explosion. But don’t be put off by this. Profits from this company form will allow you to devote a portion of your money only to the visitor experience. Consequently, you won’t have any trouble collecting positive feedback from tourists who walk through your establishment.
In addition to the most basic amenities, some vacation rental owners provide picnic hampers or activity discounts in their welcome packages.
3. It’s ideal for marketing and experience
It’s critical to promote the whole experience when advertising a vacation rental. It’s especially simple if you’re a glamping vacation rental owner. Glamping is an adventure in and of itself; all you have to do now is make sure your property stands out from the crowd. Consider how your future visitors may make the most of the natural beauty in your regions, such as a treehouse or a bubble pod where they can gaze at the stars.
Massages, yoga lessons, a rustic breakfast delivered to the treehouse in a basket, lake excursions for swimming, trips to organic farms or animal sanctuaries, and other unique extras are available at many holiday rentals.
4. Profits are greater, and investment is lower
Glamping housing requires a lower initial expenditure than purchasing a home and taking out a mortgage. Instead, since it is far less expensive to create, maintain, and operate, the profit should be larger, and you should see a faster return on investment.
The most important thing is to put your glamping vacation rental on the market. Learn how to appeal to certain categories of tourists, such as health and wellness enthusiasts and millennials, with your vacation rental. Be aware of SEO tricks to guarantee that visitors who go glamping can quickly discover your vacation property.
Glamping is now regarded as a successful company that can be handled similarly to any other sort of vacation rental. It may be listed on the same websites as the other listings and even have its website.
With autumn coming, now is the optimum time to start thinking about a glamping company concept to be ready for the winter peak season.
5. Getting away from the main cities in a safe manner
As the urban population expands, so does the need for city getaways. On the other hand, city inhabitants may not be ready to give up all of their creature comforts just yet! Glamping is a wonderful compromise between wildness and luxury.
Because the desire to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city is so strong, glamping experiences tend to be overpriced, which is fantastic news for business owners. You may easily attract urbanites and charge a higher nightly rate than a regular vacation rental by promoting your glamping stay appropriately.
What Is the Best Way to Start a Glamping Business?
The good news is that starting a glamping company is quite simple because of the inexpensive start-up costs and short construction time, but a successful glamping business still requires some planning. Glampers have a keen sense of what distinguishes a glamping site from traditional camping, so you’ll need to carefully plan out your short-term rental company if you want to persuade your prospective visitors.
Make a Business Strategy for Glamping
Would you make a large investment if you didn’t have a clear sense of where you were going? Certainly not! Many vacation rental owners are misled into believing that running a glamping company is too simple. Glamping is no different. While it may be a less time-consuming commitment, preparation is still necessary.
A glamping business plan should comprise, at the very least, a company and industry analysis, operations strategy, and revenue management. Still have questions about how to develop a glamping business plan? With our vacation rental business plan template, you’re covered.
Glamping business financing
Glamping might be difficult to classify from the perspective of lenders. What exactly is it if it isn’t a piece of property or a hotel? It’s important to get the correct financing for your glamping adventure to prevent paying extremely high-interest rates or having to pay it back over a lengthy time. Read up on all financial advice, so you don’t pay more than you have to.
You have your bank
If you have a solid connection with your bank and have had prior successful investment initiatives with a local bank in the past, this may be your best choice. A good rapport goes a long way since most lenders are looking for dependable borrowers when it comes to loans.
Local banks and credit unions have a vested interest in lending to their neighbors, so inquire about the possibilities available to you. You also contribute back to your town and help to boost the local economy, so it’s a win-win situation!
Loans with collateral
Your current asset may be able to assist you in obtaining a decent loan. This may be a viable choice if you already have other assets to use as “security” to acquire a loan. This is particularly advantageous for holiday rental operators with many homes.
Loans for new businesses
Some lenders consider a glamping enterprise to be more of a start-up business than a property investment because of its unorthodox character. In certain situations, a loan under the “start-up” category will provide you with better terms and conditions than a property loan.
Constructing a glamping site
Various things will determine the kind of structure you choose. No two glamping companies are the same, and they shouldn’t be. Because glamping is known for its individuality, each structure will be unique. Regardless of how you choose to start your glamping company, certain things are to consider.
Permits
Remember when we said you could clamp in caves? It’s as amazing as it sounds, but many of these sites may be carefully protected by governments. Construction of a “glampsite” might be challenging due to protected property and building licenses.
Keep an eye out for the property that has an easement provision. If you’re not attentive, you can end up buying land that can’t be transformed into a glamping site. In practice, this implies that some aspects of your property (such as road access, a septic system, or electrical grid connection) will need extra access from outside your property, such as a private road on your neighbor’s land.
Restrictions on zoning
Zoning restrictions are fantastic if you don’t want a busy highway right outside your door, but they’re not so great if you want to establish a vacation rental company. Many zoning rules, particularly in highly touristy places, might preclude you from establishing your glamping company on certain pieces of property.
If you’re using a realtor or a real estate website, be sure you’re filtering out zoning alternatives that might prevent you from building a glamping site.
Purpose
If you’re dead bent on starting a tipi glamping company, you should only look at properties that are suitable for this form of lodging. The same may be said for any other form of glamping experience. If you want to sell bubble domes, a parcel of land with a lot of light pollution and poor visibility is probably not the ideal choice.
If you’re still unclear about the sort of glamping accommodation you’ll provide, keep your land purchase generic. Consider if the topography is difficult to build on, has restricted access to the main road, or is ideal for establishing a septic or well system. The more difficult it is to make your site livable, the longer it will build.
Promote your glamping holiday rentals on the internet
What is it about glamping that makes it so appealing? Glamping is simple to promote because of its inherent beauty, general appeal, and newness. With the feeling of seclusion, the allure of luxury, and the stunning views, now all you have to do is sell it! It’s now up to you, the glamping company owner, to advertise it.
Young folks are enamored with glamping. Within the previous two years, 30% of American visitors have gone glamping, with Millenials accounting for a major portion of that 30%. The correct audience is captured through good marketing. Know who you’re selling to and tailor an internet marketing strategy to their preferences.
Make Use of a Glamping Management Program
If you’ve persevered through the challenges of setting up a glamping campground, sticking to your business strategy, and marketing to prospective visitors, now is the time to enjoy the benefits and book all those bookings!
Managing reservations, creating a booking calendar, listing several sites, and running a company may be daunting. Lodgable’s glamping management software relieves you of the strain by giving all of the property management tools you’ll need to operate your glamping operation. You’ll need the correct tools for your day-to-day company operations, whether you’re dealing with one yurt or twenty small dwellings.
What are the rules and restrictions for glamping in the US?
In addition to the zoning and building laws discussed in the preceding section, several nation areas have made glamping construction explicit. If you’re purchasing raw land, you’ll almost certainly need to gain clearance for a “change of use” since the site will most likely convert from forest to a company or rental property, depending on local laws.
It’s critical to check with your state and local governments to learn more about the details. Whether it’s protected, designated differently, or federally recognized tribal territory, some terrain is off-limits to glamping.
Outside of the United States, zoning and construction regulations might differ dramatically from one nation to another. Glamping, for example, does not need construction permission in the Netherlands since it is not deemed a “permanent structure,” yet it does in the United Kingdom. Always verify your local laws to prevent fines, penalties, or legal issues in the future.
