As COVID-19 restrictions continue to urge the cancelation of travel plans and social events, the thrill of do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvement projects wears off and the bingeworthy TV dramas run their course, people have begun yearning to escape their home offices and gloomy news feeds. Travelers desperate for a summer adventure are turning toward the great outdoors for a socially distanced solution. Glamping, the semantic mashup of “glamorous” and “camping,” is the obvious cure for anyone looking to experience the great outdoors without compromising the amenities they have become accustomed to during quarantine.
What to Expect while Glamping
Venturing into the world of glamping can be quite overwhelming for travelers unfamiliar with the trend. To varying degrees, glamping trips are a more comfortable way of experiencing the best camping has to offer without many of its downsides. Glampers will have direct access to the outdoors and more amenities than mother nature alone can provide, but will not have to lug heavy equipment or endure an uncomfortable night’s sleep on the ground. Activity, amenity and lodging offerings are readily available but differ from resort to resort, as does cost.
The History of Glamping
While this travel trend has unmistakably spiked during the pandemic, glamping is anything but a novel experience. Its origins date as far back as the Mongolian Empire when Ghengis Khan’s ger, or yurt, represented the pinnacle of luxury among his nomadic people. During the Ottoman empire, the Turkish people configured mobile palaces made of extravagant tents, complete with expensive rugs and furnishings. At the turn of the 20th century, affluent American and British travelers journeyed to Africa to try their hand at shooting exotic game. Unwilling to relinquish certain comforts for the thrill of the hunt, their safari tents were equipped with luxurious bedding, generators and even chefs. Fast forward to 2010, and the age of Instagram and staycations has glamping climbing up the bucket list.
Many orchards, ranches, vineyards and other landowners across the nation have begun capitalizing on glamping trend. Several uber-luxe glampsites have popped up along the west coast, around state and national parks and throughout the mountain states, but it is the incomparable luxury and unspoiled landscape of the Montana resorts that will have you trading your trip to the grocery store with a glamping trip in Big Sky Country.
Glamp in Montana
High, wide and handsome, Montana’s magnificent scenery and miles of open space and sky make for an idyllic glamping destination. As the fourth largest U.S. state and one of the least populated, it is also the perfect place to practice social distancing while tapping into the call of the wild. Many resorts have remained open during the quarantine, some, like The Resort at Paws Up, even providing a private jet service and chauffer from the airport as part of their travel package.
Highlights of glamp sites in the area include access to several national parks and an extensive list of outdoor activities to keep you busy during your stay. The best outdoor activities in Montana include:
Explore the best scenery Montana has to offer with both single- and multi-day routes. Various trails to lakes, glaciers, waterfalls and canyons cater to all levels of hikers in Montana.
Whether you are an experienced rider or have never been horseback riding, prepare to saddle up and explore the West in true cowboy fashion. Enjoys private lessons, visits to a ranch, trail rides or even try your hand running and sorting cattle at an authentic cattle drive.
Renting bikes to cruise through quaint city streets or climb the rugged mountain terrain is one of the most popular day activities for locals and visitors of Montana alike.
From thrilling river adventures to relaxing fishing trips, dive into all Montana’s vast water landscape has to offer. Glampers can whitewater raft, canoe, fly-fish, waterski, sail and more.
If visiting in the colder months, Montana’s dramatic landscape makes for a winter sport paradise from November to March. Ski and snowboard a lengthy list of slopes, or try snow tubing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, skijoring, ice climbing or ice fishing.
Shooting sports are another set of activities popular among both locals and guests. Take a shot at target shooting, clay shooting, paintball and archery for an authentic Montana adventure that will make you feel like you have jumped into a western movie.
Finally, no camping trip would be complete without a campfire, and glamping is no exception. Relax by the fireside with s’mores in hand at the resorts’ designated campfire spots. Indulge in locally sourced cuisine and build connections with your companions that will last a lifetime.
No matter the type of outdoor adventure you seek, Montana’s resorts deliver glamping experiences season after season unlike any other. As the urge to escape on a glamping getaway creeps across the nation, bookings at these glamp sites are increasingly difficult to snatch up. Do not miss the chance to reconnect with your family, friends and mother nature. Secure your stay today!
