I have to admit, I always want to go glamping every few months. Glamping is so fun and adventurous! But it can be an expensive venture as well- with all the gear you need for glamping, not to mention booking costs.
However, there are ways around this. I have learned to utilize what I already have at home or close by in order to save on some expenses. And that’s exactly what I’ll teach you in this post.
See, you don’t need to rent a high-end glamping place. You also don’t need to buy new things every time you go glamping. But you can still have an amazing glamping experience.
I hope these tips will help you go glamping on a budget this year without having to sacrifice comfort. Remember that sometimes it’s just about changing your mindset.
How To Go Glamping On a Budget
Here are 10 simple tips to glamping on a budget:
1. Stay Close to Home
You can experience glamping without going too far. You can enjoy the beauty of your own backyard or a nearby state park.
To help you find a near glamping spot, search for “glamping near me” and choose the nearest glamping spot that you like. You can also post on glamping Facebook groups and find a glamping destination close to home.
Remember there’s fuel for your car and also time that comes in play when you go far. Close to home can still offer you the best experience without the hassle.
2. Book a Glamp Site You Can Afford
When booking a glamping spot, choose one that’s within your budget.
This includes the accommodations, food and transportation as well.
A lot of places offer discounts if you book in advance or at certain time of the year so check to see if you’re lucky to secure a discount.
3. Upgrade Your Gear
You can have a luxurious glamping experience with just a few things. You don’t need to rent an RV or fancy yurt. Maybe all you only need is to buy a better air mattress or different tent and just glamp at home.
This will make your camping more comfortable and glamorous. You can make it even more luxurious by decorating with things like lights and candles that make it feel like you’re at home.
4. Cook Your Own Food
Just because you want to go glamping on a budget, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some delicious meals while at it. You can cook your own food hence you’ll not need to buy expensive glamping meals. So bring a portable grill and have it set up next to the fire pit, then just use lighter fluid for fueling!
You can also decide to cook at home and carry the food to the glamp site. Some glamping sites have refrigerators where you can store your food for the few days you’ll be there.
Also, consider bringing along canned soda and snacks from home! You’ll save some money by not having to buy them at a store nearby or out in nature.
Related: The Ultimate glamping checklist; All your glamping gear in one place
5. Try Glamping In a Group
Another tip is to go glamping in a group and cost share the expenses.
If you have friends or family that would love to come along, take them with you and let each member contribute X amount to cater for trip.
6. Skip Some Add-ons That Your Host Offers
It can be tempting to say yes to all the add-ons your host offers for example, a hot tub, boat riding etc, but your bank balance might not agree.
Its always wise checking the price, either on the listing or by chatting with the owner via phone call before accepting or rejecting the add-ons. You might be pleasantly surprised at how the extras cost.
7. Make a Vision Board
A vision board can be a beneficial tool when it comes to saving money and sticking to a budget for a glamping trip. Here’s how to make use of a vision board:
First, create a vision board by gathering pictures, quotes, and other inspiring images that represent your ideal glamping trip. This could include things like the perfect campsite, cozy tent, or delicious outdoor meals.
Next, use the vision board as a visual reminder of your goals for the trip. This can help you stay focused and motivated as you plan and save for your trip.
As you start to budget for your glamping trip, use your vision board as a guide for what’s most important to you. For example, if you’ve included a picture of a high-end tent on your vision board, you might prioritize saving for that over other less important items.
Additionally, you can use your vision board to help you make smart financial decisions as you plan your trip. If you see that you’re spending more money on one aspect of the trip than you’d like, you can refer back to your vision board to see if there are any areas where you can cut back or find more cost-effective alternatives.
Overall, a vision board can be a great tool for saving money and staying on budget for a glamping trip by helping you stay focused, motivated, and mindful of your financial goals.
8. Use What You Already Own
Another tip is to use supplies you already have at home. An easy example would be carrying your old towels for use Or bringing your usual boots for hiking or horse riding instead of buying new ones for the trip.
When going for a trip we get excited and want to buy new things. But this can be a bad financial decision especially if you’re trying to stay within a tight budget.
So if possible, make a list of the things you’ll be taking for the glamping trip and evaluate which ones you can take from your home instead of buying new ones.
9. Bring Your Own Entertainment
Glamping on a budget doesn’t have to be boring. You can bring your own entertainment.
There are a lot of different fun things you can bring which will save you money. There are glamping games like board games, Kan Jam, ladder ball and books.
You can also bring a portable speaker to play some of your favorite tunes, or you might even be able to stream music with your phone. This will make your camping area feel more like home and it’s a great way to get the kids involved.
10. Buy What You Need Not What You Want
You might be tempted to buy a ton of glamping supplies before you leave home. But try not to do this so as to save you money in the long run.
If there are things that you think would make your experience more enjoyable then buy them but don’t over do. Remember you’re working with a set budget.
Conclusion
This has been a long post but I hope it was helpful! Budgeting is important, and even more so when going glamping. Use the money you have wisely to go on an extravagant camping trip without breaking the bank. The next time you want to plan your budget take these tips into account for the best experience possible!