Camping isn’t just about pitching a tent on a campground and singing Kumbaya around a campfire anymore. Nowadays, there’s a form of camping for every interest.
Love the outdoors but hate the idea of sleeping in a tent and going to the bathroom in the woods? Try glamping (glamour + camping). Or, are you a cycling enthusiast who wants to go on a week long trip that includes your favorite pastime? Go bicycle camping.
Yes, there’s something for everyone. So switch up your vacation this year with an unconventional camping trip, such as:
Gamping
If you want to travel internationally but don’t have the budget to necessarily do so, consider gamping. Instead of forking over tons of cash to stay at a lavish urban hotel or country resort, gamping allows you to literally set up camp in someone’s backyard. Gamping.com provides a directory of people all over the world who are offering their homes (or at least their backyards) as a place for travelers to stay. So think Bed & Breakfast, but even more low-key, and with a tent.
Cliff Camping
Okay, so this one is exactly what it sounds like. And depending on how adventurous you are, that could be completely thrilling or absolutely terrifying. Cliff camping is all about scaling a rock face and attaching your tent to the side of the rock. Yes, you’ll be dangling in air—unless you can find a crevice that’s large enough for your tent. This is not for sleepwalker or those who are afraid of heights.
Hammock Camping
If you like the idea of sleeping while suspended in air but hate the idea of possibly waking up at the bottom of a cliff Wile E. Coyote-style, hammock camping might be for you. There’s a surprising variety of gear that makes this camping style fairly simple, although you do want to ensure your hammock is adequately secured into the trees you’ll be sleeping between.
Cowboy Camping
This westernized style of camping is great for those who want to channel the traditional cowboy, or for those too exhausted to pitch a tent. Cowboy camping is all about sleeping right on the ground—no tent or anything. Some perks of this camping style include sleeping under beautiful starry nights and having less camp gear to carry. Not so awful now, huh?
Backcountry Camping
Experienced campers might love this type of travel adventure, since it calls for you to stay in the most remote area possible. Find a spot in the middle of a mountain range or the enchanted woods of central Europe. Wherever you go, it’ll be nothing but you, Mother Nature, and maybe a travel buddy or two.
Mobile Camping
If staying in one place isn’t your thing, you might want to try camping on the go. Backpacking allows you to walk across land and set up camp at various locations. Or you can go canoe or sail camping, which means you can kayak, canoe, or boat on water and camp along the shorelines when you’re ready to call it a day. Bicycle touring is another great way to cycle around the town or city you’re visiting and easily set up your accommodation wherever you want.
Photo from Wenger.com.
