By Sarah Emily Gilbert

Images Courtesy of Glamping Hub

With adventure tourism on the rise, travelers are swapping their “sun and sand” vacation packages for zip lining, canopy tours, and the newly popular, glamping. A term that combines “glamour” and “camping,” glamping allows for the ultimate authentic camping experience.

Featured in reality television shows like Project Runway and the Real Housewives, it is clear that this sophisticated form of camping appeals to those who long for a night under the stars, but with modern comforts. From eco structures like yurts and tree houses to resort style tents and fully furnished cabins, each glamping site requires a varying degree of “roughing it.”

Regardless of where you sleep, glamping provides access to some of the most remote (sometimes hostile) environments hitherto unsafe, or uninhabitable, for tourists. This allows travelers an experience akin to early explorers and helps bolster tourism in remote regions around the globe. Staffed with local touring experts and professional guides to assist with outdoor adventures, glamping sites offer a myriad of physical activities and services that appeal to thrill seekers and the more sedate vacationers.

A hybrid of leisure and adventure tourism, glamping is the choice for those looking to escape. Courtesy of Glampinghub.com and Tree Bones Resort, Urban Agenda highlights some of the most exclusive glamping sites from around the world:

FULL OCEAN VIEW YURTS ON BIG SUR COAST, CALIFORNIA

Tree Bone Resort modernizes the circular tents once used by nomads with their own distinctive Ocean View Yurts. As their name suggests, these weatherproof tents, with colorful and cozy interiors, boast some of the most memorable ocean vistas along Big Sur’s 90-mile Pacifi c coast. Bordered by Redwood-filled state parks, the Santa Lucia Mountains on its East, and coastline on its West, the yurts are surrounded by Mother Nature’s beauty. Complete with a pool, hot tub, and breakfast buffet, this glamping site even has a “Human Nest” where guests can sleep in an oversized bird’s nest.

Residence: Yurt with modern amenities and furnishings, bathroom nearby.

Units: 16 two-people/units.

Amenities: Running water, pool, hot tub, breakfast buffet.

Top Activities: Backpacking, swimming, hiking.

Price: $299/night.

To book visit: www.treebonesresort.com.

UNIQUE TREE HOUSES ON LAKE BLED, SLOVENIA

All of your childhood dreams come true in this tree house for adults. Six wooden houses are connected by a series of suspended bridges that will literally and figuratively elevate your senses. Located in Northwest Slovenia amidst some of the highest peaks of the Julian Alps, Lake Bled is a hub for adventurers. Possible activities include white water rafting on the Alpine rivers, traveling to neighboring islands on a traditional Slovenian boat, or hiking the mountainous terrain. If you’re exhausted from all the activity, you can tuck yourself away in the treetops and appreciate the breathtaking views of the Karawanks Mountain Range by lantern-light.

Residence: Tree House with modern amenities and furnishings, kitchen, en-suite bathroom.

Units: 6 four-people/units.

Amenities: TV, minibar, running water.

Top Activities: Zip lining, wine tasting, tennis, hiking.

Price: $435/night

To book visit: www.glampinghub.com.

GLAMPING TOUR THROUGH LEH, JAMMU & KASHMIR, INDIA

This five-day tour offers diverse itineraries that include visits to historic sites and an introduction to the rich culture and customs of both ancient and modern India. Guests will be led through some of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the surrounding regions of Leh, drive along the Indus River to visit awe-inspiring palaces, visit local villages, and participate in ceremonies like the Morning Prayer. If you’re ready to explore India in a new way, secure your spot for this glamping tour, which runs from June 15 until September 30.

Residence: Luxury tent with modern amenities and furnishings, en-suite bathroom.

Units: 1 unit (guest number varies).

Amenities: Butler service, laundry service.

Top Activities: Historic sites, village tours, local sightseeing/excursions, photography.

Price: Starting at an estimated $843/night

To book visit: www.glampinghub.com.

CABINS ON THE ISLAND OF ROATÁN, HONDURAS

Fall asleep to the sound of the Caribbean Sea lapping beneath you at this premiere glamping site on one of
the Honduras Bay Islands. With year round temperatures hovering between 80 and 90 degrees, the striking blue water surrounding you will become your home away from home. Through various all-inclusive packages guests can enjoy fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, and day trips to Pigeon Cay via sailboat. With a private deck, outdoor shower, and hammock, these cabins on the sea redefine luxury.

Residence: Elevated cabins above the Caribbean with modern amenities and furnishings, en-suite bathroom.

Units: 6 units (guest number varies).

Amenities: Shower, fan, hammock.

Top Activities: Hiking, swimming, fishing, snorkeling.

Price: Vacation Packages starting at $1,600.

To book visit: www.glampinghub.com.