If your barkada or close friends, family, or special someone are looking for something new to enjoy, then why not do something spontaneous like camping? But for some, camping isn’t their thing, especially if they’re after a comfortable vacation. But did you know that you can go camping without sacrificing comfort?

You can, and it’s called “glamping.” This guide will introduce you to the chic travel trend and how to glamp in Aklan.

Photo courtesy of Devin Kleu of Unsplash

Glamping, according to the Merriam Webster dictionary, is defined as “outdoor camping with amenities and comforts not usually used when camping.” This means that you get to go camping with the comforts of a bed, access to electricity, and indoor plumbing. Other websites define glamping as the married concept of stunning nature and modern luxury.

But what makes it so unique and exciting for travel junkies?

More and more people are after an extraordinary experience whenever they go on vacation. Travelers today want more than just to enjoy the destination, they want to immerse themselves into the culture and to live in the untamed nature, and glamping is the way to do it.

Furthermore, glamping serves as an actual escape from reality. Most hotels have free WiFi access for their guests. However, internet access might be minimal so that you can fully enjoy your immersion with nature without the distraction of technology.

What to bring during glamping?

Photo courtesy Anete Lusina via Unsplash

The things you need to bring on your trip depend on the glamping site. If it’s your first time glamping, here’s a checklist of some things you need to pack.

Clothes - Make sure to plan and pack your clothes for the perfect travel outfit according to weather and activities. If you plan to go hiking, pack some trail-friendly garments and footwear. If you’re looking to take a dip in the lake within the forest, pack up some swimwear and a beach towel. Don’t forget to bring comfortable clothes to wear in your lodging, too.
Toiletries - essentials like shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, sunscreen, and bug repellant spray are a must in your backpack. Although glamping sites usually provide a few essentials, it would be best if you check with them first!
Towels - make sure to bring a couple of towels on your vacation: one for washing and one for swimming.
Cooking items - before packing these tools, check with the glamping site first if they would provide you with cooking essentials like a stove or grill, frying pans, plates, and utensils. If they do, then all you need to bring are your ingredients.

Now that you know the things you need to bring for glamping, it’s time to decide on the glamping site you’ll be staying in. Well, before you search “glamping near me” on your phone, you don’t have to worry because there are many great glamping spots in the Philippines, and one of the best glamping places is in the province of Aklan. The province is home to some of the best tourist destinations in the country, including the world-famous island of Boracay. However, even if it’s your Aklan, note that the province also has many untouched forests and locations where you can enjoy a quick glamping trip with your friends or special someone.

You can have your first Boracay glamping at Alta Vista de Boracay. You can do this at Puka Beach at Alta Vista de Boracay. This glamping site offers exclusive access to the beach and is a mash-up of modern living and a relaxing tropical paradise.

Photo courtesy of Ramon Kagie via Unsplash

How much would a glamping trip cost your group? Well, it depends on your destination and how big your group is. But to give you an overview, read this article as your glamping guide 2020 and find out what would be your costs for the glamping trip:

Accommodation - This would probably be your most significant expense for the entire trip. The cost of the glamping site would depend on how many you are on the trip, and how “glamorous” your website would be. Accommodations in Aklan range from Php10,000 to Php17,000 for a three-night stay.
Food - If your glamping site offers free breakfast, then you can immediately cross that out of your list. So all you need to worry about lunch and dinner. If your glamping site allows you to cook your meals, you can head to the local market in Aklan and buy your ingredients. Food budget ranges from Php2,000 to Php3,000.

Now that the basics have been discussed learn glamping 101 and get ready for your first glamping trip! Writing an itinerary for your Aklan trip may be overwhelming and stressful for first-timers like you, so here are a few more tips:

Photo courtesy of Glenn Carstens - Peters via Unsplash

Don’t overthink it - the fun thing about camping is its spontaneity, and you can bring that spirit in your glamping trip as well. You wouldn’t need to worry about forgetting a few things because you’re not exactly going to rough it.
Read up - the extensiveness of a glamping site varies by location. To help you calm down, it’s necessary to read the glamping guidelines on the website, especially their amenities, what they can provide in your stay, etc. This will help you plan your trip better.

Glamping is one of the many ways to explore Boracay and the rest of Aklan. It’s an exciting experience, especially for travel junkies. Its beautiful beaches and forests are ready to welcome you.

Everything You Need to Know About Glamping in Aklan