Get Social and...Go Glamping! - Senior Planet from AARP

Like camping but want creature comforts or even luxury? Glamping glamorous camping is a fun way to get out in nature in style and meet fellow glampers!Get Social, Go Glamping!Many people especially as they get older become hotel people.Traditional camping crawling in and out of tents, unpredictable weather, cooking over a propane flame, bugs, bearsnone of it sounds like a vacation.Travel is a passion that doesnt fade with agebut who wouldnt prefer a little more comfort? After all, youve earned it!Enter GlampingGlamping short for glamorous camping is a perfect mix of nature and nurture.

Imagine stepping out of a luxurious yurt, treehouse, pod, or villa to gaze at the stars and breathe in the fresh night airthen slipping back into a cozy, climate-controlled space with indoor plumbing, a real bed, and maybe even a fireplace?The growing trend of glamping offers unique destinations around the countryand the worldranging from national parks to desert resorts, vineyards, and coastal retreats.Its an ideal option for seniors who crave nature without sacrificing comfort.Better still, glamping is a great way to stay social.Think smores or a glass of wine around a firepit with fellow travelers.

And, many venues offer group activities like art classes, yoga, or guided nature walks, plus communal dining spaces where you can share stories and connect with new friends.Health Benefits of GlampingSpending time outdoors offers real wellness benefits.Sunlight, fresh air, the soothing sounds of rippling streams and birdsong, and gentle physical activities like hiking or birdwatching are all proven to support mental and physical well-being.Unlike booking a traditional Airbnbwhere youre often left to fend for yourselfmany glamping venues include full-service experiences with hotel-style amenities like room service, hot tubs, gourmet restaurants, pet friendly accommodations and more.Many glamping sites are alsodesigned with seniors in mind, offering paved walkways, minimal stairs, golf cart shuttles, and thoughtful accessibility features to make your stay easy and enjoyable.A Sampling of GlampingWestgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo River Ranch, Florida
Just 90 minutes south of Orlando, this Florida retreat blends cowboy charm with high-end luxury.Stay in a climate-controlled teepee or Conestoga wagon with concierge service, then sip wine under the oaks, enjoy a nightly campfire (someone else lights it), and wake to hand-delivered coffee and pastries.

Try onsite activities like archery, horseback riding, Smores N Pours around a campfire and their weekly Saturday Rodeo.Says Jim Szabo, resort general manager at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo: We believe adventure doesnt have an age limit.Seasoned travelers come here because they love the outdoorsbut theyve earned the right to enjoy cowboy life comfortably without giving up things like cozy beds, gourmet smores, or their morning coffee delivered to the door.Best of all, glamping is about more than just comfortits about community.

Guests love swapping stories around the campfire, joining in on activities like horseback riding or the Saturday rodeo, and making new friends along the way.We take the hassle out of camping so our guests can soak up nature, connect with others, and still enjoy the little luxuries that make travel relaxing for a perfect blend of nature, connection, and comfort.Backland Luxury Camping Williams, Arizona
Nestled on 160 private acres near the Grand Canyon, Backland offers king-sized beds, en-suite bathrooms, and panoramic windows in its upscale tents.Kayak on a quiet pond, stroll gentle trails, or take a helicopter tour over the canyonadventure and relaxation all in one place.Four Fillies Lodge Peterstown, West Virginia
Set on an 84-acre estate, Four Fillies features whimsical and luxurious accommodations: couples cabins, glamping pods, even a fairytale cottage or treehouse (no climbing required).

With peaceful creek views, paved walking paths, and private bathhouses, this is glamping made magical.Activities on property include trout fishing in Rich Creek or a massage in the Spa Room.How to GlampCheck for Accessibility: Look for paved paths, minimal stairs, on-site medical support, or shuttle services.Compare Pricing: We found a treehouse in Portugal for $105 a night and a glamping retreat in Joshua Tree in California for $1,000 a night, meaning luxury glamping can rival five-star hotel prices.Also, rates often vary with the seasonso plan and book smart.Expect Real Comfort: Think memory-foam mattresses, reading lights, kitchenettes, and private porches.

Glamping takes theworkout of camping.Easy Travel to Stunning Spots: Skip the gear and the stressjust show up and relax.Everything is ready for you, whether youre surrounded by red rocks, ocean breezes, or forest pines.Travel Together: Glamping is a wonderful way to connect with family, host a reunion, or meet like-minded travelers who appreciate the blend of nature and comfort.Only Use Trusted Booking Sites:*Glamping.com A glamorous collection of properties around the globe.*GlampingHub.com for curated nature stays.*Hipcamp.com unique rentals on private land.*Booking.com, TripadvisorandYelp check reviews and ratings for real guest insightsYOUR TURNHave you glamped? What was it like? Share your experiences in the comments!!Jennifer Juergens Thomas has a lifelong interest in how people get together.As a former AP reporter she covered feature stories and later wrote about conventions from Anaheim to New Zealand as editor of Meetings and Conventions magazine.

She was a public relations consultant for clients like the Society of Incentive and Travel Executives focusing on how and why people need to get together.An Orlando resident, she continues to contribute to Meetings Today magazine among other ventures.