Statistics show that one of the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic is a rise in the number of solo travellers. Like everything there are pros and cons, here are a few thoughts on solo glamping.
The main bonus of travelling solo is that you have nobody else to please - it’s all about you! So if you want to spend the day lazing around on the deck of your glamping pod reading a book, or getting your walking shoes on and doing a 10-mile hike, the choice is yours. There is nobody else to complain about the activity (or lack of activity), you don’t have to compromise, just do what suits you. It also makes it a lot easier to change your mind, and just go with the flow of what you feel like on the day.
You choose the destination - whether you fancy a coastal break in North Yorkshire, an activity packed weekend in the Lake District, or time exploring the Cotswolds’ pretty towns and villages, it is your choice.
Self-catering means you don’t have to worry about spending the evening in a restaurant alone, not that there’s anything wrong with this, but you can sometimes be made to feel uncomfortable, and they might stick you on a small table in the back of the room. If you don’t fancy that, then grab some supplies for the barbecue, stick something in the microwave or pick up a takeaway (tip: some campsites have food vans visiting). Again, there’s nobody else to worry about when you’re deciding if it is barbecue or pizza night!
Campsites are sociable places and other campers/glampers are generally sociable people. Although your own space is yours, you will still have other people not too far away on a campsite. A hotel room can feel a bit isolated, and a hostel maybe a bit too sociable, but if you are in a glamping pod you can sit on your deck and see others doing the same, people will usually say hello on their way past, and you might even end up sharing a bottle of something if you do fancy some company. Some great friends have been made by inviting others to pull up a chair and bring a glass to your tent or pod, but (am I getting boring now?!), it is your choice whether you want to be sociable or not.
One of the main reasons people state as a barrier to solo travel is safety, and by glamping you are in your own self contained unit, but on a friendly campsite with only your fellow glampers and campers around and allowed onto the site. The site staff live on site too, which gives you extra peace of mind. If you love walking, but want to be part of a group for safety, then join an organised trip. The Ramblers have lots of walking groups all over the country, and if you join them you can search for group walks local to your campsite.
So in the interest of balance, what are the cons? Well there’s nobody with whom to share the driving, cooking, bag carrying etc. and a meal out is more of an occasion with other people (although you can’t get food envy!). It used to be that a disadvantage of travelling alone was nobody to share amazing sites and experiences with, but now that’s what Instagram is for. The pros definitely outweigh the cons - oh and you get the comfortable glamping bed all to yourself!
It’s definitely worth giving it a go, maybe for a short two or three night break and see what you think.