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I grew up during the 60’s & 70’s when VW’s and camping was all the rage. We enjoyed waking up by the water and hearing the sounds of nature around us. Our parents made sure we had plenty of marshmallows to roast over an open fire. We bathed in the river and fished for our meals. We met new people and enjoyed many activities that involved nature. Our sleeping bags kept the mosquitos away during the night and our tents provided comfort from the elements. Sometimes we’d ride horses and other times we’d get out in the water on paddleboats or canoes. Mom would help us make flower crowns and feather headbands and we ran around like wild kids. Nowhere to go and nowhere to be. I knew what I knew and what I knew was enough.

Those were the days.

Today, Boho, Gypsy, Hippie, Glamping is a very popular outdoor activity that can be a super fun and a fulfilling way to be close to nature while vacationing. To me, the difference between camping and glamping is the conveniences glamping has over camping. Glamping can become expensive but it can also be a cheap way to travel if it’s done right.

If you plan to do a lot of glamping, you’ll want to invest in a vintage camper. A tent might be a more affordable option for you. Staying at campgrounds is an inexpensive way to spend the night compared to hotels/motels/resorts. You could even buy a Volkswagon van or gypsy wagon and update it to your preference.

Use bedding you already own. Pack sheets, pillows, and blankets. If you’re staying in a camper, you’ll have a built-in bed to sleep on. If not, you might want to shop for sleeping bags or air mattresses. I’d recommend buying the air mattress. They are easy to pack away when not in use and they don’t take long to blow up when needed. At my age, sleeping on the ground lost it’s appeal after I discovered air mattresses.

Buy your cookery at thrift stores. You can find anything you’d need from pots & pans to silverware. I could spend hours in thrift stores because I always find great deals on the things I need. You could pick up paper plates and plastic silverware if you’d rather have the convenience disposable products over washing dishes.

Pack your own food. You can either invest in a one-time cost of a nice cooler or pick up a cheap styrofoam cooler. If your camper has a fridge, you may be able to fit everything in it. I’d still take along a cooler with ice, but that’s just me. Before you go shopping for your glamping meals, make a meal planner checklist of what you’ll need and be sure to print out coupons before shopping.

You’ll need batteries for your spotlights or flashlights if your camper does not have a way to connect to an electrical outlet at the campsite. You might want to invest in a generator as well. I personally stay stocked up on Emergency Survival LED Lanterns, year round. They are Ultra Bright & Compact.

Don’t forget your bathroom essentials. Toilet paper, towels, washcloths, shampoo, toothbrushes, etc. And goodness knows, don’t forget your deodorant as being outdoors will cause you to perspire more. You’ll also need a drying rack to hang towels, washcloths and any wet clothing on. Clothes will mold if they stay wet.

Most of all, have fun. Find a location that everyone will enjoy. Be sure to check out the beautiful Glamping locations at Georgia State Parks.