There seems to be two kinds of people when the words “roughing it” come up. There are those who find everything great about the great outdoors, and there are those who consider anything but a suite in a boutique hotel to be downright Bohemian. And yet a growing industry is “eco-tourism,” where travelers want to experience the outdoors with all the hassles that come with it.
For those who like the idea of camping but don’t want to sleep on the ground in sleeping bags, and who prefer some level of comfort yet don’t want to check into a hotel, there is a middle ground. Welcome to the world of Glamping, which is basically “glamour” meets “camping.” This new trend makes use of eco-friendly domes that can be up to 24 feet in diameter, are fully wind and water resistant and feature a fan system that circulates the warm air at night so no one has to sleep on the cold ground.
There are reportedly already two eco-dome sites in Europe, including one in Switzerland, the Whitepod Resort that features semi-permanent domes. These are located next to an actual wooden chalet so visitors can enjoy meals around a roaring fire. Whitepod Resort will open for business this winter, with prices starting at $437 a night, which is a bit to pay considering that pitching a tent can be far less. But for those who want to experience nature without having to sleep on the frozen ground may find that to be a small price to pay for the best of both worlds!