5 Travel Tips for Glamping with the Kids

Cosmopolitan getaways will always be classic, but sometimes, getting back to nature is, quite literally, a breath of fresh air! What happens though, for those of us who love the romance of camping out underneath the stars, but aren’t exactly wild about the wild?

Enter glamping – camping’s younger, trendier sister. Glamping provides the perfect soft landing approach to the excitement of camping (minus its less palatable inconveniences!). These types of vacations provide families with valuable opportunities to learn experientially though nature, engage in some much-needed physical stimuli, and bond over unique activities (such as waterfall trekking or wildlife spotting) – all within a safe, contained space. 

If you’re thinking of jumping on the glamping bandwagon for your next family vacation, here are some key things to note before booking your trip: 

1. Choose your glamping experience wisely

There are a variety of choices available for a glamping vacation – from mountaintop retreats and seaside getaways, to rustic forest adventures. Plan your trip carefully based on your family’s objectives and expectations. Reputable sites such as Glamping.com and Glamping Hub are useful research resources to help you pick the right accommodation for your needs.

And if you’re planning a #CutiCutiMalaysia soon, check out our list of family-friendly local glamping venues for a fantastic stay! 

2. Clarify beforehand if the property is child-friendly

A priority for travelling families would no doubt be accommodation options that cater for young children. Some glamping sites have a strict, adults-only policy, so do check in advance with your holiday provider to make sure that children are allowed entry. Whichever way you land however, do try and avoid picking a remote spot in the middle of nowhere. Make sure that there are interesting activities and attractions for the kids close to your location of choice.

3. Check the weather forecast

The last thing you’d want to do is book that beach cabin of yours, only to find out belatedly that you’d be arriving right in the middle of monsoon season! Given the amount of time you’re likely to be spending outside, it pays to do some research beforehand about the terrain and season you’ll be travelling in, before going ahead with your stay. 

4. Know what you’re paying for

Make sure to double-check the property’s listing before making your booking to find out what is (and isn’t) included. When in doubt, contact your holiday provider to confirm what amenities and facilities will be provided. Depending on your family’s travelling preferences, some key questions to ask should include: 

• What are the toilet facilities and bathing conditions like? 
• Will I have access to basics, such as running water and electricity? 
• Is there Wi-Fi connectivity within the property? 
• Is this a self-catered accommodation, or will meals be provided? 
• In the case of an emergency, is on-call assistance readily available? 

Asking these questions upfront will help to minimise the risk of an unwelcome surprise during check-in. 

5. When in doubt, pack like a Scout

You can never be too prepared – but, at the very least, make sure to include these essentials: 

• Suitable clothing: Although many of today’s glamping options come with various modern conveniences, very few have laundry facilities. Children are bound to get dirty as they discover nature, so make sure to pack enough clean clothing for the duration of your trip. Bring along comfortable walking shoes for fun outdoor activities, as well as slightly warmer layers for cooler climates (or for when the temperature drops at night). 

• Rainy day items: You’re in the heart of a jungle when sudden showers hit, leaving the family housebound- what do you do next? It always helps to bring along an emergency supply of toys, board games and books for times such as these. It’s also wise to pack along an ample supply of snacks, as well as food items for an easy-to-prepare meal. If your accommodation offers only self-catering facilities, it could be extremely inconvenient (not to mention risky) for you to head out looking for food in bad weather. 

• Mini survival kit: These next few items are often overlooked, but are lifesavers in a fix, often helping to ensure a safer stay. Don’t forget to include the following in your packing checklist: a basic first aid kit, sunscreen, insect repellent, swim diapers for the little ones, wet wipes, a flashlight, hand sanitiser or disinfecting wipes, and an umbrella for those rainy days. It also never hurts to take along a physical map of your location with you, as you won’t always be able to rely on Google Maps, or a strong phone or Wi-Fi signal to help you navigate the area.

And finally, for parents travelling with young ones, make sure to bring along a favourite item of your child’s from home, such as a beloved blanket, to help them adjust to their new, unfamiliar surroundings. 

Happy glamping, #makchicmumsquad! If you know of any other great glamping sites to recommend, please feel free to drop us an email at hello@makchicsuri.com.

By Kimberly Lee