As we move away from the New Year, many of you are searching for your next adventure and how to do it better and smarter. That is what we will delve into here; from low carbon emitting glamping pods, to the rise of staycations. There are plentiful reasons why you should keep up to date with potential new outdoor holiday experiences.
Related: Top 10 Best Tents 2024
Sustainable Camping
The global focus on environmental conservation has led to a rise in sustainable camping. Campers are increasingly conscious of their impact on the environment and are seeking eco-friendly alternatives for their outdoor adventures.
Sustainable camping is not just an environmental choice; it's becoming a cultural shift. As people become more environmentally conscious in their daily lives, they want their outdoor activities to align with their values. This trend is likely to grow as sustainable practices become the norm rather than the exception.
Car-less camping is also something that has slowly begun trickling into the UK campers thoughts. Last year, American outdoor booking platform Pitchup.com found that there was a 17% reduction in people booking into campsites with their car. It is notoriously easy to pack your car full of your gear and hit the road. Now, people are beginning to try and experience the feeling of being 'at one with nature' whilst avoiding conventional travel or over-spending on fuel.
Glamping
Glamping, short for glamorous camping, has gained popularity due to the increasing desire for a comfortable and luxurious outdoor experience. It offers an alternative to traditional camping for those who want to enjoy nature without sacrificing modern amenities. Glamping caters to a broader audience, including individuals who might be hesitant to venture into the outdoors, due to a lack of comfort. It combines luxury travel and camping, providing a unique experience that appeals to both nature lovers and those seeking a more comfortable escape.
In 2024, Glamping owners are taking initiative to increase their footfall, which has taken the form of increased amenities, reduced prices, special offers and third party affiliate partnerships. Festival glamping has gone from strength to strength over the last few years, as festival goers have begun to take a new approach. They are now available at almost every festival and they book up fast! If you are planning on going to a festival this year then make sure you pre-book the accommodation option early to not be disappointed.
At the tail end of last year, the gap started to bridge between Glamping and low-cost camping facilities. This was due to the influx of Autumn camping and increased competition in the glamping sector. Furthermore, people are now more reactive and interested in last minute staycations. People trying to book glamping spots on the day of tenancy increased and glamping business further improved their flexibility in the face of consumer behavioural changes and updated their websites, with many partnering with booking sites. This extends to the more expensive glamping spots, which are becoming increasingly popular with honeymooners, anniversary celebrators and family retreats.
Micro-adventures
Busy lifestyles often make it challenging to plan extended outdoor trips. Micro-adventures offer a solution, providing the thrill and rejuvenation of a short outdoor escapade without the need for extensive time commitments. Micro-adventures resonate with the modern mindset of maximizing experiences within limited time frames. It allows people to integrate outdoor activities into their regular routines, fostering a consistent connection with nature. The trend is gaining traction as individuals recognize the benefits of frequent, shorter breaks from their hectic schedules.
These adventures have been heightened by the dramatic increase in work from home opportunities over the past few years, allowing people to be more flexible and balance their lives better. Therefore, people have begun thinking to themselves: why not continue to meet deadlines whilst enjoying a little more of the outdoors? Whether that is in the back garden or on a quick adventure on the train to the campsite. Whether you can do this for 4 nights or 1 day trip, these spontaneous trips can do your physical and mental health the world of good. Most camp sites now have Wi-Fi and the necessary facilities to set up your work station whilst in the tranquillity of nature.
Do make sure you take the following, even if it is only a short trip as you never know what can happen when staying outdoors:
Basic Kit List
- Bike
- Rucksack
- Sleeping bag
- First Aid equipment
- Cheap foam sleeping mat – Vango Trek Pro 3 Standard Sleeping Mat
- Torch
- Raincoat
- Woolly hat
- Warm clothes for night
- Travel Pillow - Sierra Designs Gunnison Inflatable Pillow
- Food and drink
- Water bottle
- Toothpaste
- Matches to light a campfire.
- Notebook – even if you never write a diary this is a good chance to jot down a few observations, thoughts, resolutions.
- Camera
To elevate your experience, you could then take the following:
- Camping Stove
- Cooking Pan
- Pasta and sauce / pesto, Super Noodles, Pot Noodle etc.
- Spork and other necessary utensils if pack space allows.
- Bivy Bag - Sierra Designs Backcountry Bivy
- Digital Watch/ Navigation tech to make sure you are safe.
Luxury additions, if you can manage:
- Inflatable sleeping mattress (instead of foam mat) - Robens Polarshield 120 Sleeping Mat
- Portable espresso maker
- Clean pants
Relax & Connect with Nature
The opportunity and lust for escapism has never been higher, as people worry about the economic situation which could unfold in 2024. Thus, holiday makers are hoping for more relaxing and re-connecting holidays where they can be closer to nature, take a deep breath and disengage from everyday life.
Innovative Products
One product to mention that liGo currently stock is the Sierra Designs Backcountry Bivy Bag, which has been mentioned in the Best Backpacking Gear for 2024 by GearLab. This product is unique in that it reduces weight for you pack but does not compromise on comfort or robustness. This is in place of both a sleeping bag and a tent, providing shelter for solo adventurers. It is heavy duty, so it is heavy for a bivy bag. However, this means that it still protects you from the elements and frees up space if you are travelling light and compact.
Conclusion:
In 2024, the theme is to venture into the unknown. Do something you'd never have tried last year and make sure to do it your way. Take a break from the hustle & bustle of everyday life. Pick up your pack, fill it with essentials and open the front door, ready to embark on an adventure. Check out liGo Outdoors, where our experts have curated the best outdoor section that showcases equipment at unbeatable prices.