When you think of camping what images are conjured up in your mind? Do you see muddy fields, wet clothes, soggy tents and hearty folk with shorts, socks and boots?
It
doesn't have to be this way with the new genre in luxury, comfortable camping
and camp sites. You may feel like you are cheating a little but you're there
for a holiday, to get way from it all, why suffer? There are many new types
of camping holidays that have recently appeared on the market and range from
en-suite canvas dwellings to Mongolian Yurts.
If you fancy a wigwam holiday, why not take a look at www.northumbrianwigwams.com where you can stay in one of twelve wooden wigwams that sleeps up to five people comfortably. These wigwams have insulation, a foam mattress to sleep on and electricity giving heat and light ensuring you get a good nights sleep. Outdoor fires add to the "pioneer" atmosphere and make you think that you are real outback campers again!
If you haven't heard of them before, the Russian word yurt describes the round felt covered tents traditionally used by nomads from Mongolia to the middle east. If you fancy a Cornish holiday with a slight ethnic twist then take a look at www.yurtworks.co.uk where you can stay in glamorous Mongolian opulence. The stylish interiors of these two Yurts have elaborately woven textiles and a wood-burning stove. Both have access to stylish bathroom and toilet tents. If this Bohemian lifestyle grabs you there is a yurt manufacturing business next to the site and you can take one home for your Mongolian garden.
If the UK weather is still putting you off, then try www.canvaschic.com in the stunning Ardèche river gorge only 12 km from the town of Vallon Pont d'arc. There are 12 individually and stylishly furnished Yurts thoughtfully positioned throughout the forest. Nine of the Yurts have been designed with young families in mind. In addition to these there are 3 communal cooking tents (one for each group of three yurts) with fully equipped kitchens including fridges, cookers, pots and pans, crockery etc.
Further afield and more in their native surroundings, www.huzurvadisi.com offer Yurt accommodation in Huzur Vadisi that is in the region of southwest Turkey known as Lycia. Mountainous and forested with a beautiful coastline of deep bays and islands this really is camping luxury defined.
If you would like your luxury camping experience to be at one with nature and fulfil an eco-friendly holiday, www.ecoretreats.co.uk offer a romantic Eco-break in your own individually designed Native American Tipi. They give "modern luxury in harmony with a beautiful natural environment - in the heart of the Welsh mountains". Who could want more?
Plan-it Earth Eco Holidays offer Yurt Holidays or Family Eco Activity Holidays — long weekend adventure holidays aimed at providing families with a nurturing and instructive taste of living sustainably. They are the 1st Environmental Education Project offering Eco Holidays at a traditional smallholding in an idyllic location near Penzance, Cornwall. With a menagerie of animals, beautiful views towards Mount's Bay, its own holy well, and fantastic walks available from the doorstep, this really is a most magical spot for a holiday with a difference in the South West.
Finally, if retro chic is your bag and you don't like the look of modern caravans then this is most definitely the answer. Put on your Fonze outfit and try out www.vintagevacations.co.uk where you can stay in vintage Airstream trailers on a working dairy farm on the Isle of Wight.
