So many of us had to postpone travel plans in 2020. Yet, the desire to see new places, to explore, and to deepen relationships and form lasting memories with family and friends is as strong as ever. Now that the travel industry has already been through one COVID summer, we have a clearer picture of what 2021 might look like. If one thing was abundantly clear from 2020, it was that outdoor activities and glamping were in high demand. Spending time in nature, slowing down, and deepening personal connections are needed now more than ever, and glamping has emerged as one of the few safe, fun, and exciting ways to do these things.

Below we have outlined some of the reasons why glamping has thrived during a global pandemic, and what you should look for when planning your COVID-safe vacation. We hope that this post will inspire you to get outside and connect with the natural world. That is, after all, the safest place to be these days!

Glamping is outdoors

When we are outside with people we love, we can let our guard down, even if only a little. According to the CDC, gathering outdoors is the safest way to be around our friends and family while reducing the spread of COVID-19. While glamping, travelers can escape the daily hassle of indoor mask-wearing activities and enjoy the great outdoors.

At Firelight Camps, we require masks when in our lobby tent, common areas, and within 6 feet of anyone not in your group, but with lots of outdoor space, it is easy to follow CDC guidelines while enjoying a relatively normal, relaxing vacation with your loved ones. Buttermilk Falls State Park is just a short walk away, and our grassy lawns are an invitation for picnics or a lawn game.

Glamping is socially distant by nature

Most glamping sites try to provide privacy by spacing out tents or campsites as much as possible. This provides a natural buffer between you and your neighbors, which many travelers find preferable to a traditional hotel or motel, where you may be sharing an air filtration system with other guests.

Firelight is no exception — our tents are tucked back in the woods with plenty of fresh air and space to yourselves. And no need to worry about shared interior corridors or elevators here — just pathways through the forest!

Glamping provides access to lots of fun outdoor activities

With the pandemic forcing us to spend more time outside than ever before, the need for outdoor-based activities and adventures has spiked dramatically. Aside from the ability to stay socially distanced during your stay, part of the ease and appeal of glamping comes from the fact that you can spend the entire day outdoors and still fill your day with fun.

Ithaca has a LOT of great things to do outside — you can explore the many ridiculously amazing state parks located in our area, visit incredible wineries (the Finger Lakes is becoming known as ‘Napa East’) and spend evenings at the abundant local bars and restaurants that have socially distant outdoor dining. With well-known spots like the Ithaca Beer Company and South Hill Cider just minutes away, you can enjoy the region’s best beverages while sitting comfortably outside.

Being outside deepens personal connection

It is rare these days to connect with people outside of our small pods, bubbles, or family units. Gone are the days of smiling at strangers in the grocery store or striking up a conversation with a new friend at a coffee shop. If you are missing and longing for that version of human connection, you may just get your wish around a campfire, which offers up a safe way to gather, connect, and converse. Like many glamping sites, Firelight is host to multiple communal firepits — the perfect, socially-distant gathering point for easy conversation across flickering flames.

Bonus tip: make sure to book a stay with a company that follows COVID-19 guidelines

When you are making your travel plans for this upcoming season, make sure the locations you are looking at are taking the pandemic seriously. Firelight Camps takes pride in how successfully we were able to have a fun and SAFE season in 2020. Please check out our Covid-19 safety guidelines and visit our FAQ page for more information.

Why Glamping is Thriving During Covid-19

Glamping is outdoors

Glamping is socially distant by nature

Glamping provides access to lots of fun outdoor activities

Being outside deepens personal connection

Bonus tip: make sure to book a stay with a company that follows COVID-19 guidelines