Why glamping is perfect for Muslim travellers?
Camping is an amazing way to reconnect, relax and have real quality time together. Β However, for many muslim travellers and families, camping is not often viewed as an option or something they consider as a viable holiday. Β Since the arrival of our little adventurers, we have become that little more adventurous and tried very forms of camping. Β We have camped in a normal tent, stayed in few camping pods and most recently had a fabulous true glamping stay at Lantern & Larks. I have been doing a little market research into the area and the issues that are often raised by muslims for the lack of camping holidays are: Β bathroom facilities, pray areas and personal space to relax as a family (especially for those in a nikab or hijab). Β These issues are often not fully catered for in normal campsites but this is where glamping is a perfect solution to overcome the issues and providing muslim families with the opportunity to have some of their own camping adventures.
So why go camping?
I thought it would be useful to show the benefits of camping as people often get bogged down with all the negative images which they have about camping.
Spiritual: Camping is the perfect way in which Muslims can reconnect with nature and God’s creations. Β The prophetic lifestyle was nomadic and families are able to experience that feeling to an extent through camping. Β Being in the outdoors for a full weekend/week, really allows families to have an insight to the magic that is nature with all the creatures and beauty that it entails.
Enjoying the outdoors: There are endless reports to show the benefits of being in the great outdoors for the whole family and as our post from last year highlights we are becoming more reluctant to take our children outdoors. Β Camping in a gorgeous field with nothing but rolling hills or scenic walks in every direction you look ensures that you are outdoors, taking in the fresh air and enjoying the simpler things in life.
Space to run and play: As much as I love a nice hotel, I find that he hotel room after a little while can be claustrophobic especially with three little adventurers in the same room. Β Camping allows children lots of open space to go and play and through glamping parents can relax on a deck chair or two whilst their little cherubs go and make some mischief close by.
More social: Within the camp site, there are always a number of campers nearby and as is often the way with children, you will always have families from nearby tents come over and say hello. Β During our glamping weekend our children literally made friends within 10 minutes of being on site. Β They were running through the fields, playing frisbee and tig and its so refreshing to see children have a chance to meet and become friends with complete strangers Β It is also does wonders for children’s confidence.
Put down the electronics: Β Adults are probably more guilty of being on our phones and gadgets then our children and camping means we are often forced to look beyond our everyday distractions and focus on what really matters! Β Our glamping pod in Northumberland did have a power point but there is no TV, no place to to play on the iPad so we went for a walk to the woods, flew a kite, went on a butterfly hunt and just enjoyed one another.
Good old fashioned fun: With the influx of all these gadgets in our lives we have forgotten the simpler things in life and being able to show our children the magic that can be found in the ordinary moments. Β Whether it is teaching our children about conkers and games that you can play, how to fly a kite or doing rolly pollies down a big hill. Β Camping is the perfect base on planing on a number of fun activities that you can enjoy as a family. Β Things like wheelbarrows are amazing fun and our little adventurers have been asking for their own!
Makes your children a little more aware: camping has a number of things that we need to be aware of, fires are often lit in and outside the tents. Β We had a fire pit for our marshmallows and an aga burner in the tent. Β Making our children are of the dangers are important and are great taught from a young age. Β Showing our children the outdoors, through walks, we help them to learn about the country code, how to behave in nature and how to find important shortcuts!
Makes you a little more humble: Β we are all guilty of taking things for granted but being sat in the dark with no running electricity, feeling the heat from a sole fire or just feeling cold makes us feel how privileged we are and the struggles that millions of people across the world suffer on a daily basis. Β Part of Islam is the need to instil a humble attitude especially into our younger children and this is a fabulous way of showcasing this to our children.
So what is Glamping?
Glamping is glamorous camping so in a nutshell it is camping with lots of luxuries thrown in! Β Think comfy bed, sofas to relax and a huge log fire to warm the tent from the very heart! Β As they say pictures are much better then words, below is our pictures from our luxury, glamping tent! Β (I know gorgeous right?!)
So why is glampingΒ perfect for muslim travellers and families?
Glamping is true luxurious camping and it allows those who are new to this type of holiday to have a try without it being too much of a shock to the system. Β You are provided with beds and other amenities that would not be present in a traditional tent.
Bathroom Facilities: the luxury tents we had in Lantern & Larks came equipped with their own bathrooms and separate shower per tent. Β I think this is ideal for families as access to bathrooms is vital for preparation for prayer time. Β Also, many of the glamping sites are maintained to very high standards so are very hygienic which would meet with the high standards that many MuslimΒ families wish to see in their choice of accommodation.
Space to pray: In the tent we stayed in, the tent was placed on decking so was ideal for praying off the ground if you are worried about the cleanliness of the space and there was ample space in the living area or bedrooms for prayers. Β However, as one of my friends commented praying out in the open is one of the most spiritual experiences that you can have and really helps you reflect! Β Just remember to bring the compass π
Space to relax: for ladies wearing the hijab/niqab, camping can often be very restrictive as you are confined to staying inside the sleeping area if you wish t remove your headscarf. Β As shown above, there is lots of space to have some time out and relax indoors without getting under each others feet.
Overall, we have had an amazing time at Lantern & Lark, and it is one of many sites that are out there. Β I think it is time that the muslim community embraced the great outdoors and help to raise an umma who love the great outdoors and nature that we have been blessed with. Β PS. Don’t forget to bring your Halal Marshmallows for toasting!
We would love to hear your views on this topic? have you been camping? Β Is there anything about camping that puts you off as a muslim?
Thank you for writing about this! It sounds absolutely perfect….what better way to connect with nature. I might even convince my husband!
Thanks for this post. It’s always good to read about others experiences of travelling with children, especially when it comes to trying new adventures! I can’t wait to try glamping! Definitely on my travelling to do list! ??
Thank you five adventurers!
This was a fab article. The elders especially are difficult to convince but think my mum will love those pictures! Fingers crossed π
Beautiful nature and adventure.
Must try with all the member of the family
Omw glamping sounds like my kinda camping. I love the outdoors but if im going to have a break I will not be roughing it out. Weirdly my mum loves the roughing it camping no idea how she deals with the lack of bathroom facilities and also she never missed a prayer. Loved the pictures btw stunning marshallah
Zainab, i think your mum totally rocks π i think glamping sounds perfect for you x
When I was little we used to go camping all the time and I loved it. I’ve always wanted to take my children campng but I’ve been put off by the not so private toilets. It was ok when you were little but for Muslim women, it’s hard to share the facilities. So we usually end up staying in cabins with our own toilet. We’ve got our own tent but the only camping we do these days is indoor in our living room or out in the backyard!
Jameela, I always wanted to go camping so was eager to try it with my kids. Myself personally the shared facilities are fine but i thought it would put off other muslim travellers so I thought this would be a great post to share!
This is one interesting post! MashaAllah, I love your blog and these pictures are amazing, they look right from out of some story book.
And yes, that blue game with marbles your kids are playing with, I have exactly the same one here which my kids really enjoy playing with too π I believe in giving them such items rather than making them become couch potatoes with their gadgets in their hands!
Saima, lovely to hear from you and thanks for your lovely comments. I think we have such a reluctance on gadgets its only when we take a step back and out of our normal surroundings do we get to enjoy the simpler things in life!
I always wanted to go camping, but my husband isnt into that. Now i will be telling him about clamping and hope he agrees to give it a chance.
‘Gorgeous’ is the word. Everything looks glamorously gorgeous…
Glamping is something to look forward to. I love the outdoors as it boosts my spirituality and creativity, and as for children I think they deserve it more than ever – in today’s very digital world.
Thank you for sharing.
Oh it looks fabulous! I’m going to share this with my husband insha’Allah. It looks perfect!
That’s great, I love campings! Most of my staying at the sea were in the campsites. Some of them in Italy or France, Spain are like gardens so you feel like sleeping in the natural paradise! π
Mashallah, I’ve never gotten away from the hectic city life. But it seems joyful and stress free. I’m glad you guys had a wonderful, joyful experience.
That looks sooo fun, we used to camp in my family when I was younger, but we stopped that tradition a long time ago. This post, however, reminded how much fun we used to have when my brother and I were younger.
Thanks for sharing!
xo
Zeinab
Salam. This looks beautiful mashallah. Where is it?
Bowland Forest in Lancashire, UK