Editor's note: This blog was written collaboratively by Amy Ahlblad and Elizabeth Young.

A glamping trip is pretty straightforward, but if you've never gone before, you might be wondering what to pack. You're not staying in a five-star hotel, but you're also not camping...What kind of things are essential to bring? This is probably the question we get the most, so here's a list of some recommended necessities to make sure you have a cool and comfortable glamping experience.

Clothing

Double-check the listing, but most of our accommodations have at least a washing machine, so you don't need to worry about how you'll do laundry. It's essential to have comfortable outdoor clothes when you go glamping. While you're not sleeping on the ground, you're still going to be spending most of your day outdoors. Check out some of our favorite outdoor clothing products!

Coalatree pants

Whether you're out for a hike, or relaxing in front of the fire, you're going to want to be comfortable. We recommend bringing versatile clothing so you're ready for all adventures—big or small. You need to check out Coalatree’s Trailhead Adventure Pant. Referred to as the new front-runner of outdoor pants, these are waterproof, tear-resistant, stain-resistant, and what we love most: affordable.

NorthFace Etip™ gloves

Don't let chilly hands stop you from capturing memories on your glamping trip! These NorthFace Etip™ gloves are the perfect way to stay warm while taking pictures with your smartphone. They also work with any touchscreen products, such as tablets or Garmin GPS devices.

Salomon hiking shoes

If you frequently spend time outdoors and love hiking, good hiking shoes are definitely worth investing in. Dry, comfortable feet make all the difference as you explore outside. We love these Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX shoes, and they come highly recommended by experts in the outdoor world. With a model for both men and women, these shoes are truly waterproof, have great traction, are actually lightweight, and, above all, are super comfortable.

Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket

This jacket is a great piece of clothing to take with you on your outdoor adventures. It's compact and can be folded up into a small bag, so it's easy to fit into your suitcase. There are models for both men and women, and it's waterproof, windproof—and hey, it's even made from recycled nylon, so you get a point for sustainability! While you're picking up your new hiking shoes at REI, make sure this jacket gets into your shopping cart, too.

Toiletries

Good news! When you go glamping, you can bring everything and anything with you; you'll have running water, electricity, and all your standard bathroom fixtures. Can't go anywhere without your blow dryer and straightener? Fine, bring them along! Apart from the basics, like shampoo and a toothbrush, these toiletry essentials will make any glamping getaway that much easier.

Lush bars

Easy to pack and fun to use, these Lush shampoo and conditioner bars come with a variety of natural ingredients and fragrances. Although you will likely have an indoor shower while glamping, don't let anyone stop you from bathing in the river if that's your prerogative. We also love that they are 100% plastic-free.

Milk Makeup matcha stick cleanser

Biggest pet peeves of traveling? Leaking liquids in your toiletries bag! Thanks to Milk Makeup's matcha stick cleanser, you can keep your skin clear and cleansed without the hassle of transferring your products into tiny bottles—and then wrapping them all into individual baggies to prevent explosions. It is the perfect on the go way to take-the-day-off; simply wet your face, glide the stick all over, rub gently until suds form, and rinse. (P.S. It's TSA-approved!)

Natural soap bar

It's easy to forget that the products we use in the shower go back into the ground eventually—but they do. One new trend over the past few years has been the development of chemical-free shampoos and conditioners, soaps, and laundry products. These natural soap bars are the perfect way to make your trip a little bit more sustainable, without being an inconvenience to you.

Kiehl's sunscreen

Sunscreen is potentially the most important toiletry you'll bring with you for your glamping trip. You're not camping outside, true, but you will still be spending the majority of your day in the outdoors, and it's always good to protect your skin. There is such a range of sunscreen products, from low SPF to chemical-free. We love the Kiehl's sunscreen pictured below; it's lightweight, 50 SPF, and works for all skin types.

Gadgets

Traveling nowadays, there are a million and one different inventions that can make your trips easier, and glamping is no different. While you've got your basics covered—things like a stove for coffee in the mornings or a washing machine for a laundry—these gadgets were all selected to make the most of your time outdoors and new adventures.

BivyStick

The BivyStick turns your smartphone into a satellite messenger. Devices like this were previously used in emergency-only situations but have recently become more of an everyday item for adventurous glampers. With the BivyStick, users can send and receive text messages, share their current location, and push notifications to social media. There is also a SOS feature in case of emergency. This handy portable gadget can also be used as an external battery, should you need to charge your camera or smartphone.

Larq Bottle

Staying hydrated? A requirement. Clean water? A necessity. Plastic? Never. Reusable water bottles or bust, but we can all admit that they are hard to clean, which often leads them to get...smelly. The Larq water bottle is an innovative way to keep your bottle fresh and yourself hydrated. Thanks to a 280nm UV-C light that neutralizes up to 99.9999%* of harmful, odor-causing germs, you will have fresh clean water in about 60 seconds. There are two settings to this bottle: Normal Mode and Adventure Mode. In Adventure Mode, the LARQ Bottle has a 3x increase in UV-C dosage, making it the perfect tag along for backcountry adventures.

Waterproof insulated cooler

Going glamping means there is a touch of luxury to your outdoor experience, so why not bring along this awesome cooler to enjoy a cold beer or soda while you lounge by the lake or take a pit stop on your hike? The TOURIT Cooler can fit up to 30 cans, so you'll have plenty of beverages for everyone. It's also leakproof, waterproof, and can be carried three different ways!

ThermaCELL portable bug repeller

Our last item on the list is a must-have, especially if you want to spend more time outside. Unlike traditional bug sprays, this portable, lightweight bug repeller won't leave your skin sticky and provides full protection from bug bites. It effectively repels mosquitoes, creating a 15-foot by 15-foot zone of bug-free comfort. Added bonus? Now you don't have to worry about having bug spray chemicals on your skin!

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Head over to Glamping Hub to take a look at our full inventory and get started planning your next adventure—now that you know what to pack.

#Travelgoals is what we aim to be, and in 2018, you all helped make that dream become a reality. Social media lends a strong helping hand when planning a trip to somewhere you've never been before. We can tell Instagram inspires you, but Facebook hooks you in, giving you that last push you need to hit the confirm booking button. So much so, in fact, that, of all our bookings in 2018, 12 of you decided to plan a very special occasion at one of our glamping sites...you got engaged while glamping! Keep on reading to have a peek at our most liked posts from Facebook and Instagram in 2018.

Instagram

1. Your partner, your pup, and the perfect cabin—the ultimate glamping getaway.

2. The impressive mountain backdrop behind this unique dome rental in Patagonia, Chile.

3. The most secluded "pool" you've ever swam in.

4. That time we didn't mind sweating so much.

5. When our inner child stared up at these tree houses like the heart-eyed emoji.

6. The minute we put Bali up at the top of our travel bucket list.

7. Where we most imagined cozying up with a good book and a soft blanket.

8. Exactly what you pictured when you daydreamed about getting away from it all.

9. The desert accommodation you never knew you needed.

10. Were you to plan a swimsuit photoshoot, it'd be here.

Facebook

1. A dreamy getaway outside of the hustle and bustle of London.

2. The ultimate place to view fall foliage in the U.S.

3. Remember that desert dome on Instagram? You wanted to dive deeper.

4. Quintessential glamping at its finest.

5. Winter never looked so good to us—next stop, Norway!

6. The best spot to float your worries away in France.

7. The ultimate bathtub with a view for those of us who love a good soak.

8. How we kept you coming back for more—from gorgeous emails to giveaways. (Sign up for our newsletter on the homepage if you haven't yet!)

9. The accommodation is great—but did you hear about the on-site food truck?!

10. You can't get enough of this glass cabin in Iceland—and we can't either. Swoon.

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For all the best #travelinspo for this coming year, check out our blog on Travel Trends for 2019!*

We know we've given some brief insight into the what glamping is before, but it's time to dig deep. We're also guessing that by now you all probably know that you can opt for a tree house or a luxury tent instead of a night on the ground in a sleeping bag—so it's time to go back to the source, as far back in time as we can, to when people were glamping before they even had a word for it.

Prehistory

The first piece of evidence that points to human activity in the America are stone tools from 11,500 RCBP, which pertain to the Clovis culture of the Paleo-Indians. Later, around roughly 10,000 BCE, the first evidence of tipi dwellings, alternatively spelled as teepee, were discovered.

"Archaeologists have found indications that dwellings made from a series of wooden poles existed that long ago by carbon dating soil samples taken from what appears to be the remains of ancient campsites or villages," according to Teepee Joy. There is additional archaeological evidence from 7,500 BCE in the form of stone rings, as stones were used to hold down the exterior of the tipi.

While often attributed to all Native Americans in the U.S., tipis are, in fact, unique specifically to the indigenous people of the Great Plains and Canadian Prairies in North America, as stated in the National Museum of the American Indian's book, "Do All Indians Live in Tipis?". The structure of a tipi was convenient for ease of disassembly, particularly when tracking game and highly compatible with a nomadic lifestyle.

6th century

The yurt—which nowadays is a popular and well-known type of glamping—was also favored by nomadic cultures, because yurts are notoriously easy to take apart in one place and put back together in another, as well as they can easily withstand inclement weather.

It is said that the first yurts were created by the Buryat Mongolian community of Siberia, dating back to roughly 600 BCE—thanks to the discovery of a bronze bowl from the period that was discovered in Iran. There are two main types of yurts—the ger and the bentwood—the former of which was the style developed and used by Mongolian tribes.

13th century

Genghis Khan, the founder of the Mongol Empire, ruled from a sizable ger, but since the empire was so geographically extensive, it's said that his ger was never fully broken down, but instead simply put on a wheeled cart and towed by oxen from one location to the next.

The spread of the Mongol Empire lead the popularity of the yurt to spread with it, and thus, people in Eastern Europe, in countries like Turkey, Hungary, and Romania, started to use yurts, too. According to National Geographic, "Yurts remained very common in Turkey until the 1960s and 1970s, and they are still found in rural areas of Hungary."

16th and 17th century

Scotland

In Scotland, John Stewart, 3rd Earl of Atholl, put together what could be called the first luxury camping site in the U.K. for King James V and his mother in the Scottish Highlands—filling the tents' interiors with luxurious furnishings and adornments from his own palace.

France

From June 7 to 24, 1520, a diplomatic summit called the Field of the Cloth of Gold was held in Balinghem, France—a tournament to help forge a friendship between King Henry VIII of England and King Francis I of France after the Anglo-French treaty of 1514. Here, roughly 2,800 tents and marquees were set-up, surrounded by fountains from which red wine flowed.

Turkey

The Turkish Ottomans were also known for setting up lavish tents for a number of different types of events, including "military campaigns, ceremonies and celebrations, and country excursions by the sultans and their subjects," according to TurkishCulture.org.

When on campaign, the imperial tents for the sultan were particularly lavish and essentially mobile palaces. There were two of them so that while the sultan was in one, they could pitch the other in his next destination to have it ready for the sultan's arrival. French archaeologist, Antoine Galland, even wrote in the late 17th century that the sultan's tents were so large that they were carried on six hundred camels.

Professor Nurhan Atasoy describes the Ottoman's tents in the following manner:

"The exquisite ornamentation both inside and out of the tents used by the Ottoman sultans made them imposing dwellings fit for a ruler. On ceremonial occasions, tents served to create a splendid theatrical setting, as we see vividly portrayed in miniature paintings depicting banquets, audiences, and celebrations, which took place in the imperial tent complex over the centuries. The imperial tents were richly decorated as if they were pavilions and often had designs resembling tiled panels, usually in floral patterns, either in appliés work, using cloth of different colours, or embroidered in various stitches using silk and metal thread."

20th century

Fast forward to the early 20th century to when going on an African safari became the popular adventure of choice for wealthy American and British travelers. Often, these trips were made for society's upper crust to try their hand at shooting game, largely the "Big 5," i.e., lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and Cape buffaloes.

Despite their desire to get down and dirty and go hunting, these travelers were not willing to sacrifice the comforts of home for the thrill of the hunt—which meant the safari tents they stayed in were well-equipped with the luxuries they were accustomed to, including everything "from electric generators, to folding baths, and cases of champagne," according to "Safari: A Chronicle of Adventure" by Bartle Bull.

21st century

The U.K. Glamping Association attributes the rise of glamping in the late 1990s all the way back to international financial crisis that hindered foreign travel and caused the staycation trend to start. Add to that when, in 1997, the right to tow a caravan was removed from the U.K. driving license, and people had to start looking for a new, yet affordable, type of way to go on holiday. With little camping experience and lots of hotel experience, people incidentally invented a new way of traveling—glamping.

Flash forward to 2007, when, according to Google Trends, people began searching for the word "glamping," with most of these searches coming from Ireland and the U.K. By 2010, glamping began to take off; by 2013, it had seen a major rise in popularity in the U.K.; by 2014, it started to make a name for itself in the U.S.; and by 2016, "glamping" was officially added to the dictionary.

Today, glamping is more popular than ever and on a global scale. Glamping Hub alone has grown from having 5,000 accommodation on the website in 2016 to over 34,000 glampign rentals at present in 2019—ranging from tree houses, tipis, and yurts to domes, cabins, cottages, and more.

There are now major glamping markets across the world, including in the U.S. (with the largest in California, Texas, New York, Colorado, and Washington), Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, in addition to the aforementioned U.K. While there is still plenty of room to grow across the board, the presence of glamping sites is recognized, albeit not yet on the same level, in Europe, Asia, other parts of North America (Mexico), Central America, and South America.

And who's typically going glamping? Ruben Martinez, Co-Founder of Glamping Hub, said, "Baby boomers and millennials are looking for a change in the way they typically travel, and glamping fits well for both—baby boomers, because they have a disposable income, are looking for comfort, and they've already done it all; millennials, because they're always looking for unique experiences." Martinez went on to tell Forbes:

"We find a good number of people who are going glamping live in cities. They're looking to disconnect from day-to-day life but don't necessarily want to travel across the country or go to Europe. They want to be able to take weekend trips within driving distance. They want to be outdoors, but they don't want to rough it. Many Americans are very comfortable with the idea of camping, and glamping offers you everything you love about camping without everything you hate about it."

Further reinforcing the spike in popularity in the U.S. specifically is the start of the American Glamping Association in April 2018 and the Global Glamping Summit event series, the second of which just happened in November 2018 in California.

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Want to see what types of glamping are available for you to plan the trip of a lifetime to this year? Click here to explore your options!

Editor's note: Each month, we'd like to introduce you to one of our wonderful Glamping Hub hosts and what inspired them to create a glamping site. This month, we have Basquali, who manages this romantic tree house and lake house in the Hudson Valley of Upstate New York.

1. What is the story behind you starting your glamping site? What did you do before becoming a glamping host, and what drew you to glamping?

I was originally a photographer from Australia, and I moved to New York in 2001. I lived in a great neighborhood in Brooklyn, but really missed the food, coffee, and community of Sydney cafe culture, so I opened a cafe in 2006 to fill the emotional hole. One day, one of my customers invited my wife Michelle and I to his house in Upstate New York. I’d never been Upstate, and we instantly fell in love with it.

Coming from Australia, I feel a very strong connection to nature, but there's a reason why New York City is called the concrete jungle. Finding Upstate was like returning to the womb of Mother Nature. Eventually, we ended up buying the tree house as our escape and sanctuary.

Since we both work in the restaurant industry, our weekends are in the middle of the week, and it seemed like such a waste having the place sitting there unoccupied on the weekends. We started sharing it with our customers and friends until we learned about Glamping Hub, and now we happily share it with other like-minded souls who seek rejuvenation in the woods.

2. In your opinion, how does your accommodation fit the definition of glamping?

It's one of the most glamorous and comfortable ways that someone can immerse themselves and experience nature without being in a tent.

3. What is the most special thing about your property?

Apart from the trees? The fact that when you are inside, the tree house feels incredibly spacious, while being very cozy at the same time. This comes from it being multi/split level. Having 18 foot ceilings in the lounge pit gives the spaciousness, while the low ceiling in the kitchen and the burning fire make it warm and cozy.

4. What do you love the most about running a glamping site? What are some of the challenges you face?

I love the fact that I get to share the love with others. For me, that’s what it’s all about. It gives me great joy when I read the comments people leave in the guestbook.

People really do connect and feel the love that has been put into the space, not only from my wife and I, but also from past guests. The biggest challenge is removing the snow in winter. We’ve had a few guests snowed-in in the past, but we’ve worked out a solution to that now!

5. Tell us about your most memorable guest experience to date.

There have been many memorable guest experiences. One guest was so inspired by her first visit that she returned and recorded her album there the second time around. The last guest wrote that her boyfriend proposed to her at the house and gave her a ring from Tiffany's.

6. Which three words are most commonly used in guest feedback about your accommodation?

Magical, calming, and peaceful.

7. Tell us about the experience you provide for guests visiting your glamping site.

We give people beautifully curated experiences in lovely places that essentially make them feel good. We provide a haven where they can cook, read, write, listen to music, watch movies, and/or do absolutely nothing. They leave fully rested, relaxed, and appreciative—wanting for nothing but to come back for more. We are really good at making people happy.

8. Are there any upcoming additions/changes to your glampsite you would like to share with us?

Yes! We're very excited to be renovating the tree house this spring. We'll be completely replacing the siding and giving it a cosmetic overhaul. We’re also putting in a new deck and going to build a new fire pit. It will get a modern spruce-up, but still retain its nostalgic charm, with a bit of luck.

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For the ideal Upstate New York escape, book Basquali's tree house or lake house!

Editor's note: Each month, we'd like to introduce you to one of our wonderful Glamping Hub hosts and what inspired them to create a glamping site. This month, we have Sandy, who manages this five-story tree house in Johnson, Vermont.

1. What is the story behind you starting your glamping site?

When we bought our property in the 90s, the adjoining property had this crazy, five-story, pretty funky house on it—owned by a guy from New York City who’d come up on occasional weekends. I always loved the place and was itching to get my hands on it!

A few years ago, we had the chance to buy the property and have been working on it ever since, making it a fun, cozy, and truly unique experience for outdoorsy folks to enjoy.

Ok, that’s not really true. What’s true is that I had been bugging my husband about buying that place for years, so when we did buy it, he said, “Ok, now DO something with it!” So, I’ve been knocking my brains out making it a spectacular place!

2. What did you do before becoming a glamping host, and what drew you to glamping?

We have owned residential apartments for many years, so the concept of renting a place out wasn’t all that foreign to me. I didn’t want this to be just a vacation rental, though; I wanted it to be an exceptional experience.

3. In your opinion, how does your accommodation fit the definition of glamping?

Well, it’s doubtful you will see another place like it! Nestled in the woods, the tree house is five stories on the edge of a 60-foot cliff. It overlooks a lovely stream and has a feeling of privacy, relaxation, and being in the middle of nature.

4. What is the most special thing about your property?

That’s a hard one. Everyone loves the sparkling clean hot tub, of course, and many guests use the wood sauna so they can have the whole Finnish roll in the snow experience! One of my favorite parts is that I’ve developed an extensive trail system over the years, accessible right from the tree house's driveway—perfect for hiking, snowshoeing, or backcountry skiing.

5. What do you love the most about running a glamping site? What are some of the challenges you face?

I try to go over and above with all of my guests! If they are getting in late, I will often leave them breakfast items for the next morning, including fresh eggs (when my hens cooperate), so they don’t have to worry about getting groceries right off the bat.

Over Thanksgiving, I left my roasting pan, thermometer, etc., so they could cook a turkey. Over Christmas, I make sure the place is Christmasy as all get out. I try to provide everything I can for a memorable vacation. The Christmas tree is there year-round, and I’ve decorated it for several 40th birthday parties and Valentine’s Day surprises! I love helping to make that happen.

Most of the winter, guests are coming to alpine ski at Smuggler’s or Stowe and want information on the best place to get rental equipment or go out to eat.

Frankly, the biggest challenge is making sure the tree house is a perfect fit for guests, so I appreciate good communication back and forth. I’ve had people with little kids want to rent the place, for example, and with the location and layout of the house, it’s just not a good fit. Same with people who want to bring their pets, and I feel bad when I have to say “no."

6. Tell us about your most memorable guest experience to date.

Several months ago, a man told me he wanted to book the place for he and his wife, to rest and recharge. He wanted her to know how much he appreciated her and all she did, as well as get away from their young children. Before they arrived, he ordered five dozen long stemmed roses from our local florist and had me put a dozen on the dining room table, take the petals off the rest, and scatter them—from the front door, down the hallway, to the dining room. I must admit, the effect was spectacular! I met them the day after they had arrived, and his wife was so surprised and thrilled and said he was the best husband ever! It was adorable.

7. Which three words are most commonly used in guest feedback about your accommodation?

Magical, peaceful, and heavenly.

8. Tell us about the experience you provide for guests visiting your glamping site.

When guests arrive, I like to meet them to show them how the house "works"—the gas fireplace, hot tub, and the like. I want to make sure they are comfortable and let them know that I am accessible by text or phone if needed. Then I leave them alone to relax and have a good time!

9. If you could have anybody stay at your accommodation, who would it be and why?

That’s easy! Just by coincidence, I happened to be going on a tour in Spain a couple of months ago with one of my girlfriends and was able to meet up in Seville with Amy, a Partnerships Manager in the PR Department at Glamping Hub. It was fun to have a beer with this person I’d been emailing with over the past months! It would be so awesome to have her visit.

10. Are there any upcoming additions/changes to your glampsite you would like to share with us?

Well, that’s pretty constant, lol! I’d like to create more trails and put a bridge of some sort over one of the streams.

We closed the house for renovations last spring for a while, in order to put new siding and windows on the back side (cliffside) of the house, which was no small task with those five stories! This spring, we plan on tackling another side to do the same thing.

When you have a guest home that you want to keep top notch, there is always plenty to do!

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For the ideal getaway in Vermont, you can book Sandy's tree house here!

Every year, we get more and more conscious of just how important it is to take care of ourselves—both physically and mentally—and the planet we inhabit, as well as how to continually improve at doing so. For 2019, we've got a couple of superb product suggestions that will help you carry on bettering your health and wellness in the new year.

Eco-friendly products

2018 was the year we saw the world start to take a hard stance on not using plastic products, be it bags in the grocery store or straws in our drinks at restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. To start the new year out on the right foot, make way for reusable items in your house, starting easy with cloth grocery bags and stainless steel straws.

Reusable straws

The benefits of reusable straws include everything from preventing the innocent deaths of marine animals, as garbage is often thrown in the ocean and straws are often mistaken for food, to safer for human use, due to the fact that stainless steel doesn't let off harmful chemicals.

There are even specialized reusable straws available now, like the Koffie Straw, which helps keep your pearly whites glistening and stain-free while still allowing you to get your caffeine on.

Reusable water bottles

If you haven't jumped on the reusable water bottle train yet, this is another eco-friendly product that will come in handy 24/7—no matter whether you're at work, at the gym, in the car, or on a hike. There are many options on the market these day, but one of the latest is the Astrea bottle, which has a built-in filter.

What's more? It's the only bottle certified to NSF53 standards to reduce lead. The importance of not only drinking water, but drinking quality water, is entirely underestimated. Just listen to these digestion facts from MindBodyGreen!

"City water is chlorinated to remove pathogens and disinfect the water. Chlorine is a skin irritant (consider mounting a shower filter if you suffer from eczema or dry skin), pro-oxidant, and destroyer of friendly microflora and stomach acid. When our friendly microflora are wiped out, we can suffer from bloating and slower digestion, and when our stomach isn't able to produce as much stomach acid and enzymes as it should, digestion can become downright uncomfortable."

Self-care products

Self care comes in many ways, shapes, and forms—for some people, that's a face mask and a bubble bath; for others, it's a nice meal out once a week.

Massage technology

Focusing on how to externally keep our bodies happy, the rising popularity of new technology, such as the Theragun, are sure to gain even more loyal fans in 2019. This unique, hand-held massager, loved by athletes and celebrities alike, is essentially a portable chiropractor—in fact, it was created by one! Thanks to its manageable size, this is a great investment that can be used both at home and on vacation.

Vitamins

Diving inside the body, the vitamin company, Care Of blew up on social media this year, with major celebrities, like Queer Eye's hair and skin guru Jonathan Van Ness, singing the company's praises. What's so special about vitamins, you ask? At Care Of, a lot.

The company creates personalized daily vitamin packs for you based on a quiz you take, where you answer some simple questions about your goals, lifestyle, and values. They then suggest for you the perfect combination of vitamins and supplements, which you can adjust as you please, and voilà! All you have to do is sit and wait for your vitamins to arrive at your front door—perfectly formulated with the only the highest quality of ingredients to kick start your 2019 with.

Herbal medicine

With the number of products, workout classes, lifestyle changes, and more that have and will become available to use, we could write a novel or two, but we'll just leave you with one final option to look into for now, which is herbal medicine.

From blog to business, Organic Olivia rose in popularity in 2018, and we can't wait to see what she has in store for 2019. What started as her providing herbal remedies, backed up with extensive research, on her blog and social media, has turned into a full range of tinctures, probiotics, and more—all of which have an army of happy, and now healthy, clients shouting from the digital rooftops about how wonderful they now feel, thanks to these products.

For those unfamiliar with tinctures, tinctures are essentially extracts, which are made by steeping an herb in alcohol to draw out its medicinal properties. Dating as far back as to when the first alcohol was ever distilled, tinctures were first used by the ancient Egyptians but didn't become common in Europe until the 1400s. Though they waned in popularity with the rise of Western medicine, they've come back on the health and wellness scene in recent years, due to a (continuing) rise in interest in herbal and Eastern medicine.

How else will you be improving your health and wellness in 2019? Let us know on social media!

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Looking for a yoga retreat or getaway to practice mindfulness at in 2019? Check out what destinations are trending here!

Whether you already have a travel bucket list scribbled on a piece of scrap paper or jotted down in a note in your smartphone, you better check it twice to make sure at least one of these unique destinations is on there. January 1 is right around the corner, and it's time to start planning where you'll use your ever-so-cherished vacation days in 2019.

North America

Georgia, U.S.

Napa Valley, California, U.S.

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

Belize

South America

São Paulo, Brazil

Patagonia, Chile

Europe

Berlin, Germany

France

Portugal

Highlands, Scotland

Southern Italy

Slovenia

Asia

Sri Lanka

Jordan

Africa

Namibia

Tanzania

Oceania + Australia

Perth, Australia

Tasmania, Australia

Auckland, New Zealand

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For more inspiration on where to travel in 2019, make sure you're following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!

The holiday season is the perfect time for getting together, lighting up the fireplace, and sharing a warming beverage. A glass of red wine or a chilled beer will always do the trick, but why not use this time of year to get creative and try something new and festive?

Whether you are entertaining a large group of friends or are just trying to impress your partner, we have curated the perfect list of interesting and delicious holiday drink recipes, ranging from simple to complex, to try out this cozy holiday season.

Chai eggnog

A Christmas cocktail that adults love and kids loathe, this special twist on the classic recipe marries chai tea and exotic spices together to create a more than memorable flavor. Either to be enjoyed without alcohol or combined with a rich whiskey or brandy, this recipe is sure to make those of all ages eggnog converts.

Spicy pomegranate Moscow mule

Christmas time calls for an abundance of winter fruits, like pomegranates and any citrus of your choice, so both novice and experienced cocktail-makers, take note! The traditional Moscow mule is a drink whose popularity is steadily on the rise, due to the tangy ginger flavors and satisfying crushed ice. This spicy interpretation is bound to make a statement with the addition of sweet pomegranate and spicy jalepeños.

Blood orange and pomegranate thyme spritz

Continuing on with our love for winter fruits, those who appreciate eclectic, sophisticated flavors will adore this festive beverage. The robust essence of thyme, paired with both rich pomegranate juice and tangy blood orange soda, are refreshing, yet warming—making this a perfect entertaining aperitif.

Glögg

The holidays call for traditions, whether that is getting together with the family or making classic recipes that have been passed down through generations. Mulled wine, or the stronger Swedish Glögg, is a fragrant, noted beverage that is famous around the world and can easily be made at home. Served warm, this Glögg combines wine, spices, fruit, and an optional hard spirit for that extra cozy feeling.

Grapefruit whiskey sours

Whiskey is known for it's warming properties, hence it being one of the main ingredients in the cold-combating Hot Toddy. Extremely easy and perfect for either a cozy night in or a holiday party, whiskey sours are a definite crowd pleaser. This recipe suggests adding grapefruit soda and pink lemon wedges (rare, but gorgeous) for a pop of color and a fragrant twist.

Kahlua hot chocolate

Once the temperature drops and winter has announced it's frigid arrival, hot chocolate is natural a go-to soul-warmer for those of all ages. This delicious, spiked hot chocolate is especially appealing to adults, due to the addition of Kahlua liquor and salted caramel, for a decadent winter evening treat.

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Need some ideas on where to make these warming winter beverages this holiday season? Try them out at one of our favorite places to celebrate New Year's Eve!

With the vast crowds descending on Sydney and New York each New Year's Eve, avoid the stress and crammed city streets and escape to one of these lesser-known destinations.

From incredible fireworks displays and live music to magical sunrises and sandy beaches, this countdown of locations is sure to help you bring in the new year with a bang.

1. Reykjavik, Iceland

New Year's Eve in Iceland sees the whole country go wild as an epic fireworks display takes place half an hour before midnight. Oskjuhlid Hill can be found right the center of Reykjavík and is the perfect spot to sit and watch the whole night's sky light up over the entire city. After the celebrations are over, there's nothing better than enjoying the spectacular Northern Lights on the first day of the new year from this stunning glass cabin.

2. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

The perfect place to relax and reflect on the past year, Grand Canyon National Park is the ideal spot to swap those crowded New Year's Eve streets for jaw-dropping views and unbeatable hiking trails. The majestic sights from the South Rim are sure to put the year in perspective making this the go-to getaway for those looking for a peaceful and uplifting new year.

3. Homigot Sunrise Festival in South Korea

Homigot Village, located on the easternmost point of the Korean Peninsula, plays host to the one-of-a-kind Sunrise Festival every New Year's Eve. Visitors get to see the sun make it's first new appearance, rising majestically over the fascinating hand sculpture that bursts through the calm ocean. With the festival also holding traditional Korean performances, a fireworks show, and local food, New Year's Eve here will seem like a strange but beautiful dream.

4. Madeira, Portugal

The picturesque island of Madeira offers a New Year's Eve of top-class wine, fine seafood, and, of course, an amazing fireworks show over Funchal Bay. During the day, spend time exploring this charming island, and when night falls, take in the special atmosphere with the locals in the quaint side cafés. When day breaks for the first time in 2019, waking up to to the sight of the serene ocean from your own secluded beach hut will be a moment that stays with you for a lifetime.

5. Niagara Falls, Canada

If it's live music, dancing, and dazzling pyrotechnics you're looking for as the year draws to a close, Niagara Falls is the place to be this New Year's Eve. The festivities begin at 8 p.m. in Queen Victoria Park with plenty of traditional food and drinks on offer from the friendly locals, and the night culminates with some magnificent fireworks launched from Niagara Gorge!

6. Honolulu, Hawaii

Welcome in the new year with a warm aloha by spending the last day of the year surrounded by the volcanic slopes and rugged coast of Honolulu in Hawaii. As the bells end, watch the multicolored rockets burst over Waikiki Beach, and after, head on down to one of the tiki bars for some live music, elaborated cocktails, and late-night hula dancing!

7. Florianopolis, Brazil

Although Rio is seen as the number one spot to celebrate New Year's Eve in Brazil, Florianopolis, or Floripa as the locals call it, is Brazil's biggest secret—and the party destination for some of Brazil's best soccer stars. With more than 42 sandy beaches, hidden coves, and pristine lakes, there is something for everyone here. Take a seat lakeside with a cold caipirinha and enjoy the New Year's Eve fireworks display in style.

8. Zion National Park, Utah

Why not ring in the new year surrounded by the soaring landscape and iconic red rock canyons of Zion National Park this year? Make the last day of the year one to remember by hiking up to the epic Angel's Landing for 360-degree views of the sprawling 147,000-acre park, all before cozying up with loved ones, glass of champagne in hand.

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For more New Year's Eve inspiration, keep exploring on Glamping Hub!

Editor's note: This guest post was written by Jessica Brody, the creator of OurBestFriends.pet.

Have you ever dropped the family dog off at the kennel on the eve of your big vacation, looked into his or her big, sorrowful, brown eyes, and suddenly wished you could change your mind and bring him or her along? As it happens, you can change your mind, soothe your conscience, and make the kids happy, because traveling with a dog is a lot easier these days than it used to be. Bringing the family pet along on vacation can be a lot of fun and, with some planning, it doesn't have to be a hassle. Think of it as just another detail to iron out before you pack it all up and hit the road.

Here are a few of those details to get straight:

Identification

All pet dogs should have a collar and tags, with up-to-date identification and contact information, and it should be worn all the time, especially on vacation. If Rover gets away on a remote South Carolina beach and runs away, finding him can be nearly impossible if there's no way of knowing who his owners are and how to reach them. Your pet should also be microchipped so he or she can easily be traced back to you.

How will you travel?

Dogs these days travel both by airplane and by car, and the length of your trip may have a lot to do with whether you choose to bring your furry friend along. Airlines basically classify dogs as cargo and store them securely in the hold.

For a relaxed and mature canine, that might not be a terrible hardship, but if yours is a skittish and hyper pooch, air travel could be a real nightmare for your buddy. If your dog is small enough to fit in a pet carrier that can be squeezed in under your seat, some airlines will let them share the ride with you, so consult your airline about their dog policy before making a final decision.

Of course, the most frequently-used mode of travel for a family with a dog is a four-wheeled vehicle of some kind—usually the bigger, the better. Dogs usually have some familiarity with riding in a car to the vet or to the park, so riding along won't be as alien and scary as flying high at 30,000 feet. If your four-legged friend is anxious about riding in the car, talk to your vet about appropriate medications that can help them mellow out a bit.

Have a plan

It pays to have a plan of attack well ahead of time. Imagine having your dog in a carrier under your airplane seat on a crowded flight, and he or she suddenly starts yelping and barking as loud as possible. The angry stares of fellow passengers make things very uncomfortable, so have something comforting—either a favorite snack, toy, or a doggie sedative—on standby.

If you're going by car, plan out a few rest stops along the way for good leg stretching and sniffing sessions, not to mention bladder relief. That means you'll need a good strong leash, a food dish and water bowl, toys, and baggies for cleaning up any waste.

Accommodations

The number of dog-friendly rentals and restaurants has exploded in recent years, which makes this part of your travel planning a bit easier than how you'll get there and back with Fido. Why not have a little fun with it, and stay in a hotel that offers a doggie turndown service and special dog treats for its four-legged guests? Do a little advance research, and find out what kind of deposit and fee your accommodation will hit you with, too.

Glamping

With glamping, there's hope for people who can't bear the idea of camping with just a tent and a sleeping bag. Glamping is a lot more fun for many, because it involves creature comforts— it's a camping hybrid, between luxury and "roughing it." If you're thinking about camping out with your dog on your trip, don't forget to bring the espresso maker along with your sleeping bag.

Taking a dog on vacation is a commitment and a challenge. You have to plan ahead and be prepared for the unexpected; it's not something you can take lightly, and you can't let your attention waver like you might when you're at home with a sturdy fence in your backyard as a fall back. Long-distance travel can be traumatic for an animal, so think carefully before deciding to take the beloved family dog along for the ride.

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Want to know more about the writer of this post? Jessica Brody lives in Dallas, Texas, with her loving family. As a certified dog lover, she believes that dogs are just about the greatest creatures on earth.