The Glamping Business Round Up

S2. Ep8 - The Hidden Cost of Glamping: Mental Health, Burnout & the “Always On” Lifestyle

This week on the Glamping Business Round Up, we step away from occupancy rates and planning permission to talk about something even more important — the mental health of the people behind the business. As part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2026, Vicki Jones and John Maddy discuss the hidden pressures of running a glamping site and why the industry needs to start treating burnout and isolation as seriously as any other business risk. From midnight boiler emergencies and off-grid infrastructure stress to relationship strain, financial anxiety, and the pressure of maintaining the “perfect” social media image, this is an honest conversation about the realities many operators quietly face behind the scenes. The episode also explores the strong parallels between glamping and farming, particularly around lone working, isolation, and the “always-on” lifestyle. John and Vicki look at powerful campaigns from organisations like the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) and RABI, and discuss what the glamping industry can learn from the agricultural sector when it comes to support systems and resilience. In this episode: *  Why “Action” is the theme of Mental Health Awareness Week 2026  *  The pressure of the Instagram vs reality gap  *  Lone working and rural isolation in glamping  *  The mental toll of off-grid infrastructure and guest expectations  *  How business stress impacts relationships and family life  *  The emotional impact of reviews and online criticism  *  What the glamping industry can learn from farming support networks  *  Why GITA and peer support communities matter more than ever  *  Practical ways operators can protect their wellbeing  This is one of the most important conversations we’ve had on the podcast — because sustainable businesses start with sustainable people. 📩 Got thoughts or questions for the podcast?  Email: glampingpodcast@gmail.com The Glamping Business Round Up is proudly brought to you in association with the Glamping Industries Trade Association. Thanks so much for listening.  To find out more about how GITA can help you and your glamping business then visit www.gitauk.org or find us on the socials... Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/glampingassociationuk/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564207155053 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/glamping-industry-trade-association-uk

S2. Ep7 - Crazy Guest Stories & what to expect when you run a glamping site!

In this episode of The Glamping Business Roundup, hosts Vicki Jones and John Maddy share hilarious and insightful stories from the field while discussing how to improve your glamping site, handle emergencies, and enhance guest experience. If you're a glamping site owner or considering joining the industry, this episode offers real-world lessons, creative ideas, and a healthy dose of humour. Main insights include: * Crazy guest stories, including naked people and mistaken hot tub expectations * The importance of high-quality, easy-to-clean facilities and logistics for quick turnovers * Innovations in lighting and decor that boost guest experiences and Instagramability * Managing weather challenges, especially wind, and strategies for safe storm management * Balancing different market segments—family, couples, luxury—and strategic site expansion * Practical tips for creating a memorable site with unexpected, delightful touches * How to streamline site maintenance and staff training for efficiency and quality * Encouragement for newcomers: starting small with testing phases, and the value of enjoying your own site   Thanks so much for listening.  To find out more about how GITA can help you and your glamping business then visit www.gitauk.org or find us on the socials... Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/glampingassociationuk/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564207155053 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/glamping-industry-trade-association-uk

S2: Ep 6 - From Skydives to Site Launches: Taylor Glass on Building GlampLaunch

This week on The Glamping Business Roundup, Vicki and John sit down with Taylor Glass, founder of GlampLaunch, to talk about shaking up the traditional glamping pod market with a lean, digital-first approach.  From quitting his job with nothing but a laptop and a big idea, to delivering bespoke pods across the UK and Europe, Taylor shares the honest reality of building a business at just 23.  In this episode, we cover:  *  How Taylor went from electrician to glamping entrepreneur  *  Why he ditched expensive showrooms and trade show overheads  *  The power of founder-led marketing and authentic storytelling  *  Lessons learned from delivery day disasters and site setup challenges  *  Why social media, video content and AI search are changing the way guests book  *  The common mistakes new site owners make when launching  *  Why “people buy from people” matters more than ever in 2026  Plus, Vicki and John share their own behind-the-scenes struggles getting sites ready for the new season — from mould and mice damage to those all-too-familiar “should we sell it all?” moments.   A must-listen for anyone running a glamping site, planning a new launch, or navigating the realities of hospitality entrepreneurship.   Thanks so much for listening.  To find out more about how GITA can help you and your glamping business then visit www.gitauk.org or find us on the socials... Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/glampingassociationuk/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564207155053 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/glamping-industry-trade-association-uk

S2 Ep.5 – How We’d Start a Glamping Site From Scratch in 2026

In this episode of The Glamping Business Roundup, hosts Vicki Jones and John Maddy explore a big question many aspiring operators ask:  If we were starting a glamping business today, what would we do differently?  Drawing on years of industry experience, they share honest insights into site planning, guest expectations, marketing strategies, and the lessons learned from running their own businesses. From wildlife-proofing structures to deciding the ideal number of units, this episode is packed with practical advice for anyone dreaming of starting – or improving – a glamping site.  Along the way, Vicki and John also share behind-the-scenes stories from their own sites, discuss the realities of staffing and operations, and imagine what their “dream glamping site” would look like if they were starting again in 2026.  Whether you're researching a future glamping project or already running a site, this episode offers real-world tips, industry trends, and plenty of honest reflections.   💡 In This Episode We Discuss  * What we would prioritise when starting a glamping site in 2026 * Why location can make or break a glamping business * Choosing the right structures – domes, cabins, tents, and more * Deciding the ideal size of a glamping site * The balance between luxury experiences vs affordable stays * Guest-favourite features like hot tubs, saunas, outdoor baths and cinemas * Wildlife challenges and how to protect your structures * Why simple, proven solutions often beat expensive custom builds * The importance of great staff and team chemistry * Marketing strategies including social media storytelling, OTAs, PR and awards * Designing for accessibility and inclusive guest experiences * The biggest mistakes to avoid when building a glamping site  For our next episode we would love to feature your crazy guest stories so send them over to us at glampingpodcast@gmail.com  Thanks so much for listening.  To find out more about how GITA can help you and your glamping business then visit www.gitauk.org or find us on the socials... Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/glampingassociationuk/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564207155053 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/glamping-industry-trade-association-uk

S2. Ep4 - Are OTAs Your Enemy or Your Biggest Asset?

Are OTAs Your Enemy or Biggest Asset? – Glamping Industry Insights In this episode, hosts Vicki Jones and John Maddie explore the complex relationship between glamping sites and online travel agents (OTAs). They share practical tips on how to leverage OTAs effectively, maximize direct bookings, and balance dependence on these platforms for a thriving glamping business. Key Topics: * The pros and cons of using OTAs: reach, convenience, and costs * How to turn OTA bookings into repeat direct customers * Strategies for optimizing your OTA listings (photos, keywords, seasons) * The importance of collecting guest emails for marketing * Setting smart pricing: balancing OTA commissions with direct income * The role of Google Hotels integration in competitive pricing * When and why to rely on OTAs during low season or last-minute bookings * How specific OTAs target different customer personas * Tips for branding subtly within OTA listings and during guest experiences * Managing cancellations, policies, and hidden costs effectively Connect with the Hosts: Vicki Jones & John Maddie by emailing glampingpodcast@gmail.com Thanks so much for listening.  To find out more about how GITA can help you and your glamping business then visit www.gitauk.org or find us on the socials... Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/glampingassociationuk/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564207155053 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/glamping-industry-trade-association-uk