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: [email protected] 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=61564207155053LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/glamping-industry-trade-association-uk