Carry on Camping
Kinder to nature and your wallet, camping has become the cool alternative to a hotel holiday. It’s rewarding, relaxing and can be tailored to your needs…
BY MATT HILL
Do you remember when people used to say, “It’s intense, man – and sleeping bags!”? Har har har… But camping isn’t such a joke anymore. Maybe it’s the beautiful settings, the unique smell of wet grass and canvas, or a quiet night punctuated only by the sounds of zipping up sleeping bags and the tiptoes of fellow residents. Or it could be a generation raised on festival-going who’ve discovered that sleeping under the stars is actually pretty cool.
Whatever it is, camping has never been so popular, and holidaymakers are turning to tents as a fresh, fun alternative to hotels.
“Camping has been on the rise for years and shows little sign of dropping in popularity,” says Clive Garrett, editor of Camping magazine. “Much is down to its apparent green credentials and that return to traditional values finding peace and relaxation in a stressed-out world.”
Of course, the popularity of pegs and poles is no doubt also thanks to our current concern about climates, both economic and environmental. Compared to all-in resorts, camping can be cheap and eco-friendly, but there’s more to booking a pitch than saving money.
“Camping heralds a return to values far removed from video games, latch-key kids, binge drinking and TV dinners,” Clive says. “It opens up new horizons, especially if you invest in lightweight gear you can throw in the hold of a budget flight. Camping is a lifestyle statement.”
Without the routine of hotel meals and organised trips, a camping holiday is also less structured and can be tailored to your needs, as Claire Elston, a regional manager for Canvas Holidays, confirms. “I previously worked in the hotel industry and camping is much more laid back. People can come and go as they please.”
With control over location, duration and daily activities, camping can be exactly what you want it to be, with each country offering a twist on the fun formula. If you insist on topping up your tan on the beach, you can, with a spot of coastal camping. If you prefer the city, then try one of the sites just outside the continent’s capitals. If you’re not happy with your location, you can move on in a matter of hours.
For the first-time camper, however, the idea of struggling with ground sheets, guy ropes and poles can seem a little taxing. It shouldn’t. Modern tents are easy to assemble – some even pop up when you toss them out of their bag – and after a few trial runs in the garden, you’ll be assembling your treasured tent before you can say: “Let’s light the barbie!”
Mum-of-two Sarah Holdsworth has spent countless summers camping in Europe, first with her parents and now with her own children, and is quick to confirm that a tent-based trip is far from an ordeal. “We’ve had some hairy moments,” she admits. “We once had to tie our tent to a tree to stop it blowing away and we’ve watched the rainwater edge closer many times. But these experiences just add to the adventure.”
If the thought of canvas construction still leaves you weak at the knees, then companies such as Canvas Holidays (www.canvasholidays.co.uk) and Eurocamp (www.eurocamp.co.uk) can do the peg work for you. Those who crave a little opulence under the stars can even go “glamping” (that’s glamorous camping to the uninitiated), with luxury yurts, teepees and safari tents available for hire across Europe (www.goglamping.net).
Once you’re set up, the itinerary is down to you, whether it’s travelling to the local market for supplies, finding the nearest watering hole or even investigating the toilet block. With acres to explore, youngsters entertain themselves, excited to get a taste of (safe) independence and make new friends, whatever their nationality. But sites aren’t just the realm of families and old folk – there are activities to keep everyone entertained.
“On a campsite there are swimming pools with slides, play parks, tennis and volley ball courts,” enthuses Claire Elston. “In the evenings there’s entertainment, such as karaoke, shows, quizzes, and there are often restaurants and bars on site.”
Camping doesn’t have to be quite so cosy. A variety of firms offer survival courses for those who prefer campfires to barbecues and hunting to shopping (see www.raymears.com for details), while music fans can pitch up at one of the numerous festivals held across the continent, many of which cater for younger visitors too (www.efestivals.co.uk).
“Take life as it comes and enjoy,” concludes Clive Garrett. “Camping is a state of mind that even the wet days won’t dampen.”
With a warming sense of community, freedom and fun, camping is great fun. So what are you waiting for? Grab your tent and find out what makes the great outdoors so great.
TOP 5 CAMPING ESSENTIALS
LOCAL KNOW-HOW: Forward planning can limit costs and stress. Study the local area, don’t forget the phrase book and be aware of the country’s laws.
LET THERE BE LIGHT: There’s nothing worse than trying to find the loo roll in the dark. Wind-up torches are a must, glow sticks also work well, while solar-powered garden lights will give your pitch some added ambience.
ETIQUETTE: Respect other campers’ pitches and privacy but be ready to offer a helping hand if needed.
BE PREPARED: Check your tent for leaks, bring waterproof clothing and keep an eye on local weather reports.
SLEEP EASY: Get the right sleeping bag (either a “mummy” shape to be wrapped up or a rectangle to stretch out, and make sure you get one that will be warm enough – for summer look for one that’s for two seasons), pump up your lilo properly and use mosquito repellent.
SEDATE CITY BREAKS
A city break is all very well, but what if you want to get away from it all too? Many of Europe’s campsites offer a rural setting and a short bus or train trip into the urban excitement.
Within the gorgeous Queen Elizabeth Forest Park (40km outside Glasgow), Cobleland has some stunning scenery. Pre-pitched tents are available, while the award-winning site’s facilities have been refurbished for the summer.
With a beach, bar, supermarket, two swimming pools, two restaurants and even flamenco shows, Camping Tres Estrellas offers campers so much they’ll struggle to find time to venture into Barcelona (just 12km away).
Fifteen minutes from the centre of Amsterdam, Camping Zeeburg is a wonderful place to unwind, with farm animals, kayak hire and the Flevoparkbad swimming pool offering more easy-going activities.
With a direct bus link to Disneyland Paris and a train into the city just 100 metres from the site’s entrance, Camping Le Soleil de Crécy is a great choice for fun-seekers and sightseers. On site there’s a great restaurant, bikes for hire and even cheese-tasting sessions (don’t tell Mickey!).
SEASIDE SITES
Whether you worship the sun or are addicted to the ocean, coastal camping is a great option, with every site buzzing with excitement and community spirit during the summer months.
For a beach-bound break at the foot of the Pyrenees try the appropriately named Camping le Soleil in Argelès (27km from Perpignan airport). Take it easy by the beautiful pool or expend some energy on the waves, on the site’s football pitch or even up the mountains.
A few miles from the golden beaches of Jersey’s west coast, Bleu Soleil is one of the island’s newest campsites and has plenty to offer, including a hot tub, pool, games room and, most importantly, a fantastic rural location. www.bleusoleilcamping.com
In the middle of a pine forest and next to the biggest sand dune in Europe (fact!), Camping Panorama has some amazing views, especially from the paragliders available to hire on site! The 64km drive from Bordeaux is well worth it for this idyllic setting.
Wow! The amazing swimming-pool complex at Camping La Marina (29km from Alicante) is enough to keep the kids entertained for days. Add in two football pitches, the beach, playgrounds and a hairdresser (no, really) and this bustling site is like a mini resort with tents.
