No doubt, Europe attracts travelers from across the globe for its rich cultural heritage, food variations, museums, and impressive architecture with a history spanning centuries. But, let’s not forget that the land is home to numerous adventure activities (like hiking, camping, biking, rock climbing, kayaking) and it’s extremely rewarding.
What if we told you that camping in Europe is nothing less than a luxurious experience? Imagine hot tubs, swimming pools, and grocery stores on a camping site. Yes, some of Europe’s camping sites have them!
(Now you get it what we mean when we say luxurious?)
Now that you’re already excited to go camping in Europe, have a quick look at these five important tips we have listed below for you.
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Choose a lightweight yet quality tent
As soon as we mention camping, the tent is the first thing that comes to mind, isn’t it?
That said, they are the basic and the most important component of any camping adventure.
When choosing a tent, its fabric is the foremost thing to consider. It should be soft and comfortable. If you’re planning to go on foot (after hiking), you’ll probably want to invest in the one that’s lightweight. Fair enough! But, at the same time, make sure to consider the quality.
Refrain from buying the cheapest model you come across, otherwise, it will not withstand changing weather conditions (wind, rain, or snow.)
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Do not haul unnecessary food items
As mentioned above, several campsites in Europe either have a restaurant or grocery shops. So, do not haul unnecessary food items like packed tin cans, ready to eat food cups, and others as such.
However, this doesn’t mean that you should not carry anything at all. Consider carrying basic food items like fruits, dried fruits, and others alike so that you don’t completely rely on the shops on the campsite.
P.S. Please note that the campsite shops usually sell items at a higher price than that of a supermarket. So, carry your own stuff if you have budget constraints.
In case you’re planning to cook for yourself on an open fire, kindly check with the owners of the campsite as they might not appreciate it. On the other hand, barbeques are allowed in some campsites provided prior approval has been given and that they don’t produce much smoke.
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Biking and hiking are recommended
When we talk about entertainment as part of a European camping adventure, biking is the first thing that strikes our mind. Most campsites offer biking facility to campers. Isn’t it a great way to explore the surrounding areas and make the most of your daytime?
Alternatively, hiking is another amazing option, especially if you’re in the countryside. You’ll be greeted by some astounding views!
P.S. Don’t forget to carry water and tactical gear too in the case of hiking!
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The rules of hitchhiking
If you’re thinking of hitchhiking, remember that there are certain rules to follow. Not everywhere in Europe are you permitted to ask for a lift; for instance, motorways, intersections, and bus stops.
The ideal way is to wait at a good spot, i.e. where the road isn’t busy and the car will have enough space to stop. If someone’s going in the same direction, you’ll be lucky!
P.S. Don’t bear many expectations from hitchhiking as there are chances you might not get a lift. So, be prepared to walk down back to your campsite.
Besides, refrain from taking a lift during nighttime for safety reasons!
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About money and tipping
The Euro is accepted everywhere in Europe; however, the UK still prefers Pound Sterling. If you’re looking to get your currency exchanged, avoid getting it done at the airport or the train stations as you won’t get a decent rate there. Try to get it done (before heading to Europe) from your place if possible.
On the other hand, make sure to carry hard cash when you go camping. The shops out there don’t usually accept cards, especially small gift shops if you want to buy souvenirs for your loved ones.
When we consider the tipping culture in Europe, it varies greatly from country to country. For instance, in Switzerland, the tip is included in the bill, however, in Britain, it’s customary to tip separately (around ten percent of the total cost of the meal).
So, we’d suggest you research it well before stepping out.
Hope this was helpful. Happy camping!
