Summer 2020 could set new campsites across the republic for guests and overnight stays. The reason is obvious: In times of Corona, camping holidays have many advantages, as the ADAC lists: The journey takes place safely and individually in your own vehicle, your own wet room in the motorhome creates safety and the pitches on the campsites are designed so spaciously, that visitors can keep enough distance.
Camping has been a trend for years. According to Statista, the number of overnight stays at German campsites in 2019 was around 35.8 million. That is ten million more than ten years ago. Summer 2020 could top this record. Many Germans will probably go on a camping holiday for the first time.
For bloody camping beginners who may still be wondering what to watch out for, VIP News has put together some tips.
Absolute basics for all camping beginners:
- Passport or identity card
- Driving license
- Insurance card
- Vehicle documents
- Health insurance card
- Cell phone, cell phone cord
- Credit cards, cash, coins for showers and toilets
- Emergency phone numbers
- Navi
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, mosquito repellent
- First aid kit with plasters, bandages and wound disinfectant spray as well as emergency medication for diarrhea, pain and fever
- Rainproof jackets, shoes and clothing, swimwear, slippers, backpack, sun hat, sunglasses, mosquito protection, etc.
What campers need for a camper or caravan:
- Pillows, blankets, covers or sleeping bags
- Towels, bath towels
- Bath accessories: handkerchiefs, toilet paper, shower gel, shampoo etc.
- CEE power cable, multiple plug, cable drum, power adapter
- Gas adapters for other countries
- Toolbox
- Jack
- Safety vests
- Warning triangle
- First aid kit
- Water canisters, water buckets
- Chemistry for the toilet
- Water hose
- Ropes, tension belts
- Steps and compensation wedges for a straight stand
- Foot mats
- Equipment for the kitchen: crockery made of plastic or melamine, cutlery, cooking utensils, tea or coffee pots made of stainless steel or plastic, pots, pans, various cutting knives, cutting boards, bottle openers, corkscrews, washing-up liquid, dish towels, garbage bags
- Small broom with a shovel
- Toilet paper
- Armored tape, cord, scissors
- For outside: camping table and chairs, possibly awning carpet, lamp, lantern, guy straps for the awning, grill
Read also: From Munich to Bilbao in 14 days – In search of great freedom: I never wanted to camp – now I love it
What should I pay attention to when choosing a campsite?
First of all, you should be clear about what you are looking for: should there be a swimming lake or river on or near the campsite? Do you want a beach feeling? Do you have any children with you for whom various leisure activities in the area could be important? Are ecological aspects important to you when camping or should the campsite offer free WiFi?
Experts recommend beginners to make their first trip to Germany or neighboring countries with a well-developed infrastructure and safe campsites. According to pincamp.de, particularly suitable destinations are, for example, France and Italy, but also the Netherlands, Austria or Denmark in the summer months.
How do I find good campsites?
In order to limit the selection a little and filter out the good ones from the less good campsites, there are various portals on the Internet. There you can filter by country, state, rating and many, many other criteria. These websites are particularly recommended:
Read also: Caravaning ranking – Most popular campsite is in Brandenburg: These are the top 10 in Germany
How much does a motorhome vacation cost?
The cost of a motorhome depends on the camper, the travel period and the rental period, as the ADAC writes. There is a huge range of motorhomes and caravans – from simple small vans with sleeping spaces to luxury liners with a spa area, espresso bar and garage for the small car. A small camper with four beds costs around 120 euros per day, a night at the campsite for two adults and two children costs from around 30 euros. It is cheaper to sleep on parking spaces, here the night costs from around 10 euros.
Rent a motorhome as a beginner
Beginners should first rent a motorhome and not buy it. So you can find out which type suits you in peace. As a beginner, you should think about which motorhome you want to rent. Should you be able to take bicycles with you? How many people should there be? What about sleeping places? All of these questions should play an important role when renting a motorhome.
What license do I need for a motorhome?
A normal car driving license, class B, is sufficient for motorhomes under 3.5 tons. If the motorhome is heavier, you need at least class C1. It can be used to drive vehicles up to 7.5 tons. Driving licenses issued before 1999 allow driving in both classes.
Read also: Huge rush threatens – Camping operators before the exceptional season: "Disconnected so that the phone is idle"