Staying at Campgrounds Around the WorldIn Europe, campgrounds have been taken to a fine art. Europeans are great campers due to the frequency of hosting world wars that turn whole metropolises into instant tent cities.
One time when I was sleeping at campground near the Algarve beach in southern Portugal, I wake up to the sounds and delicious smells of activity, nearby. It was particularly the banging, ringing of metal hitting metal that got my attention. I climb out of my tent and am instantly greeted by my French neighbors. "Bon jour, monsieur! Would you care to join us for breakfast? I hope you are not wakened too early for by our preparations for a proper French breakfast?" asks the father. I was, but who am I to complain I joined them. I'm completely taken by the tastes and smells of this astonishingly delicious culinary triumph. The crepes, the sausages, the fruit, the sauces, the coffee, the snails!? "Snails for breakfast?" I ask. "We're French. We can't help it!" replies the mother. Not only is the food amazing (including the sautéed snails) so was their camping setup. One large tent for the parents, one large tent for the kids, and another large tent to eat in, table and chairs included. 
Topping it all was an outside kitchen with three preparation tables, with small oven, propane grill and stove top. Above the tables were racks and for hanging a cooking utensils for brass ladles, large spoons, a whole set of knives, plus brass mixing bowls, all swaying in the breeze. It is a complete gourmet cooking kitchen, setup outdoors! That was the source of banging sounds that woke me up. The father is indeed a gourmet cook, who was talked into going camping by his family. He sure as hell was going to do it in style!
Unbelievable! In Australia, the Backpacker organization includes hostels, camping and bus transportation all around Australia, with or without tours. Some places in New Zealand almost demand car camping. It's easy to rent a purpose built camper van there. It usually comes with all the equipment you need to camp and cook on the road. Buy some groceries; and off you go.
Camp without a vehicle. Use public transportation. This is extremely easy to do in Europe, where campgrounds are located in convenient places and almost always have a bus or tram stop near the entrance. Check out the book "Camp Europe by Train" by Lenore Baken for ideas. When I was in Spain, I met people in the campgrounds, who were going to my next location. They gave me a ride and I helped with driving and gas expenses. It's a great way of seeing the countryside. (This was my way of traveling. Do this at your own risk.)
Informal camping (not in campgrounds) is OK in most of Europe. Check your guidebooks for details or just ask when you get there.
Camping Europe - great websites:
Camping Europe:
Camping USA:
Working at Campgrounds: I did it in Spain and didn't have to pay to stay in the campground.
Camping Tip Websites:
Go to Hotel Prices - Great Deals on Lodging page Here are some important lodging tips:
|
