Quote: Originally posted by Berriow on 28/2/2014
I won't disagree with Val, but add to it by saying another of the first things to get right isn't the campsite, but the place and the location where you want to be.
This forum is full of posts from people choosing campsites, and even agonising over the particular patch of ground at that campsite, and whether a particular tree will shade them from the sun. We've never worried too much about things like that.
Our decisions were always on the lines of Do we want to see Venice? Do we want to see the leaning tower of Pisa, or the Pont du Gard, or go up the cable car to the Aiguille du Midi, or gaze at the north wall of the Eiger, or take the kids to see Ann Frank's house in Amsterdam and tell them the story of what happened there.
For those things any decent nearby campsite would do. And did.
Up until I read that, I thought we'd done really.... really... well with our camping experiences do date. With the help of research and reviews, we've been absolutely delighted with every camp site we've visited, including the state of the bogs, our pitch location, even our camping neighbours and the general ambience of the site.
But now, out of the blue, I'm wondering if we've been looking at it from the "wrong" perspective.
Off the top of my head, I don't even think there are any specific areas/monuments/places of interest that I am actually desperate to see/visit, (Being neither learned nor refined!) but this post has certainly made me sit up and think!
I don't know if things will change because of this, but I just wanted to thank you, Berriow, for an excellent, thought provoking post!
We've always used the same criteria as Berriow - we go camping in order to see interesting sights and cities we couldn't otherwise afford to visit, so we're not too bothered about the campsite as long as it's not an absolute hell-hole! Out of 148 campsites in 20 countries so far we've only had one real duffer where we had to move on after one night.
But it all depends on what you like to do, whether you have children, how old they are etc. That's why it's not always easy to give advice. But wherever you go, one thing's for sure - camping is never boring!
------------- Il vaut mieux vivre ses reves que rever sa vie
Dear Minimo,
The snowline was in mid September when It can get really cold at altitude once the sun drops (as it can in June). I am sure La Fouly will be fantastic when you are going with very little chance of snow!!!.
I also think that generally the Swiss sites are reasonably priced, its the food shopping in Supermarkets that we find very expensive particularly in the popular mountain resorts where everything always seems more than in the valleys.
We choose Les Hauderes as there was more scope for grocery shopping there at nearby Evolene. I am sure you will be able to find similar at Orsieres or even on the Rhone valley floor at Martigny. Our problem last year was we did not have the space in the car to carry any foodstuffs, even the basics, so had to buy it all locally. Hopefully this will not be the case this year with a trailer.The Swiss COOP has a good site and you can get some idea of general prices from it.
Good luck and a safe journey.
Same process here really. Pick a fairly small region e.g. Cornouaille, Saarland, Bernese-Oberland, etc that we want to visit, then get a short-list of sites that suit our requirements, then basically pick the one with best reviews and/or location.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Point to note that when you pay your summer visitors tax in switzerland, the last few years they have thrown in a free lift pass for all the surrounding ski lifts. They are probably doing it again this year.So check it out.
Quote: Originally posted by SuziQ99 on 14/3/2014
Point to note that when you pay your summer visitors tax in switzerland, the last few years they have thrown in a free lift pass for all the surrounding ski lifts. They are probably doing it again this year.So check it out.
Suzi
Hi Suzi,
I've had a quick look on the web. Is the tourist tax something that is purchased for regions and how do they enforce this?
I am just thinking that if we decide to drive to several different regions during our weeks stay in Switzerland we will have to ensure we purchase visitors tax at those destinations and I am not sure how to go about doing this. If anyone has a little more information please let me know.
Don't worry about it, it gets charged where ever you stop. Either campsite, hotel whatever. It's not a lot of money & you usually get some money off vouchers for local attractions. Just pointing it out as you might just ignore the paperwork they give you.
Suzi
------------- Doogle comes too.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Your experiences for your first long camp
