Hi there. I'm Philippe, I'm in my 40s and I live and work in London.
Hi there. I'm Philippe, I'm in my 40s and I live and work in London.
Member since:03.10.2005
Reviews:5
Members who trust:3
We first went Euro-camping about 15 years ago when I our children were 5 and 1 (blimey how they've grown). Basically we were skint but wanted a holiday abroad, and Eurocamp seemed to fit the bill.
We were so impressed that we have been at least every other year since - although we have now progressed to mobile homes rather than tents. So how does it work?
Booking
This is dead easy, although when you first look in the brochure it might seem a bit daunting. Basically you get a price for a basic holiday and then you add amounts for days, increased spec of accomodation, travel routes etc and that gives you a pretty good idea of your price - then you call them (I prefer to call rather than do things on line because you can ask questions then). I've always found the staff to be very knowledgeable and friendly. You tell them where youd like to go, and which dates, and what sort of accommodation, and they will tell you if its free. If there's a problem, they've always got a suggestion to help you out. It might be an alternative site, alternative accommodation or even a two centre holiday - which can be good for variety.
Once youve booked you pay a deposit - and
then a few weeks before you pay the balance and you get all your stuff through. Its a right little goodie bag too - you get maps, local guides, things for the kids, travel tickets, and theres usually a little gift there too. We've had rucksacks, document folders, picnic blankets. Its a nice touch.
Travel
The basic cost of the holiday includes standard ferry or shuttle tickets. If you want a more expensive route it just gets added to the bill. You can even go Motorail - which I love (but thats a whole different review!). They also give you a route to get to the campsite so its very difficult to get lost (unless of course the French have changed the roads which they did one year and we got horribly mislaid). To me the journey on holiday is part of the fun so make the most of the places you see on the way. You can even book stopovers in other campsites or hotels if you want to split the journey - and dont mind living out of a suitcase.
Arrival
You are asked not to arrive before about 11 oclock to give them time to clear the accommodation. This can be a bit of a bind if you arrive on the 6.00 am motorail, or the campsite is close to the port. But once youre there, the couriers will welcome you and show you to your accommodation. They explain whats on the site and how things work - and theres usually a welcoming bottle of wine which is a nice touch.
Accommodation
Basically two types - tents and mobile homes. Tents are usually to one spec and mobile homes range from the lovely to the luxurious. Care on choosing your mobile to make sure it has enough bedrooms. The tents are large and airy - there are two and sometimes three sleeping areas, with sprung camp beds and zip up compartment doors. Theres a lounge and kitchen area with a cooker and fridge. The tent is floored throughout with tarpaulin. Its not your Boy Scouts slumming it type camping - this is sophisticated.
If you like your creature comforts and can afford that bit extra - go for the mobile home. You get lots more luxury - beds (!) a shower, your own washing facilities, microwave. It doesnt feel quite so much like geting back to nature, but if it rains and you see the 'tenties' getting waterlogged or dragging mud into their tents - you can look smug!!
Outside theres space for a car, a table and chairs for al fresco dining, and sunloungers.
The canpsite
Oh how I love continentalcamp sites! No ploughed fields and a rusty old toilet here. Toilet and wash blocks (you only use these if youre in a tent) are always clean and close and they are very good for striking up friendships over the washing up. There are play areas for the kids - the sites are so safe they can wander to them on their own - and games areas with things like table tennis and swings.
There is ALWAYS a bar, and usually a good quality restaurant. Most times there is a pizzeria or take away too. Most evenings some sort of entertainment is laid on from local singers to a disco for the teenagers, but its not intrusinve and if you want a quiet drink its easy to have. Or you can purchase a bottle of wine and drink it - with the neighbours - back at base.
There's a shop which has most things that you'll need - like the corner shop its a bit more expensive than the super market, but great if youve forgotten anything.
So - all in all I think I would recommend Eurocamp to just about anyone. My tips for potential new Eurocampers?
1. Take a small box of provisions to save you having to shop when you get there 2. Take sleeping bags to save having to make beds. you can get the kids to sit on the m in the car to save space 3. Make friends with the couriers - they are a mine of useful information 4. Make friends with your neighbours - its good to sit and drink wine with people on the long balmy nights 5. Look at other campsites in the area you are staying - it may give you ideas for next year and some sites are more scenic than others 6. Ask other Eurocampers for their tips on other places to stay.
And - in response to requests for cost details...
I've checked out the costs and the base price for 7 nights in the site in the Dordogne works out at £670 under canvas (£1094 14 nights) and £1050 for a mobile home (£2000 for 14). Obviously if you want extras then you have to pay more - and dont forget traveling costs on top. But as you can see - its pretty good value for money. I'll do a review of motorail soon - so watch out for it if youlike the Orient Express lifestyle!!
There - that'll do for now - one final tip - if youre thinking about going book as early as possible - you might get a discount and youre more likely to get the site and accommodation you want.
Happy camping!!!!
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Advantages: can be economical, good way of holidaying with children Disadvantages: tents can be very hot in summer, Italian pitches are often not very large
sadoldbag 18.07.2008 (18.07.2008)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Eurocamp family holidays
Advantages: The social side of things is brilliant. oh, and the tan. Disadvantages: When it rains and you live in a tent it isn't a very nice experience.
Advantages: can be economical, good way of holidaying with children Disadvantages: tents can be very hot in summer, Italian pitches are often not very large
sadoldbag 18.07.2008 (18.07.2008)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Eurocamp family holidays
Advantages: Reasonable price, lots of safe open space for kids to play, outdoors life Disadvantages: mobile home small at cheaper end of scale, some not done up for a while
crmartin8945 26.07.2006 (26.07.2006)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Eurocamp family holidays
Oct 5th, 2005
(Oct 6th, 2005)
exceptional by (9%):
very helpful by (91%):
