Deciding how to spend your holidays is not always easy! There are endless possibilities and then each family member has different

preferences. You can find so many great hotels to pamper yourself in. Nevertheless, is a stay in a hotel also suitable if you want to travel as a family with children?

Children love Camping!

For a family holiday with children, the campsite is just the right place to get away from it all. Nobody dictates when you start the day. You can let yourself drift in your own rhythm. Nobody decides what to wear and there are no fixed meal times to determine your day.

And is there anything more relaxing than listening to the gentle drumming of the rain on the top of your tent or caravan when you fall asleep? A long day outdoors can be rounded off with a homemade menu. And if the little ones are not yet able to carry the spaghetti bolognese to their mouths without an accident, that is no problem at the campsite.

In general, holidays with children at the campsite are very relaxed. As soon as the door of the caravan or the zipper of the tent is opened in the morning, they can run off and greet their new friends on the camping site as friendships grow pretty fast here.

And which places are most suitable for camping with children?

There are great campsites for families out there. As camping holidays are becoming more and more popular, you should get your camping plans started early enough and reserve your preferred campsite in good time. Especially in Southern Europe, for instance France and Italy,  the attractive shaded spots are often quickly taken. The demands on a campsite are obviously very diverse. There are rather natural campsites with no great luxury, as well as luxurious campsites that offer every comfort you can imagine.

The question which arises is how to spend your family holiday with the children. Are you going on the adventure of staying in a tent? Or do you prefer a more comfortable stay in a caravan or mobile home? The kind of accommodation should also depend on the age of the children. With an infant or toddler, camping in a simple tent may not be as suitable. Therefore, a caravan or mobile home is a good choice. Both are usually fully equipped with a kitchen, fixed beds and even a toilet and bathroom. If you have a rainy day during your camping holiday, you can make yourself at home with the whole family.

A family campsite usually offers entertainment programs for children, often they also have an indoor playground. So even a rainy day turns out to be a lot of fun.

Must-haves for camping holidays with children

Camping is a holiday in nature, so you should be prepared for all weather conditions. Not only sandals and swimsuits belong in your luggage, but also warmer clothes and solid shoes. A flashlight has to be in the luggage as well in case you have to go to the toilet during the night. You also need it for an exciting excursion at night with your whole family. Of course, toys and the favourite stuffed animal are a must. If the space in and around the car allows it, bicycles are of course also a great thing. Bicycles bring you to the nearest ice-cream parlour, or you can do some shopping if you don’t have your own shop at the campsite.

For a holiday in a tent you need more and different things than in a caravan. Folding loungers, sleeping mats, sleeping bags, gas cookers or a cool box are just some of the utensils that have to be packed. With a family of three or more people, a lot of luggage comes together.

Packing list (of course only a small selection):

• Identity cards
• health insurance cards
• travel documents
• Emergency telephone numbers
• Vignettes if necessary
• camera
• rain gear, rubber boots, umbrella
• Sun protection (sun cream, cap)
• sunglasses
• Medications, plasters, etc.
• insect repellent
• clinical thermometer
• Bathrobe for the way to the restroom building
• Toys, board games, audio books
• bicycles, scooter, child seat if necessary
• Air pump, air mattress
• Clothes line and staples
• Flashlight and batteries

Things that belong in the tent:

• Sleeping bag
• tent underlay
• thermal mats
• Impregnating spray
• gas cooker
• kitchen utensils
• cool box
• Camping chairs and table
• camping utensils

A camping holiday with children is absolutely great. No other place offers so much freedom and relaxation and is so close to nature. It’s simply fun to watch the children romp around all day long happily – and drop into bed exhausted in the evening.