|
05/3/2021 at 11:26am
Location: East Sussex
Outfit: Burstner Belcanto 525 TL + Santa Fe
View Profile
Reply
Quote
|
Joined: 15/10/2009 Platinum Member 
Forum Posts: 889
| Site Reviews Total: | 163 |
|
| Site Reviews 2025: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2024: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2023: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2022: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2021: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2020: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2019: | 5 |
|
| Site Nights 2025: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2024: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2023: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2022: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2021: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2020: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2019: | 21 |
|
Reluctantly we have had to give up caravan travel, after 11 years and 22 countries. The reasons are mainly health related, although during our last trip, to France in 2019, we found we weren't enjoying it as much as we used to. Then came Covid, and we didn't feel travel was worth the risk, so we have sold our caravan. But we have a huge store of good memories to look back on.
I realise that we were in a minority on UK Campsite, as we weren't particularly Francophiles or sun-seekers, had a German caravan, and preferred travelling for long periods. In fact we started off in 2008 by selling our house and travelled round Europe for a whole year with no home to return to if disaster struck. Luckily everything was fine, and later we bought a house in a different part of England.
Caravanning is a wonderful way to see Europe and get a feel for all the different countries, their history and people. It's true what they say, there's more that unites us than divides us. It might not be quite as easy in the future to do the kind of long-term, multi-country travelling that we enjoyed, but if anyone has the time and inclination, I can strongly recommend it. Every country has a wide range of camp sites to choose from, some good, some not so good, but really awful ones are very few and far between. But they're all part of the experience and we can look back on them now and laugh! For the record, the best toilet blocks we found were in Austria, but there was also a below-par one there so it's impossible to generalise. Likewise with pitch size - the biggest we ever had was in Luxembourg, the smallest in France, but again that isn't the norm in either country. For many reasons our favourite countries were Spain and Croatia. It wasn't always idyllic and we had our share of problems - a broken motor mover, some terrible road surfaces, getting lost, crazy drivers, language problems, and every kind of weather from heat wave to gales to snow and even a small earthquake! But the caravan survived intact and so did we.
We've also enjoyed travelling in the UK which has such a vast range of stunning scenery and places of interest. We found CMC sites maintained a reliably high standard, and never had a problem with the van door being on the "wrong" side (of course, it was always on the "right" side abroad!) Some non-club sites were outstanding, in fact out of only 4 sites I've ever given 10 stars to, 2 were in England.
I've enjoyed following the forums on here and found the reviews a very useful resource, which is why I tried to do an objective review for each site we visited, although there were at least 20 more that I forgot to do.
I hope everyone manages to get away this year and have a well-deserved holiday. Good luck and good travelling to you all.
-------------
Il vaut mieux vivre ses reves que rever sa vie
|
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
05/3/2021 at 1:07pm
Location: East Herts
Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail
View Profile
Reply
Quote
|
Joined: 05/11/2013 Diamond Member 
Forum Posts: 6379
| Site Reviews Total: | 18 |
|
| Site Reviews 2025: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2024: | 1 |
| Site Reviews 2023: | 1 |
| Site Reviews 2022: | 2 |
| Site Reviews 2021: | 2 |
| Site Reviews 2020: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2019: | 2 |
|
| Site Nights 2025: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2024: | 7 |
| Site Nights 2023: | 8 |
| Site Nights 2022: | 12 |
| Site Nights 2021: | 18 |
| Site Nights 2020: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2019: | 21 |
|
All the best to you iwalani, I hope you get to enjoy other types of holidays. The end of the road comes to all of us, it's only a matter of time. We said goodbye to foreign travel some time ago, mainly for financial reasons, and it's why we went back to caravanning after a break of many years. Being of very limited means we bought an old caravan and have found some lovely sites in Britain, both with the C&CC and commercial.
It sounds like you had some great times touring abroad, and it's fantastic to have all those lovely memories.
-------------
Best Regards,
Colin
|
05/3/2021 at 1:35pm
Location: Turriff Aberdeenshi
Outfit: Romahome R30 Dimens
View Profile
Reply
Quote
|
Joined: 17/8/2006 Diamond Member
Forum Posts: 2390
| Site Reviews Total: | 45 |
|
| Site Reviews 2025: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2024: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2023: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2022: | 2 |
| Site Reviews 2021: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2020: | 2 |
| Site Reviews 2019: | 0 |
|
| Site Nights 2025: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2024: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2023: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2022: | 5 |
| Site Nights 2021: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2020: | 6 |
| Site Nights 2019: | 0 |
|
Best wishes for the future iwalani. We're not Francophiles or sun-seekers either, preferring Germany, Belgium, Netherlands etc..
We probably won't be travelling as much to Europe as we used to, not for health of financial reasons, but location! When we lived in Hampshire, getting to Europe was easy, but having retired to Scotland, it's a long way away! Most foreign trips are now City breaks by air and staying in hotels. Given the cost to getting to a port and an overnight crossing, flying is a viable alternative. Maybe you could try that.
In the meantime, we're looking forward to some UK travel in the camper, and maybe - just maybe, we'll get to Germany for a Christmas market.
Glad you've had a great holidays in your van and have loads of memories to remind you of the good times.
-------------
Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
|
05/3/2021 at 1:52pm
Location: North Essex
Outfit: Caravelair Alba 400
View Profile
Reply
Quote
|
Joined: 19/4/2002 Diamond Member
Forum Posts: 4367
| Site Reviews Total: | 39 |
|
| Site Reviews 2025: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2024: | 9 |
| Site Reviews 2023: | 6 |
| Site Reviews 2022: | 7 |
| Site Reviews 2021: | 10 |
| Site Reviews 2020: | 7 |
| Site Reviews 2019: | 0 |
|
| Site Nights 2025: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2024: | 121 |
| Site Nights 2023: | 45 |
| Site Nights 2022: | 91 |
| Site Nights 2021: | 112 |
| Site Nights 2020: | 84 |
| Site Nights 2019: | 0 |
|
Yes I know what you mean. It’s not all good but most of it is. To get to the good bits you have to do an awful lot of driving through less good bits. Particularly if you don’t want to pay tolls !
I agree the 90day bit is annoying but for us we usually did not go for much longer than that anyway although that is putting a positive spin on it because once we can get over there again trips will need a bit more planning to utilise what time we have. Good luck & all the best to you.
-------------
Every day should be a holiday!
|
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
05/3/2021 at 3:08pm
Location: Devizes Wiltshire
Outfit: MWB2BVW2BCrafter2
View Profile
Reply
Quote
|
Joined: 19/6/2009 Diamond Member
Forum Posts: 9707
Tent Reviews: 6
| Site Reviews Total: | 57 |
|
| Site Reviews 2025: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2024: | 10 |
| Site Reviews 2023: | 9 |
| Site Reviews 2022: | 8 |
| Site Reviews 2021: | 9 |
| Site Reviews 2020: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2019: | 0 |
|
| Site Nights 2025: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2024: | 49 |
| Site Nights 2023: | 47 |
| Site Nights 2022: | 46 |
| Site Nights 2021: | 34 |
| Site Nights 2020: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2019: | 0 |
|
Good luck to the OP, whatever you have planned!
I have only been a tenter so far, and am about to switch to a custom-converted tin tent, so that I could continue to enjoy camping for a few more years.
I have always wanted to go camping in Mainland Europe. However, due to a life changing event back in 2008 followed by other changes in circumstances, I have yet to cross the Channel to go camping.
I hope I would be able to do that soon in my van. Not entirely certain how far I would travel, however, France, Germany, and The Netherlands are definitely on the card.
Can't wait to go out and about again with the dog as I have not camped for over 2 years since the last trip in 2018!
DK 
-------------
Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2025: 19/71 inc. Scotland
- 2024: 10/49 inc. FR & NL
- 2023: 9/47 inc. FR
- 2022: 8/46
- 2021: 9/34
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
|
05/3/2021 at 3:32pm
Location: North Devon
Outfit: Robens Fairbanks Coleman Phad X3
View Profile
Reply
Quote
|
Joined: 20/2/2011 Diamond Member
Forum Posts: 1907
Tent Reviews: 2
| Site Reviews Total: | 21 |
|
| Site Reviews 2025: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2024: | 1 |
| Site Reviews 2023: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2022: | 3 |
| Site Reviews 2021: | 1 |
| Site Reviews 2020: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2019: | 4 |
|
| Site Nights 2025: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2024: | 3 |
| Site Nights 2023: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2022: | 13 |
| Site Nights 2021: | 2 |
| Site Nights 2020: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2019: | 13 |
|
Good luck for the future iwalani. Thank you for all your reviews.
-------------
Sean
|
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
06/3/2021 at 10:35am
Location: Nottingham
Outfit: Lunar Solaris 524
View Profile
Reply
Quote
|
Joined: 21/9/2014 Gold Member 
Forum Posts: 352
| Site Reviews Total: | 9 |
|
| Site Reviews 2025: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2024: | 2 |
| Site Reviews 2023: | 1 |
| Site Reviews 2022: | 1 |
| Site Reviews 2021: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2020: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2019: | 0 |
|
| Site Nights 2025: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2024: | 16 |
| Site Nights 2023: | 14 |
| Site Nights 2022: | 15 |
| Site Nights 2021: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2020: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2019: | 0 |
|
Good luck for the future and I've started reading your blogs - most enjoyable, informative and humorous.
Bit of a decision time for ourselves as we are also thinking of packing up caravanning.
I've given up wishing for the next holiday during the current situation as it's one disappointment after another.
-------------
jjg
|
06/3/2021 at 10:45am
Location: Cambs
Outfit: Nowt.
View Profile
Reply
Quote
|
Joined: 14/12/2005 Diamond Member
Forum Posts: 2977
| Site Reviews Total: | 10 |
|
| Site Reviews 2025: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2024: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2023: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2022: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2021: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2020: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2019: | 0 |
|
| Site Nights 2025: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2024: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2023: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2022: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2021: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2020: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2019: | 0 |
|
Good luck! I’ve not camped in France for years, but still lurk on here for the chat and location advice as still gite when we can. I have a new partner who has barely left the UK so looking forward to introducing him to my favourite bits of France and finding new favourite bits too! I wish you all the very best, I’ve enjoyed reading your posts over the years
-------------
Amanda
|
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
06/3/2021 at 7:53pm
Location: Milton Keynes
Outfit: Bailey Alliance 66-2 Motorhome
View Profile
Reply
Quote
|
Joined: 13/2/2004 Diamond Member
Forum Posts: 9629
| Site Reviews Total: | 257 |
|
| Site Reviews 2025: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2024: | 1 |
| Site Reviews 2023: | 6 |
| Site Reviews 2022: | 15 |
| Site Reviews 2021: | 7 |
| Site Reviews 2020: | 1 |
| Site Reviews 2019: | 16 |
|
| Site Nights 2025: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2024: | 3 |
| Site Nights 2023: | 22 |
| Site Nights 2022: | 62 |
| Site Nights 2021: | 33 |
| Site Nights 2020: | 4 |
| Site Nights 2019: | 56 |
|
I suppose it will come to us all in time? After a year and a half of lockdown and ongoing it does make you start to think. We caravanned for 30 odd years before changing to a motorhome about eight years ago. I don't want to go back to the fuss and bother of a caravan but having had virtually eighteen months out of the game I wonder how my mobility will be once we get going again? Do I remember you posting on the CMC forum early on?
Good luck for the future and I am sure you will find some holiday alternatives once everything settles down.
David
|
06/3/2021 at 8:45pm
Location: Perigord Noir
Outfit: Outwell Oakland XL
View Profile
Reply
Quote
|
Joined: 03/7/2010 Platinum Member
Forum Posts: 1170
| Site Reviews Total: | 10 |
|
| Site Reviews 2025: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2024: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2023: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2022: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2021: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2020: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2019: | 0 |
|
| Site Nights 2025: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2024: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2023: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2022: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2021: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2020: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2019: | 0 |
|
All the very best and thank you for your contributions - always worth a read.
|
13/3/2021 at 6:19pm
Location: south Coast
Outfit: AutoSleeper Kingham
View Profile
Reply
Quote
|
Joined: 30/9/2006 Gold Member
Forum Posts: 415
| Site Reviews Total: | 3 |
|
| Site Reviews 2025: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2024: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2023: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2022: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2021: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2020: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2019: | 0 |
|
| Site Nights 2025: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2024: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2023: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2022: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2021: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2020: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2019: | 0 |
|
Over the years I have used your blogs and campsite reviews to plan our longer holidays abroad. Your reviews were in my favourites list and I always checked sites with you first! Thank you for all your advice and information. I feel really guilty when I think of all the time you took to do those reviews. I never got round to it!
We are really looking forward to getting back to Europe in our MH but as tempus fugit we wonder how much longer we will be able to keep going.
Good luck to you with whatever you decide to do and many thanks.
|
|
Topic: End of the road
via mobile 05/3/2021 at 3:59pm
