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How to Survive the Great Outdoors in Europe: Tips from True Backpackers

More freedom for less money: Camping for beginners

You think you are absolutely the no tent-type?! Does the idea of camping makes you anxious ... Mosquitoes, canned food, outdoor toilets and sleeping near other families with grandparents, kids and dogs , who are noisy from morning to evening. It really is a big nightmare. But your friends brought it up again and next week you go camping! Don't worry, here are some reasons why you can enjoy camping and how to make your camping experience a 5-star holiday!

Camping on a positive note:

- Nature: either in the mountains or on the beach, in the forest or in the city park, whoever sleeps in a tent knows how nightingales sing in the great outdoors and the smell of the wild flowers.

- Cosiness: bring perfumed candles to camp, bath towels with flower designs, your favorite cup or even picture of your cat. With a few details you can make the tent your cozy nest for the night.

- Food: Cooking on an open fire makes every dish taste like a gourmet dish. My advice is to look for fresh herbs, maybe you will find wild mint or sage in the surrounding area! And grilled meat will test much better. (Do not forget that campgrounds usually have refrigerators, so you can buy ahead!

- Find Constellations in the sky: It does not compare with the night sky of the city. The feeling of freedom outdoors is unique and overwhelming! August is the best time to enjoy falling stars, specially on August 13th (noted date for the most falling stars)!

- Sport: Nothing is better than jogging or doing yoga outdoors. You wake up with the first rays of sunlight, get up and start to run. Then with twenty minutes yoga you will feel more refreshed than sleeping twelve hours - it is the best start of the day.

- Revert to being a kid again: Remember those long forgotten games, such as badminton, spin the bottle, singing to the guitar around a campfire. You can easily make new friends this way and have fun at it too!

- Read: There is no radio, no TV, no internet and you can finally read the books for which you never have enough time for or the patience.

- Long conversations: talking to friends without the everyday interruptions or even flirting is more intensive under the open sky. Maybe you will have chance to hear some words you are waiting for...

What to bring to camp:

- Flashlights (with extra batteries) and candles;

- Flip-flops

- Toilet paper

- Cooler

- Mosquito repellent

- Bed linens (better than sleeping bag, it makes tent more cozy)

- Rain jacket (who knows...]

- Garbage bags

- Kitchen goods (salt, oil, knives, bottle openers, napkins, plastic dishes, dish detergent, and a barbecue lighter)

- Your first aid kit and sunscreen

- Playing cards

- Bath towel

- Airbed (better as mattress)

- Map

- Hammock

- Beautycase (even at camp you can look good!)

- I-Pod

- Camera

Usually you can camp from April to October. It is especially important to make reservations for July-August, because campsites can be full!

WHERE?

The best places to camp in Europe

Camping Michelangelo, Florence

This is one of the oldest camp grounds in the city and belongs to the town and part of the history of Florence. Michelangelo campsite is situated next to the famous Piazzale Michelangelo, from where you will enjoy a magnificent view over Florence. There is everything a camper could wish for: a snack bar, restaurant and pizzeria, mini market, internet point, washing machine and dryer and a terrace with an unforgettable panoramic view over the city. This has the best position in the city right in the heart of Florence and yet outdoors!

Camping Valle dei Templi, Agrigento

Discover Sicily with its incredible plants, grapes, cactus plants, fig and olive trees. The sea is endless and you can enjoy sunshine on the beach non-stop. Camping Valle dei Templi also offers tours in Sicily like to the famous Temple of the Valle dei Templi. If it is your first trip to Sicily, you will be amazed of friendliness of its people. And for more convenience, there is also everything that makes you feel at home, such as restaurants, swimming pool, laundry and even babysitting facilities!

Campingplatz am Möslepark, Freiburg

If you are all about pure nature Campingplatz am Möslepark in Freiburg is an ideal place for those who are looking to be one with nature. On the idyllic grounds in Möslepark and the slopes of the Black Forest you can also find a restaurant and spa facility with a sauna, steam room and receive many types of massage. From here you can also take incredible excursions to the medieval city of Freiburg.

Tentstation, Berlin

Tentstation is the unique campground in the heart of Berlin, just a 5 minute walk to Central Station - this is real urban camping. The camp site is located on the former public pool grounds in the Mitte-Tiergarten district. The old pools and diving platforms create a unique atmosphere. There are many diverse cultural and sporting events. You can play badminton in the pool, watch movies on the sports channel on their projector or enjoy the view of the famous TV tower.

Have fun camping with Hostelsclub.com!

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