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Buying camping equipment in Germany for our family? Buying camping equipment in Germany for our family?
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Camping Equipment and all Clothing Tents, sleeping bags, stoves etc. Riding clothing, boots, helmets, what to wear when not riding, etc.
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  #1  
Old 26 Mar 2008
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Hi mom!

If you're flying Ryanair, I think you're right about the cost of excess baggage making it difficult to bring your own stuff, unless you can divide it up among the kids like their sleeping bags.

I don't know about renting but nearer the trip you could try a couple of German supermarket sites to see if they do something similar to the Halfords deal, try Lidl and Aldi for starters, or Carrefour in France. Tents are a seasonal thing and they may not be selling them yet.

Also, a popular cheap holiday in Europe is to drive to a campsite where big family tents are already set up and you stay for a week, I believe they're popular in the south of France. You should ask your family in Ireland to start checking the back of the Sunday papers for offers.

Have you thought about youth hostels? Many have family rooms to rent, you join your national association first, and it works out not too expensive. Some German YHs are geared up to be family friendly:

German Youth Hostel Association | Family Profile | Youth Hostels

Finally, for better local advice, you could try contacting the HUBB Community where you'll be travelling to - look over at the left sidebar.

I have three kids myself so I know how complicated it can get.

Good luck.

Indoors.
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  #2  
Old 26 Mar 2008
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I youth hosteled in Europe right after I graduated college, and LOVED every minute of it. I had thought about it briefly for this trip, but then it got lost in the busyness of life. Thanks for the timely reminder and the link!

I had no idea there were family tents already set up in France! What a great idea.

And I knew Lidl was in Ireland, and we enjoy shopping there. My aunt is forever telling us the latest deals she has got from them. I didn't know they were on the continent too; guess I had never really thought about it.

I have a book coming from half.com called AA Caravan and Camping in Europe (from 2007, so hopefully fairly uptodate on information). I must say, though, that this website's forum community has been most helpful

Blessings,
travelling mom
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  #3  
Old 26 Mar 2008
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Hi mom,

No problems, happy to help, enjoy your trip.

Indoors.
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  #4  
Old 26 Mar 2008
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Eurocamp
Here's one of the pre-erected tent camping companies in Europe: no doubt there will be loads of others (you can even camp in Florida with these people!):-
Eurocamp | Self Catering Mobile Home and Family Camping holidays in Europe

It was not clear from your first post if you want to move around or stay pretty much static; that is the obvious downside of these pre-erected tents, although I think some companies offer two centre vacations.

I've heard good things about Eurocamp over the years (they have been around quite a while), but never used them personally.

BTW, both Lidl and Aldi are German companies, and they both have a strong presence in the UK, and, no doubt, lots of other bits of Europe.
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Old 26 Mar 2008
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Err.. Aldi, Lidl & co - they might have special offers now and then, but getting camping equipment there is probably more luck than chance...

You could try Louis Motorcycle shops. They have shops in many towns. For camping stuff try this address: http://www.louis.de/_20d1083ff435e53...=wgr&grwgr=610
But, as I had mentioned, only in German.

@ Kentfallen - if you compare prices in the UK with the States, I agree. UK is VERY expensive, even in Euro terms ;-)
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  #6  
Old 26 Mar 2008
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Originally Posted by Walkabout View Post
Here's one of the pre-erected tent camping companies in Europe: no doubt there will be loads of others (you can even camp in Florida with these people!):-
Eurocamp | Self Catering Mobile Home and Family Camping holidays in Europe

It was not clear from your first post if you want to move around or stay pretty much static; that is the obvious downside of these pre-erected tents, although I think some companies offer two centre vacations.

I've heard good things about Eurocamp over the years (they have been around quite a while), but never used them personally.

BTW, both Lidl and Aldi are German companies, and they both have a strong presence in the UK, and, no doubt, lots of other bits of Europe.
thanks for the link Their prices are a little steep (3 nights in May is 172 pounds)

We are planning on moving around quite a bit, so now we're discussing maybe bringing 2 small tents from home. The boys have a lovely North Face 2 man tent that weighs only 5 pounds. If we invested in another 2 man tent we'd be lightweight and good to go. We are also looking at a "family" tent (the Twister 4 which looks exceedingly easy to set up and take down and weighs only 12 pounds).

blessings,
travelling mom
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  #7  
Old 26 Mar 2008
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Originally Posted by travelling mom View Post
thanks for the link Their prices are a little steep (3 nights in May is 172 pounds)

We are planning on moving around quite a bit, so now we're discussing maybe bringing 2 small tents from home. The boys have a lovely North Face 2 man tent that weighs only 5 pounds. If we invested in another 2 man tent we'd be lightweight and good to go. We are also looking at a "family" tent (the Twister 4 which looks exceedingly easy to set up and take down and weighs only 12 pounds).

blessings,
travelling mom
A couple things... In France most towns have municipal campsites.. usually not far from the shops etc.
When on teh road, at 12 noon you will often see waste ground with loads of lorries parked near some nondescript building. This will be a 'relais' where you can get a genuine french 3 or 4 course meal for around 10 euros ( including wine) They are almost all exceptional value.
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Old 27 Mar 2008
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Euro camps etc..
The Eurocamp type facilities can be great for families, but they book quick and are sometimes costly dependant on location and time of year.

Campsites in europe are far more common than here in the UK, and you shouldnt have any troubles finding one, just ask at local store's or tourist information centres.

Great tip about the truck stops, they are cheap and do great food.

Be warned that most airlines are getting very strict over excess baggage and they charge a fortune for extra, due to rising costs of fuel.

I honestly think that as long as you hit a major town in german you should be able to locate a camping shop and equip yourself pretty well. The other option if you know your first nights destination is to post your tents across to the hotel in advance of your arrival. Most reasonable hotels will hold packages for patrons..

I had a list somewhere of Euro Biker Campsites, that were motorcycle friendly and usually a great place to stop, great friendly atmosphere.
I will see if I can find it somewere.
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safe riding and hope to see you out on the road. .. John..
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