2 Travel 2

If you have enjoyed wild camping in the UK, you may be wondering what the laws are like in other parts of Europe. We take a quick look at what is allowed where. It is obviously not recommended that you break the law, even in countries where the police are reported to turn a blind eye.

- The Netherlands – wild camping is illegal and fines are heavy
- Scandinavia – there is no law against wild camping and what’s more it is also acceptable to pick berries and mushrooms. Fires are not permitted without permission and the usual courtesies apply, such as leaving no litter and not camping close to dwellings.
- France – the law governing wild camping is hazy but in practice it is usually OK with permission from the landowner. The lighting of fires is forbidden for obvious reasons.
- Spain – wild camping is illegal and various wild camping forums warn against migrant gangs targeting those who choose to ignore the law.
- Portugal – wild camping is illegal although forum members report that it is widely accepted
- Italy – wild camping is not allowed and police will wake you up during the night to tell you so!
- Croatia – wild camping is expressly forbidden and heavy fines apply. Ignorance of the law or pleading that you are a foreigner won’t wash with the Croatian police!
- Germany – wild camping is against the law.
- Greece – wild camping is illegal but judging by the numbers of people camping on the beaches the police seem to turn a blind eye.
- Estonia – wild camping is well tolerated but the Tourist Board recommends that you seek permission from the landowner. In some areas campers are positively welcomed by landowners.
- Austria – wild camping is illegal but tolerated so long as it is done out of sight.

If you are planning on sticking on the wild side, make sure you invest in very durable camping equipment and decent waterproof clothing. There’s no need to go crazy when purchasing clothing of this kind; just look around for second hand waterproof trousers and jackets.

Choosing a tent can be a daunting experience. With some tents costing over a thousand pounds and others as little as £20, the range is vast.

The internet is all good and well for some purchases but there is nothing to compare with seeing a tent in the shop. Tents are often advertised as suitable for 4 to 6 people but when you see them in the flesh it is clear that they would only take 3 people plus their gear comfortably. As well as seeing the tent already erected, it is a good idea to ask to see it in its packed state. Some can take up a huge amount of boot space which could well be a consideration if you do not have a large car. Some sites limit the amount of space your tent can take up so bear this in mind too.

Don’t be tempted to buy a tent which is less tall inside than you are. Unless you are cycling or hiking and so trying to cut down on weight there is really no need to spend your precious holiday time bent double. You may well think that you will be out enjoying the great outdoors most of the time but a few rainy days could make you regret your decision. Other items you shouldn’t skimp on include walking boots. Just think of how often you’ll be wearing your shoes throughout a typical camping holiday and you’ll quickly realise why it’s crucial to invest in the best walking boots money can buy.

Always work out how many of you will be putting the tent up. There may well be two of you but if you are both engrossed in the intricacies of erecting the tent who is going to ensure that little Sophie doesn’t wander off towards that river that sounded such fun when you were choosing the site? Putting a tent up no longer requires a degree in engineering but if the instructions say it will take two to do it they are likely to be right.

No matter how well you prepare for your camping trip, there is always the inevitable piece of camping equipment that will be forgotten. After all, you can’t pack everything and if you can’t think of it then it’s not important, right? Well, not always. You can get by but you could make life a lot easier on yourself if you just remember these essential items:

1. Torches
Torches, such essential camping accessories, are often forgotten on camping trips as the dark is not thought of as being a problem. Sometimes the glow from a campfire may be all you need to light your evening and sometimes the stars are bright enough to help you see. However, when the campfire goes out and the clouds make an appearance, you will need some artificial light. Don’t just bring one torch as it is wise to bring enough for everyone so they can all make their way through the darkness. It’s always best to think of the what if’s, so this is just being sensible.
2. Washing Up Supplies
Nature isn’t going to clean up after you, so make sure you bring some tea towels or dishcloths even if you aren’t using proper cutlery or crockery. Preparing meals while camping isn’t going to be as clean and tidy as it is at home, so having washing up supplies at hand will make you feel a lot cleaner and make your food more sanitarily prepared.
3. Door Mat
It might sound like an unusual thing to bring but you are in the great outdoors, so you will get dirty and you will carry it around with you everywhere you go. A door mat is great for you to place outside your tent so you can wipe your feet as it means you will not be bringing the outside inside. You might think a towel or cloth could do the job, or even just taking your shoes off outside the tent but do you want to clean the towel or cloth later with all that dirt? Taking your shoes off outside will still leave a mark when you bring it inside your tent and what happens if it rains and you’ve left your shoes outside?
4. Blankets
It’s not that these are often forgotten but people often misjudge the amount of blankets they will need. It is often just the one that will be brought for people to sit on and enjoy a picnic but when the night comes they realise their mistakes. Sleeping bags may not be able to provide you all the comfort and warmth you need for a better night’s sleep, so it is wise to bring a few blankets to go underneath your sleeping bag and to cover you. Of course, these can be shared between people.
5. Bin Bags
I hope you’re not planning on leaving all your rubbish behind. Of course you’re not, but you’ve forgotten some bin bags to place them in, which makes it a whole lot harder to take it with you. You’re going to go through quite a bit of waste, so it’s always helpful to have these bags ready to keep you organised and also to keep the smell isolated away from you.