This is also reflected in the number of overnight stays: local campsites and pitches recorded 8.3 million overnight stays in 2023. “We are receiving more and more inquiries from beginners and young campers who want to go on a camping holiday for the first time. My tip: find out about the country or region and the respective camping rules before you start your trip and plan the route well,” recommends Tomas Mehlmauer, President of the Austrian Camping Club (ÖCC). “As the popularity increases, the camping community also grows – an exchange with experienced camping professionals can help immensely and make your first camping holiday easier.”
From “wild camping” to driver training: what to look out for
- Rental vehicle: To try out camping for the first time, many holidaymakers rent a suitable vehicle. Mehlmauer recommends having a detailed explanation explained before you set off on how to use the gas system including the heater and stove correctly or what needs to be taken into account when emptying the waste water tank and toilet. Don’t forget to ventilate regularly, especially while cooking.
- Free standing: In Austria, free standing – colloquially known as “wild camping” – with a tent or camping vehicle is largely prohibited. There are no uniform regulations on this in other European countries. There is a great risk of receiving penalties. However, camping is prohibited throughout Europe in national parks and nature reserves as well as on agricultural land. “You should find out in advance exactly where free standing and overnight stays are allowed or, if in doubt, it is better to use an official parking space or campsite,” says Mehlmauer.
- Practice driving: Before setting off on holiday, beginners should practice driving on well-known and less busy roads to get a feel for the vehicle. You can also refresh your driving knowledge and skills with driving training specifically for camping vehicles. The ÖAMTC offers such training.
- Load and weight: A lot of luggage comes together on a camping trip – the weight loaded and its distribution have a significant influence on braking behavior and driving stability. It is therefore particularly important to keep an eye on the maximum permissible total weight. “In addition, campers have to dig deep into their wallets if they overload: In Austria, for example, the penalties for overloading range up to 5,000 euros,” says Mehlmauer.
- Tent: The cheapest form of camping is probably sleeping in a tent. With the large selection of tents, beginners can quickly become overwhelmed. Lightweight and quick to set up igloo tents fit easily on bikes and in any trunk. Inflatable family tents are also easy to set up and store compactly. Alternatively, car roof tents or tent trailers for cars or bicycles are a flexible solution. A good investment for comfortable sleep are mats or mattresses that inflate themselves.
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Image: ÖAMTC/Postl
Source: Nachrichten
