family cruise vacation ideas

Camping in Style – The Features of Luxury French

Filed under: cruise — Tags: camping, features, french, luxury, style — libertees @ 10:05 am January 16, 2010

Camping holidays in France can be done in comfort and in style. Learn more about the features of the very best campsites.

If you like to enjoy comfort and the finer things in life on your camping holidays, France is likely to be the destination for you. It has long been the most popular destination for UK campers looking to relax under canvas abroad, both for its convenient location and the beauty of its countryside. Many of the campsites in France are of excellent quality, allowing you to enjoy all the benefits of camping in the countryside with none of the inconvenience of below par facilities! From sports facilities to entertainment options, the best campsites come as well equipped as many hotels, and can offer a great camping experience without any hassle.

If you are looking to take a camping holiday in France, here are some of the things you can expect from a top quality campsite.

Facilities

From plentiful shower blocks and toilets to food shops and electricity supplies, a luxury campsite will feature clean, top quality facilities that will give you everything you need to live comfortably during your camping holidays in France. Many of the larger campsites feature spacious tents and comfortable mobile homes that can be rented, saving you the hassle of bringing and setting up your own tent or caravan.

Sports

Good campsites will do more than just give you good basic facilities – they’ll also give you plenty to keep you entertained during the day. Heated pools and water slides are standard at the best campsites, and many of them will feature further sports facilities, such as tennis, football and basketball courts. Many will also give you new ways of exploring the countryside around the campsite, such as horse riding and pedalo and bicycle hire. If you want to get active on your camping holiday, a good quality campsite will give you plenty of opportunities to do so.

Kids Clubs

Camping holidays in France are a time to spend with your family – but sometimes a time to get away from them as well! If you need your kids out of your hair for a few hours, your campsite should be able to help you out. Many of the larger campsites in France have their own resident kids clubs for a wide range of ages, running activities, sports and events with trained supervisors, giving you a few hours of peace and quiet!

Entertainment

Finally, a great campsite will have plenty to keep you occupied in the evening. From bars and high quality restaurants, to karaoke events and quiz nights, the biggest and best campsites will be able to lay on a wide variety of enjoyable evening entertainment for you and your family. Many campsites even have their own discos allowing you to enjoy all the natural beauty surrounding the campsites during the day and continue the fun after dark.

Camping is comfortable nowadays, and if you are interested in camping holidays to France, you’ll be able to enjoy getting close to the natural world without discomfort!

Lorraine Waddell is the brand and advertising manager of Canvas Holidays, a leading European camping operator that provides the best selection of camping holidays France. With over 40 years of experience, Canvas offer superb camping holidays to France, Spain and a total of 9 European countries.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/camping-in-style-the-features-of-luxury-french-1731691.html

Camping For Casanovas

Filed under: cruise — Tags: camping, casanovas — libertees @ 7:54 pm January 14, 2010

To some it may seem like a contradiction in terms to say that camping and Casanovas can go hand in hand. Our Gallic neighbours have created a number of resorts for camping in France that will make great couples’ getaways where you can enjoy your partner’s company while enjoying the best of the French countryside.

Camping in France

Consider the options that choosing camping accommodation offers: a myriad of destinations, an uncomplicated living space, the freedom to explore, and relief for your finances. Romantic camping in France does not have to mean ‘roughing it’ in a tent; there are a host of living spaces on offer, including luxury mobile homes in a choice of resorts that will provide everything you need: comfort, practicality and privacy. The modern units come with two or three rooms and appliances that make your stay a pleasure, with dining and reclining al-fresco.

For an even more luxurious stay there are deluxe lodges available at the picturesque Camping la Croix du Vieux Pont site, about an hour from Paris. For a getaway with a special twist, how about snuggling up in a tree house for the night? This is the unique overnight experience you can try at Chambord – tree-top camping in France’s Loire Valley region. It’s an unusual way to get back to nature, where you might even imagine you are Robin Hood and Maid Marion hiding in the forest.

The best thing about all the accommodation for camping in France is the variety of locations on offer. Choose from the salt air sites near the coast, the views from the mountain encampments, the lakeside retreats and countryside sites. Romantic regions include the French Alps, the Ardèche, Brittanny, Jura, and the South of France, all with camping facilities to keep you comfortable while exploring the surrounding countryside.

Loving the Luxuries

You should bear in mind that all the money you save on accommodation can be used to extend your holiday or to splash out on further luxuries and more lavish evening meals. With this ethos in mind, at the campsites in Burgundy and Dordogne you can nourish the gourmand side of your character while camping in France with the sites’ wine tasting evenings. Throughout the country there will be top French restaurants to enjoy and local cuisines to sample.

Paris for the Lovers

What can be more romantic than spending time in the City of Love? Although you may shudder at the idea of paying for a hotel in the centre of Paris, you may also be surprised to know that there are campsites within easy reach of the city. Camping les Etangs Fleuris, Touquin is one of a few complexes a short train ride (or just a twenty five minute drive) from the very heart of Paris. This means you can economise by camping in France’s capital, without compromising on your holiday experience. The best way to see Paris is to walk its avenues and soak up the atmosphere. There’s something beautiful or interesting to see at every turn, the same as there is throughout France’s varied countryside.

Lorraine Waddell is the brand and advertising manager of Canvas Holidays, a leading European camping operator that provides the best selection of sites for camping in France . With over 40 years of experience, Canvas offer superb camping holidays to France, Spain and a total of 9 European countries.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/camping-for-casanovas-1722419.html

War Memorials and Museums to See When Camping in France

Filed under: cruise — Tags: camping, france, memorials, museums, see, war — libertees @ 8:52 pm January 11, 2010

Camping holidays in France are the ideal time to visit some of the country’s war museums and memorials. Learn more about the major sights from both World Wars.

War Memorials and Museums to See When Camping in France

If you like to experience some local history whilst on your camping holidays, France is the ideal destination for you to visit. Not only is it populated with top quality campsites, it is home to some of the world’s most moving war memorials and museums. The two World Wars were defining events of the 20th century and, in both cases, France was at the centre of the conflict. The wars have left their scars behind them in France, but they have also left some fascinating historical sights as well.

Here are a few of the highlights for you to see if you are a history buff who is camping in France…

World War I

From 1914 to 1918, the French, German and British forces were locked in a bloody stalemate on the battlefields of France, and during your camping holidays in France you can often visit numerous sights nearby that are reminiscent of that time.

Of the numerous cemeteries, Lorette and the Etaples British Memorial stand out. Lorette is the largest cemetery in France, and contains 40,000 graves. The Etaples British Memorial, as the name suggests, is one of the major cemeteries for British soldiers. Both are very important places for those who wish to pay their respects.

The underground caves near Arras were used for the British Army HQ, and have been preserved in impressive fashion. The major battlefields, such as Flanders Field and Passchendale, both have major museums nearby which recreate the experience of the trenches and feature many historical artefacts. Finally, one of the most dramatic sights is the Vimy Ridge Memorial. Dedicated to the Canadian soldiers who fought and died to secure Vimy Ridge, this towering monument is one of the most spectacular First World War memorials in existence.

World War II

There are just as many fascinating and moving World War II sights to see whilst on a camping holiday in France.

The Normandy Beaches are perhaps the most significant of these, the place where the Allies invaded France and began the liberation of Europe. Over 100,000 soldiers died in the fierce fighting at Normandy, and today you can take guided tours of the beaches where the battles were fought, visit the outstanding D-Day Museum at Arromanches, or go to the converted German bunker near Audinghen that has now become the Musée du Mur de l’Atlantique.

There are also excellent museums to see at Dunkirk (in memorial of the evacuation that took place there) and Calais (where the German Navy was based). For a further insight into the Nazi war machine, you can also head over to Le Blockhaus d’Eperlecques, the largest bunker built during the war and which was used as launch point for the fearsome V2 rockets that rained down on London. Today, it is largely unchanged, and is a fascinating slice of World War II history. Another former V2 base can also be found in St Omer, called La Coupole.

If you go camping in the north of France, you are bound to be near some of these fascinating historical sights, all of which make for excellent day trips.

Lorraine Waddell is the brand and advertising manager of Canvas Holidays, a leading European camping operator that provides the best selection of camping holidays France . With over 40 years of experience, Canvas offer superb camping holidays to France, Spain and a total of 9 European countries.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/war-memorials-and-museums-to-see-when-camping-in-france-1700670.html

Basic Accessories that you need for camping

Filed under: cruise — Tags: accessories, basic, camping, need — libertees @ 6:18 am January 10, 2010

People have some problems during camping and due to our lazy habit we try to seek comforts and convenience. Camping tents do not offer these facilities but offer much more beyond of this. This activity bound you with your family and friends so that you can enjoy with beauty of nature. So before you decide to join any camping trip you need to be prepared for it. What you can do for preparation of camping trip? What basic things you need to carry with you? If you are going first time on camping trip you need following things for camping:

You should bring the right tent quite suitable to your requirement. There are three key elements consider while buying a camping tent. Make sure the tent has a floor, waterproof and has much space to accommodate your friends or family.

Further accessories you need for your camping trip are sleeping bag, cot, air mattress and pillow. Selection of a right sleeping bag is also as important as selecting a camping tent because if you do not take proper rest at night, you can not enjoy the next day’s adventures properly. Therefore select a good and warm sleeping bag which has plenty of space to move around. You can keep your clothes at the bottom of sleeping bag that you want to wear next day so that they remain warm and dry till next day you wear. You can also use double air mattress and comforter before lay your sleeping bag, thus you get unbelievable comfortable.

Food is another important item during camping. Make sure that you have enough food and water for you and your family so that you properly nourished and hydrated. You may choose lightweight, easy to clean up and easy to cook items. For this canned food is perfect. You need some utensils and grill or stove to cook food.

You need to carry garbage bags and paper towels. Paper towels not only used to clean grill and picnic table but also as a toilet paper in case of emergency. You may hang garbage bags in a tree near by your camping tent to keep away animals from it. You may bring chairs and flashlights for everyone with you so they can keep light with them inside and outside of the camping tent and not to interrupt others while sleeping.

Beyond all of camping tent supplies you may not forget to have some fun. After setting up tent and finished meal you can enjoy some games like kayak, four wheeler or playing cards. Take some games, fishing poles and books to pass your extra time. Survival kits are another important accessory for your camping trip which you can use in case of emergency. Some other camping accessories are rope, whistle use in case of you trapped or stuck for calling help and multi use knife.

You can purchase all of these accessories at any outdoor sporting good stores or via online shopping stores. You should make a list of all basic supplies for your camping tent before going on your trip to guarantee the most fun and safe camping trip.

You have found the Best Prices and the Finest Selection online for Fun Camping Tents easily by online at http://www.funcampingtents.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/basic-accessories-that-you-need-for-camping-1692811.html

Your Andalucia Camping Trip

Filed under: cruise — Tags: andalucia, camping, trip — libertees @ 4:37 am January 1, 2010

Andalucia is not just a region in Spain but it is a package that offers memorable holidays. This region of the world is known as Costa Tropical and as a tourist you can enjoy the best of everything this region has to offer. There are plenty of adventure activities to satisfy the wandering soul and one of the recently popular activities is camping Imagine spending a night out in the heart of the wilderness in a camp where sleep will be disturbed by the sound of the passing wind or the cacophony of the brotherhood of wolves.

In fact, off late due to the large number of tourists and expats in Andalucia, camping has become more and more popular. The truth is that it has evolved over the years from being a drinking tea from thermos and sleeping in cotton tents to having state-of-the-art individual zipper tents that can help you survive the freezing temperatures of the Sierra Nevada. Today camping is considered a trendy alternative that offers freedom and adventure.

Camping is for the adventure at heart, free-spirited, travelers who like to make their own trails and leave footsteps behind. It is becoming increasingly popular with youngsters because of the numerous possibilities in Costa Tropical. Camping doesn’t just mean parking your self in tented accommodation in the forests of Spain or on the edge of a cliff but there are many more facets attached to this activity. Camping will also include everything from preparing meals in a stove to waking up to the sound of birds.

Costa Tropical presents some of the best places for camping because of the spectacular vistas, the stunning landscapes that vary from region to region. You will find camping grounds on the cliff tops, rolling countryside, mountains, close to the river basin, beaches, at the edge of gorges and in the woodlands. Camping is the best way to get up close to nature and the myriad of hues that nature has to offer. This is the cheapest accommodation available but is also considered as one of the best because you can park your tent almost anywhere. Camping is the best option for trekkers and mountaineers who end up travelling to places far from civilization.

Registered camp sites in Andalucia

There are around 200 registered camping sites spread across the length and breadth of Costa Tropical. They have been divided into three categories called the 1st, 2nd and 3rd depending on the facilities available nearby. Most of the camp sites in this region are open in the summers.

The 3rd category of camping grounds normally will have basic amenities like toilets and showers. The 2nd category is a little on the luxurious side and will have a bar, cafeteria, swimming pool and telephone. The 1st category of camping grounds will have everything from money exchange facility to children’s play area, and even TV.

In the wild

Apart from the official camping grounds, you can also opt for sleeping in the wild in parts of rural Andalucia. There are several national parks where you can camp although it will be far from a luxurious and comfortable setting. There are some places in the wild where you might need to take prior permission from the authorities. The truth is that there is nothing compared to camping in the wild with the bonfire to keep you warm.

Visit the Snake Facts website to learn about snake deterrent and snake gourd.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/your-andalucia-camping-trip-1650795.html

Christmas Camping in France

Filed under: cruise — Tags: camping, christmas, france — libertees @ 12:45 pm December 31, 2009

Camping in France at Christmas may be slightly in the chilly side, but you will find the spirit of family and generosity that surrounds you will warm you up in no time. Whilst the celebrations are different in every region, each is as spectacular as the next. Though all regions celebrate Christmas Day on the 25th December as per tradition, for many in France, celebrations start with La Fete de Saint Nicholas on the 6th December.

La Fete de Lumieres

Held by the inhabitants of Lyon on the weekend closest to the 8th December, with the climax of the festival happening on the 8th itself, La Fete de Lumieres is a splendid Christmas tradition. This renowned festival of lights is when the Lyonnais pay homage to the Virgin Mary, by lighting a candle in each of their windows. These candles light up the village, and give off a wonderful homely and festive feel. One of the main focal points of this festival is the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourviere, where the impressive stained glass windows are lit up with different coloured lights. Over at the Place des Terreaux in the very heart of the town, various shows are held, using bright-coloured, moving beams of lights and images to tell the story of Christmas. The Fete de Lumieres is a fantastic way to welcome Christmas while you’re camping in France.

La Messe de Minuit

If you are wondering when you will get a chance to join in with the community and celebrate Christmas with prayers and carol singing, then you should ensure that you go to midnight mass while you are camping in France. Held on Christmas Eve, this is an important tradition in most regions in France, though it is often held between 7 and 10 in the evening, rather than at midnight. Services tend to be broad and the sense of community and Christmas spirit to be found often attracts both non-practitioners and people of different faiths. In many churches, a nativity display is set up at the front of the church, and a statue of the Baby Jesus carried to it in a procession at the beginning of the service. Whether you are a church-goer or not, the traditional midnight mass service cannot fail to get you in the festive mood, ready for Christmas Day.

Don’t Forget To Put Out Your Shoes

All over the world on Christmas Eve, children hang up their red stockings with white trim in the hope that Father Christmas will come. However, in France it is their shoes rather than their socks that they leave out in anticipation. Preferably wooden, a pair of shoes should be left by the fireplace just before the children go to bed, and in the morning they will have filled the shoes with presents. Though it is unlikely that the tent, caravan or mobile home that you are staying in while camping in France will come equipped with a real fireplace, shoes left by the door may still fill up with gifts! Why not break with tradition for a year; replace stockings with shoes and get a visit from Pere Noel rather than Father Christmas.

Camping in France at Christmas, you will get to experience a whole new set of festivities. With family, tradition and fun being the key ingredients of a French Yuletide, there really is no better place to get into the Christmas spirit.

Lorraine Waddell is the brand and advertising manager of Canvas Holidays, a leading European camping operator that provides the best selection of sites for camping in France . With over 40 years of experience, Canvas offer superb camping holidays to France, Spain and a total of 9 European countries.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/christmas-camping-in-france-1649225.html

4 Seasons of Camping in France

Filed under: cruise — Tags: camping, france, seasons — libertees @ 12:45 pm

Many people might consider themselves to be fair-weather campers, believing that camping holidays should be saved only for the sunshine of the summer months. But camping in France can make for a fantastic holiday all year round, with each of the four seasons offering something different.

Autumn

Everyone associates the autumn with the leaves turning a wonderful colour, before they eventually fall from the trees completely. It’s also seen by many as the last opportunity to go camping in France, before the colder weather really sets in. Areas such as the Ardeche are simply full of forests, and can promise some fantastic autumn walks, kicking up the leaves as you go. However, why not make the most of the trees becoming bare by attempting some of the forest trails up in the trees at Vert-Tige Parc. Safely harnessed, you can take to the trees and tackle any one of the five trails that feature cargo nets, rope bridges, zip wires and various other obstacles. Where better to view the forest at its autumnal best than up in the trees themselves?

Winter

Perhaps the quietest of the seasons in terms of camping in France, winter is actually an ideal time to take a camping holiday. With the campsites less busy, you can pick your favourite pitch and enjoy the peace and quiet. If you particularly enjoy a good snowfall in the winter months, head towards the Alps where you will find skiing and the opportunity for snowball fights galore. Close to the ski resort les deux-Alpes, lies the sleepy little town of Venosc. This mountain side town is well known for its crafts and is the perfect place to get in some early Christmas shopping. There are plenty of walks to take around the nearby mountain lakes but if you would rather enjoy the view the easier way, the Venosc cable car will take you up to the heart of les deux-Alpes, where you can enjoy the spectacular snowy scenes looking down on the slopes below.

Spring

Spring is an exciting season, with all manner of things that hibernated over the winter coming back to life again. Camping in France is a great way to witness nature waking up, as well as getting yourself back into the swing of going on holiday after a cold and busy winter. To witness spring’s delights fully, head over towards Dordogne to Limousin for a visit to the Parc Animalier de la Colline Enchantee. Set in 12 hectares of greenery, this animal park on the enchanted hill is the perfect place to witness the coming of spring. With a number of farm animals including sheep, cows, goats, swans, chickens and geese, you are sure to see some newborns. As well as farm animals, the park is also home to less traditional species such as kangaroos, ostriches, camels, emus, bison, porcupines, yaks and racoons. A great day out for all the family, a visit to an animal park is a great way to see the spring in.

Summer

The arrival of summer invariably means the arrival of holidaymakers. The number of people going camping in France is no exception to this, but with many areas enjoying warm weather and sunshine during the summer months, it is no surprise that so many people head to France for their summer holidays. For many, summer means the opportunity to enjoy the water that is too cold during the rest of the year. If this is true for you, then head to Lake Annecy. One of the more famous lakes in France and surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, this lake is the best place for several different water sports such as sailing, windsurfing and diving. For those who prefer to relax out of the water, pedalos and boat tours are also available. For those who prefer the sea, the lake is encircled by beaches where you can while away hours in the sun.

If you enjoy camping in France, there is no need to leave your visit until the summer. With plenty to do all year round, it is worth braving the elements to see some of the more special things that the seasons have to offer.

Lorraine Waddell is the brand and advertising manager of Canvas Holidays, a leading European camping operator that provides the best selection of sites for camping in France . With over 40 years of experience, Canvas offer superb camping holidays to France, Spain and a total of 9 European countriesArticle Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/4-seasons-of-camping-in-france-1649209.html

3 Important Factor to Consider in Preserving Your Camping Grill

Filed under: cruise — Tags: camping, consider, factor, grill, important, preserving — libertees @ 4:51 am

In order to prolong the quality of your camping grill, always take note of the following: grill usage & safety, cleaning, and storage.

Grills are essentials for every camping trips. Constant usage and mishandling may deteriorate it’s quality and function even though it’s just new. Here are some tips on how to make your camping grills last long.

Grill usage and safety

Safety is always first. If you are new to camping a doesn’t have the slightest know-hows in operating a camping grill, read first the instruction manual. That way, you can avoid untoward malfunctions and you can have an idea about other features that are specific only to your grill. When setting your grill, be sure to keep away any flammable materials. Open the lid before igniting the grill and never ever substitute gasoline or kerosene. As much as possible when cooking, avoid direct sunlight or igniting the grill in a enclosed location. Ensure proper fits of tubing when assembling, check for any leaks before using. When cooking, use a high-smoking-temperature oil over the grate to prevent sticking. Food particle that stick may be hard to remove when cleaning and can result to damage when force is applied.

Grill cleaning

It’s more easier to clean the grill if it’s still slightly warm. For cast iron grates, use a stainless steel brush to remove food particles, afterward, spray some oil and wipe using a paper towel. Lift the grates when cooled to clean the burners with soapy water. A good cleaning solution is made from white vinegar and water, coat the interior of a grill and wait for a few minutes. Burnt food particles are now more easier to remove and clean.

Grill storage

After usage and cleaning, keep your gas grill safely. Disconnect removable parts and close all the lids, store the accessory items safely with it’s appropriate container. Always cover it with a water-resistant protector and store the grill in a place not in contact with direct sunlight. Cast iron grates need to be monitored from time to time as they rust easily. If signs of rust appear or paint may be coming off, do some painting job. It must to have an upkeep of your grill at least once a year, though if your an active camper, routine cleaning should be done every after usage.

Take good care of your camping grill. With correct usage and maintenance, you can erase the possibility of buying a new one in the near future.

If you don’t have a camping grill yet, check Summit Camping Gear to get one.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/3-important-factor-to-consider-in-preserving-your-camping-grill-1646917.html

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