Eurocamp holidays are a fantastic choice for those who love the great outdoors but also appreciate a bit of home comfort too.
They offer a variety of accommodation options including mobile homes, safari tents, and lodges across more than 150 campsites in countries like France, Spain, and Italy.
Whether you’re looking to chill by the beach, explore historical sites, or enjoy some outdoor activities and watersports, there’ll likely be a Eurocamp park for everyone.
Who doesn’t love the freedom of self-catering with the added perks of facilities like swimming pools, kids’ clubs, and proper night time entertainment?
Packing for Eurocamp like a pro
Packing efficiently for your Eurocamp holiday can make a world of difference to your holiday. While it’s not the most exciting of topics, it’s worth spending a bit of time on planning and prep.
As you’ll have limited space in mobile homes or tents, it’s crucial to bring only what you need and avoid overpacking (especially if you’re flying and have the dreaded 21kg limit).
A well-organised packing list can help you avoid the stress of forgotten items and ensure you have all the essentials for a comfortable stay. Plus, it saves you the hassle (and expense) of buying items you left behind.
1. Most important: Documentation and Essentials!
Passports and Travel Docs
First things first, don’t forget your passports!
Ensure they are valid for at least six months beyond your return date. You’ll also need your Eurocamp booking confirmation. It might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how easy it is to forget these in the pre-holiday rush.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a must.
It covers you for unexpected mishaps like medical emergencies, cancellations, or lost luggage. Make sure it includes coverage for any specific activities you’ll be doing on your trip.
While it’s a topic of its own, here are the basics:
- Medical Expenses: Covers emergency treatment and evacuation.
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption: Reimburses non-refundable expenses if you cancel or cut short your trip due to unforeseen events.
- Baggage and Personal Belongings: Covers lost, stolen, or damaged items.
- Travel Delay: Compensates for expenses due to significant delays or missed connections.
- Activity Coverage: Ensure your policy includes coverage for planned activities, like skiing or scuba diving.
Key considerations are policy limits, exclusions, and the claims process. For detailed guidance, refer to the UK Government’s travel insurance advice here. Always review the policy details and consult your provider to ensure comprehensive coverage tailored to your needs, providing peace of mind for your travels.
Health Insurance Cards (e.g., EHIC/GHIC)
If you’re heading to Europe, bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or the new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). These cards provide access to state healthcare at a reduced cost or sometimes for free in the EU.
Driving Licence and Car Insurance Documents
If you’re planning to drive, pack your driving licence and car insurance documents. Also, check if an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for the countries you’ll be visiting.
Emergency Contact Numbers
Prepare a list of emergency contact numbers, including local emergency services, the nearest embassy or consulate, and Eurocamp customer service. It’s better to have them and not need them than need them and not have them.
2. Kitchen and Cooking Supplies
It’s worth noting that a lot of these can be bought when you’re there but let’s go over these for anyone camping or with a mobile home.
Basics: Washing Up Liquid, Sponge, Cloth, Tea Towels, Hand Towel
These everyday items are often overlooked but essential. Bringing your own ensures you can keep your kitchen area clean without relying on what’s provided.
Cooking Essentials: Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Tea Bags, Coffee
Don’t forget the basics for cooking. A little olive oil and some seasoning can make a big difference in your meals. Also, pack your favourite tea or coffee to start your mornings right.
Utensils: Sharp Knife, Pizza Cutter, Kitchen Scissors
While your accommodation will come with basic utensils, having a good sharp knife and other handy tools like a pizza cutter and kitchen scissors can be a lifesaver.
Food Storage: Bin Bags, Cling Film, Foil, Food Containers
Keeping your food fresh and your kitchen tidy is easier with the right storage supplies. Bin bags, cling film, and food containers are must-haves.
Cleaning Supplies: Kitchen Cleaner, Wet Wipes, Bin Bags
Maintaining cleanliness in a small space is crucial. Bring along some cleaning supplies like kitchen cleaner and wet wipes for quick clean-ups, and extra bin bags for waste.
Specific Needs: Decaf Coffee, Specific Spices, Kids’ Snacks
Consider any specific dietary needs or preferences your family might have. Bring decaf coffee if that’s your thing, specific spices you can’t cook without, and plenty of snacks for the kids.
Optional: Small Cooler or Insulated Bag for Picnics
A small cooler or insulated bag is great for keeping food and drinks cool during day trips and picnics.
3. Bathroom and Toiletries
Personal Hygiene: Soap, Shampoo, Conditioner, Toothbrush, Toothpaste
Pack all your usual personal hygiene products. While you can buy these items locally, it’s convenient to have your preferred brands with you.
Towels: Bath Towels, Hand Towels, Bath Mat
Eurocamp accommodations usually provide basic towels, but bringing your own ensures you have enough for everyone and a bath mat can add a touch of home comfort.
Laundry Supplies: Detergent, Clothespins, Laundry Bag
If you plan on doing laundry, bring some detergent, clothespins, and a laundry bag to keep things organised.
First Aid Kit: Band-Aids, Antiseptic Cream, Painkillers, Prescription Medicines
A basic first aid kit is a must. Include band-aids, antiseptic cream, painkillers, and any prescription medicines you need.
Sunscreen and Aftersun Lotion
Protect your skin from the sun with sunscreen, and bring some aftersun lotion just in case you get a bit too much sun.
Bug Spray and Bite Cream
Depending on where you’re going, bugs can be a nuisance. Pack bug spray to keep them at bay and bite cream for any that do get through.
4. Bedroom Essentials
Bedding: Sheets, Pillowcases, Duvet Covers, Blankets (if not hiring)
Check if your Eurocamp site provides bedding. If not, bring your own to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep.
Comfort Items: Favourite Pillows, Stuffed Animals for Kids
Bringing familiar items like favourite pillows or children’s stuffed animals can help everyone feel more at home.
Travel Cot and Bedding for Babies
If you’re travelling with a baby, a travel cot and appropriate bedding are essential for a safe and comfortable sleep.
6. Entertainment and Activities
Let’s face it, while Eurocamp holidays are about enjoying the outdoors, there will be times when you just want to chill out with a good book or have some fun family time with games. Here’s what to bring:
Books and Magazines Pack a couple of your favourite reads for lazy afternoons by the pool or for winding down before bed. If you’re a magazine fan, grab a few issues to flick through.
Travel Games Keep the whole family entertained with travel-sized board games, card games, and some outdoor games like badminton or boules. A deck of cards can provide hours of fun with games for all ages.
Electronic Devices Don’t forget your tablets, e-readers, portable chargers, and headphones. These are great for a bit of personal downtime or for keeping the kids entertained on long journeys.
Outdoor Equipment If you enjoy cycling, consider bringing your bikes and helmets. Water toys are a hit if you’re near a lake or the sea, and kites are perfect for a breezy day.
Camera and Accessories Capture all those fantastic holiday moments with a decent camera. Don’t forget extra batteries or memory cards.
7. Outdoor and Camping Gear
Being prepared for outdoor living is crucial for a Eurocamp holiday. Here are the essentials:
- Camping Chairs and Foldable Table Comfortable seating is a must. Pack lightweight, foldable chairs and a table for alfresco dining and relaxing.
- Portable BBQ or Camping Stove Many Eurocamp sites allow BBQs, so bring a portable one or a camping stove. Nothing beats a BBQ dinner under the stars!
- Picnic Blanket and Cooler A picnic blanket is perfect for lounging on the grass, and a cooler will keep your drinks and snacks fresh during day trips.
- Outdoor Toys Bring along a frisbee, a ball, and some water pistols for fun-filled days outside. These are great for keeping both kids and adults entertained.
8. Car and Travel Essentials
Your car journey to the Eurocamp site can be just as important as the stay itself. Ensure you have these essentials:
- Car Documents If you’re driving in Europe, make sure you have your CritAir certificate for France, a warning triangle, and hi-vis vests.
- Navigation A reliable GPS device or maps are crucial to avoid getting lost. Plan your route in advance and keep a map handy as a backup.
- Comfort Items Travel pillows and blankets will make long drives more comfortable. They’re also great for an impromptu picnic or a nap.
- Snacks and Drinks Stock up on snacks and drinks for the journey. This keeps everyone happy and avoids frequent stops.
Sunshade for Windscreen and Window Shades for Kids These will help keep the car cool and protect everyone from the sun’s glare.
Entertainment Load up on audiobooks and playlists to keep everyone entertained during the drive.
9. Miscellaneous
Finally, here are some extra items that can make a big difference:
- Reusable Water Bottles Stay hydrated without constantly buying bottled water. Most campsites have places to refill your bottles.
- Shopping Bags Reusable shopping bags are handy for groceries and day trips.
- Spare Batteries Always useful for torches, cameras, and other gadgets.
- Sewing Kit A small sewing kit can be a lifesaver for quick clothing repairs.
- Notebook and Pens Good for jotting down memories, playing games, or planning activities.