Let's go camping

At the Wacken Open Air in Germany, or like here at the Glastonbury Festival in Somerset, England — without camping, there would be no festival atmosphere. At the top of any festival-goer's packing list is a pop-up tent. It weighs little, takes up hardly any space and can be erected in no time at all.

Just as many people suddenly like tomato juice on airplanes, campers love their canned noodles. But that's changing; the key word is sustainability. At the top of the list is eliminating plastic, and the desire for fresh, vegetarian or vegan food. Now people are considering buying fresh vegetables, pasta, and rice locally. Bring them along, throw them in the pot — combine the ingredients boldly!

Camping outside of designated areas is illegal in most European countries. But Scandinavia is one major exception. Here, the weary wanderer may spend a night or two on any public or undeveloped land; provided they do not damage or destroy the environment, and that they maintain a reasonable distance to any houses.

Tree tents are a thing in Germany, Switzerland and Finland. It is best to take only very little with you into these minimalist tents, as they tend to slide around when you move. Luggage and provisions can go into a box underneath the tent.

If camping isn't your thing, try a tiny house in a remote place. These have been gaining popularity in recent years, combining the rustic outdoor feeling of camping with the comfort of a proper home. This tiny house in the shape of an igloo is located in Iceland, at the Arksogssandur Fjord. It's even got a stargazing hatch.

If you like to combine the comfort of a hotel with the romance of an outdoor vacation, you're possibly a glamper. Glamping is made up of the words "glamourous" and "camping." The trend originated in the US and spread to Europe in the early 2000s. Staying at this designer yurt has its price, though, and can set you back 200€ ($205) per night — 10 times what you'd pay for a regular camping spot.

Being independent yet not forgoing luxury — that's what modern motor homes promise. In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic sent sales figures in Europe through the roof. Holidays in recreational vehicles became hugely attractive.

Camper vans are ideal both for short weekend trips and long journeys around the world. And this VW model (pictured) is legendary. First built in 1949, millions of such "Bulli" camper vans have since rolled off the production line. Original VW vans built in the 60s and 70s are highly sought-after.

Many German vacationers like to spend their summer at campsites, like this one on the Rhine River. In fact, Germany remains the most popular camping destination for German vacationers. There are 2,800 campsites throughout the country, most of them in Bavaria. Even the camping-crazy Dutch love spending their holidays in Germany.

In Germany, the "Landvergnügen" (country pleasure) guide directs you to wineries, farms or orchards in Germany that offer camping areas free of charge. More than 1,100 hosts are listed in the guide, which can be purchased together with an annual badge. In return, guests are asked to buy farm products. The idea originated in France.