You'd rather what?!

Watch out for crabs

I couldn't believe my eyes when a survey popped into my inbox the other day. So, we know us Brits love the idea of camping. There's nothing new there. In fact, if you haven't spent at least one soggy summer trapped in a tent or caravan with a portable loo and a bed that doubles up as a kitchen table, then you're very lucky. Now, though, more people would prefer camping and caravanning abroad than checking into a hotel.

Camping is a long-standing tradition going back to the 1940s. Back then, everything was done with a cheap and cheerful spirit. Our grandparents would have dragged along the children to whatever British camp site offered the best facilities of the time. And apparently, the only thing that's changed since then is the location we choose. Self-catering apartments abroad came fifth in a survey of 2000 people, with caravanning or camping topping the list.

Andrew Shorrock, marketing manager at carhiremarket.com says: “Over the years it seems that Brits have shown a consistent appeal for self-catering holidays in the UK," he says. But things are changing. "We’ve seen more and more people taking that self-catering holiday from the UK to abroad. Now more than ever, the continent is more accessible. And with a hire car, families can simply throw a tent in the back and head over to Europe for a quick, hassle-free getaway with the kids.”
Anna Moran, 28, is a medical receptionist from Cambridge. She's married with three children, and has camped in France for the past seven years. We asked her why she does it.

"I've always loved being outside, especially being near a nice beach and hearing the waves lapping on the sand. But the weather can never be guaranteed in England - I've been camping in October and had better weather than in July - so I'd rather take time off knowing I can come back with a bit of a tan, rather than trench foot."

Has Anna ever thought of staying in a hotel or villa?

Taking swingers to a new height

"Never," she says. "I think if we did that we'd probably just stay inside and watch French television. This way, we save money and the kids are in a more natural environment. There's nothing better than spending a day on the beach, going to a local little supermarket for some fish and having a barbeque while watching the sun set over the sea. Those memories will last forever."

And what about the inconvenience?

"It's never been an inconvenience, although I could understand someone feeling a little bit overwhelmed with portable loos and stoves. But if you go with someone who's camped before they can run you through everything."

Her best holiday, she says, was camping in the south of France.

"We'd set up our tent next to another English family, but we never really saw them - when they were going out we were getting the kids ready or cooking. When we finally bumped into them at a bakery, I realised it was my brother-in-law! We had a fantastic time being together. the kids loved playing outside together, and as we were away from home, we spent many a night talking and laughing under the stars. The kids always make sure we know who are tent neighbours are now, I think they're hoping next time it'll be a superstar!"

So there you go. We'd love to hear your camping experiences, good or bad. Leave a little comment below, and let us know.