In this article:
- Options to consider when booking
- Options for extra comfort
- Services to book in advance
- Before choosing an option, check what is included
Options to arrange at the time of booking
Some options must be selected at the time of booking, as they depend directly on the pitch or accommodation you’ve chosen. Others are linked to the terms of your stay and may incur an additional charge. Here are the ones to consider before finalising your booking.
Cancellation insurance
Depending on the establishment, this typically costs between 1 and 5 per cent of the rental fee. Cancellation insurance can provide you with compensation if you have to cancel your stay for a reason specified in the contract. The cover, exclusions and conditions for compensation vary from contract to contract, so be sure to read them carefully before taking out a policy. Also check whether insurance is already included in your booking or offered separately.
Electricity at your pitch
If you’re staying in a tent, caravan or motorhome, remember to check whether your pitch has an electricity connection and what the power rating is. If you need electricity, you’ll usually need to select this option at the time of booking.
Choosing your pitch
Depending on the campsite, you may sometimes be able to choose or request a specific pitch: near the toilet blocks or the swimming pool, in a quiet or shaded area, or even next to friends or family. This option – and any additional charge for it – varies from one campsite to another.
A pitch with private toilet facilities
Some campsites offer pitches equipped with their own bathroom facilities, including a shower, washbasin and toilet. This is a great option for added comfort whilst retaining the camping experience. If you’re interested in this option, you’ll need to select a pitch with private bathroom facilities directly when booking. Depending on the campsite, this type of pitch may be presented as an option or as a separate pitch category.
Air conditioning in mobile homes
Air conditioning isn’t necessarily an option you add after choosing your accommodation: it may already be included as part of the mobile home or chalet’s facilities. If this is important to you, be sure to check the facilities included in the accommodation before booking.
A pet
Dogs, cats and other pets may be allowed at some campsites, sometimes for an additional fee. The rules regarding pets may vary depending on the campsite and the type of accommodation. So remember to mention that you’ll be bringing your pet when you book.
An extra person or vehicle
Depending on the basic rate for your pitch or accommodation, an extra person or a second vehicle may incur an additional charge. Check the campsite’s terms and conditions before booking, particularly if you’re travelling in a group or with several vehicles.
Options for extra comfort
Some options do not affect your choice of pitch or accommodation, but can make your stay easier. They are particularly useful if you wish to travel with less luggage or save yourself certain chores.
Bed linen and towels
There’s no need to turn your car boot into a mobile launderette: when you book accommodation, the campsite provides duvets and/or blankets. Sheets and towels can often be hired on site. Many campsites offer bed linen for hire and, in some cases, towels too. This is a particularly handy option if you’re travelling by plane or simply want to keep your luggage to a minimum.
End-of-stay cleaning
When you hire a mobile home or a chalet, you’ll arrive to find the accommodation clean. In return, when you leave, you’ll need to return it in the same condition; otherwise, you may find it difficult to get your deposit back. End-of-stay cleaning may be offered as an optional extra when booking a mobile home, chalet or other holiday accommodation. By choosing this option, you avoid spending the end of your holiday cleaning and can leave with greater peace of mind. Do remember, however, to check exactly what the service includes: tidying up and washing up, in particular, may still be your responsibility.
The baby kit
Going on holiday with a very young child often means a packed boot. To avoid having to carry all the necessary equipment, some campsites offer a baby kit which, depending on the site, may include a cot, high chair, baby bath or other accessories. Check what’s included in the kit and remember to book it well in advance.
The fridge
For campers staying in tents who don’t have their own equipment, hiring a fridge can be a very handy option. Depending on the campsite, it may be set up directly on your pitch or available nearby.
The barbecue or plancha
Some campsites offer barbecues or planchas for hire for the duration of your stay. This is a handy solution if such equipment isn’t provided with your accommodation or if you don’t want to bring your own. Alternatively, bear in mind that some campsites also provide communal barbecues – a great way to get to know other campers.
Television
Although it is now included in many types of accommodation, a television may still be offered as an optional extra at some campsites. If you’d like to have one during your holiday, check the facilities in your mobile home or chalet when you book, or otherwise check whether it’s possible to hire a television.
Early arrival or late departure
Fancy enjoying a few extra hours of your holiday? Some campsites offer, subject to availability, early arrival or late departure for an additional charge. This option may be worth considering if your travel times do not coincide with the usual arrival and departure times.
Services to book in advance
Some services offered by campsites can be booked before your arrival. If you’d like to make use of them, it’s best to book well in advance, particularly during peak season, as availability may be limited.
Hotel-style services
Some campsites offer hotel-style services, such as breakfast delivery, beds made on arrival, a cleaning service during your stay or even a change of linen. These services may be included with certain accommodation options or available as optional extras at an additional cost. If you’d like to make use of them, remember to request them when you book or before you arrive.
Bike hire
Unless you’re using your holiday to clock up the kilometres on your overpriced road bike, hiring bikes on site can be a good way to avoid having to transport your own.
Bike hire, e-bikes or other equipment may be provided by the campsite or by a partner provider. In high season, the number of bikes available may be limited, so it’s best to book yours in advance, especially if you need them for the whole family.
The spa, massages and treatments
If you’ve decided your holiday will be a chance to get in shape and take care of yourself, some top-of-the-range campsites have just what you need with some excellent facilities. Along with all the usual features - spas, saunas and hamams - they often have trained staff for massages and other health or beauty treatments. These services are subject to a charge and may require booking. Book in advance to have more choice of timeslots, particularly during busy periods.
Certain activities
Some activities offered by the campsite or its partners may also require advance booking: canoe trips, guided cycle rides, sports classes, excursions or supervised activities, for example. If you’ve spotted an activity you’re keen to do during your stay, it’s best to check the details and book it before you arrive, where possible.
Before choosing an option, check what is included
Before confirming your booking, take the time to check which facilities and services are already included in the price of your accommodation or pitch. The same service may be included in one package but offered as an extra in another. In particular, check whether Wi-Fi, television or air conditioning are included in the price or offered as an extra. Also take a close look at the prices of the options: some are charged for the entire stay, others per night, per person or according to the length of your stay.
Remember to check the booking and cancellation terms for the options you’ve chosen. Some must be booked in advance, whilst others may be added later, subject to availability. In high season, it’s best not to wait until the last minute if you need a particular item of equipment or service.
If you did not reserve this option at the time of booking, please ask at reception when you check in at the campsite.