Every year, our friends at Lonely Planet publish the ultimate list of countries, regions and cities which they deem must-visits for the year ahead. This year, they have presented a unique blend of family favourite destinations and hidden gems.
While France and Italy might be safe options, you will find untouched beauty, quieter cities, colourful cultures and new places to explore if you venture to Norway or Slovenia. So join us in discovering our Best in Travel 2022.
Norway
With nearly one quarter of its land inside the Arctic Circle, Norway is relatively unknown to many visitors. The fjords are perhaps its most famous characteristic, channels that splinter the coastline revealing glorious scenery, but there’s much more to this mysterious, magical land than its western reaches.
What Lonely Planet says:
"The essence of Norway's appeal is remarkably simple: this is one of the most beautiful countries on earth."
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Slovenia is something of a hidden gem when it comes to holiday destinations. Like its neighbour, Croatia, it remains unblighted by mass tourism, making it the perfect place for campers and caravanners looking to truly escape.
What Lonely Planet says:
"An earthly paradise of snow-capped peaks, turquoise-green rivers and Venetian-style coastline, Slovenia enriches its natural treasures with harmonious architecture, charming rustic culture and sophisticated cuisine."
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Freiburg is located in the Black Forest region, an area famous the world over for its mountains, forests, thermal springs and spa resorts. Towards the French border romantic castles perch high on the steep slopes above the Rhine. These vine-clad hills together with the Moselle region are renowned for their quality white wines.
What Lonely Planet says:
"Sitting plump at the foot of the Black Forest’s wooded slopes and vineyards, Freiburg is a sunny, cheerful university town, its medieval Altstadt a story-book tableau of gabled townhouses, cobblestone lanes and cafe-rimmed plazas. Party-loving students spice up the local nightlife."
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For a brilliant cultural experience that’s almost unrivalled, why not try out the Irish capital of Dublin. Located in the Republic of Ireland and found on the eastern coast, Dublin is home to a number of historical attractions, whilst also being a vibrant and modern city. This ensures there’s something for all the family, no matter your interests.
What Lonely Planet says:
"A small capital with a huge reputation, Dublin has a mix of heritage and hedonism that will not disappoint. All you have to do is show up."
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Encompassing Pisa, with its leaning tower, and Florence with its sublime views, Michelangelo’s ‘David’ and the Uffizi Gallery, it’s hard to beat Central Italy for pure ‘wow’.
What Lonely Planet says:
"Cradle of the Renaissance, romantic, enchanting and utterly irresistible, Florence (Firenze) is a place to feast on world-class art and gourmet Tuscan cuisine."
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Repeatedly named as the top holiday destination for family holidays, Kent is a distinguished county in the South East of England and home to a plethora of stately homes, majestic castles and historic cathedrals. There’s also a selection of sandy beaches, secluded bays, natural reserves and woodlands, ensuring Kent has something available for everyone.
What Lonely Planet says:
"Kent isn’t described as the garden of England for nothing. Within its sea-lined borders you’ll find a fragrant landscape of gentle hills, fertile farmland, cultivated country estates and fruit-laden orchards. It could also be described as the beer garden of England as it produces the world-renowned Kent hops and some of the country’s finest ales and wines from its numerous vineyards. At its heart is spellbinding Canterbury, crowned by its enthralling cathedral. You’ll also find beautiful coastal stretches dotted with beach towns and villages, from old-school Broadstairs to gentrified Whitstable and the aesthetically challenged port town of Dover."
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Burgundy is a wonderfully evocative region offering breathtaking châteaux and cathedrals, rolling hills and heady mountain views, vineyards and superlative cuisine, not to mention of course, a wide variety of world-renowned wines.
What Lonely Planet says:
"Burgundy offers some of France's most gorgeous countryside: rolling green hills dotted with mustard fields and medieval villages. The region's towns and its dashingly handsome capital, Dijon, are heirs to a glorious architectural heritage that goes back to the Renaissance, the Middle Ages and into the mists of Gallo-Roman and Celtic antiquity."
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Just forty minutes from Florence and an hour from Pisa, this site is beautifully situated high in the Tuscan hills, close to the fascinating town of Pistoia. Part of an old walled estate, there are impressive views of the surrounding countryside.
Broadhembury Caravan & Camping Park is found in the quiet countryside just outside Ashford and within easy reach of London, Dover, Folkestone and the Kent coast. There are areas for family camping with play areas and amenities designed with children in mind and separate quiet meadows just for adults with modern luxury facilities.
Set in 500 acres of the Garden of England, The Hop Farm Touring & Camping Park is the venue for many special events throughout the summer, including music festivals & shows. To one side, overlooking all this activity and the attractive cluster of oasts, is the touring park, which provides 150 pitches, of which 75 are hardstanding on flat, open fields. Electricity (16A) and water are available.
For those travelling north on the E39 beyond Bergen, there are surprisingly few attractive sites until one reaches the southern shore of the mighty Sognefjord, close to the ferry crossing from Oppedal to Lavik. A left turn towards Brekke takes you to the family-run Botnen Camping overlooking the fjord and with wonderful views of distant mountains.
Uniquely centred around a working fishing quay set in an idyllic bay, Skjerneset Camping has been developed to give visitors a historical insight into this industry. It steps back in time in all but its facilities and offers boats to hire and organised trips on a working fishing boat.
Olberg is a delightful small farm site, close to Lake Øyeren and within 70 km. of Oslo. There are around 40 large, level touring pitches all with 10-16A electricity connections, on neatly tended grassy meadows with trees and shrubs. The reception building also houses a small gallery with paintings, glasswork and other crafts.
Camping Bled is situated on the western tip of Lake Bled and is an excellent example of how a site should be run. Check-in is quick and efficient, and English is spoken. The site is large but well-spaced, with 244 touring pitches, all with electricity, 40 fully serviced pitches, and six with private sanitary facilities; most pitches benefit from shade. Pitches at the front are used mainly for overnighters. There are lovely views across the lake toward its famous island. This site is well-organised, and the facilities are modern and spotless.
Kamp Koren is situated in the picturesque valley by the Soča River, 500 m from the historical town Kobarid. A unique campsite and sole holder of the eco certificates: EU Ecolabel and Ecocamping. Its policy is to keep the environment clean and have minimum effect on nature. Slovenia’s first ecological site is in a quiet location above the emerald-coloured river, within easy walking distance of Kobarid.
Located on the shores of Bohinjsko Jezero, this tranquil site offers lots of opportunities for nature lovers to explore the Triglav National Park. A stone beach gives lake access where you may enjoy open-water swimming. Kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and mountain bikes are all available to hire on-site. The site takes care of the local environment and recycles waste, uses eco-friendly cleaning products and avoids plastic use wherever possible. Pre-booking a pitch is not possible, so early arrival is reccomended.
This is a small, quiet, family run site in the suburbs of Freiburg. Its grass pitches, set on small terraces, are shaded by many mature trees. Most of the 70 pitches are for touring units and have electricity (10/16A Europlug). On the upper part of the site is a long established and very attractive restaurant. Open in the evenings, the restaurant specialises in dishes freshly prepared from organic ingredients; vegetarian and local specialities are also part of the menu. Additionally a small bar and bistro is part of a wellness centre which adjoins the site.
Set in a green valley among the foothills of the Black Forest, this family managed site is well placed for visiting the popular Titisee, Feldberg and Totdnau areas, and is only 8 km. from Freiburg. It is divided into 486 numbered pitches, 362 of which are for touring, all with electricity (16A Europlug). Most pitches, which are side by side on gently sloping ground, are of reasonable size and clearly marked out, though there is nothing to separate them. There are increasing numbers of hardstanding pitches suitable for motorhomes. From about late June to mid-August, this site becomes very busy, and booking is advised.
Münstertal is an impressive site pleasantly situated in a valley on the western edge of the Black Forest. It has been one of the top graded sites in Germany for 25 years and first time visitors will soon realise why when they see the standard of the facilities here. There are 305 individual pitches in two areas, either side of the entrance road on flat gravel, their size varying from 70-100 sq.m. All have electricity (16A), water, drainage, TV and radio connections. The large indoor pool and the outdoor pool are both heated and free. The adjacent Health and Fitness Centre offers a range of treatments.
Opened by the local council in 1996, this campsite is well placed for Dublin and offers a welcome stopover if travelling to the more southern counties from the north of the country, or vice versa. Despite its proximity to the city and the constant noise from the dual carriageway, being in the 300-acre Corkagh Park gives it a ‘heart of the country’ atmosphere.
Lough Ennell Camping Park is a tranquil campsite nestled amidst 18 acres of mature woodland on the shores of Lough Ennell, a scenic lake in County Westmeath, Ireland. The park is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities and amenities to suit all ages and preferences. This park is run by a family who live on the site. They receive a blend of visitors – seasonal residents in camping holiday homes (private and to rent), caravanners and motorhome owners, and there are ample areas for tents. Pitches are varied and sheltered with trees and natural shrubbery.
Camping Village Panoramico Fiesole is a mature but pleasant site in a superb hilltop situation offering wonderful views over Florence. The 120 pitches, all with 5A electricity, are on terraces and steep walks to and from the various facilities could cause problems for guests with mobility problems. There is shade in many parts of the site.
This area was once a forest surrounding the attractive medieval Tuscan village of Montopoli. Toscana Village has been thoughtfully carved out of the hillside under mature pines and it is ideal for a sightseeing holiday in this central and peaceful area.
Daleacres Caravan and Motorhome Club site is very family and pet friendly and provides a football pitch for a quick kick around and a dog walking trail to keep the pooches healthy. The site is extremely spacious considering there are 104 pitches and the views from the entrance of the site are stunning. There really is a lot of space on site and BBQ areas available if you have not brought one of your own. The site is pretty much a stone's throw away from everything the area has to offer, including Port Lympne Zoo and Safari Park, a great day out for all the family. If you are looking for a location that has it all you will be hard pressed to top this one; you could spend some time at the medieval Dover Castle, which is around a 30 minute drive along the coast and lose yourself in all the rich history dating back to the Roman occupation and the Romney Hythe & Dymchurch railway is a must.
Camping de Bourbon-Lancy is located on the edge of a waterfront and just 2 km from Therme and the Bourbon-Lancy Spa, this site has about 70 spacious and demarcated pitches on a semi-shaded 2-hectare lot. The site has 38 touring pitches and 32 mobile homes, comfortable chalets or equipped tents in a peaceful and green setting. Relaxation and well-being will punctuate your days. Bourbon-Lancy is a favourite destination for walking or cycling getaways.
Castel Camping Château de l’Epervière is a popular high-quality site peacefully situated on the wooded grounds of a 16th-century château close to the A6 and near the village of Gigny-sur-Saône. It is a beautiful site surrounded by the vineyards of Southern Burgundy. Access to the site is good, and English is spoken at reception. Upon arrival, you will be impressed by the building and its surroundings, and as you drive down by the fishing lake over a long bridge to your pitch, you see the extent of the Chateau’s grounds.
Previously known as Camping les Halles, this is a very friendly site with 78 touring pitches in an area of 1.8 hectares. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy their passion from a waterside pitch. 12 fully-equipped mobile homes are also available for hire. You can enjoy a pleasant stay in the heart of nature, while still close to the town centre. The site lies on the banks of the River Loire in the town of Decize. It is located between the Aquatic Sports Centre and the leisure park, which has a large play area, electric boat hire, a mini-golf course and the municipal swimming pool.
Ben deals with all things design, working on the visual design of our annual guides, Destinations magazine, information leaflets, social media and email campaigns, and much more across the Alan Rogers, Rallies and Worldwide brands. He also produces written content for our blogs alongside our other contributors.
For making memories, having great experiences and relaxation you can't beat a good camping holiday. Whether you prefer a tent, caravan or motorhome, you can experience the best in an affordable way and without missing out on all of the holiday luxuries you want to enjoy.
There are many reasons to go camping in France for your summer holiday; sunny beaches, blue seas, magnificent mountains and great food and drink. France also has a fantastic camping culture meaning there are lots of great campsites to choose from, most of which have very high-quality facilities.
