More than 67 percent of Dutch campers say that their children help decide the destination of their next camper adventure. These camper trips with children last an average of 6 days. This is evident from research among almost 2.000 Dutch users of Campercontact, a platform for campers.
When asked about the length of camper trips with children, there is a twofold picture: 22 percent stick to short trips of up to 250 kilometers, while 21 percent opt for big adventures of 2.000 kilometers or longer. “These figures show that camper life meets the needs of very different types of travelers,” says Jorian Keij, CEO of Campercontact. “Some opt for the certainty of booking in advance, while another segment prefers to travel on spec.”
Lack of privacy
More than half of Dutch campers say they do nothing to entertain their children on the road, because they can do that themselves. Campers who do this mainly give their children a tablet or phone to watch videos or listen to audio books. Are there also disadvantages to camping with children? As many as 46 percent answer negatively. 22 percent mention the limited space in the camper as an objection. Other disadvantages are the lack of privacy (8 percent) and the sleeping rhythm of the children (7 percent), the result of the fact that 85 percent of the children sleep in the camper with their parents. Only 7 percent say that other guests sometimes experience problems with their children.
Maximum 5 hours per day on the road
While May and September are the most popular months for campers without children, the summer months of July and August are the top months for family camping. Although 43 percent of families prefer the relative luxury of campsites, 24 percent consciously choose the often slightly more basic camper pitches. Campers with children stay on average 2 nights at one location before moving to the next overnight location. The largest group (56 percent) says that a stage takes a maximum of 5 hours.
Dog is favorite
Of Dutch campers, 39 percent also regularly take a pet with them, with dogs being by far the favorite (96 percent). “Our data shows that pets are an important part of RV life. It is clear that campers attach great importance to locations that are suitable for their four-legged friends,” says Keij.
36 percent of pet owners mainly stay at camper sites, 24 percent at campsites, but the majority (40 percent) varies. The five most important features of an overnight location for people traveling with pets are: pets are expressly allowed at the location, walking opportunities nearby, sufficient shade and spacious pitches.
Loose on the chair
Campers generally take their responsibility: 88 percent of pet owners research the rules for traveling with animals in advance and 97 percent take a pet passport with them. 84 percent also keep their pet(s) neatly on a leash at the overnight location.
Although it is mandatory to secure animals safely while traveling in, for example, a dog belt or kennel, no fewer than 55 percent say they simply transport their pet(s) loose on a seat. And 49 percent say they sometimes leave their pet in the camper (with a window open) when they go out themselves.
More than 26 percent say they are sometimes annoyed by other guests' pets. The biggest irritations are: owners who do not take action against their animals, loud barking and feces.
Source and more information: www.campercontact.com