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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
contact:
Jim Perry
Phone: USA (message) 541 772 1241
Phone: Italy (home/work) 39 340 599 9389
email: [email protected]
web www.jimperry.net
press kit: www.jimperry.net/camping/press.htm

Camping in Europe - an economical alternative
Internet site and video show you how to do it

January 5, 2026

Imagine waking up in a cozy and warm sleeping bag, stepping out of your tent only to be confronted with the image of the French countryside opening up before you, complete with a 12th century castle. Unknown to most Americans, camping in Europe offers not only a less expensive alternative to touring Europe but will expose you to a trip that takes you inside the real Europe. Now, with the help of an experienced traveler, you can plan your own trip and take the vacation you’ve always dreamed of.
“ I had been camping in the states for most of my life and had never thought of camping in Europe until a friend sold me on it,” says Jim Perry, who produced the tape during two recent travels to the continent. “We spent less during our last four-week trip to Europe than we did for a week in Disneyworld and enjoyed it much more.” Perry adds that often sleeping in your own tent and sleeping bag is more comfortable than budget hotels. “Even some of the nicer hotels I’ve seen had stains that made me wonder,” he says. “I don’t even want to think about hostels.”

The video explains the ins and outs of European camping, from planning and guide books to the intracacies of sanitary facilities, while showing you first hand what to expect. “Some of the best advice is attitudinal,” adds Jim Colloran, a teacher who used the information for his own trip last year. “I was able to relax and just enjoy where we were. My only regret is that I didn’t spend a little more on French wine. The two dollar bottles were good but maybe I should have splurged on the ones that cost four.”

Perry says that even with a lot of preperation their first trip left room for improvement. “Our biggest mistake was taking too much stuff. I was worried that things like flashlight batteries would be too expensive and brought a bunch in my luggage. I felt really stupid when I walked into the first store in France only to see they were less than I paid back home. And I’m not even sure we ever ate any of the peanut butter we brought.” There are a few things that will surprise people used to camping in the United States. “Don’t count on finding ice,” he adds. The idea of the big cooler filled with enough food for a week is not a common one as Europeans tend to shop on a daily basis to make sure their food is always fresh. Most campgrounds offer not only their own stores but many even have nice restaurants where you can dine on a fine meal and keep the stove packed away.

“The biggest advice I can give is to slow down. Too many people view their first trip to Europe as a once in a lifetime adventure and try to see it all at once. Plan on traveling less and seeing more, you can always come back another time,” he says. Studies back him up as a majority of people who travel to Europe usually return for a second vacation.

The Internet site offers information to accompany the tape as well as links to many of the materials travelers will need. “We spent a lot of time tracking down campground guides to European campgrounds and finally found them through AA, the British equivilant of AAA” says Perry who had been using a guide in German given to him by a friend.

The tape, which is 34 minutes, covers a wide range of topics including how to arrange a short-term lease for a car to what kind of stove to bring. The website address is
www.jimperry.net where you can access information on ordering the tape as well as information on camping.

Topics covered in the tape

planning - The most important element to a successful trip. Being a knowledgeable traveler will go a long ways to making your trip a memorable one.
books - Find out where to order guidebooks and campground guides for Europe, including some of my reccommended titles.
maps - Probably the most important and time-saving purchase. With a good map those little country roads don't seem so scary because you'll know where they go.
Internet sources - We do almost all of our research and planning using the Internet. The video gives you an idea of what you'll find.
Arranging a car - Different people have different needs. Find out more about your choices including traditional rentals,
Eurolease programs and European delivery programs for new cars.
Driving - Maybe one of the things that makes most people nervous. Driving in Europe is different but not very difficult. In many ways it is easier than traveling in the USA.
Shopping - A look inside some stores and an idea of what you will find. The easiest way to enjoy lots of local foods and save money. Pay special attention to buying produce!
Campgrounds - Have an idea of what to expect. The tape not only goes over some of the things you you'll find but even the nitty gritty on such things as finding good campgrounds, check-in, and most importantly - bathroom facilities!
Laundry - The dreaded curse of laundry can be tamed with some simple advice.
Rain and Bungalows - Tents and campers are great but in the rain there is no substitue for a real roof. Find out about alternatives to take care of those days when the weather turns foul.