Is (casual) European touring ruined forever?

Haven't been abroad this year but last May/June we had 5 weeks in the Netherlands.

They like their touring but we only booked a couple of sites that were either in tourist spot areas or fell during Ascension and Pentecost holiday periods.

Rang other sites a few days before going to that area. Didn't encounter any problems.

About as near to casual as I'm likely to get with a caravan behind me.

A lot different for Motorhomes who are at an advantage over 'vanners abroad.

I can't imagine encountering problems in the Netherlands - they're all in other European countries! 

And you're certainly correct about motorhomers having an advantage. 

We are touring France at present. Apart from a slight difficulty with one site infested with lover of the game that uses a strangely shaped ball 🏉😂 requiring booking we have had no real difficulty going as we please.  Incidentally, the infestation has moved on but it was great fun while it lasted 👍.

Out of 8 sites stopped at 4 were full for at least a few days.

The Dutch don't all export themselves, just seems like they do. In many ways they "tour" mainly in caravans still. There might be financial reasons or storage space reasons or taxation reasons why there are, or seem to be, a higher ratio of caravan to Motorhome ownership.

Many motorhomers use aires which don't allow caravans.  However, the site we are on at present has both but motorhomes out number caravans about 70/30.  

Le Crotoy harbour Aire last week.

I must admit to shuddering when I saw your photo Peedee.

The mere thought of spending my free time cheek by jowl on such an aire gives me the heeby-jeebies.

Good luck to those that don't mind but its just not my thing.

I half expected such a comment but it is perfectly fine for a night stop WN. ANPR entry and exit €9 per night. Hundreds of others obviously agreed otherwise it would not have been so full..

peedee

Good job we're all slightly different in likes and dislikes Peedee. I agree they are VFM and help with a Safety in numbers etc.

I have no problem with Aires or people that use them but I wouldn't want to be one of them. 

Le Croty is popular as it's ideally placed for those who have just crossed to Calais to pull in after an hour or so....it's on a recognised route southwards into and through France.

most folk will just be sleeping and then off in the morning, this isn't camping but 'stopping over'. Quite a difference.

if we want to 'camp' and enjoy resting, swimming, walking, cycling, eating and drinking it will be at a site that's spacious and has 'relaxing' facilities.

if we are just pulling in for a 'stopover' as part of visiting a town or city, an aire is exactly what we want.

paying two or three times the level to overnight on a site that we won't make use of seems a waste...

to tour in the above mode doesn't feel on the point of extinction to us...I'll let you know shortly (if we ever get away....lol).