The first time you check out camping in France, you will think that France is not really the cheapest place to camp. It's understandable. The camping scene in France is pretty well organized. You'll find some campsites will resemble expensive hotels. In fact, campsites have their own star ratings with the number of stars increases as the number of amenities and extra services increase. This is also the case in the United States with camping directories like Trailer Life's "RV Parks and Campgrounds". However, don't be fooled by quite expensive camping facilities.

These are the more luxurious ones and do not represent the budget travel way to camp in France. In fact, it is absolutely possible to have a camping in France experience without breaking the bank. All you need is a good search of the thousands of available campsites all over France and you will find a perfect campground that suits your needs and fit your budget requirements.

But the cost of the campsite is not the thing that you will have to consider when you go to France. Of course, the very first thing to look for is a budget airfare which will actually take you to France. You'll find that the cheapest tickets are the ones that are booked months in advance. Some airlines might offer budget fares as well as group reservations and airline bookings. It is quite unfortunate, or in some cases it is really fortunate, that tickets are also pretty much cheaper during the off peak tourist seasons like the Christmas holidays.

The next item to skim off some expense would be the camp itself. Like what has been mentioned earlier, depending on what you want, campsites can cost nothing to something as costly as checking into a hotel room itself. To avoid inconveniences, you could book in advance once you find the campsite you like. However, you can have an added adventure if do not call to reserve or arrange camping accommodations. If you're traveling alone or with a partner, it might be fun to just go in a place in France, check the campsites and just move on if you find the area too crowded for your liking.

One other way to save some of your cash is to bring your own camp gear. Pack as much gear as you can and as you need, of course. If you buy the gear in France, you might get into shock from the price tags they carry. If you have the necessary gear then bring them along. So these include tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment and flashlights.

Prepare all your gear and check your packs before you depart to see if you have left some things behind. Even small items like batteries and even socks should be brought with you. Not only will these small items save you some money but it will also save you time from going back and forth in camping or outdoor shops in France to get what you still need.

Camping in France is a fairly good alternative for tourists to visit the country. Imagine having to walk along France's wonderful beaches and get to see acres of vineyards and picturesque mountain scenes through more than half the price of staying in hotels in the cities. France offers a much relaxing lifestyle outside the busy city streets in the great outdoors.

Visiting and camping in France without breaking the bank is absolutely possible. It has been done before by numerous campers ahead of you so I don't see why you and your family can't.

Despite the economy I hope you are travelling and enjoying yourself. Until next time, let me know what is on your mind, and how you are doing, O.K.?

Jim Fortune - the Bella Budget Travel Guy