10 rules to follow for responsible travel
Travelling by motorhome can be a wise choice for limiting your carbon footprint and contributing to local life.
As long as you follow a few rules of good conduct, which we outline in this article, there’s a good chance that you will be given a warm welcome in the towns you visit.
1. Optimise your trip
Before you set off, make sure your water tank isn’t full in order to use less fuel: water will be available once you arrive on site.
Take the road rather than the motorway. Here again, you will use less fuel and, above all, you will pass through pretty little towns and enjoy the scenery. Isn’t that the whole point of a road trip?
2. Park in a designated place
Park in places designated for recreational vehicles (motorhomes and vans) to avoid altering the landscape and enjoy the destination while respecting inhabitants. Don’t park in unauthorised areas, in a protected zone or opposite houses with a sea view…
The CAMPING-CAR PARK and CAMPING de mon Village sites are developed in partnership with local authorities to combine motorhome comfort with respect for the environment and local inhabitants.
3. Limit your energy consumption
Do not use any electrical appliance in addition to those already installed in the motorhome, to avoid over-consumption on site. Alternatively, use gas appliances.
Beware of wasting water. Don’t hesitate to let us know if you notice any malfunction (tap running continuously for instance). Remember to turn off the tap after using the water you need - all CAMPING-CAR PARK service points are equipped with a Start/Stop button.
Switch off the engine when using the service terminal and remember to top up your PASS’ÉTAPES card before setting off the next day so that you don’t leave your motorhome running in front of the barrier while you recharge.
4. Respect the environment
Grey and black water must only be emptied in appropriate places and left clean. Never in nature! All the areas and campsites of the CAMPING-CAR PARK network have an emptying area for this purpose.
Remember to sort your waste carefully, seal it in bin bags and dispose of it in the bins provided. The good news is that most CAMPING-CAR PARK sites have rubbish bins: if they are not directly on site, they are close-by. It is strictly forbidden to leave or abandon rubbish on the public highway.
If you are a smoker, take your ashtray with you so that you don’t leave any cigarette on the ground.
Finally, when you leave a motorhome stopover, make sure your pitch is spotlessly clean.
5. Respect others travellers
Make sure you park in only one pitch, respecting the demarcation (most CAMPING-CAR PARK areas have them) and do not block neighbouring pitches.
As far as possible, avoid overcrowding to respect the privacy of each traveller.
Respect the peace and quiet of the area and avoid noise pollution.
Always keep your pet on a lead and pick up after it.
6. Consume responsibly
When it comes to grocery shopping, head for the farmers’ market: this way, you can reduce plastic packaging, buy local and seasonal produce while supporting the small producers. Remember to bring jars and/or bulk bags for your purchases.
On the pages of each campsite of the CAMPING-CAR PARK website and mobile application, you will find the ‘Markets’ section with the day, time and location of the nearest market.
To support the local distribution network, we negotiate partnerships for you with the economic and tourist players in the destination where you are staying. These are what we call ‘Good deals’.
Visit the local shops, craftsmen and producers near the areas to benefit from discounts. It is a great way to make a positive impact on the region you are visiting and also to be a responsible consumer.
Gastronomy, culture, sport and leisure, well-being…
There are plenty of offers available on presentation of your PASS’ÉTAPES card. Don’t miss them!
7. Unwind
When you are on a trip, take the time to stroll as it pleases you. There are plenty of walking trails for all levels, from strolling with a pushchair to Nordic walking. Take a breather!
Use your bike rather than your camper van to explore the surroundings. In the evening, immerse yourself in a good novel or enjoy some family time with a board game. Much better than turning on the television!
8. Preserve the places you visit
Respect the rules displayed in natural areas and cultural sites to preserve the balance of the sites. Don’t forget that tourism enhances our heritage and helps to safeguard it!
9. Avoid unnecessary journeys
Check the number of pitches available before driving to the campsite. If there are no pitches available, this would have saved you an unnecessary trip and fuel consumption. A little advice: book your stay in advance or for the same day with the PACK’PRIVILÈGES to ensure you get the best possible journey and have a pitch available at your arrival.
10. Share your experience
Do you enjoy reading the reviews of previous travellers so that you know what to expect before going to a campsite? Then take an active part in the community and rate your stay to inform and guide others.