The combination of driving and camping has long been a popular way to enjoy Europe for a little bit less. Countries like France and Germany have many hundreds of high quality campsites that are nearly always significantly cheaper than their hotel or hostel counterparts. Here are our top 5 tips for camping.

1. It may sound a little obvious, but setting up your tent before the sun goes down is very wise. Anyone who's tried to set one up in the twilight or pitch dark will tell you this is not a fun situation to be in. Therefore, give yourself plenty of time to locate the camp site once you're in the desired area.

2. Choose a good quality, appropriate sleeping bag. When the sun goes down in most parts of Europe, it gets cold, so having a sleeping bag that can ensure you and your family stay warm is essential. If you're going in early spring or late summer, it might be wise to choose an extra thick sleeping bag. Ask at your local camping store for more information.

3. Leave no trace. For anyone who loves the environment, this should be easy to do. Ensure you leave anywhere you camp just as you found it. If you're in a more wild setting, this is especially important. Try to keep campfires small. Do a final check around the campsite before you leave to ensure no rubbish or waste is left behind.

4. If you're planning on doing a lot of hiking or walking, the right clothes are essential. Even in summertime Europe you may be hit by a rainstorm, so waterproofs might be a good idea. Invest in some good quality hiking boots with absorbent lining if you plan on taking to the hills a lot.

5. Make sure you don't get lost. This should be easy in popular camping areas, but if you go wandering in wilder spots, you may benefit from a map, compass and GPS. But make sure you know how to use them before you go!

For additional peace of mind, and if you don't have an annual European breakdown policy, consider taking out short term European cover before you set off.