Happy children in the tent
Parent & Child
25.04.2025 Gabriele Strasser 4993

Camping with children - tips and recommendations

Vacation in a hotel? I was never particularly interested. Vacation apartment? Only if there's no other option. For me and my family, vacations are synonymous with tents and camping. A camping mom reports.

I admit it, the first two years with a small child we booked vacation apartments. Trotting around a dark campsite at four in the morning with a crying baby was unimaginable. Then, shortly before our son's third birthday, we went camping for the first time: three weeks in a tent on the French Atlantic coast. And it was wonderful! Since then, we've spent all our big summer vacations in a tent, whether in sunny Corsica or drizzly Scotland. 

3 reasons why camping with children is great: 

  • Being outside all day and even all night - when do you get that as an office worker and city dweller? And because of the fresh air, children sleep great!
  • The weather is bad, the beach not so nice after all? Unlike hotel vacations, you can move on at any time when camping. 
  • Camping is cozy and brings the family together. 

There is a lot to discover on campsites

What makes camping with children so relaxed: there is always plenty to discover around the campsite. Whether it's a stream, trees suitable for climbing or a small playground. And everything is right on the doorstep. As soon as the children are a little older, they like to go exploring on their own and make friends with other children. And the adults? Sitting comfortably in front of the tent and can finally talk or read a book in peace!

Tip: When camping, you can hear everything - that's why the pitch should not be near a large group or even a beach bar. 

Camping, glamping or mobile home - the right offer for every type of camper

Sitting on the ground in front of the tent and making tea on a small gas stove? Not everyone's cup of tea. How good that there is now a suitable pitch for every type of camper. For purists as well as campers who like a bit of comfort. These are known as "mobile homes". Ready-made large tents with a stove, fridge and other amenities. And the term "glamping" refers to original and luxurious camping accommodation. But beware: all these things are in high demand, so it pays to book early. 

3 reasons why children love camping

  • Unzip and get out! Outside the tent, nature awaits 
  • Nowhere else can you make new friends as quickly as at the campsite
  • There's a lot to discover on the campsite - certainly more than in a hotel room

What you need to take with you when camping with children

  • Sleeping bag and sleeping mat: good quality pays off here
  • Small pillow: increases the cuddle factor and ensures a good night's sleep
  • Headlamp: Indispensable for going to the toilet at night or watching a picture book in a tent or motorhome
  • Toys: When camping, the classics such as a ball, bucket and shovel prove their worth - there are always other players to play with. 
  • Books and audio games 
  • A small backpack for all the treasures you find on vacation
  • A pocket knife and magnifying glass for older children
  • Rubber boots and rain jacket.

Book tip: Cool Camping - order now in the pme store

Admittedly, there are also ugly campsites. Barren areas in unattractive surroundings or permanent camper van castles with garden gnomes and plastic lawns. Those looking for something special will find individually managed campsites with that special something in the "Cool Camping" camping guides. 

You can order the "Cool Camping" camping guides via our webshop. Simply register at familienservice and browse through our extensive range.
 

zero Vacation for family caregivers: how it works

Old woman in a wheelchair
Age & care
28.06.2024 Gabriele Strasser 16719

Vacation for family caregivers? This is how it works!

Family caregivers can also take leave. Eldercare expert Jürgen Griesbeck explains how.

Always there for others, always ready for action: almost 1.4 million people in Germany care for relatives such as their parents at home. This often leaves little time for relaxation. What many people don't know: The care insurance funds cover the costs of alternative care to a certain extent so that carers can take time out.

Read more in this article:

During vacation: substitute or short-term care

There are various options for alternative care during your vacation:

  • You can organize a private replacement. If the person is not related to the person in need of care, they will receive money from the care insurance for the care they provide.
  • You can hire an outpatient service. In this case, the care insurance fund pays for three visits a day - in the morning, at midday and in the evening.
  • The person in need of care can be cared for in a short-term care home.

Care insurance pays the costs of alternative care in addition to the regular care allowance. Caring relatives therefore do not suffer any financial losses.

Good to know!

Replacement care due to leave can only be applied for if the person in need of care has previously been cared for at home for at least six months. Whether by one person or by different people is irrelevant. This so-called pre-care period does not apply to those in need of care who have care level 4 or 5 at the start of the substitute care and are younger than 25.

In the event of illness: temporary care

The care insurance fund also pays for alternative care if the caregiver is ill. In this case, this is referred to as respite care. Unlike substitute care due to vacation, for which care must be provided for six months beforehand, respite care can be applied for as soon as the carer falls ill. There are two options here: On the one hand, hourly care at home or short-term care in a home.

Who is entitled to the benefits?

People in need of care who have at least care level 2 are entitled to substitute or respite care as well as short-term care. Substitute or respite care can only be applied for by private carers, neighbors or friends, but not by professional carers.

How much is paid?

People in need of care are legally entitled to have their health insurance fund reimburse them for the costs of substitute care and short-term care up to an amount of 1612 euros per calendar year. Replacement care can be claimed for a period of six weeks, which corresponds to 42 calendar days, while short-term care can be claimed for eight weeks, i.e. 56 calendar days. The funds from both pots can be combined: Those who only claim short-term care can also draw on the entire budget for respite care and increase their benefit entitlement to €3,224. Conversely, insured persons who opt for respite care can also use the budget for short-term care - in this case, however, only up to a maximum of 50 percent, which limits the benefit amount to EUR 2,418 per calendar year.

What lead time can be expected?

When planning vacations, it is advisable to think anti-cyclically: the majority of Germans go on vacation during the summer and Christmas vacations. This means that care services and short-term care homes are also limited in their capacities at these times. It is easier to find alternative care outside the vacation periods.

 My tip

"I can only recommend that all family caregivers take this time out, which is funded by the care insurance fund. You can recharge your batteries and take a break from everyday care. Replacement or short-term care is also often an interesting and enriching experience for those in need of care. Short-term care is a particularly good way to get to know what it is like to live in a home for a short time with no obligation."

Jürgen Griesbeck, Product Manager Homecare-Eldercare, pme Familienservice Group

 

pme Familienservice Group - Your EAP provider since 1991

On behalf of more than 900 employers, the pme Familienservice Group supports employees in achieving a successful work-life balance and being able to work with a clear head.
The pme Familienservice Group supports employees in crises, e.g. conflicts at work, addiction or partnership problems. With a homecare eldercare service, it relieves the burden on professionals in organizing and financing care services and offers psychosocial support. The pme Academy offers seminars, workshops and coaching on the topics of personnel management and development.
You can find out more about the pme Familienservice Group here: www.familienservice.de/wer-wir-sind

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