Campingselection.com Review

Based on looking at the website, Campingselection.com appears to be a legitimate online travel agency specializing in camping, glamping, and apartment holidays across Europe.

The site showcases a variety of accommodations and destinations, emphasizing family-friendly and luxury camping experiences.

However, a strict review of the homepage reveals several areas for improvement concerning transparency and up-to-date information, which are crucial for establishing complete trust with users, especially in a competitive online travel market.

Overall Review Summary:

Website Design & Usability: Clean, intuitive, and easy to navigate.
Information Clarity: Generally good, though some critical details are missing or outdated.
Trust Signals: Presence of “ABTA Bonding” is a strong positive.
Security: Claims “Secure Payments” but lacks explicit SSL/security badges on the homepage.
Currentness of Information: Features prominent 2019 offers, suggesting the content might not be fully up-to-date.
Customer Support: Mentions a team happy to help, but no immediate visible contact methods like phone or live chat on the homepage.
Ethical Considerations: Promotes “cool glass of sangria” in Spain holiday descriptions, which is a clear red flag for those adhering to Islamic principles, as alcohol consumption is forbidden. This immediately makes the platform problematic for a Muslim audience seeking ethical travel options.

While Campingselection.com offers a seemingly robust platform for booking holidays, the outdated promotional material and the explicit mention of alcohol are significant drawbacks.

0.0

0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)

Excellent0%

Very good0%

Average0%

Poor0%

Terrible0%

There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.

Amazon.com: Check Amazon for Campingselection.com Review
Latest Discussions & Reviews:

For those seeking travel options that align with ethical standards, particularly within an Islamic framework, these aspects warrant caution and suggest exploring alternatives.

Best Alternatives for Ethical Travel & Camping Gear:

Booking.com: A global leader in online travel accommodation. Offers a vast selection of hotels, apartments, villas, and even some camping/glamping options, with extensive filtering capabilities to find properties that align with personal values, often including self-catering options and family-friendly amenities. It does not explicitly promote impermissible activities.
Expedia: Another major online travel agency providing flights, hotels, car rentals, and package deals. While not exclusively focused on camping, its broad inventory allows users to find suitable accommodations and activities, giving more control over choices compared to specialized sites that might promote haram elements.
REI Recreational Equipment, Inc.: A well-respected American retail and outdoor recreation services corporation. While not a booking platform, REI is an excellent source for high-quality, durable camping and outdoor gear, focusing on the experience of nature itself rather than specific holiday packages that might include problematic elements. Their focus is on enabling outdoor adventures.
Cabela’s: Specializing in hunting, fishing, and outdoor gear. Cabela’s offers a wide array of camping equipment, from tents and sleeping bags to cooking gear, making it a solid choice for building a self-sufficient camping trip that can be tailored to individual ethical requirements.
Dick’s Sporting Goods: While primarily a sporting goods retailer, Dick’s often carries a substantial selection of camping and outdoor equipment suitable for family trips. Their focus is on physical activity and engagement with nature.
Amazon Outdoors & Camping: For sheer variety and convenience, Amazon offers an unparalleled selection of camping gear, from basic essentials to advanced equipment. Users can select products that meet their specific needs without any inherent endorsement of inappropriate activities.
Turo: A peer-to-peer car sharing marketplace where you can rent unique cars from local hosts. While not directly for accommodations, having the right vehicle, especially an SUV or van, can be crucial for a self-organized camping trip, allowing for more independent and ethically curated travel.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Table of Contents

Campingselection.com Review & First Look

When you land on Campingselection.com, the first impression is one of a bright, user-friendly interface designed to make holiday booking seem straightforward.

The site immediately highlights its specialization in “glamping, camping and apartment holidays” across Europe, aiming to capture the interest of various travelers.

The visual appeal is strong, with inviting images of scenic campsites and luxurious glamping accommodations.

Initial Impressions of the Homepage

The homepage is structured to guide visitors through different holiday types and destinations.

It features sections for “Most popular top 10,” “Early booking” discounts, and “Holiday inspiration,” alongside direct calls to action for booking. Kiligate.com Review

This layout is typical for online travel agencies, attempting to provide a quick overview of offerings and incentivize immediate engagement.

However, the prominent display of “2019” dates for recommended campsites immediately raises a red flag regarding the timeliness of the content.

Transparency and Trust Signals

Campingselection.com makes a point of highlighting certain trust signals, which is crucial for any online business, especially in travel where large sums are often involved. They explicitly state “SECURE PAYMENTS AND ABTA BONDING” and “MORE THAN 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE,” which are significant positives. ABTA bonding indicates financial protection for consumers, a vital assurance in the travel industry. The mention of “satisfied customers all over the UK and Ireland” also aims to build credibility. However, the lack of readily visible contact information like a phone number or direct email address on the homepage itself, beyond a general mention of a “team of staff happy to help,” can be a point of concern for users seeking immediate assistance or wanting to verify legitimacy beyond the stated claims.

Campingselection.com Features

Campingselection.com presents itself as a comprehensive booking platform for European camping and glamping holidays.

It offers a range of features designed to cater to diverse traveler needs, from families with young children to couples seeking a romantic getaway. Egresspro.com Review

Accommodation Variety

The website prides itself on a “Stunning choice of accommodation,” encompassing mobile homes, tents, lodge tents, lodge suites, and even unique options like the “Hybridlodge Clever” and “Airlodge.” This variety is a strong selling point, as it caters to different preferences and budget levels.

The descriptions emphasize comfort and convenience, highlighting features like private kitchens and bathrooms for glamping options, which aim to bridge the gap between traditional camping and resort-style holidays.

Destination Focus

Campingselection.com focuses heavily on European destinations, specifically mentioning “CAMPSITES IN 14 EUROPEAN COUNTRIES.” The site highlights popular regions like Lake Garda in Italy and the Costa Brava in Spain, complete with picturesque descriptions.

While this regional focus can be beneficial for those specifically looking for European holidays, it naturally limits the scope for users interested in other parts of the world.

The descriptive text, such as the one for Spain “If you love to chill out on a sunny terrace with a cool glass of sangria in your hand…”, is concerning as it overtly promotes alcohol consumption, which is strictly prohibited in Islam. Steppenstore.com Review

This single detail disqualifies the platform for a Muslim audience seeking ethical travel options, as it directly endorses an impermissible act.

Holiday Types by Audience

The site thoughtfully categorizes holidays by target audience: “Holidays with children,” “Holidays with teenagers,” and “Holidays for couples.” Each category outlines specific facilities and activities tailored to that group, such as children’s pools with slides, varied sports activities for teenagers, and Wellness & Spa areas for couples.

While this segmentation is user-friendly, the explicit mention of “discos, animation” in the teenager section and “cool glass of sangria” in the Spain description points to activities that are generally not aligned with Islamic principles, including entertainment with podcast and alcohol.

This further complicates the platform’s suitability for an ethically conscious Muslim traveler.

Campingselection.com Pros & Cons

A critical evaluation of Campingselection.com reveals a mixed bag. Rudba.com Review

While it offers some advantages for general travelers, there are significant drawbacks, particularly from an ethical standpoint.

Cons

Outdated Information: The most glaring issue is the prominent display of “2019” dates for several featured holiday packages. In the fast-moving travel industry, a website promoting offers from several years ago immediately suggests a lack of regular updates or, worse, an inactive business. This undermines trust and makes it difficult for users to rely on the pricing and availability shown.
Promotion of Impermissible Activities: The direct mention of “a cool glass of sangria” in the Spain holiday description is a significant ethical concern. For a Muslim audience, consuming alcohol is strictly forbidden. A travel platform that actively promotes such activities immediately becomes unsuitable. Similarly, the mention of “discos, animation” in descriptions for teenage holidays can imply environments with podcast and mixed-gender socializing that may not align with Islamic guidelines.
Limited Contact Information: While the website states that their team is happy to help, immediate and prominent contact details like a phone number, email, or live chat support are not readily available on the homepage. This can be frustrating for users who need quick answers or reassurance before booking.
Lack of Specific Security Badges: While “Secure Payments” is claimed, the absence of visible SSL certificates, trusted payment gateway logos, or other security badges on the homepage might make some users hesitant to proceed with financial transactions. Modern e-commerce sites typically display these prominently.
Focus on Specific Brands/Partners: The site heavily promotes “Selectcamp” as its premium brand, with claims of “Exclusive offers on 54 top campsites” and “Own couriers on site.” While this might indicate a strong partnership, it also suggests that the range of options might be more limited to their preferred partners rather than an exhaustive search across all available campsites.

Campingselection.com Alternatives

For those seeking ethically conscious travel, particularly within an Islamic framework, or simply looking for more reliable and up-to-date travel booking platforms, several alternatives offer broader choices and greater transparency.

General Travel Booking Platforms

Booking.com: A global giant in online accommodation booking, offering millions of listings from hotels to apartments, villas, and even unique stays. Users can filter by various criteria, including self-catering options and family-friendly amenities, allowing for more control over the ethical considerations of a trip. Its vast inventory means a higher chance of finding suitable, permissible accommodations.
Expedia: Similar to Booking.com, Expedia provides a comprehensive platform for flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages. While not specifically catering to ethical travel, its sheer volume of options means users can carefully select accommodations and activities that align with their values.
Airbnb: For a more localized and unique experience, Airbnb offers peer-to-peer lodging, allowing users to rent rooms, apartments, or entire homes. This often provides more privacy and self-catering facilities, which can be ideal for adhering to specific dietary or modesty requirements.

Outdoor & Camping Gear Retailers for self-organized trips

REI Recreational Equipment, Inc.: For those who prefer to organize their own camping trips, REI is an unparalleled resource for high-quality outdoor gear, including tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, and hiking essentials. Their focus is on enabling outdoor adventures and connecting people with nature, free from problematic activities often associated with packaged holidays.
Cabela’s: Another strong contender in the outdoor retail space, Cabela’s specializes in hunting, fishing, and camping gear. They offer a wide range of robust and reliable equipment for all types of outdoor excursions, empowering individuals to create their own ethical camping experiences.
Dick’s Sporting Goods: While a broader sporting goods retailer, Dick’s has a significant camping and outdoor section. They stock a good range of entry-level to mid-range camping equipment suitable for families and casual campers looking to enjoy nature responsibly.
Walmart: For budget-friendly camping essentials, Walmart offers a wide selection of tents, chairs, coolers, and basic cooking gear. It’s a convenient option for quickly acquiring necessary items for a simple camping trip.
Target: Similar to Walmart, Target provides accessible and affordable camping supplies, particularly suitable for family camping trips. Their focus is on general household and recreational goods, allowing for a neutral selection of gear.

Ethical Travel Planning Resources

While not direct booking platforms, these resources can help plan ethical travel:

Halal Trip: A dedicated platform for Muslim travelers, focusing on halal-friendly destinations, hotels, restaurants, and tours. This is an excellent resource for ensuring all aspects of a trip align with Islamic principles.
CrescentRating: Provides ratings for travel services based on their Muslim-friendliness. While not a booking site, it helps in identifying destinations and accommodations that cater to the needs of Muslim travelers, ensuring a more ethically compliant journey.

By exploring these alternatives, users can find travel solutions that are not only reliable and up-to-date but also align more closely with their ethical and religious values, avoiding platforms that promote or facilitate impermissible activities.

How to Check the Legitimacy of an Online Travel Agency

Before committing your hard-earned money and personal data, a thorough check is essential. Regalarhogar.com Review

Verifying Licensing and Accreditation

A primary indicator of legitimacy is proper licensing and accreditation.

For UK-based companies like Campingselection.com implies with its ABTA bonding, checking these credentials is vital.

ABTA Association of British Travel Agents: Look for the ABTA logo and verify the membership number directly on the ABTA website. This ensures financial protection and adherence to a code of conduct. According to ABTA, 2022 saw a 16% increase in calls about travel scams, emphasizing the need for verification ABTA Consumer Trends Report 2022.
ATOL Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing: If the package includes flights, ensure the company has an ATOL certificate. This scheme, managed by the UK Civil Aviation Authority CAA, protects consumers who have booked package holidays with flights.
IATA International Air Transport Association: While less common for camping-specific agencies, an IATA accreditation for flight bookings indicates adherence to international standards.

Examining Website Professionalism and Content Accuracy

A professional website is usually a good sign, but superficial looks can be deceiving.

Deeper inspection of content and functionality is necessary.

Up-to-Date Information: As observed with Campingselection.com, outdated offers e.g., “2019” deals are a significant red flag. Legitimate travel agencies constantly update their inventory and pricing.
Spelling and Grammar: Professional websites typically have impeccable grammar and spelling. Numerous errors can indicate a hastily put-together site, often a characteristic of less reputable operations.
Working Links: Check internal and external links. Broken links or links leading to irrelevant pages can suggest a poorly maintained or fraudulent site.
Transparent Policies: Clear and easily accessible terms and conditions, privacy policy, and cookie policy are non-negotiable. These documents outline your rights and the company’s obligations.

Reviewing Customer Feedback and Online Presence

The collective experience of other customers can provide invaluable insights into an OTA’s reliability. Essayswritingservice.net Review

Independent Review Platforms: Check reputable review sites like Trustpilot, Google Reviews, or Feefo. Look for a consistent pattern of positive reviews, but also be wary of an overwhelming number of generic, unverified five-star reviews, which could be fabricated. A healthy mix of feedback, including some constructive criticism and how the company responds, is more authentic.
Social Media Activity: A legitimate company typically has active and professionally managed social media profiles. Look for engagement with customers, recent posts, and a consistent brand message.
Scam Reporting Websites: Consult websites that aggregate information on online scams. A quick search for “Campingselection.com scam” or “Campingselection.com reviews” on these sites can reveal any red flags.

Security Measures and Contact Information

Finally, ensure the technical aspects of the website are secure and that you can easily reach the company.

SSL Certificate: Always check for “https://” in the URL and a padlock icon in the browser address bar. This indicates that your connection to the website is encrypted, protecting your personal and financial data.
Clear Contact Details: Legitimate businesses provide multiple ways to contact them: phone number, email address, physical address, and sometimes live chat. The absence of these, or only a generic contact form, is a cause for concern.
Payment Security: Ensure the payment gateway is secure and recognized. Legitimate sites use encrypted payment processors and do not ask for sensitive financial details via email.

By diligently applying these checks, you significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to scams and ensure a smoother, more secure holiday booking process.

The Ethical Landscape of Travel Booking

For a growing number of travelers, especially those adhering to specific ethical or religious principles, the “how” and “what” of their travel choices are just as important as the destination.

This includes ensuring that the booking platform itself aligns with their values and doesn’t promote activities deemed impermissible.

Halal Travel: A Growing Niche

The concept of “halal travel” has gained significant traction, catering to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. This goes beyond simply finding halal food options. Mainemadeandmore.com Review

It encompasses ensuring modesty, prayer facilities, alcohol-free environments, and avoiding activities that contradict Islamic teachings.

Accommodation: Halal-friendly hotels often offer female-only swimming pools, prayer mats in rooms, and halal-certified kitchens. Some even provide fully segregated facilities.
Activities: This means steering clear of gambling, nightclubs, concerts with explicit content, and environments where alcohol is overtly promoted or consumed. This is where platforms like Campingselection.com, with their mention of “sangria” and “discos,” fall short for a Muslim audience.
Financial Transactions: Ensuring that payment methods and financial products e.g., travel insurance, loans are interest-free riba-free is another crucial aspect for ethically conscious Muslim travelers.

According to a report by DinarStandard, the global Muslim travel market was valued at $189 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach $300 billion by 2026, underscoring the significant demand for halal-friendly travel options DinarStandard – State of the Global Islamic Economy Report.

The Problem with Implicit Endorsements

Many mainstream travel platforms do not explicitly cater to ethical travel.

While they might offer a wide range of options, they often implicitly endorse or even explicitly promote activities that might be objectionable to certain user groups.

Alcohol Promotion: As seen with Campingselection.com, the casual mention of alcoholic beverages as part of the holiday experience e.g., “cool glass of sangria” is a direct promotion of something forbidden in Islam. For a Muslim traveler, this signals that the platform’s offerings may not be compatible with their values, making the entire platform unsuitable.
Entertainment Content: Descriptions that mention “discos,” “animation,” or “nightlife” can imply environments with podcast, dancing, and mixed-gender interaction that might be considered immodest or otherwise inappropriate.
Gambling and Riba: While less common for camping sites, some resorts promoted by general booking platforms might include casinos or offer interest-based financial services, which are also forbidden.

The Importance of Due Diligence

Given these challenges, ethical travelers must exercise significant due diligence: Getthepetnanny.com Review

Read Descriptions Carefully: Don’t just look at the pictures. Read the full descriptions of accommodations and activities to identify any problematic elements.
Filter and Inquire: Utilize filtering options on larger platforms to narrow down choices e.g., self-catering, family-friendly. If unsure, contact the accommodation directly to ask specific questions about their policies and offerings.
Seek Specialized Platforms: For those prioritizing ethical travel, exploring dedicated halal travel websites and agencies is often the most straightforward path to finding suitable options. These platforms are built from the ground up with these considerations in mind.

Ultimately, while the travel industry is vast, finding travel options that align with deep-seated ethical and religious values requires active research and a discerning eye.

Platforms that promote impermissible activities, even subtly, cannot be recommended for those who prioritize their faith in their travel choices.

FAQ

What is Campingselection.com?

Campingselection.com is an online travel agency that specializes in booking camping, glamping, and apartment holidays primarily in Europe, particularly in countries like France, Spain, and Italy.

Is Campingselection.com a legitimate website?

Based on the information provided on its homepage, Campingselection.com claims to have “SECURE PAYMENTS AND ABTA BONDING” and “MORE THAN 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE,” which are strong indicators of legitimacy.

However, the presence of outdated information e.g., 2019 offers on the homepage can raise concerns about its current operational status. Masterpiecerad.com Review

Does Campingselection.com offer secure payments?

Yes, the website explicitly states that it offers “SECURE PAYMENTS.” However, for full assurance, users should always look for SSL encryption HTTPS in the URL and a padlock icon in their browser when making transactions.

What kind of holidays does Campingselection.com offer?

Campingselection.com offers various holiday types, including traditional camping, luxurious glamping accommodations like LodgeTents and Mobile Homes, and holiday park apartments across several European countries.

Are there any ethical concerns with Campingselection.com?

Yes, a significant ethical concern for Muslim travelers is the explicit mention of “a cool glass of sangria” in the description for Spain holidays.

Alcohol consumption is forbidden in Islam, making this promotion problematic for an ethically conscious Muslim audience.

Does Campingselection.com cater to families?

Yes, Campingselection.com highlights specific holiday types for “Holidays with children” and “Holidays with teenagers,” detailing facilities like children’s pools, playgrounds, and sports activities. Sociallux.com Review

Are there options for couples on Campingselection.com?

Yes, the website offers “Holidays for couples” with destinations featuring Wellness & Spa areas, glamping accommodations, and proximity to cultural sites.

What is “glamping” according to Campingselection.com?

Campingselection.com defines glamping as “Sleeping outdoors but with the convenience of everything you need from home,” combining “glamorous” and “camping,” offering luxurious and spacious tents with private kitchens and bathrooms.

What is Selectcamp mentioned on Campingselection.com?

Selectcamp is presented as Campingselection.com’s “premium brand,” offering exclusive deals on 54 top campsites with luxury accommodations, daily arrivals, and “own couriers on site.”

Does Campingselection.com have customer reviews on its site?

The homepage mentions “SATISFIED CUSTOMERS ALL OVER THE UK AND IRELAND” but does not display specific customer testimonials or review ratings directly on the page.

Is the pricing on Campingselection.com up-to-date?

The presence of “2019” dates for several featured campsite offers on the homepage suggests that not all pricing or availability information may be current. Benjaminbaileyfoundation.org Review

It’s crucial to verify dates and prices during the booking process.

How can I contact Campingselection.com?

While the website mentions a “team of staff will be happy to help,” specific contact details like a phone number or direct email address are not prominently displayed on the homepage.

Users would likely need to navigate further into the site to find this information.

What are some alternatives to Campingselection.com for ethical travel?

For ethical travel, alternatives include large platforms like Booking.com or Expedia where you can filter options, or specialized platforms like Halal Trip and CrescentRating for Muslim-friendly options.

Where can I buy ethical camping gear if I prefer a self-organized trip?

For camping gear, reputable retailers like REI, Cabela’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Walmart, or Amazon Outdoors & Camping offer a wide range of products suitable for self-organized, ethical camping trips.

Amisyfoodmachine.com Review

Does Campingselection.com offer discounts or early booking incentives?

Yes, the homepage prominently features sections like “Early booking” and “40% Early Booking Discount,” though some of these offers are dated “2019.”

What types of mobile homes does Campingselection.com offer?

Campingselection.com offers various mobile home types, including “Mobile home Privilège 3 bedroom,” “Mobile Home Cosy 2 bedrooms,” and “Mobile Home Classic 3 bedrooms,” along with other unique options like the “Hybridlodge Clever.”

Does Campingselection.com provide information on local attractions or activities?

The website provides descriptive text for destinations like Spain “gorgeous coast, cultural cities and delicious food” and Italy’s Lake Garda, suggesting proximity to attractions, but doesn’t offer a detailed guide to local activities beyond campsite amenities.

How does Campingselection.com ensure customer satisfaction?

The website states, “We help you with passion and we do it by using our personal touch and hard work to ensure its a breeze from the time you book till the time you return home,” emphasizing their commitment to customer service and satisfaction. Gigm.com Review

Does Campingselection.com use cookies?

Yes, the website displays a cookie consent banner, stating, “We use cookies for analysis, the proper functioning and making the website more personal and outside relevant advertisements.” Users are given options to refuse or specify cookies.

Is Campingselection.com suitable for travelers seeking alcohol-free environments?

No, due to the explicit promotion of alcohol e.g., “cool glass of sangria” in its destination descriptions, Campingselection.com is not suitable for travelers specifically seeking alcohol-free environments or adhering to Islamic principles.