Western Europe Outdoor Recreation

Leave No Trace. Let’s Go encourages travelers to embrace the “Leave No Trace” ethic, minimizing their impact on natural environments. Trekkers should set up camp on durable surfaces, use cookstoves instead of campfires, bury human waste away from water supplies, bag trash and carry it out with them, and respect wildlife and natural objects. For more detailed information, contact the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, P.O. Box 997, Boulder, CO 80306 (☎800-332-4100 or 303-442-8222; www.lnt.org).

Camping can be a great way to see Europe on the cheap. There are organized campgrounds outside most cities. Showers, bathrooms, and a small restaurant or store are common; some sites have more elaborate facilities. Prices are low, usually US$5-15 per person plus additional charges for tents and cars. While camping is a cheaper option than hosteling, the cost of transportation to and from campgrounds can add up. Some public grounds allow free camping, but check local laws. Many areas have additional park-specific rules. The Great Outdoor Recreation Pages (www.gorp.com) provides excellent general info.

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