Travel Trend Luxury Camping

Being independent and simply taking your own four walls to wherever you please – caravaning, camping and glamping are totally en vogue. Especially since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, this form of travel has gained even more steam. It's no wonder that the term "van life" has now entered the normal vernacular of travel influencers and travel enthusiasts.

Ariane Finzel, Managing Director of the German Caravaning Trade Association (DCHV) even spoke of a "turn of the times" in the travel industry at the "Caravan - Motor - Touristik" (CMT for short) trade fair, which took place in Stuttgart at the beginning of January 2023. "Camping is as sexy as never before," she explained regarding the almost unbelievable order situation. In the Corona years, she said, more than 250,000 caravans were registered, and the trend is upward. We show the most beautiful and practical novelties presented at CMT 2023.

The best new caravans

Van life on two floors

 The Venture S offers an innovative space concept © HYMER GmbH & Co. KG

Van life has never been so modern and refined. The HYMER Venture S sets new standards when it comes to an attractive space concept. In the smallest space and on two floors, the motorhome combines technical highlights with luxurious design for two people. While the kitchen, bathroom and seating area are located on the lower level, the double bed in the retractable roof is reached via a built-in staircase. A first-class lighting system makes driving fun with the off-roader perfect.

The HYMER Venture S
Special feature: three 115W solar panels
Web: hymer.com
Price: upon request

The off-roader from HYMER inspires with its sleek design © HYMER GmbH & Co. KG

Electric models

The new ID. Buzz from Volkswagen is a real retro gem © Shutterstock

The whole world is talking about climate change and the electrification of vehicles, so why should campers be behind? Brand new trend: e-campers or e-cars turned into campers.

One example is the all-electric ID. Buzz from Volkswagen, which scores points with its visionary design and spaciousness. The minibus combines sustainability and driving pleasure, and its retro look is reminiscent of the brand's very first Bulli. Combined with a roof tent or pop-up roof (available from Alpine Camper, for example), you're guaranteed a perfect short trip.

The all-electric VW ID. Buzz
CO² emissions: 0 g/km
Web: vw-utility-vehicles.com
Price: from €70,863

The new Ford E-Transit comes in 3 sizes © Ford

If you're looking to build your own camper, take a look at the new Ford E-Transit, the brand's first panel van that goes all electric without sacrificing sturdiness and performance. The Ford E-Transit will be available in three heights and three lengths. With the help of three driving modes, the driving style can also be adapted to external influences and the environment. 

The all-electric Ford E-Transit
CO² emissions: 0 g/km
Web: ford.at
Price: from €73,500

Family driving fun

The interior of the Maxia 595 KML can be individually and easily converted. © Hobby Caravan

Flexibility is the be-all and end-all of camping, which is why motorhomes of the future leave nothing to be desired – even when it comes to family planning. The Maxia 595 KML from Hobby, for example, impresses with a clever interior design that can be individually adapted and expanded depending on occupancy. Bunk beds with a plug-in system and insertable modules quickly turn a two-person vehicle into a bus for the whole family. 

The Maxia 595 KML
Special features: changeable interior design with plug-in modules
Sleeps: 3 adults, 2 children
Web: hobby-caravan.com
Price: from €38,590

The new Credo from Concorde © Concorde

Liners are probably the largest variant for vacations on wheels. Concorde has something new in store for all those for who are looking for a more compact vehicle. The Concorde Credo is a mini-liner in motorhome size, which is characterized by special luxury. Ergonomically shaped seats, large window fronts, a practical kitchen and living room design make the Credo a real highlight. 

The Concorde Credo
Special features: liner feel and lots of luxury
Sleeps: 2 adults, expandable
Web: concorde.eu
Price: from €152,900

Camper rental

Since "van life" has become a popular trend, more and more camper rentals are sprouting from the ground. The company Ahorn-Camp has also made this line of business its main focus, in addition to the sale of motorhomes. At Ahorn Rent, customers can select between campers or practically developed camper vans by Renault, which they can pick up at one of over 60 travel mobile renting stations in Germany and Austria. Whether a short trip of a few days or a longer trip of several weeks – Ahorn Rent has the right offer for every need. 

Ahorn Rent camper rental
Special features: choice between motorhomes or camper vans
Sleeps: from 2 adults
Web: ahorn-rent.de 
Price: upon request

More travel trends at CMT 2023

Whenever the "Caravan - Motor - Touristik" (CMT for short) trade fair opens its doors in Stuttgart, the travel industry gathers with a mighty wanderlust in tow for a look at the travel trends of the future. After a forced break of two years due to the Corona pandemic, the international trade fair for the general public is being relaunched at the beginning of 2023 (from January 14-22) with fresh ideas, concepts and a lot of catching up to do. 

CMT 2023 at a glance
When: January 14 - 22, 2023, from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. each day.
Where: Messe Stuttgart, Germany
What: more than 1,600 exhibitors, 1,500 journalists 
Frequency: annual
Admission: from €9
Web: messe-stuttgart.de/cmt