THE CALL OF THE WILD

Let's go back to nature! This is the motto of the modern urbanite in 2021, when the time for planning the summer vacation arrives. People who feel unconvinced in the safety of hotels and big resorts have now fixed their eyes on an alternative way of holidaying: camping.

In a tent or with a camper van, travelling or staying for weeks at one place, people who choose this type of vacation end up gaining more than initially expected. When you camp by the beach or on a nice mountain meadow, the border between you and nature grows thinner. In the morning the sun, the birdsongs, the waves' murmur awake you. In the evening you enjoy the starry skies and the crackle of the lit fire. The inevitable inconveniences only make the experience more memorable.

When camping, you feel that digital detox is not impossible. That you do not need so many items, or people for that matter, in your life. That both you and your children can make friends with total strangers. That you do not need to plan your day around arbitrary rules such as breakfast hours and the swimming pool opening and closing time. That you relax.

Happily, people's growing desire to vacation in such a manner in 2021 coincided with the trend for the increasement of camping options in Bulgaria. For some years now the network of campsites in the country has been growing, and the infrastructure has been improving.

About 90 campsites are now operational in the country, and areas for bivouacking and wild camping can be found in the Stara Planina, the Strandzha, the Rhodope, the Pirin and the Rila mountains. The idea to hit the road, like in an American movie, and to sleep wherever you want to is definitely attractive – particularly when the Black Sea coast is your target destination. However, you need to be aware that putting tents, caravans and camper vans on beaches in Bulgaria is forbidden by the law. If you want to enjoy the sea's proximity and the sand all around you, you need to stay in one of the official campsites that exist on the Black Sea coast.

Some fans of camping do not mind breaking from all comforts of civilisation for some days. Glamping is for people who are not that radical. The camping's luxury alternative – which is all about designer's tents and bungalows, and having an exclusive ambience – has arrived in Bulgaria as well.

Specialised companies already offer everything you need for a tranquil and comfortable camping vacation – from camper vans to tents and sleeping bags, grills, lightning, coolers and much, much more.

The luxury camper van is hands down the most comfortable way to enjoy your vacation. You do not even need to own one to do this. Dimar­Rent (Sofia, Kostenets St, phone: 0899 929 968, dimarrent.com) rents excellent, well maintained high-end camper vans. The company owns Siena 440 and Siena 435 models by the prestigious Italian brand GIOTTILINE in which each detail has been crafted to perfection and provides a maximum comfort of habitation. DimarRent camper vans are light enough so that you can drive them without special license category and are spacious enough for 6-7 people. The provided Green Card insurance allows you to hit the road with your rented camper van all over Europe. The option to rent camping equipment for its part frees you from worrying where to source a gas grill or chaise longues. In short, with DimarRent your camper van vacation is as close to perfection as possible.

From the Rhodope to the Strandzha and the Stara Planina mountain range – mountain campsites are an excellent alternative to the Black Sea coast. There, fresh air and tranquility rule, sublime landscapes are all around and opportunities for outdoor activities and discovery tourism are plenty.

You might be an experienced camper or a complete amateur trying this type of vacation for the first time, but by all means you will fall in love with Campsite Kapinovski Monastery (phone: +359 884 48 54 54, www.kapinovski.bg). Located in one of the most charming spots in the Stara Planina mountain's northern reaches, 20 kms from Veliko Tarnovo, it combines charming nature, intriguing historical heritage and excellent conditions for accommodation, fun, outdoor activities. At Campsite Kapinovski Monastery you can stay not only in a campervan, but also in a unique tree tent, a lodge or a triple deluxe room. Days fly seamlessly when spent by the excellent pools, on the endless meadows around and on the bank of the mountain river. When you want to do something different, you can walk the eco trail, fish, bike or visit the picturesque Kapinovski Monastery. Whatever you choose you should be assured that your vacation will be tranquil and will boost your energy and health – all that we need in 2021.