Camp on a Raft in The Netherlands

One of the largest expenses while traveling through a foreign land is the cost of the hotel. For heavily trafficked countries in Western Europe, like The Netherlands and Belgium, this price can be even higher. Luckily, there is an alternative to the traditional sleeping accommodations — raft camping. The Dutch-operated camping company Camping Raft offers the chance to experience nature while saving a little money.
For just $133 for two nights, guests can sleep on a floating raft in the middle of a river. Each 129-square-foot raft comes complete with camp lights, garbage bins, portable stoves and chairs, as well as an enormous tent able to fit about four guests. These “tents” are really closer to triangular-shaped lean-tos, as they are constructed from wood and have an open face on the front. The raft also comes with a canoe for exploring the river and nearby nature. The only thing visitors need to bring is a pillow and a sleeping bag or blanket.

Not only are these rafts much cheaper than a hotel, they are also less claustrophobic and more docile than a busy youth hostel. Some Camping Raft branches are located in De Cleypoel, Marnemoende, De Heen and even in the Belgian De Wissen.