ASCI cards and their maps

jennyc
jennyc Forum Participant Posts: 957
500 Comments
edited April 2023 in Overseas Campsites & Touring #1

We’ve taken delivery of an ASCI card, courtesy of the CaMC. The card is accompanied by a map book printed on the next thinnest thing to rice paper. The scale is such that in many cases, campsites, identified by number obliterate town names, making planning difficult to say the least. But help is within sight if we download the ASCI App, because views can be expended with the usual gestures.

To my mind the paper version is close to unusable. The App completely changes that limitation. It’s a cheap upgrade, worth ever €.

Comments

  • SteveL
    SteveL Club Member Posts: 12,299 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2023 #2

    There is also the web site at no charge, but yes the App is well worth it as it can also be used offline. Apart from taking the card off, I don’t really use the paper book or map at all.

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,857 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2023 #3

    From my experience the map books have always been like that, even pre App. They used to do an annual CD version which was useful if you carried a laptop with you which so many people now don't. The last version of the CD was 2016 and it was excellent at pinpointing sites but alas no longer! Perhaps the App is very similar?

    David

  • jennyc
    jennyc Forum Participant Posts: 957
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    edited April 2023 #4

    Thanks to you both. Yes we do take a laptop with us, but mostly use iPads so the App hasn’t been loaded onto the laptop. Like many these days, there’s no CD drive, the demand being for smaller and lighter. Technology can be a real boon so long as we remain lucid enough to fix problems. I very much like the Michelin route planner with its outfit profiling and cost estimates. The App is a pleasure to use.

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited April 2023 #5
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  • Tammygirl
    Tammygirl Club Member Posts: 7,957 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2023 #6

    I don't have an issue with the map book or the guides, I find them perfectly readable and informative. Maybe you have a bad copy.

    I would't be without the books or using the online version very useful, OH has the app on his phone but I prefer to use the laptop. I log into all the Acsi inspected sites not just the ones in the discount scheme as it shows up many other sites like municipal ones.

    I still have the last CD that they produced it was/is very useful.I bought the clubs overseas guides but find them rubbish compared to the Acsi guides.

    Edit: my go to when abroad is the searchforsites app. everything you need is on there with up to date reviews.

  • Lutz
    Lutz Forum Participant Posts: 1,564 ✭✭✭✭
    edited April 2023 #7

    The only snag with the app is that it’s only for Android or IOS based operating systems. If you have a laptop with Microsoft Windows you will need an emulator to get the app to work. That’s no big deal really, but it does take a little while for the emulator to load first. There used to be a Windows version, but they don’t seem to offer it anymore.

  • jennyc
    jennyc Forum Participant Posts: 957
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    edited April 2023 #8

    Having been caravanning for over 40 years I recognise the extent to which the club has lost contact with its members. From our perspective their USP is CLs. The rest is more of a paper shell than an organisation focussed on member support. 

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,828 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2023 #9

    Buy the ACSI book, remove the discount card and save it.  Put the book and map straight into the recycling bin.
    Ignore ACSI lists and apps. Choose whatever sites you wish from all the other sources available.
    Show the cardboard card on arrival at a site and ask if there is a discount.
    About  50% yes and 50% no on most of our tours.,

  • jennyc
    jennyc Forum Participant Posts: 957
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    edited April 2023 #10

    Yes;

    Map book unusable in some areas

    Books OK but less function than the App, so why bother?

    Downloaded offline maps - as it should be. Best supplemented by online site details.

    Just turning up. Depends on your attitude to chance if towing.

     

  • allanandjean
    allanandjean Forum Participant Posts: 2,401
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    edited April 2023 #11

    Just turning up. Depends on your attitude to chance if towing.

    Hi, Would presume if “just turning up” is not acceptable then an ACSI Card is not going to be much of an advantage?

  • SteveL
    SteveL Club Member Posts: 12,299 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2023 #12

    Not that we ever bother booking, but don’t you get the discount rate if you do? The book now button on each site on the App would tend to suggest you do.

  • jennyc
    jennyc Forum Participant Posts: 957
    500 Comments
    edited April 2023 #13

    I’ve not had problems historically with ringing from an hour away. It saves pulling in, turning the caravan around if they’re full, looking for a different, alternative site etc. Knowing where we’re headed helps the sat nav too.

    The downside of booking ahead is if, on arrival, we don’t like the site.

    I Imagine that motor-homers are happier to drive somewhere and take pot luck.

    Best compromise usually works.

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