SHERIDAN, WYOMING – December 27, 2025 – In just a few weeks, Stuttgart will shift into full travel-and-caravaning mode as CMT 2026 returns with new vehicles, smart accessories, and hands-on inspiration for anyone who wants to camp more comfortably.
A Travel Fair That’s Also a Caravaning Trend Radar
From January 17 to 25, 2026, CMT in Stuttgart will once again combine classic travel dreaming with something much more practical: real solutions for life on the road. Alongside destinations “near and far,” the fair spotlights caravaning innovations, offers, and upgrades—especially for people who want their setup to feel simpler, smarter, and more personal.
The organizers say more than 120 new products and world premieres will be waiting to be discovered. That’s a big number, but what it really signals is momentum: caravaning isn’t just growing, it’s diversifying. Whether you’re a weekend escape person or someone planning longer trips, the fair is positioned as a place to compare ideas before you spend serious money.
Getting Started Without Going Broke
One of the clearest themes in the source is affordability. Many manufacturers are leaning into slimmer, more flexible portfolios and cheaper entry-level models—an encouraging sign if you love the caravaning lifestyle but don’t want a “luxury-only” price tag.
Here are some of the budget angles mentioned:
- Bürstner’s Papillion campervan (based on the Fiat Ducato) is offered from 40,000 euros in its simplest ready-to-drive version.
- The Drive Kids 600 by Clever is positioned as a family-friendly entry model under 50,000 euros, including four fixed sleeping spaces as bunk beds in the rear.
- Hobby and Fendt are named as options where entry-level caravans can be found under 20,000 euros.
"There is still a large range of high-priced vehicles. But the countertrend toward cheaper entry-level models is also noticeable among many exhibiting companies," confirms Alexander Ege, Director of Trade Fairs & Events at Messe Stuttgart.
It’s a meaningful shift because it keeps the dream reachable. For many people, the first step into caravaning is the hardest—once you have a workable setup, you can upgrade over time.
The Rise of Personalization and DIY Pride
Caravaning has always had a “make it yours” spirit, but the source suggests the trend is accelerating. More fans are choosing customized solutions or optimizing their vehicles, and smaller manufacturers are meeting that demand with smart conversions and modular ideas.
Kompanja from Brühl, for example, builds conversions using the new Renault Traffic and the Citroën Jumper as base models, with features included in the starting price such as front airbags, rear parking assistance, and a sound-and-climate package. For people who want a more hands-on approach, Kuckoo Camper brings its newest mini caravan, the Max, with three variants: a DIY build version, an option with a pop-up roof for up to four people, or a roof-rack system designed to carry bikes, surfboards, or extra gear.
The lifestyle takeaway is simple: caravaning is becoming less about buying “a finished identity,” and more about building a travel rhythm that fits your real habits.
Tech, Accessories, and the Fun Side of Upgrading
The Technik- & Zubehör area in Hall 10 is described as packed with tools and solutions to “pimp” your vehicle—everything from roof and awning tents to camping and outdoor gear, plus clever tech for more independence. If you’ve ever been annoyed by battery anxiety, messy storage, or awkward routines, this is the part of the fair that can make you feel like there’s a better way.
The source highlights Next Level Systems for high-performance solar modules that are said to be easy to install, and LooBuddy from Austria for a self-sufficient trash-bag cassette described as a patented world novelty, designed to make disposal “easy and chemical-free” in regular waste. There’s also a newly designed “Treffpunkt Wohnzimmer” with cooking shows, talks, and the chance to see familiar German TV faces—because caravaning culture is also about community, not just gear.
Editorial Extra: 3 Ways This Matters if You’re Planning 2026 Trips
- You can enter caravaning more realistically: cheaper starter models and entry caravans suggest the market is finally meeting everyday budgets more often.
- Customization is becoming mainstream: more solutions for DIY builds and flexible layouts means you can optimize for your own routines, not someone else’s.
- Accessories are turning into comfort upgrades: energy independence, smarter storage, and practical tools can make short trips feel calmer and longer trips feel possible.
Selbstausbau: A Highlight for Tinkerers and First-Timers
From January 22 to 25, 2026, the Selbstausbau daughter fair runs within CMT in the C1 area of Messe Stuttgart, focusing on materials, expert advice, and practical starter tips for building or improving your own setup. The source mentions Cargo Clips and its “1-clip system” with 1,000 design possibilities, plus Famous-water.com with solutions around water treatment.
One last planning note: the text mentions early-bird tickets were available only until December 24, 2025, so that deadline has already passed. But if your 2026 goal is “more freedom, less routine,” this fair still reads like a solid place to get inspired—and to leave with ideas you can actually use.
Learn more at https://www.messe-stuttgart.de/cmt/.