Mindful travel in Italy: Embracing authentic experiences in a campervan

Travelling in a camper van or a motorhome can be both a beautiful and mindful way to travel around Italy. Waking up in an incredible location, meeting other travellers at a campsite, getting off the beaten path are all benefits of this kind of travel. So what exactly does mindful travel mean?

The importance is around having an awareness of our effect on travelling to a place and being conscious of things that may not have been a priority before.  But it is also the act of being present for the experience in a new place, and finding pleasure in simple things. We dive a bit deeper into how road travel can go hand in hand with mindful travel.

Road travel leads you to support local communities

Camping overnight in a family-owned campground like Pian di Picche is not only an incredible Italian experience but feels good when spending money in a place that matters. Pian di Picche’s story began when grandparents Pietro and Caterina bought a beautiful vegetable garden and vineyard in 1948 and has remained in the family ever since. The campsite opened its doors in the tiny town of Levanto, to welcome guests to share in this beautiful part of Cinque Terre where their children and grandchildren work hard to welcome guests from all over the world. On arrival, they “welcome you home” always striving to offer superior hospitality to every single visitor.

Leaving the campervan in the campground, put your feet up and enjoy a leisurely train journey into the 5 towns of Cinque Terre, walk the sights and grab a cappuccino and focaccia in the sun.

Taking the slow lane

We’re on holiday after all right? So why not take it slow, take a longer vacation and feel good about it at the same time! Taking it slow can actually be more environmentally friendly than a quick week in the sun. Spending longer parked up in nature allows for all sorts of unexpected adventure allowing the surrounding scenery or your feeling to decide the next movements and decisions of landscape and location.

Leaving only with memories

This fabulous saying is the golden rule. Leaving with no trace becomes a bigger importance when spending so much time outside.

Eating organically in the mountains

The Dolomites is known for its breathtaking landscapes and jagged peaks, and could arguably be the most stunning mountains in the world. Another excellent way to enjoy the Dolomites is by sampling the menus on offer at one of the Rifugios located in the region. Rifugios (mountain huts) offer travellers gourmet dishes that utilises the traditional ingredients sourced locally from the region. This is often paired with a local wine providing a memorable and organic experience and can be a great stop if attempting any of the incredible hikes in the area.

Water is valuable

The luxury of turning on a tap and having fresh running water becomes more precious than ever! Not having direct access to a never-ending flow of water in a campervan allows us to be more aware of water consumption.

Cultural Heritage

Learn about the World heritage sites like Siena, a remarkable medieval city that has preserved its gothic appearance since the 12th century, or the historic centre of Florence and its astonishing architecture. Walking tours are an amazing way to learn about the local history and culture as each part of Italy is so different.

Tasting the local wine 

It is almost impossible to take a trip to Tuscany without tasting its fabulous Sangiovese wine. On a road trip through Northern Italy, it would be a crime not to drop in on the Tuscan hills. One of the best ways to enjoy Tuscany is by taking a tour around some of the vineyards and learn about the science behind making a good wine. At Roccapesta, they share how they value making wine in a natural and sustainable way. Alberto, the owner, runs the winery tours himself and gives a full run down of the history of this vineyard, the care for quality behind it’s cellar doors, a wonderful introduction to Italian wine under the Tuscan sun.

A more mindful consumer

Travelling in a camper van or RV can be one of the most rewarding ways to experience a Country. It can allow travel at a slower pace and see parts of a Country that may not have initially been part of a travel plan. Naturally this type of travel will have more limited space, it doesn’t allow for over consumption and forces conscious buying without realising. If buying less things including food, it means we’re most likely producing less waste too.

Solar power

 Soaking up the sun and utilising this free energy is the best way to power everything in a camper van and run lights, laptops, smartphones, fans, and fridges. It works perfectly in a place like sunny Italy.

Other practical suggestions include making the most of the unique Italian water fountains supplying free (and delicious!) water to refill bottles. Some of them are elegantly decorated and some are just a simple spout, either one eliminating the need for plastic bottles.

Get to places a little earlier than the crowds, try visiting early in the morning or a little later in the day and avoid the peak times (and traffic).

Check out some of the trails that are a little more off the beaten track, particularly around Cinque Terre and the Dolomites there are many superb tracks without the crowds.