I first logged onto this forum in 2010. Over the years I have had some amazing recommendations, made a few myself.
Initially in France, then Italy ???? which we love.
In March 2025 Bob (hubby) had a heart attack, and whilst he recovered after surgery and an extended spell in ICU, it has taken its toll. Driving through to Italy via the Alsace was beautiful but tiring. In fact we rented a bungalow on the campsite instead of camping.
This year we're flying, renting a car and renting a beautiful 15century farm house nr Pienza.
So I believe our camping days are behind us.
Camping in the UK is just not an option, I prefer to go further afield.
Arrived excited, ciao
Catharine
(BobCat)
------------- CAT
Favourite site:
Camping Nanzel, Limone, Lake
Garda..perfect for MTB, Kayak, SUP and fell running training.
Favourite areas: Provence, French Alps, Savigny (as a stop over for Southern France: Rhein valley as a stop over for Italy. 78
I decided to get my van in 2020 as soon as I could tap into my pensions and when I still have my marbles and physically fit to enjoy camping in the van.
Shortly after I placed my order for the van, I went to see the film Nomadland and it struck a cord for certain and made me realised I had made the right decision.
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
We've never done a fly drive holiday.
First time Airbnb too.
We prefer rural locations to bustling coastal resorts, so camping has always been ideal.
The idea of a hotel with a pool or a cruise vacation is just not on our radar.
So here's hoping it suits our needs.
The airport could be an ordeal but its only a few hours.
------------- CAT
Favourite site:
Camping Nanzel, Limone, Lake
Garda..perfect for MTB, Kayak, SUP and fell running training.
Favourite areas: Provence, French Alps, Savigny (as a stop over for Southern France: Rhein valley as a stop over for Italy. 78
The house we're renting is a former farmhouse...its very close to Strada Terrapille...you can see it from the garden ( Gladiator).
Pieve Corsignano is 3minutes away...this is one of the stops on the pilgrimage from Canterbury to Rome.
4k from Pienza.....fabulous
------------- CAT
Favourite site:
Camping Nanzel, Limone, Lake
Garda..perfect for MTB, Kayak, SUP and fell running training.
Favourite areas: Provence, French Alps, Savigny (as a stop over for Southern France: Rhein valley as a stop over for Italy. 78
I find airports very stressful, but I've been on the Eurostar a couple of times and that is better. Most recently we went to Switzerland on a rail holiday, that was good.
One of my friends did a Swiss rail trip... I believe they did St Pancras to Paris etc. No flights involved.
It's all that queuing and being packed liked sardines on a plane.
I loved the culture of an overnight ferry; the club class cabin and dining on-board.
Airbnb looks idyllic, living in someone's home for 2 weeks and being able to food shop and cook.
The privacy and choice sounds perfect ??
------------- CAT
Favourite site:
Camping Nanzel, Limone, Lake
Garda..perfect for MTB, Kayak, SUP and fell running training.
Favourite areas: Provence, French Alps, Savigny (as a stop over for Southern France: Rhein valley as a stop over for Italy. 78
Sounds like a similar rail trip.
The Eurostar is a bit in between, but as you only get to check in for the next couple of departures, there's a limited number of folk in the immediate waiting area, the rest wait outside in the main concourse, so you can move around freely, go outside etc.
My friends husband cannot fly so Eurostar suits them perfectly.
More often than not my friend goes on short trips with friends. Hubby has a large acreage of land in Swaledale, with sheep to tend.
Crazy really people flock to their patch of 'Eden' and they exit when lambing and shearing duties allow.
------------- CAT
Favourite site:
Camping Nanzel, Limone, Lake
Garda..perfect for MTB, Kayak, SUP and fell running training.
Favourite areas: Provence, French Alps, Savigny (as a stop over for Southern France: Rhein valley as a stop over for Italy. 78
Well as we drove passed Caravaggio Airport after the end of an 11hr drive, we saw a Jet2 flight coming in to land.
We spend 4 days in total in the car.
The flight takes 2.5hrs.
The main factor was my husbands health...he looked grey.
Then on the way round the lake (Garda) we encountered a 3bike 2 car pile up ( 2 fatalities)....It shook us up
------------- CAT
Favourite site:
Camping Nanzel, Limone, Lake
Garda..perfect for MTB, Kayak, SUP and fell running training.
Favourite areas: Provence, French Alps, Savigny (as a stop over for Southern France: Rhein valley as a stop over for Italy. 78
Big decision, but the right one. Enjoy the next adventure: life is for living!
This isn’t a rehearsal, so you’ve given many of us a kick up the —- to get up & away, however we do it.
We've been married 35yrs and have always gone camping.
It's a huge change.
------------- CAT
Favourite site:
Camping Nanzel, Limone, Lake
Garda..perfect for MTB, Kayak, SUP and fell running training.
Favourite areas: Provence, French Alps, Savigny (as a stop over for Southern France: Rhein valley as a stop over for Italy. 78
My days of being able to drive long distance on my own are limited.
I restrict myself to 3-4h's driving per day at the most; together with pit stops once every 1.5h or so, it is long enough for me.
Not looking forward to Monday's site move from Germany to France that involves a 5h's drive without pit stops, and I have planned to leave as early as I can for a leisurely drive.
The site in France is the last one for this near 3-week trip, and I was there for an overnight stop after crossing the Channel. They can wait for me until 22:00; hopefully I shall get there sooner!
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
If its one thing I'll miss its the drive from from the approach to the St Gotthard tunnel, then the heavenly scenery alongside Lucerne heading towards Como.
We head off in a few weeks
------------- CAT
Favourite site:
Camping Nanzel, Limone, Lake
Garda..perfect for MTB, Kayak, SUP and fell running training.
Favourite areas: Provence, French Alps, Savigny (as a stop over for Southern France: Rhein valley as a stop over for Italy. 78
I'm sure that you will soon be used to the change in style. When we were still working, we regularly used to do Fly/Drive and rent - usually over Easter and May half term. I think choosing the right area is key in relation to short trips to visit places and availability of food shopping nearby.
We stopped fly/drives when we retired and concentrated more on longer trips - mainly to France and Italy. Now we are approaching a time when once again the fly/drive is starting to look like a good option.
Good luck!
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Arrivederci
via mobile 19/6/2026 at 11:19am
