Trip into Italy

Pudsey Bear

Pudsey Bear

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Liz asked if we might go to Italy next year, I'm even more worried about that than going to France in 2024, although it felt quite natural this year, still, I have zero Italian, so not sure how we'll get by trying to communicate so looking for tips, not so much where to go, but how to make it less stressful, such as a decent English to Italian trasnlation apps.

Not too sure about routes, but the blue one looks interesting.

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Oooooh! This could be interesting Kev as its likely we will head that way first. A meet up in the Italian Alps!!! :D

Nothing to worry about in Italy. The roads in northern Italy are not quite as good as the French ones but western Europe is just one big motorhome playground. I already started a thread on mine which I assume you have seen. The Italian lakes are a bit tricky for wilding but plenty of stops in the mountains. No doubt you will find them anyway.
 
Oh heck, I posted on it I think, but I'll stick with this as we tour differently, IE, you use sites and stay for a whileand make big use of the biff chariot, and we don't, moving everyday 'Wild Camping' in a different place each night usually, with the odd duvet day to let Liz settle, so we have different needs.

Must look at apps for POIs yet.
 
I got Google AI's thoughts??? on it.


I'm thinking of touring Italy in a motorhome which would be the best apps for finding places to stay free as etc and which is the best language app for Italy


For finding motorhome stopovers in Italy, the most recommended apps are
WEBSITE BLOCKED BY ADMIN and WEBSITE BLOCKED BY ADMIN. For language translation, Google Translate is the leading app due to its versatility and robust offline features.

Apps for Finding Motorhome Places to Stay
Wild camping is generally prohibited in many areas of Italy, so it is best to use dedicated apps that list legal "sosta camper" (motorhome stopovers), "aree di sosta" (rest areas), and official campsites.
  • WEBSITE BLOCKED BY ADMIN:This is arguably the most popular and comprehensive community-driven app for motorhomes in Europe. It lists a wide variety of locations, from free informal parking spots and dedicated "aires" (service points) to full campsites.
    • Pros: Huge, active database with user reviews and photos; filters for amenities like water, waste disposal, and electricity; a good option for spontaneous, quick overnight stops.
    • Cons: The free version requires an internet connection; an annual subscription is needed for offline maps and advanced filters.
  • WEBSITE BLOCKED BY ADMIN:This app offers a large, reliable database of over 38,000 inspected motorhome sites across Europe.
    • Pros: Focuses on established sites, avoiding potential issues with illegal wild camping; allows filtering by location and amenities; has a clean, user-friendly interface.
    • Cons: Wild camping spots are generally not listed; offline usage requires a premium subscription.
  • iOverlander:A great option for adventurous travelers looking for unique or off-the-beaten-path locations, including informal spots and essential services like dump stations.
    • Pros: Community-focused with user-generated updates; the basic version is completely free.
    • Cons: May not have as many established "sosta" points in popular Italian tourist areas compared to WEBSITE BLOCKED BY ADMIN.
  • Agricamper Italia / Campy: These apps connect you with private hosts, such as farms or vineyards, who offer overnight parking. This provides a unique, local experience and may sometimes be free if you spend money on their produce/services.
Recommendation: Use a combination of WEBSITE BLOCKED BY ADMIN and WEBSITE BLOCKED BY ADMIN for the widest range of options, from budget/free spots to paid sites.

Best Language App for Italy
For general travel in Italy, Google Translate is highly recommended for its versatility and ease of use.
  • Google Translate:This app is the all-around champion for travelers.
    • Key Features:
      • Text Translation: Type in phrases and get instant translations.
      • Voice Translation: Enables real-time spoken conversation mode, which is great for chatting with locals.
      • Camera Translation: Point your phone camera at signs or menus to get instant visual translations, which is incredibly useful in restaurants.
      • Offline Functionality: You can download the Italian language pack before your trip to use the app without an internet connection, which is vital for areas with spotty signal.
  • DeepL Translate: While newer, DeepL is known for more nuanced and contextually accurate translations compared to Google Translate, especially for text. It may be a good backup for more complex communication.
  • Babbel or Duolingo: If you have time before your trip, a language learning app like Duolingo can help you learn basic phrases and greetings to enhance your experience, but they are not replacements for a robust translation tool on the fly.
Recommendation: Download the Google Translate app and the offline Italian language pack for the most reliable and comprehensive translation tool during your motorhome tour.
 
Pudsey Bear said:
Oh heck, I posted on it I think, but I'll stick with this as we tour differently, IE, you use sites and stay for a whileand make big use of the biff chariot, and we don't, moving everyday 'Wild Camping' in a different place each night usually, with the odd duvet day to let Liz settle, so we have different needs.

Must look at apps for POIs yet.
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Of course but both threads will be useful. I don't stay on sites much abroad Kev. I'll likely be searching for the same wild spots you are and using Sostas. That said looking at the Sostas around the lakes they are not cheap and many are crammed so I might take an ACSI card this year. For June at least. When are you going?
 
Google translate gets my vote, especially as you can download the languages you need for offline use. About 10 years ago I had quite a chat with a guy in a French bar, all done through GT, it was great fun.
 
Yes, I think they will yield different things, I need to take the van in to be looked at next week, something not right with it, it has low power when cold, it feels like an old car, almost like it has a flat spot, hope it's not expensive or Italy will be off.
 
Pudsey Bear said:
Yes, I think they will yield different things, I need to take the van in to be looked at next week, something not right with it, it has low power when cold, it feels like an old car, almost like it has a flat spot, hope it's not expensive or Italy will be off.
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First put some particulate/ injector cleaner through it and take it for a fast run for about 40 miles.
 
On this year's Italy trip we used the Agricamper app quite a lot. Its similar to France Passion but has the advantage that you have to book ahead. France Passion works on a turn up basis and we've been caught out a few times with no space left. This year it was 40€ for annual membership, but the stopovers are limited to one night and are free. You can obviously buy local produce from the owner which in our case was usually vino. We found all the owners to be very friendly and hospitable, despite any language barriers.

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Val54 said:
On this year's Italy trip we used the Agricamper app quite a lot. Its similar to France Passion but has the advantage that you have to book ahead. France Passion works on a turn up basis and we've been caught out a few times with no space left. This year it was 40€ for annual membership, but the stopovers are limited to one night and are free. You can obviously buy local produce from the owner which in our case was usually vino. We found all the owners to be very friendly and hospitable, despite any language barriers.

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They look great. Pity about the one night thing though. No good to me really. Might suit Kev though.
 
Pudsey Bear said:
Doing a bit of research, I'm finding that Wildcamping is a big no no in Italy.
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I'm not sure its a big no Kev. Its some years since I have been but unless things have changed since the pandemic I think the rules are generally laid down and enforced or not by each region. I don't know how accurate this is but it suggests that overnight "parking" is allowed unless its specified that its not. Camping behaviour such as putting out awnings etc maybe not.

blog.caramaps.com

Motorhome rules in Italy 🇮🇹 -

You are planning a motorhome trip in Italy soon? Find out everything you need to know about motorhome rules in Italy in this article!
blog.caramaps.com blog.caramaps.com

If you look on Park 4 night etc there are plenty of places on there. On our visits there we have tended to use the Sostas. Some free, some paid for but we definitely did some wilding and probably will next summer as well. This will be in the Alps though. Where you might struggle is in the tourist hot spots. The Italian Lakes I seem to remember was extremely difficult so we just used Sostas. (Aires)
 
Pudsey Bear said:
Doing a bit of research, I'm finding that Wildcamping is a big no no in Italy.
Click to expand...
We're planning on going ourselves in the not too distant future Kev and I looked into things last year, I think you'd be fine with the way you tour and camp, honeypots are an exception especially in season but the rules seem to aimed at stopping people being stupid and putting out chairs and awnings etc, if you're discreet (which you are) I don't think you'd have an issue.
 
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