This Is Italy
Are you also a real camping fanatic? And especially when it comes to Italian campsites? Then you probably also want to know what the trends are in the field of camping this season. We have listed the clearest of these for you.
1. Back with a vengeance: the folding trailer
A few years ago, the folding trailer seemed extinct. As a hardcore camper you just had a tent that you had to put up. The other extreme was a caravan or camper. But the folding trailer is back. Many of the new brands of folding trailers also come from the Netherlands.
They are certainly not cheap, but they are lightweight and therefore easy to tow for electric cars. Moreover, they provide a lot of comfort and the real camping feeling.
2. Rise of the electric towing vehicle
Sleurhutten are still popular among Dutch and Belgian holidaymakers. The number of caravan owners opting for an electric towing vehicle (or a hybrid towing vehicle) is increasing. According to the annual ACSI Trekauto survey among nearly 5.000 caravan owners, more than 5 percent of them now drive electrically. This is higher than the average percentage of 2,8 in the total Dutch fleet.
The Mazda CX-5 is still the most popular model for towing a caravan, while Volvo remains the brand of choice. However, the rise of electric driving also poses a challenge for campsites to quickly install sufficient charging stations.
3. Get off that roof: roof tents
Another camping trend that we see is the roof tent, for the adventurous camper. The rooftop tent is popular with young couples. Many more than 2 people will not go in the tent that you set up on the roof of your car. By the way, there is a lot of difference in types of roof tents, from a simple tent on the roof for your car to a complete structure that you place around your car.
4. Glamping is becoming more common
The glamping trend has of course lasted a bit longer, but will continue unabated in 2023. More and more new, creative solutions are being added. It seems that the convenience camper has grown tired of the standard mobile home or camping bungalow.
The trend is in line with the need for luxury, also during the holidays. We all want that wonderfully carefree camping feeling, but we don't want to compromise on the comfort we are used to at home. That is why you see tents with their own sanitary facilities, massage showers and even television, rugs on the floor and table lamps.
From the well-known safari tents to fully custom-built, creative accommodations. For you glamping holiday in Italy there are more options every season. Be there on time, because glamping is popular with more and more families and the rental accommodations on campsites are quickly fully booked.
5. Camping more sustainably
Sustainable camping seems to be at odds with the desire for more luxury, but you increasingly see that tents are made from recycled material, that campers are driving around with solar panels, that solar panels are installed on toilet blocks and that campers are gradually becoming an averse to cheap disposable items.
The era of tents and camping gear that lasted for decades seems to be returning. That may be less good news for the Actions and Decathlons of this world, but it is much better for the environment.
6. Camping in the early and late season
Camping in the high season months is not ideal for several reasons. It is often very hot on the Italian campsites in July and August, so you have to get up early if you want to do something. In addition, prices are high and the choice of accommodation may be limited (see also the next point).
October has completely developed into a low-season month par excellence. In the tourist areas it is just busy this month these days. And that is not so strange. The temperatures for October are often still fine, prices are lower and the landscape is perhaps at its best. Camping in more and more places in Italy is still possible in October!
Another period that is increasing in popularity is the Dutch one May holiday. More and more schools are opting for a period of 2 weeks off in the last week of April and the first week of May. And in some more southern areas in Italy you can often already enjoy camping.
7. If you haven't booked by now, you may already be too late
As a result of the increasing demand for rental accommodation, simple camping spots on campsites are disappearing. The camping area must accommodate mobile homes, rental tents, bungalows, tiny houses and other accommodation. Which one by one is quickly fully booked.
Waiting until the last to register your Italian campsite is almost no longer an option. Nowadays you have to book earlier and earlier. Not ideal for spec lovers, but a trend to keep in mind.
Have you spotted any other Italian camping trends? Then let us know in a comment.
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