When travelling with a recreational vehicle, the question of where to stop and fully enjoy the plein air lifestyle is a daily one. Every day, you need to answer questions like "Where shall we stop?" or "Can we park here?"
Sometimes, circumstances can lead us to emotional or hasty choices, which we usually have good reason to regret.
| 1 | When available, use the areas reserved for us, without expecting to park in spaces reserved for other vehicles |
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| 2 | During our stops, try not to encroach with our bulky vehicles on others' vital spaces: park discreetly, without creating excessive gatherings that block the view and fresh air of neighbours; in particular, pay the utmost attention not to obstruct the access to commercial establishments |
| 3 | In any case, it is necessary to respect the local road signs, remembering that, in case of ambiguity, vertical signs prevail over horizontal ones |
| 4 | Unnecessary to say, perhaps, but let's remind ourselves once more: avoid improper waste discharge of water of any colour, which gives too easy an alibi to detractors of our community. Drainage points are now multiplying: let's use them, for everyone's benefit |
| 5 | When free camping, avoid occupying outdoor spaces with camping equipment (chairs, tables, sun loungers, barbecues, bicycles and so on): use them discreetly, without causing disturbance — especially noise — to those hosting us; once finished, store them back in the vehicle: it must always be ready to move quickly if needed |
| 6 | Pets must be kept under control to avoid disturbance and mess |
| 7 | An intelligent tourist leaves no trace of their passage: a motorhomer even less so! |
| 8 | When doing daily shopping, leave a small memory of our visit with traders (shopkeepers, restaurant owners, baristas, petrol station managers, newsagents, and so on): they in turn will remember (perhaps to their local council) that motorhomers are welcome customers who bring income without damaging the environment and nature |
| 9 | Let us not think of campsites as places off-limits to us: admittedly, prices are sometimes prohibitive and facilities either inadequate or too elaborate for our needs, but very interesting stays can often be found there, in full peace and close contact with nature. Let us take advantage of them, without fear of compromising our motorhoming identity: a true motorhomer is not measured by how many nights they spend outside campsites! |
| 10 | If we sense that a location is hostile to our presence, there is no point in insisting on staying at all costs, defying the wishes of locals in the name of the law (which, it is worth recalling, allows recreational vehicles to circulate and park just like any other vehicle, making absolutely illegal the vast majority of "No motorhomes" signs and the notorious "2-metre height barriers"): it is far better to show how misguided the rejecting municipality's stance is by taking our spending to a more welcoming and forward-thinking destination |
| On the subject of local authorities that oppose tourism by recreational vehicle owners, let us recall the clear and effective argument read some time ago in a publication:
"In Europe, as is already the case in the United States of America, the number of people using recreational vehicles — often for extended periods — is growing in a very clear and undeniable way. These are increasingly often people who have retired, enjoy good health and financial well-being (certainly more than in previous generations), are usually free from family commitments (with grown-up children) and choose to spend a meaningful part of their lives discovering nature and plein air life in Europe (especially in Southern Europe, for climatic reasons), with the safety, comfort and freedom that only a motorhome can provide. The whole western world is taking note: recreational vehicle manufacturers included, along with other operators whose offering is aimed precisely at this type of person.
Now, the administrators of Italian localities who ignore or turn away this type of tourist cannot stop the evolution of demand: they can only choose whether to respond with an adequate offer, or to watch these economic flows move to other destinations." |
Above all, let us never forget the reasons why we travel: relaxation, cultural interests, sport or simply fun. Let us not allow others' pettiness to spoil the little time we can dedicate to our hobby. Let us follow the few rules that common sense suggests, and we will be welcomed ever more warmly.
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