|
24 Oct 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 303
|
|
Affordable accomodation in Italy in October
We're (me + wife) are currently on our way back from Tunisia to southern Germany through Sicily and Italy and have been taken by complete surprise. We've arrived in Palermo yesterday and will cross over to mainland Italy today but had major trouble finding a place to sleep last night. Everything is closed - campsites, budget hotels, literally everything. Towns are completely deserted, restaurants are closed, etc. The only things still open are the big expensive hotels. Are there any tips you can give me as to cheap accomodation? We haven't decided on a route yet so it's all out in the open. Is it easier if we stay away from the coast and travel north through the interior? Do you know any campsites that are still open or places where we could pitch our tent?
__________________
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty and well preserved piece, but to skid across the line broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, leaking oil, shouting GERONIMO!"
|
24 Oct 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mainly Slovenia
Posts: 371
|
|
Yes...unfortunately that is the case regarding camp-sites and most touristic infrastructure. However where I live there is still an open campsite so they must exist elsewhere.
I really recommend using booking sites such as hostelbookers/world etc, campsites are usually listed on them too, as well as bed and breakfastas and hostels..at least you'll be sure of getting a roof over your heads that way
good luck..
|
24 Oct 2011
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,957
|
|
My experience riding through Italy in October and November suggests that you anticipate lots of rain, with snow always possible in the passes. There were a great many passes which didn't appear on my (poor quality) maps, so I was always being taken by surprise when a road wound way up into the hills getting colder and colder until suddenly it got dark, causing me to wonder what the hell I was doing with my limited time on the planet. Then of course there were wonderful, brisk days on some of the finest motorcycling roads ever seen, with no tourist hoards clogging the backroads or other impediments.
I don't know how representative my experience of the weather was, but if you're the sort of person who can ride in cold, drenching rains all day, then happily pull up a side road and pitch camp for the night, you're made of sterner stuff than I. I remember lots of places to pay for lodging everywhere I went, ranging from hostels to fancy hotels--it's just the really touristy regions where everything shuts down. Often, I paid high prices for hotels because the days were short and that's what was available.
Hope that's helpful.
Mark
|
24 Oct 2011
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: bc canada
Posts: 5
|
|
Hi we have just travelled down the east coast of Italy and had no problems finding cheap hotels ( www.booking.com). We are heading off to Pompeii tomorrow then for Sicily.
I suggest you decide how many km you want to travel in a day, then look in the area of direction. Do a search - hotels in _______. Booking.com should come up.
Best of luck.
|
25 Oct 2011
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: King's Lynn UK
Posts: 424
|
|
I use this one. The lady who rent's them live's next door. Just bang on her door.
Google Maps
John933
__________________
To buy petrol in Europe. Pull up at station. Wait. Get out a 20 Euro note, then ask someone to fill up the bike. Give person money. Ride away. Simple.
|
25 Oct 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 303
|
|
Thanks. We are in Pompei right now and have had luck yesterday and today - we found campsites (Camping Sosta Camper near Belvedere last night, Camping Zeus in Pompei today). Wild camping is always good, we did it a couple of times already, but it's not recommended to do it in the touristy areas. The police is out on the hunt, fines range between 100 and 500€ and you'll have to move on regardless of time or weather. We're thinking about going to Rome next (either tomorrow or the day after), then through the interior towards Modena (the warm clothes we need to get us over the Alps are waiting at a post office in Modena). Hopefully wild camping will become easier once we've left the touristy west coast.
__________________
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty and well preserved piece, but to skid across the line broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, leaking oil, shouting GERONIMO!"
|
25 Oct 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mainly Slovenia
Posts: 371
|
|
You'll have absolutely no problem finding places to camp wild anywhere along the appenines, however the weather is getting pretty rainy, not quite my idea of fun.
Anyway, whenever I go to Rome I stay here, even when I 'm on foot :
Tiber Hostel and Camping in Rome, Italy - Find Cheap Hostels and Rooms at Hostelworld.com
dirt cheap and just a 20 minute train ride into the center. You can camp, or rent a bungalow it costs more or less the same.
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2024:
- California: April 18-21
- Virginia: April 25-28
- Germany Summer: May 9-12
- Québec: May 17-19
- Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
- CanWest: July 11-14
- Switzerland: August 15-18
- Ecuador: August 23-25
- Romania: August 30-Sept 1
- Austria: September 12-15
- France: September 20-22
- Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3
2025 Confirmed Events:
- Virginia: April 24-27 2025
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
- Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- Switzerland: Date TBC
- Ecuador: Date TBC
- Romania: Date TBC
- Austria: Sept. 11-15
- California: September 18-21
- France: September 19-21 2025
- Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
See all event details
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|