Summer holidays (for those who can do them) in Italy, with a short range, that is, not too far from home if not really close: the trend this year is clear. On the other hand, the regulations for the containment of the covid complicate the organization a little: in many regions there are quota entrances for the beaches, apps like Seapass in Rome which indicate with a traffic light where and if there is room for a towel. sea by the beach and so never as this year you have to prepare yourself for a daily plan B. If the beach is full, patience will mean that that day you take a trip to the surroundings, in one of the many villages in the area that certainly deserve a visit. Those who had hypothesized international travel, European capitals, tropical beaches or excursions abroad have reset everything. Summer 2020 is the season forrediscover the cultural and landscape beauties of Italy with new eyes and immerse yourself in the greenery and relaxation of its nature, very different from region to region. It will be a way to reconnect with yourself and regain energy after the health emergency linked to Covid19. And what better way to do it than to go back to choosing a slow, local, responsible tourism that guides you to discover the area and its cultural, culinary and natural riches . And maybe on the road according to the latest trend , with a big return for tents, caravans and above all campers and motorcycles and rediscovery of itineraries by staying in a family-run hotel where you are welcomed with care.
Thus, in a particular summer, in which health is put first, the road trip is back in vogue . Thanks to the road trip, in fact, it will be possible to avoid the most crowded destinations, one of the main sources of anxiety for vacationers in 2020 according to Forbes. As the US magazine writes, air travel is also a concern, so much so that 1 in 2 people say they are more likely to drive for more than 5 hours rather than fly to their destination.
A way of traveling celebrated by timeless films like Thelma & Louise, Easy Rider, Little Miss Sunshine and sung by musicians from all over the world: from the Red Hot Chili Peppers with Road Trippin 'to Rolling South by Negrita to a classic like Born to be wild. And also on social networks the trend is noticeable: there are 54 million Instagram posts with the hashtag #roadtrip. Not only that, this trend is also loved by the star as reported by the Daily Mail: from actor Kurt Russell to the protagonist from The Politician series, Zoey Deutch, who traveled from California to Wyoming, and again the model Rachel Finch who left in company. of the family, up to the singer Justin Bieber. More than a century has passed since the first road trip of which there is news, which as reported by National Geographic dates back to 1903 and was made by Horatio Jackson to keep faith with a bet launched by the owner of a bar in California, but this way of travel seems incredibly current today. Sense of freedom and the possibility of having everything under one's control are in fact the two characteristics that, according to the New York Times, will lead travelers to opt for a summer on the road. Not only that, since most vacationers will choose to stay close to home, CNBC points out, choosing a journey in stages, enjoying the road allows you to broaden your horizons by discovering new landscapes and unexpected views.
“The r oad trip by motorbike is perfect for enjoying a holiday in complete freedom. Thanks to two wheels, in fact, it is possible to live an exciting travel experience, enjoying the scents of the places you pass and letting yourself be completely absorbed by the surrounding landscape - explains Eliana Macrì, founder of the BikerX safe driving school. For those who want to spend a holiday in complete safety, but without losing the pleasure of company in the sign of motorcycle tourism, there are many destinations in Sardinia, Tuscany and the Dolomites. When it comes to road trips, the motorcycle is undoubtedly the vehicle par excellence in the collective imagination as it represents, more than any other vehicle, the symbol of freedom, a feature that this year, after months spent within the walls of the house , seems to be even more appreciated. It is no coincidence, as Bloomberg reports, that two-wheeler sales seem to have suffered less from the fallout from the crisis than those of cars: in the first quarter of 2020, in fact, four-wheeled vehicles fell by 12%, compared to 10%. 6% of motorcycles. However, it should be remembered that when you get on the saddle for a long journey safety is the watchword : the suggestion is to choose clothes made with technical material, better if designed for the summer season and equipped with certified protections. Maximum attention also to the helmet: 9.1% of motorcyclists involved in accidents, in fact, lose it on impact because it is badly fastened. Careful maintenance of the vehicle is also fundamental. Finally, we must not forget that in 70% of cases the primary cause of an accident is human error on the part of the driver due to the lack of perception of the motorcycle and to distraction, which is why following a safe driving course can prove to be a real lifesaver.
In addition to two-wheelers, among the favorite vehicles for the road trip there is also the camper that according to Quartz will be chosen by 46 million Americans in 2020, 120% more than last year. Also seduced by the charm of this type of holiday were Justin Bieber and his wife Hailey who, as reported by the Daily Mail, left for the American streets in a luxury camper with a fireplace, wardrobe and sauna. For those who, despite not having the Canadian singer's budget, do not want to give up comfort and do not feel ready for a tent and a sleeping bag, the suggestion is to choose glamping , a rapidly growing solution particularly loved by younger as Vox points out. It is good to remember that for those who intend to spend a night in camping, booking it in advance is a good idea to secure a place in structures that see their capacity for reduced reception. Among the trips on the road to remember also that of two National Geographic journalists who crossed the United States from coast to coast aboard an electric car , arriving as far as Washington after numerous stops at the charging stations, to raise awareness on the topic of pollution.
Here are the 5 advantages of the road trip:
1) When traveling in your own vehicle, contact with other people is limited
2) It allows you to stop in little known places along the way
3) Allows you to avoid the crowded mass tourist destinations
4) It guarantees a great sense of freedom
5) It is suitable for those who do not want to go too far from home, but want to expand their horizons
And the 5 tips for those about to travel:
1) Check that all the components of the vehicle used to start are in good condition
2) Always drive carefully and take a safe driving course before setting off
3) Bring protective devices such as masks and disinfectant gel with you
4) Do not overdo the luggage, especially on two wheels: they could be a source of destabilization of the bike's set-up
5) If you choose the campsite, book well in advance to avoid the risk of not finding a place
And if you are short of ideas: PleinAir and PleinAirClub, in collaboration with Loquis , the innovative geo-podcasting platform, have made available to the public the Audio Guides for Motorhomers, an entire series of geo-localized audio guides, designed and created in specific, from Polesine to Abruzzo, from Lake Garda to Maremma, from Langhe to Trentino. The audio guides tell the wonders of our country, with information for stopping and staying in a camper, curiosities and suggestions for lovers of traveling tourism.
As for hotels , a delicate topic in this period, here are some suggestions from the independent European chain Logis Hotel, with 18 hotels in Italy, for destinations to be rediscovered and structures of particular charm.
CHIANTI: BETWEEN VINEYARDS AND HISTORY
In Tuscany there is a place where the rolling hills alternate with the gold of the wheat fields dotted with farmhouses and the rows of vineyards that produce fine wines, recognized all over the world. the Chianti region is one of the most beautiful areas of Tuscany, it has a very rich enogatronomic heritage to discover and a luxuriant nature to explore, enclosed between two gems of Italian culture such as Florence and Siena. You can cycle to enjoy nature or choose itineraries by car and stop in the numerous wineries or villages for a tasty break. (Casale Rosennano: the apartments built in an 18th century house that was completely renovated a few years ago. The Tuscan architecture has been perfectly preserved. The Casale is located in the middle of a medieval village in the Chianti region, 30 km from Siena and 15 minutes from Rapolano Terme).
THE RAVENNATE: CULTURE AND NATURE TWO STEPS FROM THE RIVIERA
Ravenna is one of the jewels of Emilia Romagna, the capital of three empires, it houses the most famous mosaics in the world and early Christian and Byzantine sites that have earned the city its inclusion in the list a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its strategic position sets it near the Riviera and centers of cultural interest such as Bologna and Ferrara, but Ravenna also offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature thanks to the oases and valleys that surround it whose existence is linked to the proximity of the Po Delta, which gives rise to a Unesco Heritage Park. (Relais Villa Roncuzzi: Unique of its kind and surrounded by incomparable privacy, Villa Roncuzzi, after a very careful restoration, has been restored to its original and elegant beauty, recovering the atmosphere and the manor style of the 20th century. surrounds it hosts eight secular lime trees, considered monumental trees, the only survivors of ancient lost landscapes, silent witnesses of "a living nature").
OLBIA, BETWEEN ARCHEOLOGY AND TRANSPARENT WATERS
Breathtaking landscapes, beaches of incomparable beauty, hills covered with vineyards and archaeological treasures is what awaits the traveler who chooses to explore the area surrounding Olbia. Rich in history, in the Gallura town it is possible to visit archaeological sites among the oldest in the Mediterranean with dolmens, menhirs and megalithic circles. From here it is also possible to enjoy access to the marine area of Tavolara and easily reach the crystalline beaches and the fun of the Costa Smeralda. For sea lovers there is plenty of choice between turquoise coves and beaches surrounded by wild nature. (La Locanda del Conte Mameli: Elegant and welcoming, located in the historic center of Olbia, a stone's throw from the most important historical and cultural monuments of the city and a few minutes from the renowned beaches of the Costa Smeralda. The first structure, built by the will of Count Mameli at the end of the 19th century, it was for a long time a place of welcome for various European dynasties and now, after having been carefully restored, it opens its doors to tourists).
