Exploring The Italian Dolomites in a Campervan with Kids 2024

Travelling with kids can be a challenge. Especially the journey! But what if you could make the journey part of the experience?

With a campervan, you not only get to see all of the stunning sights that Italy has to offer, but you also have the freedom to explore at your own pace and set your own itinerary. You may need nerves of steel driving through the small villages or traversing the hairpin turns in the mountains but a campervan is an amazing way to explore Italy, no matter how big or small your budget. So buckle up, because we’re about to take a road trip.

Table of Contents

Why hire a campervan in Italy with kids ?

Travelling in a campervan offers several advantages over other modes of travel. For one thing, it’s much more affordable than many other types of travel. A campervan rental can cost as little as €50 per day and includes insurance and basic amenities like bedding and cooking equipment.

Ah, the joys of camper van travel! Not only do you get to experience the beauty of Italy from the comfort of your own mobile home, but you also get to save on the cost of accommodation by sleeping in your very own cozy bed. And let’s not forget about the added bonus of having your kitchen on wheels – forget about overpriced restaurant meals, now you can whip up a gourmet meal with whatever local produce you picked up from the farmer’s market that day. Plus, there’s something magical about being able to park up at a breathtakingly beautiful location and call it home for the night.

Travelling with kids in a camper van can be a real adventure, but it’s not without its challenges. For one thing, there’s the issue of space – forget about having a “kids’ room” to banish them to when they’re getting on your nerves. Instead, you’ll be living in close quarters with your little ones 24/7, which can make even the most patient parent feel like they’re losing their marbles. And then there’s the matter of bathroom breaks – when you’re travelling with little ones who have tiny bladders, you’ll need to be prepared to pull over at a moment’s notice.

Lastly, travelling in a campervan gives you the freedom to go wherever you want whenever you want—there are no timetables or schedules that need to be followed. This means that if something catches your eye, like an interesting shop or landmark, you can just stop and check it out without having to worry about catching a train or bus on time. It’s this kind of spontaneous exploration that really makes travelling in a campervan special!

48Hrs in Venice with Kids

Where to stay

Italy is a great destination for campervan travel, with plenty of options for where to park up for the night. One option is to stay at a designated campsite, which can offer amenities like showers, toilets, and electricity hookups. Some campsites even have pools, playgrounds, and restaurants on site, making them a great option for families. If you’re looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience, there are also plenty of places where you can park up for the night for free – just be sure to do your research beforehand and make sure it’s legal and safe to do so.

Another option is to stay at an agriturismo, which is a type of farm stay where you can park your campervan and enjoy local produce and activities like olive oil tastings and cooking classes. No matter where you choose to stay, camping in a campervan is a great way to experience the beauty of Italy at your own pace. We used campercontact and stayfree app to help find our places to spend the night. Travelling in peak/shoulder season meant we always booked ahead.

A sample route

Who we booked with

If you’re looking to hire a campervan for your Italian adventure, Indie Campers is a great option to consider. With locations in major cities like Rome, Milan, and Venice, you can easily pick up your campervan and hit the road. We picked up our van in Milan and dropped it off in Venice. Indie Campers offers a range of different models to choose from, so you can find the perfect size and style for your needs. We chose the Atlas 5 model which was spacious and had everything we needed. Their campervans are equipped with everything you need for a comfortable trip, with options to purchase additional equipment; including bedding, kitchen supplies, and even Wi-Fi in some models. Plus, their prices are transparent and all-inclusive, so you won’t be hit with any surprise fees. And if you need any help along the way, their customer support team is available 24/7 to assist you.

If you are looking for some inspiration on routes to take, see our post on the route we took through North Italy and the Dolomites.

Finally, how to survive living in a confined space with your family

Ah, the joys of living in a confined space with your family – it’s like a never-ending episode of Survivor! But fear not, fellow campervanners, there are ways to survive without someone mysteriously disappearing (although, let’s be honest, there are times when that might seem tempting).

One strategy is to establish clear boundaries – for example, the back of the campervan is designated as the “kids’ area,” while the front is for the adults. Another tactic is to make sure everyone has their own designated storage space, so there’s no fighting over who gets to keep the Nutella.

The good thing about the van is opening the door to whether you have decided to park and for us this usually meant green space, so the children were released to run free amongst the daisys and the daffodils to blow off some steam. But when all else fails, sometimes you just need to embrace the chaos and have a good laugh…or park at a winery!

All in all, travelling in a campervan with kids is a surprisingly exciting way to explore Italy while keeping costs low and staying flexible. And while there are certainly challenges associated with travelling with kids (like figuring out where everyone will sleep!), these challenges are easily outweighed by the rewards—like creating unforgettable memories together as a family! So if you’re looking for an adventure-filled holiday filled with fun activities and experiences for everyone, look no further than exploring Italy by campervan!