PROFILE
Travellers:
1st week: 4 adults (Viktoria, Arina, Laura and Franziska), 1 dog (Charlie) | 2nd week: 2 adults (Viktoria, Michael)
Vehicle:
Carado CV540
Travel period:
2 weeks in August 2023
Kilometres travelled:
approx. 2,500 kilometres
Starting point:
Landshut, Germany
Stopovers:
South Tyrol (Seceda, Seiser Alm, Karersee, Pragser Wildsee), Switzerland (Lake Geneva, Bern)
Endpoint:
Brienz, Switzerland
Speciality:
Holidays with friends
Viktoria Stroka is an influencer who takes her thousands of followers on Instagram on a journey every day into her world combining lifestyle & adventure & photography. In this travelogue, she recounts her road trip in a camper van, during which she explored the beauty of the Alps and Lake Brienz.
WELCOME BACK. HOW WAS YOUR FIRST TRIP IN THE CARADO CAMPER VAN?
Hi, at the beginning of our trip we were a bit unsure how we would cope on the roads with the size of our camper van. I had my doubts for a moment. But as soon as we left the first few kilometres behind us, these worries quickly disappeared. The driving experience was pleasant and we were soon able to judge the size of the camper van perfectly. It turned out that driving the vehicle was not only easy, but also very pleasant.
WHAT ARE YOUR MUST-HAVES FOR A CAMPING HOLIDAY?
When we talk about must-haves for a camping holiday, I immediately think of a large candle or lamp to light up our evenings in the open air and create the perfect ambience. Then a bucket is essential for transporting the dishes to the washing-up area. Of course, my beloved espresso maker, which I use to make a wonderful coffee every morning, is a must. Games are also important. They bring us together and make for cheerful evenings full of laughter and socialising.
TELL US ABOUT A PLACE YOU LIKE TO THINK BACK TO.
The Seceda Alm will probably stay in my memory for the rest of my life. With a panorama that overwhelms the senses and a hut that looks like a dream in the middle of this picturesque mountain landscape, it's a place that makes every traveller's heart beat faster. It is a true postcard motif that invites you to linger.
DID YOU PLAN YOUR TOUR IN ADVANCE OR WAS THE ROUTE RATHER SPONTANEOUS?
In South Tyrol, everything was planned, we had booked our campsite in advance, which gave us the freedom to decide on the spot what we wanted to experience. In Switzerland, on the other hand, we let ourselves be driven by spontaneity - so we could decide every day what we wanted to do or where the journey should take us.
WHAT WAS THE ABSOLUTE SIGHTSEEING HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR TRIP?
The highlight was definitely Bern. It was so cool to finally see the city where one of my friends had lived for years. I hadn't managed to visit her before and it was great to experience her world there!
WHAT WAS IT ABOUT THIS WAY OF TRAVELLING THAT PARTICULARLY EXCITED YOU?
The way of travelling is almost poetic. Get in the car, turn the ignition key and drive towards the horizon. This way of travelling gives you the feeling of limitless possibilities with the safe haven that you always have with you. The world becomes an open book full of unwritten stories.
WHAT COULD YOU NOT DO WITHOUT WHILE TRAVELLING?
Although the motto "less is more" applied on our trip, two things were absolutely essential for me: my cosmetics for my daily well-being and, of course, the incomparable pleasure of a freshly brewed espresso, which became a small ritual every morning.
5 THINGS YOU MUST HAVE SEEN IN SOUTH TYROL - WHAT TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE OUR FOLLOWERS?
1. Seceda
2. The Alpe di Siusi
3. Lake Carezza
4. Lake Braies
5. Recommendation: Lärchwiese campsite
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE SPOT IN THE CARADO AND WHY?
My favourite place in the Carado was definitely the kitchen. It was so much fun to whip up our own meals and enjoy the self-catering.
"MY PERFECT HOLIDAY DAY" LOOKS LIKE THIS:
I start with a cosy breakfast, completely relaxed and in no rush. Then it's off to a great excursion destination. Later, I cool off with a refreshing dip in the lake. After swimming, I take a shower and slip into my most comfortable clothes. The evening is spent cooking and eating together, a time full of laughter and stories. And finally, we round off the day by sitting outside, playing games and enjoying a good wine.
HOW DID YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR HOLIDAY? DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS ON PACKING, SHOPPING AND PLANNING?
Choosing clothes was probably the biggest challenge, especially because of the changeable weather. I took a lot of time to think about what and how much I really needed. When we went shopping, we also planned exactly what we could prepare quickly and easily in the camper. In Switzerland, where everything is very expensive, it was worth buying as much as possible at home. Looking back, I think it's better to have a rough plan in advance and book the campsites, especially in high season. This allows you to enjoy your time on site more without having to search for a pitch every day.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE HOLIDAY PHOTO AND WHY?
A photo of my best friend laughing with her dog sitting on the camping chair in front of our camper van!
It reflects our trip so well! We just had so much fun together and I've grown so fond of her dog Charlie in that time.
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