Agritourism: Though a pretty new form of vacation for most people, especially in the United States, it has been hugely popular for years in many countries; Italy, and Austria being two very good examples, and is likely to become just as popular everywhere else very soon too.
For those not familiar with the farmstay concept the first thought that comes to mind is that it’s some sort of working vacation, and well, it sometimes is and it sometimes very much isn’t.
There are some opportunities for free accommodation on farms in exchange for work through the wwoofing network but all of the farmstays on farmstayplanet.com are vacation accommodations so you absolutely don’t have to work!
It’s a vacation after all, just like with a regular hotel, B&B or self catering, and in the vast majority of cases the quality of accommodation and service is just the same, if not better, and with the added benefit that you also get to sample a peaceful relaxed lifestyle surrounded by the joys of nature.
You should enjoy plenty of good fresh food too, much of it organic, while also having the opportunity to learn a bit about where all that food we get served up at home comes from in the first place.
How To Prepare For A Farm Holiday:
Usually there is not much more need to prepare for a farmstay rather than a conventional hotel or B&B, because a farmstay vacation is just like a hotel or B&B except on a farm.
But, if you want to spend a lot of time outdoors, it would be wise to bring some sensible clothes for the weather, and that of course includes sensible shoes!
Many farmstays are of course in rural areas, some of which may not be well served by public transport, so before your stay you should investigate how to arrive.
Hiring a car, or bringing your own, would be a good idea, but if you can’t, pretty much all our farmstays will lend you a hand to get there, many can do a pick up from local airports or train/bus stations for example, or they can let you know of the best way to get there by public transport and/or taxi, just drop them a line before you go.
What Do I Have To Do On A Farm Holiday?
As I said before you don’t have to work or take part in any activities at all but in most cases the farm owners are really happy to show guests around and show them what it’s like to live and work on a farm.
So feel free to have a look around, see what goes on and get involved if you like, or you can of course just relax and do nothing but enjoy the stress relieving peace and quiet that life in the countryside brings.
As you’re in the countryside you’ll often find plenty of other outdoors activities to enjoy too.
Hiking, cycling (many of our farmstays offer bicycle rental) swimming, fishing, skiing, horse riding, nature walks etc. are all common.
And you’ll find the farm owners will usually have plenty of good advice and recommendations as to what to see and do in the surroundig countryside..
Tips & Warnings:
On any good farmstay you’ll find some really top homemade food. In some places you can take some to bring home with you, and of course don’t be shy to ask for some recipes to try at home yourself, some of our farms can arrange informal cooking lessons too; again just ask.
You can also get plenty of good tips and inspiration for joining the urban farm movement when you get home by learning about the growing of various vegetables and herbs.
So too, if you can be confident enough about looking after them; you can learn a bit about the breeding of chickens, ducks and other small animals as well.
On a farm make sure you leave everything as you found it, especially on a farm with animals. And by that I especially mean: Close the gate after you!! Every farm’s golden rule.
Be careful around some farm animals, and very especially around farm machinery, and if you have children with you, you obviously have to keep an extra eye on them as well.
The farm owners should be able to advise you on what to do and not to do, so always follow their advice.