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GoNOMAD MINI GUIDE: Spending time on a farm can be strangely reassuring. After all, staying on the land provides a brief, but intimate, glimpse into the way things used to be and confirms that, somewhere in this technologically advanced world, there are communities still living quite well on what they cultivate from the land. In these microcosms of society are often found the history of a region, seemingly frozen in time. Over the past few decades, tourism authorities around the world have come to recognize the importance of rural areas to their industry. What has emerged is the concept of agrotourism and, from that, programs commonly referred to as farmstays have evolved. The premise of a farmstay is relatively simple: farmers and their families open their homes to visitors and share with them the many facets of life on the farm, thus bringing profitable tourism to the area and a great vacation to the traveler! Both working and non-working farms provide accommodations for travelers, anything from a room in the main farmhouse to a cabin located on the land. Properties range from the most rustic operating farm to an elegant bed and breakfast. On working farms, visitors are often invited to participate in the daily chores, and many rejoice in the opportunity to get in touch with nature--literally. Tasks can include the traditional milking of cows, feeding of hens, and gathering of hay. In Scandinavia, on the farms of Skarsmoen, visitors even take part in moose safaris and lessons in cheese making. Visitors on selected German farms receive expert instruction in the art of hunting. Alpine farms in Austria and Switzerland often offer recreational activities such as horseback riding and skiing, while farms in Vermont, in the US, offer dairy milking and apple picking. Or, for the most unusual farmstay, try one of Germany’s Haystack Hotels. The scenic area around Rothenburg organizes four-day bicycling trips with pre-booked barn accommodations. Bring your sleeping bag and any Hay Fever medications with you. After a day of cycling, you’ll be convinced that a sweet-smelling stack of hay in the barn is better than any mere mattress. WHAT TYPES OF FARMS HOST TRAVELERS? Look for sheep or pig farms in the U.K. A deer farm in Australia. A vineyard in Italy.
There are even ecological farms in Germany where those tending to the land must adhere to strict rules and regulations governing the cultivation of products. Such farms offer an excellent opportunity to learn about an alternative, environmentally-friendly form of land management. If you don’t have friends or family in a particular destination to which you are traveling, one great way to get to know the people and get close to the culture is by staying on a farm. In addition, farm holidays make excellent options for families traveling with children. Converted buildings on the homesteads provide spacious accommodations, and children especially love the close contact with exotic animals. FOR MORE INFORMATION
bortonoverseas.com agritour.com.nz farmstay.co.uk/ ware.it/Agritour landtourismus.de Touristik-Zentrum Oberes Taubertal Comment on this article:
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