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2 Months in the Alps I Toilet Savings I Gift Guides
Published 21 days ago • 4 min read
Hey Reader!
It’s been a minute! What was supposed to be a few weeks in Europe somehow turned into two whole months. I decided to take the opportunity to decompress, spending the trip completely off of email and social media so that I could be present with my family.
We started in the Austrian Alps, made a return to the Dolomites, and wrapped up in Chamonix.
The Alps truly are an amazing destination. The hiking is out of this world, and the entire region is sooooo family-friendly. The gondolas whisk you up to the mountaintops, where trails (and alpine playgrounds!) are everywhere, and mountain huts mean you don’t have to carry much food. Everything just feels so easy and convenient over there.
Hiking in Kleinwalsertal, Austria
We stayed at vegan-friendly hotels throughout the trip, and I wanted to share a few standouts in case you're dreaming of a European mountain getaway. BOOKMARK THIS EMAIL for your future planning!
✨ Biohotel Rupertus (Leogang, Austria) – Hands down the best food of our entire trip. They had an amazing breakfast spread and a dedicated vegan 5-course organic dinner option that was creative and so flavorful. The rooms were gorgeous, and the gondola was less than a 5-minute walk from our door.
✨ Naturhotel Chesa Valisa (Kleinwalsertal, Austria) – Not the most kid-friendly (they definitely cater more to couples looking for a wellness vibe), but I fully embraced European spa culture here with so many steam rooms and saunas to choose from. The organic Ayurvedic-inspired meals were nutritious and delicious. Plus, they had the best vegan croissants I've ever tasted!
✨ Berghotel (Sesto Dolomites, Italy) – Tucked right in the heart of the Sexten Dolomites away from the hustle bustle of Cortina, this was a great base for exploring the best trails in the Dolomites. Super friendly staff, great hiking access, and beautiful views.
✨ Excelsior Dolomites Life Resort (St. Vigil, Italy)– This hotel had a dreamy adults-only infinity pool and a separate indoor kids’ zone with babysitting included (for free!). It’s located in a quiet village near the dramatic Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park
By the way, none of these are 100% vegan, but all of them accommodated us without any issue, making them a great choice for meat eaters and vegans alike.
I ate like 4 of these every morning at Naturhotel Chesa Valisa
We used the Komoot app to find trails, which paired perfectly with the free trail maps offered at every hotel. The combination worked beautifully, and let us get off the beaten path without having to plan anything in advance.
If you’re looking for a less touristy destination with quiet trails, Austria was definitely it. In contrast, the Dolomites were far more popular - especially around iconic hikes like Lago di Sorapis and Tre Cime.
If you go to the Dolomites, I highly suggest going in late September or early October. Many of the gondolas and chairlifts are still open, the crowds are a lot more manageable, and the larches turn bright gold. Plus, the hotel prices are a fraction of what they are during peak tourist season.
And finally…Chamonix...the rainiest leg of our journey. We stayed 9 days and barely caught a glimpse of Mont Blanc. It was a little disappointed, but we had such perfect weather the rest of the trip, I couldn't really complain.
The famous Montenvers cogwheel train in Chamonix
All in all, this trip filled my cup in a big way. Being in the big mountains with my family and soaking in that slower European pace was truly wonderful, and I'm so happy I decided to book the tickets spontaneously back in September.
Sexton Dolomites
Black Friday Deal
Earlier this year I wrote a full review of the Cuddy Lite composting toilet, and now that we’ve been back in the truck for a bit, I can officially say: this is still the best toilet I’ve ever used in my 9 years of van life.
Compact and lightweight – perfect for truck campers, vans, tiny spaces, or car camping trips where a toilet is needed.
Super easy to empty and clean
Excellent at controlling smells - especially compared to other van toilets like the Trelino
No plumbing or venting required - which means it's portable
Discreet and modern-looking - it now comes in white or in the limited edition Cuddy Noir
And beyond the Cuddy Lite, Compocloset is producing the first batch of their revolutionary S1 Dry Flush Sealing Toilet, along with upgrade kits that turn the Original Cuddy or Cuddy Lite into a dry flush toilet.I've already got mine on order!
You can also save 10% on their growing line of accessories, like replacement pee jugs and the Cuddy Lite fan add-on, which helps reduce condensation.
My Black Friday discount code is valid through November 29th at midnight Pacific time.
With the holidays upon us, I’ve decided not to create new gift guides this year. I’m focusing on a slower season and avoiding burnout...maybe you're doing the same?
That said, last year’s guides are still full of solid recommendations that haven’t changed. Whether you’re shopping for hikers, vanlifers, National Park lovers, or just outdoor-curious friends and family, there’s something in there for everyone:
Thanks for following along, and as always, I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to lately. Are you traveling for the holidays? Planning your 2026 adventures yet? Drop me a reply and let me know. I'm also happy to answer any questions you have about Europe, since I won't likely be writing up the details on my blog.
This email may contain links from Bearfoot Theory brand and/or affiliate partners. I only recommend products that I've used and love and think you'll love too. Thank you for your support!
Your go-to hiking, camping, and van life blog. Get real-world advice that motivates you to get outside, equips you with a robust outdoor skill set, and prepares you to face whatever challenges nature throws your way. Join 28,000 subscribers who get weekly outdoor travel tips and stories delivered to your inbox.
