A road trip is all about freedom and nothing gives you more freedom to explore than camping. So combining the two is the ultimate way to discover a place and see everything it has to offer. Iain Duff gets his motor running
A road trip is not just about driving all day and taking in the scenery through the car windscreen. Instead, the changes in location let you increase the scope of your holiday by taking in walks, activities and visits to attractions in different areas – perhaps off the cuff or planned as a theme and sorted in detail.
Whether your road trip takes in an entire continent, a single country or just a particular area, you’re certain to have an adventure that creates memories that will last forever.
It can be a simple affair but even the most straightforward tour needs some advance planning. If you are lucky enough have an unlimited amount of money or time then you could simply choose where you want to go and hit the highway.
Unfortunately, most of us don't have that luxury, so to maximise your budget and time it's essential to come up with a detailed route and a plan for overnight stops. Not only does that help you make the most of your trip but it ensures that you’re able to get onto the campsites you want at busy times.
Don't be put off by the thought of researching and preparing a trip, though. Planning is all part of the adventure, and for some people it's the best bit!
WHERE TO GO
This is the first thing you need to decide and the options are endless. Do you want to tour here in the UK or in Europe? If you want to go abroad this year, remember to consider any travel restrictions relating to Covid and Brexit.
You could go for a recognised 'official' route such as the North Coast 500 in Scotland or the Wales Coastal Way. Or you could create an itinerary of your own, simply by deciding on somewhere that you really want to explore and researching a route taking in as many interesting places as possible.
WHEN TO GO
As tempting as it might be to take your road trip in the height of summer when the weather is likely to be at its best, it's worth considering earlier or later in the season.
Popular routes, such as the North Coast 500, can be extremely busy throughout the summer, which makes driving far less enjoyable, especially on the sort of back roads that make up many of these routes.
Campsites are also quieter and cheaper in spring and early autumn, which is another very good reason for avoiding the peak holiday times.
When you're deciding when to travel, make sure to check whether there are any big events planned to take place when you want to go
