July 2025
Freedom on four wheels: Spontaneity driving Scots to van life
CamperDays reveals exclusive insights, including:
One in two Scots have been on a motorhome or campervan holiday
Over half of Scots (52%) find spontaneity to be the most appealing thing about a campervan holiday
The nation’s dream road trip destination is the USA
New data* from CamperDays, Europe’s leading camper tour operator, has revealed that one in two Scots have been on a campervan or motorhome holiday, with over half (52%), citing spontaneity to be the most appealing aspect of travelling by campervan.
Of all the road trips globally, USA has clinched the most coveted road trip destination, with over quarter (36%) of the vote. However, for those who have yet to enjoy a road trip, almost half of Scots (47%) say that the cost of hiring a motorhome has prevented them.
Max Schmidt, chief adventurer and managing director of CamperDays, says, “Home to North Coast 500, one of the most famous routes on earth, it’s no surprise that over half of Scots favour motorhome and campervan holidays.
“With such diverse landscapes on your doorstep, I’d encourage all Scots to get out there and try a campervan or motorhome holiday. For those concerned about the cost, campervans can be hired for just £50 per night and with wild camping permitted throughout the highlands, campervanning is much more affordable than you might think.”
Read on for Max’s top Scottish road trips…
Loch Lomond, Glencoe and the Trossachs – Best for Autumn
Starting from Edinburgh or Glasgow, a trip to the Lochs is perfect for leaf-peeping from late September to early November, with stunning autumnal hues reflected in the grand lakes and the chance to see plenty of local wildlife, including deer, red squirrels and birds of prey.
There are also plenty of cosy inns and whisky distilleries to explore should you need a respite from the cooling weather.
Northern Isles – Best for Winter
You don’t have to head to a far-flung location to experience the Northern Lights! If you’re looking for somewhere closer to home, embark on a domestic road trip, where you can enjoy the dancing lights in the more remote northern islands of Shetland, Orkney, Harris, Lewis and Skye.
With long, cold nights and clear skies providing perfect conditions, you will have plenty of opportunity to witness the beautiful spectacle throughout the winter months.
Eyemouth – Best for Spring
Low tides in the spring create the perfect conditions for the varied wildlife that reside in rockpools. On Killiedraught Bay in Eyemouth, slightly north of Berwick-upon-Tweed in Scotland, you can spot sea marine plants such as bladderwrack and kelp, and marine animals like breadcrumb sponges, bootlace worms and butterfish.
With a number of campervan parks in Eyemouth to choose from, rockpooling is perfectly accessible for adventurers on wheels, and a great activity for multi-generation family holidays.
North Coast 500, Best for Summer
Scotland’s most famous road trip is best saved for the summer months where you can enjoy epic coastal scenery and plenty of outdoor activities, with 16+ hours of daylight giving you ample time to explore. Wild swim at Achmelvich Bay, comparable to the Caribbean for its turquoise waters and white sands or visit one of the many ancient caves such as Smoo Cave, Britain’s largest sea cave with a 40-metre entrance.
Midges peak during July and August, so make sure to bring plenty of repellent if you’re planning a trip during this time.
CamperDays has pick-up stations in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
About CamperDays
Launched in Germany in 2013, CamperDays is Europe’s leading camper tour operator, working with 150 partners in over 1,000 locations globally.
CamperDays facilitates access to over 40,000 vehicles available for rent worldwide, including in the UK, Europe, Australia, USA, Canada and South Africa. The platform allows customers to choose from a selection of trusted providers globally via an easy three step booking process, with rentals available from just £70 per day.
Since it was launched, CamperDays customers have booked over 1,000,000 nights in vehicles rented through the site. CamperDays provides access to a broad selection of campervans and motorhomes catering to every type of traveller, with transparent pricing and no hidden costs. All vehicles come with insurance, with excess, as standard, to allow renters a truly carefree holiday.