August 2023
No-Fly road trip inspiration for late summer travellers
Head of CamperDays and Chief Adventurer, Max Schmidt, shares his top no-fly road trip destinations in the UK and abroad
With major airlines such as easyJet having cancelled almost 2,000 flights from July to September, numerous strikes planned, and the cost of air travel showing no signs of slowing, a trip abroad may seem even more unattainable this year. There are, however, savvy ways to enjoy that last minute summer holiday while saving your wallet and looking at alternative methods of travel for that much-desired escape.
Max Schmidt, Head of CamperDays and Chief Adventurer, says: “Not only can exploring alternative means of transport be the difference in making your escape plans a reality this year, it also opens you up to fun and exciting new ways to travel, where the journey becomes just as exciting as the destination.
“With campervan hire costing as little as £130 per day, families of four could be looking at a five-day break for just £162.50 per person with travel and accommodation all rolled into the price of one.
“Most UK campsites also average around £25.00 per night, with this being even cheaper in Europe - where many countries permit wild camping - meaning you can experience a memorable adventure without having to worry about skyrocketing flight costs.”
Below, Max shares his top five no-fly destinations for your next summer adventure…
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Scotland
Just an hour outside of Glasgow lies one of Scotland’s most breathtaking spots, Loch Lomond, and the Trossachs National Park.
Expect lush landscapes in the southern section and sprawling glens and rocky peaks packed with interesting corners to explore in the north in Scotland’s first National Park. In fact, the fault line that divides the Highlands from the Lowlands runs right across the park, which is what makes this stunning landscape so varied.
The expansive park offers a slice of peace and tranquillity whilst offering adventurous types some of the best mountain biking, canoeing, and hiking routes in the whole of the UK, a perfect way to spend those longer and warmer evenings found in late summer.
The beaches of Botany Bay, Kent, England
Just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from London and backed by stunning white cliffs and beautiful chalk stalks dotted across the beach, Botany Bay is a must-visit for the warmer summer months. This beach is a great location for fossil hunting and exploring rock pools when the tide is out, so is an ideal coastal destination for families.
This stunning stretch of coast is just six minutes from Margate, where you can experience a plethora of charming beachside restaurants and cafes.
The Wild Atlantic Way, Cork
Take your road trip across the Irish Sea to the Emerald Isle via ferry. Once on land head to Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way to experience the longest continuous driving route in the world. From the rugged beaches of Donegal to the rockpools of County Sligo, there is something for all ages to be found on this charming route.
Summer is the best time to travel to avoid wind and rainfall but be mindful of the busier roads during these peak travel months.
Alsace, France
Wine lovers can reach the mountains and vineyards of Alsace in seven hours from Dover by campervan and ferry, stopping to enjoy The Reims mountain Regional Nature Park on the way, where you can experience 50,000 hectares of forests and vineyards. Upon arriving in Alsace, the beautiful town found on the French-German border is host to a number of wine and music festivals throughout the summer months, where you can meet winegrowers in person and experience the quaint villages of the Alsace wine route.
Alsace is also home to a number of walking trails where you’ll find a number of natural spectacles including beautiful forests, vineyards, plains and mountains.
Island Hopping in the Hebrides
With its beaches often compared to those in the Maldives due to the crystal blue water and soft white sands, the Hebrides is a beautiful but remote option for the more adventurous traveller.
Easily accessible by campervan from Glasgow - explore the most remote highlands before joining a local cruise to explore some of the most beautiful islands found in Scotland, including the uninhabited Hirta Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
About CamperDays
Launched in Germany in 2013, CamperDays is Europe’s leading camper tour operator, working with 150 partners in over 700 locations globally.
CamperDays facilitates access to over 35,500 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.
For more information or to make a booking, visit the website: www.camperdays.co.uk.