The best drives in Scotland are at your fingertips when you pick the right car for the adventure. If you have ever considered driving around England, Scotland, or Wales, then you need to do a little bit of planning before you set off on your epic road trip.
I should know, I have driven through the highlands of Scotland, and finding the right vehicle for the best drives in Scotland is paramount to your epic road trip. Use my travel tips below for help picking the right car for driving in Scotland for your next adventure.
Picking the right car for driving in Scotland
The scenic drives in Scotland are some of the best in the world. Whether you head up into the mountain passes of the Scottish Highlands, out to the Isles, or along with either of the stunning coasts, you need to be comfortable in your car.
It is surprising how long it takes to drive around Scotland if you get off the main tourist trails. And this is something I highly recommend doing. Sure, you could buzz along the main highways, but where is the fun in that?
You are unlikely to discover the villages and people that make Scotland unforgettable for road trips. Plus, you won’t get the chance to see the cutest Highland cows in the world either.
Comfort in Scottland
Comfort should be your priority when picking the right car for driving in Scotland. While you may want to pinch and save your money while traveling, you also don’t want to be suffering from cramps and claustrophobia after driving for 6 hours.
Especially if there are 5 of you crammed into a two-door hatchback as you road trip up to one of the many festivals in Scotland.
For just a couple of extra dollars a day, you can usually upgrade to a much roomier four-door saloon or 4×4. Plus, if you end up with a 4×4, you will have the chance to explore some of the remoter destinations in Scotland.
Sleeping in Scottland
If you plan to spend a few days/weeks driving in Scotland, you might want to consider picking a caravan (campervan or RV). While there are plenty of fantastic Beds and Breakfasts throughout Scotland, having a caravan gives you the freedom to stay where you like when you like.
Especially if you go for one of the caravans with a mini-kitchen and bathroom/shower area, that way, you are fully self-contained and don’t have to worry about picking the wrong place to stay late at night.
You might want to consider checking out the Caravan Club to make sure you have the right insurance before you hit the road.
Style for Scottland
If you hire a car in New Zealand, then chances are you will end up with some old hunk-of-junk. Many of our vehicles are Asian imports and therefore not quite up to the same style standards as some European cars.
Scotland is different.
Therefore if the style is what you are interested in, you shouldn’t have too much of a problem. Instead of having a little Honda hatchback, you will rather have the option of a VW Golf or similar. European styling is usually just that little bit better.
Price in Scottland
The final point you want to consider when picking the right car for driving in Scotland combines all of the above; price.
There is no point in picking the largest and most beautiful car if it will cost you a fortune. When I drove across North America, I had to resort to eating peanut butter sandwiches every day for lunch. I can tell you know that I grew very sick of peanut butter!
I was very tight with my budget and therefore couldn’t enjoy some of the more minor things at the time. Even a simple cup of coffee was ruled out because of my budget.
You are making sure that you budget for everything involved in renting a car, including car insurance and fuel, which means that you may need to set your bar a little lower. If you spend it all on the car, you will miss out on having the best time.
Ultimately, your road trip through Scotland shouldn’t be about looking good or picking the right car. It should be about the adventure, the people you meet, and the scenery you see. Because I can guarantee you won’t be talking about what car you picked when you tell all your friends about your adventure.