2026 marks a shift in gear and growing appetite for van life with the hashtag #RoadTrip amassing more than 5.9 million tags across the globe, indicating a resurgence in travelling for the journey, not just the destination.1 In the year deemed the ‘roadtrip renaissance’, wider 2026 summer travel trends echo preferences towards slow, quiet and curiosity-quenching trips that prioritise bonding, reconnecting with nature and personalised itineraries.
Max Schmidt, head of CamperDays, Europe’s leading campervan and motorhome tour operator, says: “The surge in travellers choosing to enjoy a road trip this summer comes as no surprise, given the global transition towards intentional exploration and off-the-beaten track locations. Growing trends like ‘hushpitality’, literary tourism and eclipse-chasing have gained considerable momentum as people search for unique and personalised holidays; the kind best enjoyed via a hand-picked route in a private campervan.
“Destination wise we, at CamperDays, have noted that the British market is favouring the alpine forests of Canada for travels this summer, with the destination accounting for 57% of all UK campervan bookings between June and September this year. Though the iconic road trip routes of the US, the vast landscapes of Australia and the wild nature of New Zealand remain ever popular, whilst the lush romantic scenery of Switzerland is fast becoming a favourite.
“In a period of increased popularity, I’d advise road trip hopefuls to book as early as possible to avoid disappointment this summer. For those looking for the best deals, consider delaying travel until the September-October shoulder season.”
Discover Max’s road trip recommendations for the trending destinations of 2026.
1. Turbulence testing in remote locations
With the preference for off-the-beaten track holiday destinations steadily on the rise as people search for unique experiences away from the summer crowds, the pull towards remote destinations now defines a new age of ‘turbulence testing’ holidays. In fact, 62% of travellers have reported considering a trip to the wilderness in order to put a relationship through its paces and strengthen bonds.2 Ideal for budding relationships, a summer road trip poses a new way for companions to assess their compatibility on less-travelled roads.
Max’s recommendation: Great Bear Rainforest, Canada
A hugely underrated off-the-grid location, Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest is the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest where the natural world rules its own ecosystem. Pick up a campervan from the CamperDays base in Vancouver and embark on the ‘Great Bear Circle Route’. This includes a combination of road trip driving and scenic ferry rides over to Vancouver Island and onwards to Port Hardy and Bella Coola. Once you have arrived in Bella Coola Valley – the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest – the real turbulence test begins, with limited phone reception and complete immersion in the rural landscape.
From the cosy base of your camper, work together to navigate long hikes, kayak along quiet rivers, and enjoy spine-tingling sightings of rare species like the native kermode (spirit) bear and humpback whale. Learn to rely on each other and discover what your companion can offer when cut off from the outside world.
On your way back to the Bella Coola ferry port, visit the breathtaking scenery of Williams Lake before taking on ‘The Hill’ at Heckman’s Pass – a 43km section of well-gravelled road presenting steep switchbacks and hairpin turns to conquer together. Also known as the ‘Freedom Highway’, the 445km Highway 20 delivers exactly what you would expect from a classic Canadian road trip; mountain vistas and rugged wilderness to serve as the ideal backdrop for insightful conversations and shared memories as your trip comes to a close.
2. Romantasy retreats
Thanks to the rise of BookTok communities and literary fanbases, popular genres like ‘romantasy’ have started to filter into travel trends and destination sentiment. With more than 7 in 10 global travellers interested in visiting a destination inspired by a romantasy story in 2026, keen readers are turning their attention to otherworldly terrains across the globe, reminiscent of their favourite reads.2
Max’s recommendation – Big Sur, United States
From rugged coastlines to redwood forests and misty cliffs, the Big Sur region of California offers an undoubtedly fantastical destination for literary travellers, mirroring the mystical terrains of ACOTAR’s Illyrian Mountains and Fourth Wing’s Kingdom of Navarre. With 23% of CamperDays’ UK bookings accounted for by US road trips this summer, the firm British favourite for classic campervan tourism remains, yet why not consider a detour from the renowned Route 66 for an atmospheric change of scenery?
Picking up a campervan from the CamperDays base in San Francisco, embark on the iconic coastal drive down to the heart of Big Sur – this route can be completed in a day, but taking your time is recommended when travelling through such a dramatic landscape. At the very least, make sure to include the ‘17-Mile Drive’, an enchanting route through the Del Monte Forest, an untouched scene thrumming with power like the Oakwald Forest of Throne of Glass. Use your convenient home on wheels to visit the ethereal sights of Bixby Creek Bridge a soaring structure immersed in the wilderness, reminiscent of US bestseller The Bridge Kingdom; McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall dropping directly onto a beach below, echoing the tropical realm of ACOTAR’s ‘Summer Court’; Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, home to diverse wildlife and fairytale coves hiding an array of fae-like beings should you let yourself imagine; and Pfeiffer Beach, where you’ll find unearthly purple sand and a dramatic rock arch, much like the vibrant landscape and natural formations of Avatar’s Pandora.
3. ‘Hushpitality’ and ‘Quietcations’
The search for quiet holiday destinations far removed from urban civilisation and the accompanying summer crowds, summarised by the term ‘hushpitality’ or ‘quietcation’, has spread not only in the UK but across the globe; up to 43% of travellers say they would vacation specifically to feel closer to the natural world, with one in four turning to “quieter” hobbies that bring reflection and relieve stress.2 With the unique option to park-up in a remote spot, a campervan holiday offers complete detachment from the outside world and an unparalleled closeness to nature.
Max’s recommendation: Tasmania, Australia
For an utterly serene escape into the wilderness, road trip to Cradle Mountain – a 1,545-meter peak in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tasmanian Wilderness Area – from the CamperDays base in Hobart, Tasmania. One of Australia’s most sparsely populated areas, the rugged and diverse Tasmanian landscape can be road tripped via the National Highway Route in 4-5 hours, with many historical towns to stop by along the way.
After visiting the cultural hub of Sheffield, known as the ‘Town of Murals’, arrive in the alpine plateau of Cradle Mountain, where many peaceful activities can be enjoyed. Try fly-fishing in a private dam, birdwatching for 10 of Tasmania’s twelve endemic species, spotting local wombats and wallabies, and perusing the nature-inspired art at the Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery.
4. Curiosity-led travel
In 2026, many are prioritising personal growth over switching off on holiday. With multiple celestial occasions happening in 2026, the growing desire for educational adventures is manifesting into a surge of astro-tourism. However, it’s no secret that eclipse tourism can quickly become costly, with some eclipse tours running into the tens of thousands of pounds. Interestingly, nearly 60% of Brits say they’ll drive to a destination to save money, with many opting to road trip independently over paying for organised transportation.1 Choosing a campervan holiday means you can visit prominent astro-tourism hotspots outside of peak times – like popular Dark Sky reserves promising year-round stargazing spectacles – all the while having accommodation and in-destination travel wrapped up in one.
Max’s recommendation: Tekapo, New Zealand
After picking up your campervan from the CamperDays base in Queenstown, take a scenic 3-to-4-hour road trip to the world’s largest and most recognized stargazing destination, Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. Journey through the South Island’s bucket list sites including Cromwell, the Lindiss Pass, Mount Cook Village and Lake Tekapo, finally arriving at Tekapo Springs. Here, settle in a freedom camping spot nearby in the Lake Pukaki or Lake Opuha townships.
Experience indigenous astronomy at the local Dark Sky Project, taking your time to absorb how Māori cultural astronomy blends with modern science. Spend your nights stargazing from your van, even opting for a ‘Soak in the stars’ hot pools experience to add an edge of luxury to your educational expedition.
5. ‘Coolcations’
Conventionally opting for short flights and reliable heat on their summer holidays, Brits are now turning eagerly to the cooler destinations in Europe over historic favourites that some now feel are just too hot. Blessed with reliably lower temperatures, the higher altitude alpine regions are being favoured as a comfortable escape from the heat; 71% of UK travellers are this year considering a mountain escape for their summer or autumn holiday.3 Generally requiring further in-country travel than accessible city or coastal destinations, road trips offer an independent alternative to busy tourist vessels.
Max’s recommendation – Bernese Alps, Switzerland
A top five destination for Brits travelling abroad this summer, Switzerland has quickly become more than just a winter holiday destination. Offering refreshing temperatures of 10-20 degrees celsius across the summer months, the mountainous Bernese Alps are an ideal ‘coolcation’ spot for those seeking cooler climes between June and September. Picking up your campervan from the CamperDays base in Brig, travel just 1 and a half to 2-hours through the stunning Swiss Alps to Interlaken, where your cruise to colder temperatures begins.
From here, drive a scenic 30 minutes to the rustic town of Grindelwald, known as the ‘Glacier Village’, with comfortable summer temperatures averaging at sixteen to eighteen degrees celsius. Nestled between towering rock faces, Grindelwald is an ideal base for stunning hiking trails, access to local amenities, and cable car transport to charming car-free villages like Mürren and Wengen, sitting higher in the Bernese Alps. With a renewed sense of energy from the refreshing mountain air, make sure to explore the surrounding nature, with numerous lakes, forests and alpine vistas waiting to be discovered.
