Fancy a trip to Scotland once travel restrictions ease off?

We don’t blame you  ̶  this beautiful country’s big blue skies, dramatic mountains, gorgeous glens, bottomless lochs, ancient forests and legendary hospitality offer the perfect tonic after a tough year.

Plus, it’s great for exploring by car and embracing the freedom of independent travel.

Sounds cool? Take a look at the following tips for planning the perfect Scottish road trip.

Pick your base

Scotland offers eclectic urban attractions and amazing countryside packed into one manageable space and the central location and connectivity of its elegant capital Edinburgh make it the ideal launchpad.

With attractions including a castle perched on a dormant volcano, a stunning neoclassical New Town, a fascinating Old Town oozing mystery and intrigue and a buzzing cultural scene, there are a million things to do in Edinburgh.

It’s also a short skip from gorgeous Glasgow with its green spaces and gregarious locals, close to fabulous Fife with its rolling countryside and pretty East Neuk fishing villages, and a few hours from the scenic majesty and Gaelic heritage of the Highlands and Islands.

Plan your route

With a strategic Edinburgh base, Caledonia is your oyster, and a range of diverse road trips are on offer.

For example, if you’re a fan of esoteric historical attractions, take a day trip that includes Rosslyn Chapel, the fascinating and mysterious site which featured in the Da Vinci Code, see the William Wallace Statue in the grounds of the Bemersyde Estate, which celebrates the icon of Scotland’s struggle for independence, and marvel at Melrose Abbey in the Borders, which houses the embalmed heart of King Robert the Bruce, the warrior king who defeated English forces at the Battle of Bannockburn.

But an alternative day trip could include Loch Ness (and some monster spotting!), beautiful Glencoe and Highland Perthshire  ̶  the possibilities are endless!

Choose your car

Last but not least, you’ll need to choose a car that you’re comfortable with, which satisfies the demands of your travel group and suits the type of itinerary you’ve got planned.

If you want to save cash and pick from a choice of providers, compare car hire with Enjoy Travel for a vast selection of great rides in Edinburgh and book ahead to bag a bargain. Remember that you drive on the left here (as is the case across the UK) and pick your car carefully  ̶  if you’re mainly sticking to city streets, a nippy car like a Fiat 500 is cute and convenient, but if you’re a family with kids heading further afield, a compact SUV like a Kia Stonic might feel more robust.

However, if you’re heading to Scotland with your own mini clan, a people carrier like a Mercedes Vito seats nine people and it’s ideal for a Highland fling!

Follow these basic tips and you’ve got a fab formula for exploring one of the world’s most beautiful countries!

What do you love about Scotland? Share your tips in the comments section!