# How we work: data and estimates

> How our season estimate, distances, toll estimates, pass seasons and campsite data are made, and where their limits are.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/methodology/

## Best time to go

For every stop we estimate the average daytime high for each month from long-term climate normals: January and July values of nearby reference towns, weighted by distance; stops in the mountains count about 3 °C cooler. A month scores best when the average daytime high along the route is around 23 °C and loses points the hotter or colder it gets. Mountain passes on the route lower the score in months when they are usually closed or may still be closed, and the peak holiday months (July and August, in the southern hemisphere December and January) lose a little for crowds.

Months rated “good” appear as the best time to go on every route and on our month and holiday pages; “ok” months are possible with some compromises. It is an estimate from climate averages, not a weather forecast.

## Distances and driving times

Road distances and driving times between the stops come from a routing service based on OpenStreetMap road data. Where no routing result is available yet, we estimate the distance from the straight line with a regional detour factor and an average speed, so these values are approximate. Driving times do not include breaks or traffic.

## Tolls and vignettes

The toll estimate uses rounded 2026 planning rates per country for a car up to 3.5 t: the vignette price where a vignette applies, otherwise an assumed share of tolled motorway multiplied by a typical rate per kilometre, plus fixed-price bridges and tunnels the route passes. In the USA we use typical rates per state. Motorhomes usually pay more, and vehicles over 3.5 t often pay by distance: always check the official tariff before you go.

## Mountain passes and size limits

For each high pass we record the months it is usually fully open and the months it may open or close depending on snow, as rounded planning values. Length and height limits for motorhomes come from known restrictions on specific roads and are shown when a route passes within about 15 km. Opening dates change every year with the snow, so check the official road status before you set off.

## Campsites and overnight stops

Campsites and motorhome stopovers near the stops come from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) and from the operators. We do not inspect them on site: check opening dates, prices and booking with the operator.

## Photos

Photos come from free image libraries such as Unsplash and Pixabay and are credited to the photographer. They show the region or the type of landscape, not always the exact spot.

## Comparisons, month and holiday pages

Month and holiday pages list the routes that our season estimate rates “good” in those months. Route comparisons put the computed figures of two routes side by side; the recommendation below the table is written by the editorial team from those figures.

## GPX files

The GPX download contains the stops as waypoints and as a route, and the road line as a track where we have it. Navigation apps calculate the exact road between the route points themselves: check the result before you drive.

## How we write and check texts

https://camping-spirit.com/editorial/