I have been pretty lucky to travel to some amazing places and even luckier to do some amazing drives. Getting out of the city and seeing a country is the best way to experience somewhere new. The freedom that these favourite road trips from around the world have provided me with some of my fondest travel memories. I’m here to tell you they can do the same for you.
So whether you rent a car and drive yourself or take a guided tour, don’t miss these favourite road trips from around the world.
The Garden Route, South Africa
I was a little nervous at first about driving in South Africa. Every South African ex-pat had me convinced I was going to get carjacked if I came to a full stop. Not only did this prove to be bunk, but South Africans are the most courteous drivers I have ever encountered. Also, the scenery completely took over. While spending 3 days on the Garden Route (and slightly off it) I enjoyed spectacular roads that have to top this list of my favourite road trips from around the world. The coastal ride had me stopping after every bend. The interior was a drastic change of pace. With wine country, charming towns, walking with elephants, and a stop at a sex shop (but not really), this drive has something for everyone.
- READ MORE: The Odd Story of Ronnies Sex Shop
In Cape Town but no time to do the Garden Route? No sweat. Hopping on-and-off with City Sightseeing provides a peek into South Africa’s awesome coastal drives as does a day out with PG Tops Tours to Cape Point! The latter also does a great road trip to the Cape Winelands!
The Golden Circle, Iceland
Iceland is one of my favourite countries as well home to one of my favourite road trips, The Golden Circle. With everything from geysers to glaciers and amazing waterfalls, how could it not be? I love this favourite road trip so much that I have done it twice – once in the fall and once in the winter. This Iceland road trip is doable in just a day and ticks off some serious highlights from the Land of Fire and Ice. Be sure to add a stop at the Blue Lagoon on this road trip or better yet, the Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths for a less crowded experience.
Need more convincing on why Iceland is one of my favourite road trip destinations? Check out this 3 day Iceland Itinerary or some of my favourite pictures from this great country. Looking for a unique place to stay on your visit to Iceland? Check out the Kvosin downtown hotel, the perfect spot to road trip from!
Milford Sound, New Zealand
If you have seen the Lord of the Rings or Hobbit trilogies you will already know that New Zealand is obnoxiously beautiful. I got to experience this beauty first hand with an incredible road trip that took me from Queenstown to Auckland. Although there were plenty of highlights in between (see flying in a biplane over Lake Wanaka, Cruising Napier’s Art Deco, and visiting the Capital of Cool), a road trip out to Milford Sound was tops. The mountain pass and Homer Tunnel are not to be missed. Although I toured Milford Sound on a coach with Real Journeys amazing glass top bus, I will return to New Zealand and conquer one of my favorite road trips while camping out of a van.
- READ MORE: Milford Sound. Milford Wow.
Ireland, All of it.
Seriously. Ireland is amazing. Seeing it by car makes it that much better. I was lucky enough to do just that and covered the country from top to bottom. This meant green hills and tiny roads with stone walls on either side. On one of my favourite road trips, I got to see Newgrange, a tomb older than the Pyramids. I also hit small towns that a tour bus wouldn’t do. Visiting natural sights like the Giant’s Causeway and the Cliffs of Moher is a must. Touring the Ring of Kerry could be a road trip of its own. Next time!
- READ MORE: A Quarter Way Around the Ring of Kerry
The Great Ocean Road, Australia
The Great Ocean Road is known as great for a reason. This 243 KM stretch of Australian highway hugs the ocean with plenty of beaches, cliffs, and stunning scenery along the way. The most famous stop on this favourite road trip of mine is the 12 Apostles, a collection of rock stacks offshore.
- READ MORE: A Big Day out on the Great Ocean Road
Bonus – Sea to Sky, Canada
I couldn’t end this list of my favourite road trips from around without mentioning my home country. The Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler is one of the best scenic road trips you can do in summer or winter. As the name suggests, the route takes you from the Salish Sea along the shores of Howe Sound and up to the mountains of Whistler. Along the way, you can stop to hike the Chief in Squamish, golf Furry Creek (where Bob Barker beat up Happy Gilmor) and explore Whistler. For a great way to unwind after the drive, hike, or ski session check out the Scandinave Spa!
Safe Travels!
To help you tackle these epic road trips as safe as possible, check out this great emergency kit checklist before you go!
Content Provided By Golen Engine Service
What say you?
Thoughts on my 5 Favourite Road trips From Around the World?
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