5 Ideal Road trip Destinations

Growing up in a big city and being confined to urban life in my teenage years, I got my first taste of road-tripping during my tertiary years in Miami. And I never looked back since. Cruising along miles and miles of freeway, feeling the wind in my hair and singing to rock music with friends in the backseat –  I’ve had some of my best travel memories while road-tripping in the United States and Europe. A road trip offers the kind of freedom and impromptu adventure unparalleled by other forms of travel. I’ve compiled a list of my personal favorite road-trip destinations.

1. Australia

Camper hire is a great way to get around Australia and to fully explore the country. There are plenty of options to choose from – the Northern Territory promises remote outback adventure, while Queensland will mean plenty of beach fun, underwater explorations and sunshine. I personally love the drive from Melbourne to Adelaide via the Great Ocean Road, passing wine valleys and penguin-infested lands.  Western Australia is also great for driving, especially onboard a 4WD in the Pinnacles National Park.

2. United States

Throughout North America you’ll find excellent routes and coastal drives. One of the world’s most photographed route, the Pacific Highway, cuts through California and meanders languidly along the shoreline. Some of the essential stops include Morro Bay – where a volcanic rock stands 536 feet above the bay, the Hearst Castle and the Point Lobos State Reserve to catch gray whales migrating past (December through April). Other brilliant road trip itineraries include driving from Orlando to the Florida Keys, stopping along the gorgeous beaches along the way.

Flickr photo by digitizedchaos

3. Ireland

Trips to Ireland are not complete without a road trip along rugged cliff edges and luscious green plains. Driving is the best way to reach far-flung regions and fully experience the Irish backcountry. A popular route starts from Waterford, cruising through Cobh and Kinsale and then admiring the awe-inspiring scenery at the Ring of Kerry. Those starting from Dublin can follow the route towards Ireland’s most visited site, the Cliffs of Moher, and then continue on to Country Clare, stopping for a visit to the megalithic tombs of Newgrange.

4. South Africa

Road-tripping through South Africa is a magical way to wander through its undulating coastline, sprawling vineyards and wildlife nature parks. You can easily rent a 4X4 or a campervan and stop by its charming towns, national parks and beach towns. An attractive inland route – the Garden route- takes you from Cape Town to George, through the wine farms of Breede River Valley and intriguing rock formations at Montagu.

Flickr photo by Martie Swart

5. Argentina

Argentina, with its long distances and large area, is best seen on wheels. Throughout the massive South American nation, you can find numerous scenic routes to take in the country’s rural landscapes. One route in particular is intoxicating: in Northern Argentina, start your journey from Salta through the Andean villages of Purmamarca and Humahuaca, passing the Humahuaca Canyon where you’ll find yourself surrounded by cactus-strewn landscapes and colorful slopes.

 

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