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
Hiring a camper 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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I have always wanted to do a road trip from one side of America to the next. really hope that one day I get my wish. Would go now, but just too many things going off.
Cool road trip destinations!
What, no Canada? Nothing beats driving through Canada in the Fall when the leaves change colour.
But then again I am biased
Right, how could I miss it?? It\’s a pity I haven\’t travelled much in Canada. Which part of Canada do you recommend having a road trip?
i have been on a road trip in South Africa it has beautiful landscape and scenary
Beaches are always one of my favorite places.That's why the Australia and USA seems me an interesting issues according me.
Nice ideas here, I'm hoping to do south of Australia next month, visiting 12 apostles, Tasmania, goes up to Coober Pedy and Uluru.
I will include New Zealand to the list, that place is heavenly.
Nice list and great photos. I still prefer Scotland and France in Europe though.
Another good road trip in the USA is New England (northeastern most 5 states) in the fall, usually there is a one to two week frame in mid-November when the fall foliage is at it's most stunning. Plus depending on your route there are more then enough quaint little towns to check out and stay in. A photographers wet dream.
I’d definitely add Vietnam to that list, but that would have to be on a motorbike, on a car it would just be pure madness!
I\’d love to explore Vietnam on a motorbike, it must be quite intimidating to bike in the cities though, with the crazy amount of traffic!
Fabby post, a shame it's only limited to 5 though! and how to select the Top 5 out of so many! Love the post and love the pics. Thanks for taking the time to publish
Really nice blog. i also love road trips a lot. Hope to go on one soon.
These are really good places and the countries you mentioned are paradise on the earth. I love Australia because it is very beautiful country. And The Great Ocean road s the marvelous one. But if the person is not fit and healthy he/she cannot do anything and cannot enjoy the beauty of nature. So keep your healthy and fit.
Nellie I agree with one of the comments, that Canada should be the next on this list for great Road Trip destinations. Also I was surprised Argentina was on this list. My family and I have wanted to go for the longest time to Argentina as my Grandma was born there and was the only one in the family that spoke Spanish.
perfect road trip can be done in india only
Yes, Argentina! The north is ideal for road trips!!! The others look impressive as well. I'd love to do Ireland by car sometime…
I want to go there!!!!
Cool post! My GF & I are doing our first road trip in New Zealand to kickoff our RTW trip. Glad we found this cool blog! Keep up the awesome work!
Now i will surely plan a road trip soon. thanks for sharing this blog.
There are some great trips listed here I would love to take one day. I have always loved road trips. My first real travel experience was probably when I took a road trip down the Pacific Highway 101, this was probably the trip the hooked me and I've been addicted to travel ever since. Another great one I've done is a road trip around the entire country of France, that was probably my favorite! Anytime I can get out on the road feels good though!
I always wanted to do San Diego to Seattle. So mach beautiful scenery and interesting stuff along the way!
And the sixth ideal road trip destination would have to be New Zealand – it might be compact but within it's borders lie amazing scenery, plenty of action and adventure, gourmet treats, and spectacular wines and beers as highlighted by Yahoo! New Zealand’s Mercedes Benz Road trip series.
For some places, road trips are the ultimate venues… The Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico is one of them. I shot about 20 videos along the road– here is one that truly depicts a magical road trip. I went in a store to buy water and ended having lunch with an entire family: sheep tacos- best I have ever tasted.
Aren't road trips just the best? I would love to do the Great Ocean Road and really have no excuse coming from Australia. I've done more road trips in the US I think. Ironic, no? The area on the coast between Northern California and up through Oregon is one of my favourite drives in the world. Love it!
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