Vroom, vroom! Grab your snacks, blankets and cushions; put on your favourite playlist; buckle up; and get ready for the road trip of your dreams. These cross-country-treks will give you access to the best sights and stopovers, without having to fork over extra cash for bus or train tickets.
Cross country, Canada
There’s epic, and then there’s epic – which is how we’d describe this legendary road trip all the way across Canada. You think you know our country but do you really? To have your mind blown, head out on this coast-to-coast route through a range of cultures, accents and time zones, all set against the country’s jaw-droppingly beautiful landscapes. Spread the 60 hours of driving over at least ten days and make sure you find a campsite for one of the nights.
The Garden Route, South Africa
Think of South Africa’s Garden Route a bit like a road trip through your bucket list. It will take you along winding open road, through world-renowned wine territory and sweeping landscapes. But there’s more: you’ll also find safari lodges, the sweet coastal towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, beautiful beaches in Keurboomstrand and award-winning wineries and restaurants in Franschhoek. Nature lovers will appreciate that in 2017 it was added to UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Put simply, you should go.
Andalusia, Southern Spain
Whether you want to stuff your face with the finest tapas or hike through breathtaking landscapes, you’ll find a bit of everything on this route through the best bits (and bites) of Spain’s south coast. Fly into Malaga, then ease yourself in with the beautiful beaches of Nerja before taking a few days to explore the Sierra Nevada National Park. From there, rest weary legs on the beach at Cabo de Gata, sate your stomach with endless tapas in Murcia, and feast your eyes on Moorish architecture.
North Coast 500, Scotland
The Scottish Highlands don’t often get mentioned when it comes to the world’s greatest road trips, but we’re not really sure why. To get a taste of moody clifftops and looming turrets that’ll make you feel like you’re in a bodice-ripping Victorian romance (every girl’s dream, amirite?), strike out on the North Coast 500, a 516-mile route along the top of Scotland. You’ll start and end at Inverness Castle, meandering past deserted beaches beautiful enough to almost rival the Caribbean, tiny whisky distilleries and restaurants serving fresh seafood.
The Great Ocean Road, Australia
Beaches, bays and bars abound along Australia’s Great Ocean Road, a three-day route that kicks off at the surf capital of Torquay, heads to the striking 12 Apostles limestone stacks and finishes at the historic fishing village Port Fairy. Beyond the obvious sites, stop off along the way for the chance to spot koalas, kangas and even whales. Feeling adventurous? Zip line across the lush treetop canopy or hike to the peak of a volcanic crater. Feeling hungry? Visit the craft breweries and brilliant restaurants you’ll find along the way. Worth a visit? You betcha, Butterbean!
