I have always been a massive fan of road trips, especially when the route passes vast mountain ranges, rugged coastlines, emerald lakes and unique hotels. Self-driving allows increased freedom and flexibility, it takes you away from the tourist trails, and makes you feel like a true explorer.
Here are my top 3 ultimate road trips:
- San Francisco to Los Angeles (Highway One)
When thinking about this renowned 440 mile stretch of US Pacific coastline, I can’t help but picture myself cruising along in an open top mustang, sunglasses on, wind blowing through my hair. This was my first proper road trip experience, and it certainly is a hard one to beat!
Highlights include sand dune bashing on Pismo Beach, exploring the quaint seaside town of Carmel, visiting Santa Barbara’s urban wine-tasting rooms, spotting the otters by Morro Bay, riding the perfect wave on Surfrider Beach, whale watching off Big Sur, and visiting the unusual (yet striking) Hearst Castle.
If you have the time to extend your adventure and head off route, you can also include Napa or Sonoma Valley, Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe, San Diego, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, or even Utah’s national parks.
Top tip: Travel this route from north to south so you are driving along the coastline side of the road.
- New Zealand’s Southern Loop
New Zealand is known for being home to some of the greatest scenic drives in the world. Being a bit of a Lord of the Rings fanatic, I feared the scenery in the films was just too good to be true, but after my 2019 trip I can confirm that the landscapes completely blew me away and exceeded all expectations. The South Island is also an active traveller’s paradise, with an abundance of outdoor adventures to get the heart pumping.
Highlights include sipping Sauvignon Blanc in Marlborough, trekking Abel Tasmin National Park’s coastal trails, visiting the 30 million year old Pancake Rocks, flying in a helicopter over Fiordland National Park, skydiving over Wanaka, cage-diving with great white sharks in Bluff, and constantly stumbling across awe-inspiring views (on foot and on the road).
If you have time to extend your trip, start your trip in North Island and visit Auckland, Waiheke Island, Routoura and The Bay of Islands. Do note that if you want to explore both North and South Island, anything less than 3 weeks will leave you longing for more.
Top tip: The coast is dotted with numerous signed vantage points. Stop at as many of them as time allows, as your favourite view may well be from a spot that wasn’t on your planned list.
- Cape Town, the Winelands and the Garden Route
When you think of South Africa, most people’s first thought is safari, but the country has much more to offer than wildlife viewing. The full extent of this ultimate coastal road trip runs from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, and it is often regarded as the country’s most beautiful region. From the hustle and bustle of Cape Town, the rolling vineyards, the indigenous forests and the mountain ranges, it makes for an incredibly versatile adventure.
Highlights include exploring cultural Cape Town, enjoying the views atop Table Mountain, spotting African penguins on Boulders Beach, sampling some tipples in the Cape Winelands, enjoying world-class restaurants, visiting charming towns along the Garden Route, and swimming alongside the resident dolphins at Plettenberg Bay.
If you have time to extend your trip and want to include an Eastern Cape safari, you can choose between a number of nearby private game reserves, including Kwandwe and Shamwari. Some also choose to fly to the beaches in Mauritius, Zanzibar or the Seychelles for some relaxation.
Top tip: The prettiest time to visit is in September when the flowers are in bloom, but you will find the best weather between January and March.
Other road trips that deserve a mention are:
- Scotland’s North Coast 500
- Italy’s Amalfi Coast
- Canada’s Rocky Mountains
If you want help planning your next ultimate road trip, please do get in touch. As they say, life is a journey, not a destination!
Globe Skimmer 