When the sun’s out and the days lengthen, there is nothing like filling the tank in your car and hitting the open road.While a road trip is a classic American endeavour (think diners, motels, and Route 66), we say don’t limit your horizons: in this article, we explore ideas for some of the best road trips around the world.
European Roadtrips
If you are based in the UK, don’t overlook a road trip in Europe. A popular way to travel is in a revamped VW Campervan – imagine driving to the south of France in your van, stopping only to marvel at chateaux and sleeping on the Cote d’Azur– watching the sun set each day with a glass of Merlot in your hand. Or how about a Grand Tour through Switzerland, France, and Italy? Starting in Geneva, twist your way through the mountains, visiting Chamonix and Turin before reaching Florence.
The Big Easy
For an all-American trip, you could do worse than drive from Mobile, Alabama, (the setting of Harper Lee’s famous novel, To Kill A Mockingbird) to New Orleans, Louisiana. Marvel at the vast southern mansions, and immerse yourself in jazz in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Time it right for Mardi Gras and you’ll have an unforgettable experience- the carnival and parades have an electric atmosphere and they’re totally free.
The Silk Road
For something a little less gentle, try the Karakoram Highway through Pakistan and China: start in Abbottabad (of Osama Bin Laden hideout fame) and end in Kashgar. It’s the highest altitude paved road in the world- a part of the famed Silk Road, it’s said that over 1000 lives were lost in its construction, but if you’re prepared for more extreme conditions, you’ll be richly rewarded with amazing views and stories to take home. Blasted through the mountains, it’s a genuine feat of engineering. Avoid during winter due to snowfall closures- and don’t forget your car hire insurance.
Australia’s Great Ocean Road
This is the classic Aussie road trip. Drive between Melbourne and Adelaide and admire the amazing free sights provided by nature. Check out the Twelve Apostles (rock stacks millions of years old pointing out of the ocean), and mind you don’t hit a koala or kangaroo.
Out of Africa
If you have heard about the Limpopo River in stories and rhymes, see it for yourself on a South African road trip. Along the borders with Botswana and Zimbabwe, get a feel for this land of contrasts with lush vegetation and sparse, dusty landscape with the African bush.
What are you waiting for? Pick a continent, dust off that licence and get your driving gloves on!
