With summer around the corner, it’s time to gear up for a season of endless sunshine and go on fun road trips. After the past two years of spending a lot of your time indoors, it’s time to switch it up! If you’re unsure where to go, look to social media for your answer. In fact, 37% of millennials say they have booked a holiday because of the content they have come across on social media. One of the most recommended and trending travel trends on social media is road trips. Road trips are an extremely fun experience. It’s time for you to unwind and feel the calming breeze on your face as you whiz through stunning views and explore new destinations. If you plan on hitting the road this summer, here are some of the best worldwide routes worth exploring.
- Amalfi Coast Drive, Italy
The Amalfi Coast is one of Europe’s finest scenic routes. It is arguably one of the most beautiful stretches of 29 miles of coastline in Italy. The fantastic thing about this destination is that it is picturesque, although its winding nature can make it slightly terrifying, especially if you are scared of heights. However, it is completely worth it, as each bend and corner offers more spectacular views of the coast.
Driving along the Amalfi Coast is one of the top activities while visiting Italy and links to beautiful small towns such as Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi. You can plan stops in these towns to explore and try out local experiences. A combination of the sapphire-colored Tyrrhenian Sea, renaissance mansions, and cobbled streets, along with the large and expansive vistas, make this drive completely worth it. Most drivers advise against driving yourself, especially if you are not familiar with Italian roads.
- Ruta 40, Argentina
Argentina’s Ruta 40 stretches along the entire country’s length, winding through the breathtaking Andes mountains and connecting more than 15 national parks. It is one of the longest highways stretches in the world, covering more than 3000 miles. This route offers one of the most diverse landscapes. However, you will need to be a highly-skilled driver because of the varying driving conditions on this stretch.
One of the best scenes on Ruta 40 is the Andean Lakes route which covers about 114 miles from Bariloche to San Martin de Los Andes. This area gets its name from the seven great lakes between the two cities. Of course, smaller towns and villages like Villa la Angostura and Dina Huapi are worth exploring. A trip exploring the Andean Lakes can be done in a day, but if it is the highlight of your trip, you can extend your time on the road by staying overnight at various stops.
- Irohazaka Winding Road, Japan
Located in the historic city of Nikko in Northern Tokyo, the world-famous Irohazaka road winds through a lush forest mountainside. What makes the road popular is its 48 hairpin turns, which are all labeled after each character of the 48 letters under the Japanese alphabet, Hiragana.
One of the best features to look out for is the two waterfalls when driving along this route. You can also stop at the observation deck to take in the scenery and admire Lake Chuzenji from above. Although summertime makes for a perfect road trip opportunity along this route, most visitors say they have appreciated this route’s beauty more in the fall when the forest’s color changes from green to bright reds and yellows.
- Transfagarasan Highway, Romania
If you are looking for a region with many mountainous roads and beautiful vistas, look no further than Europe. But if you are looking for a real driving challenge and a thrill, then the Transfagarasan Highway in Romania leads them all.
This popular highway was crowned one of the world’s best diving destinations because of its countless twists and turns and dark and spooky tunnels. This driving is even more spectacular because it takes you through the famed Dracula’s territory, Transylvania. So, if you are a horror movie fan, this location is perfect for you!
- Road to Hana, USA
At just 52 miles, the Road to Hana is one of the shortest on this list. But it is also probably the one place where you are bound to spend an insane amount of time navigating. You cannot drive this road at 70 mph because it is riddled with 600 hairpin curves and 59 single-lane bridges to cross! The maximum speed you can go is 25 mph, barring other delays or distractions. Apart from sharing the narrow roads with other drivers, you must prepare to be distracted by this route’s breathtaking views. There are lush forests, beautiful waterfalls, and black sand beaches.
If you’ve got a lot of time to spare, you can make your Road to Hana trip more than just a day trip. That way, you can truly appreciate the views and take time to learn about the history of other towns along the way. You should also have a good plan and pack accordingly. The Road to Hana is on Maui’s “wet side,” so it is advisable to pack a rain jacket for your trip. You can use these tips for the Road to Hana trip.
- Chapman’s Peak, South Africa
At the end of South Africa’s Atlantic Coast is Chapman’s Peak which towers over 590 meters above the Atlantic Ocean. This idyllic coastal drive starts from Noordhoek, a suburb in Cape Town, and winds down to the beautiful town on Hout Bay. This route covers close to 6 miles, making it the shortest route on this list. But its 114 curves and a 180-degree view of the Atlantic coastline add to this road’s beauty. It might be a short distance, but driving through Chapman’s Peak can be a nail-biting experience. Several picnics and whale-watching spots offer drivers a sense of calm after a scary drive.
Despite its short distance, Chapman’s Peak is worth it. This stunning road overlooks the sea and makes you feel like you are driving along the edge of a mountain. If you are lucky, you might see some dolphins and whales frolicking in the waters below you. Ensure that you keep your speed at a minimum.
- Great Ocean Road, Australia
Spanning slightly over 150 miles, the Great Ocean Road in Australia offers some of the world’s best stunning sceneries. This long-winding road stretches along the south-eastern coast of Australia and features historical cities like Allansford and Torquay. If you truly want to enjoy what this road offers, make sure you spend a couple of days on the road.
You can plan stops along the coast to visit some of Australia’s most famous sights, including the majestic Twelve Apostles, a collection of limestone rocks that were once connected to the mainland cliffs. There are only eight of these rocks left, but they still offer the same breathtaking scenery. You can also visit the Great Otway National Park with its thick tropical forest and captivating waterfalls. The national park is also home to Australia’s oldest lighthouse. You might also spot some of Australia’s iconic wildlife like kangaroos and dolphins during your drive on the Great Ocean Road if you are into wildlife.
There are so many other road trip routes and destinations around the world worth exploring. If driving isn’t your thing, you can join a tour group to help you relax better while enjoying the world’s sights and sounds. Make the most of your summer vacation this year and hit the roads!
