Road trips often make the most memorable holidays. They work because you get to see a lot, and even when you’re travelling, you’ll be taking the scenic route, so there’s something to enjoy. One of the advantages of going on a road trip is that you get to set your itinerary. That means you see what you want, take breaks when you need to and go at a pace that suits you.
We don’t all have unlimited annual leave, though, so a bit of planning is required to see the things you want in a reasonable amount of time. That’s where this list of road trips comes in. It lists five of the top trips that can be done in one week or slightly more.
Top Road Trips in Nature
For some of these road trips, you’ll need to travel across the globe first. Others start a little closer to home. However, each one has unique features, stunning landscapes and entertainment to enjoy along the way.
The suggestions leave room for a flexible itinerary, so you can adjust to make your own trip. Each section covers the highlights, so that you can pick the holiday that suits you. Most trips can be completed in seven days. However, if you prefer to spread out the driving and go at a more relaxed pace, you could stretch them to 10 or even 14 days.
1. Darling Downs, Queensland, Australia
This route is a nature and heritage lover’s dream. Toowoomba is a good starting point for your journey that takes you through the agricultural region. This Australian road trip gives you a glimpse into the natural landscape of Queensland. It’s a great option for anyone who’s seen Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Byron Bay and wants something new.
Stops to include in your itinerary are Queen Mary Falls, the nearby Main Range National Park and Girraween National Park. From those natural wonders, you can loop up towards Dalby, checking out Whetstone State Forest, Western Creek State Forest and Kumbarilla State Forest as well as Lake Broadwater.
2. Edinburgh to Glasgow Via Inverness, Scotland
A recent transport survey shows that people spend an average of 362 hours travelling. Why not make it about the journey and not just the destination with a local road trip? It’s common for people to take what’s on their doorstep for granted and even to leave it to last. That can easily be changed with this itinerary, though.
Head out of Edinburgh to Stirling to see Stirling Castle and the National Wallace Monument. Next, head for nature by driving through and making a stop in the Cairngorms National Park. Stay in Speyside and you’ll also get to enjoy the whisky trail. The second part of the journey includes stops in Inverness, Glencoe and Oban, so you can take in lochs and more wildlife before heading for some cultural delights in Glasgow.
3. The Great Dolomites Road, Italy
The Great Dolomites Road gives you an excellent opportunity to see the beauty of northern Italy. What makes it an even more enjoyable road trip is how spectacular it is to drive. The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, so expect picturesque alpine towns.
They’re also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The two main passes run from Bolzano to Cortina d’Ampezzo. It’s worth staying in both towns. Don’t miss Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Val di Funes and Lago Braies for impressive views and panoramas. There are many great spots for hiking and seeing the sunset.
4. Ring Road, Iceland
A week is a good amount of time to explore and travel the Ring Road, also known as Route 1. It’s 820 miles long and takes you all around the island. Reykjavik is the starting point, so you can give yourself some time to explore the capital.
Iceland is all about the wild and rugged landscape. You’ll get heaps of that along the Ring Road. We recommend taking a look at the waterfalls, beaches and ice caves that are accessible and picking your favourites along the route. You can space them out at good stopping points to manage the driving.
5. Garden Route, South Africa
The Garden Route in South Africa is an ideal way to see stunning greenery. The landscapes are like a garden, but are also incredibly varied. You can expect forests, mountains and ocean views.
Most routes take you from Mossel Bay to Stormsriver, passing alongside the Indian Ocean. Your trip will also bring you to the Swartberg Mountain Range, ending up at Stormsriver Gorge. It’s not only natural wonders. Look out for quaint lighthouses, antique shops and galleries full of character.
See Things Differently
Travelling by car or camper van gives you a new way of seeing things. Whether that’s at home or abroad, you can enjoy the views from the window as much as the different destinations when you arrive.
Even though new air routes open up regularly, it’s often travel by road that gives us more opportunities to see more and to see the familiar in a different light.
