When was the last time you took a really great road trip? If you can’t recall, perhaps it’s time to put on some shades, stock up on Glacier Mints and rediscover your love for the open road.
We’ve put together a list of 8 road trips from around the world that everyone should take at least once in their lifetime.
1. Cabot Trail, Canada
Regarded as the “world’s most beautiful drive” by those that have driven it, the Cabot Trail is one of Canada’s most renowned road trips. Why? With epic vistas and cultural heritage sites aplenty – not to mention ample opportunity for whale watching – you’ll be lucky to drive 300 yards without wanting to pull over and explore.
2. Amalfi Coast, Italy
Choose your hire car wisely for this trip, as you’ll need to look cool and classy before towing up in any of the chic towns and villages along the route. Designated a world heritage site by UNESCO, the Amalfi Coast is characterised by its spectacular coastal views and sweeping hairpin bends.
3. Columbia River Gorge, USA
Take the Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway (granted, it’s a mouthful) east out of Portland, Oregon, and you’ll find a winding piece of tarmac whose aim is to showcase the unremitting scenic beauty of the region. At 80 miles long, this is by no means the longest road trip on this list – but it could be the prettiest.
4. The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
Traversing untamed terrain from Donegal to Cork, the Wild Atlantic Way is a designated tourist trail covering 1,553 miles of Ireland’s most beautiful and remote landscapes. The route itself is the longest designated coastal trail in the world, and gives motorists ample opportunity to reconnect with the open road.
5. Pacific Coast Highway, USA
Arguably the world’s most famous road trip; the Pacific Coast Highway lies on America’s stunning west coast, and seems to capture the spirit of road-tripping within its 2,500 mile distance. Think mile after mile of curving highway, dramatic coastal scenery and endless visitor highlights just waiting to be discovered.
6. Highway 1, Australia
To conquer Australia’s epic 25,000 mile Highway 1, you will need: a dependable hire car; vast quantities of surplus fuel; an insect/snake-proof tent; and around 9 months leave of absence from your job. If you think you can acquire the above, Highway 1 poses one of the most unforgettable road trips on the planet. Trust us.
7. Hai Van Pass, Vietnam
In terms of sheer, out-and-out prettiness, Vietnam’s Hai Van Pass is the winner on this road trip shortlist. The route – which translates to “ocean cloud pass” in Vietnamese – offers drivers a near-perfect blend of mountainous vistas and ocean-side highways, and was described by Jeremy Clarkson as “a deserted ribbon of perfection – one of the best coast roads in the world”.
8. New Zealand, NZ
Though technically not a designated road trip, New Zealand had to make this list given the fact 90% of its roads are beautiful, winding and brilliant to drive on. Whether you opt for the North or South Island, expect dramatic driving on some of the world’s quietest (and prettiest) roads.
Whilst Redex can’t whisk you away on your dream road trip, we can help you use less fuel along the way. To find out more about our range of fuel additives, visit the Redex homepage.
Image sourced via Flickr Creative Commons. Credit:Andrea Schaffer, Jimmy Harris, Greg Clarke, Rian Castillo, David McKelvey, McD22.
“Gone Driveabout 25, Great Northern Highway near Payne’s Find, Western Australia, 25 Oct. 2010 – Flickr – PhillipC” by Phillip Capper from Wellington, New Zealand – Gone Driveabout 25, Great Northern Highway near Payne’s Find, Western Australia, 25 Oct. 2010. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Commons.
