The world from behind the wheel: 5 road trips to set your next holiday in motion
Driving on your travels can be about so much more than getting from A to B. The ability to decide your own schedule, your own route with as many or as little stops as you want, all with the added thrill of being on the open road…who doesn’t love a good road trip? It can be the perfect getaway and a great opportunity to explore more remote places.
From short one-day trips, to longer, week-long epic drives across borders, we’re here to list some of the best and most diverse road trips on the map, getting you inspired for your next adventure.
Route 66, USA
There’s a reason why they say the only true way to see the United States is by car. And Route 66 is here to prove it. Also known as the Will Rogers Highway, the Main Street of America or the Mother Road…It’s been said before and it’ll be said again: Route 66 is the ultimate road trip!
All the way from LA to Chicago, this momentous road will see you pass through eight different states and three different time zones: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. It’s a stunning blend of diverse landscapes and offers a glimpse into old, small-town America. You’ll see it all, from derelict towns to diners. The breath-taking ‘Petrified Forest’ National Park is one of the many beautiful highlights of the trip.
The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
The longest Coastal Route in the World, and allegedly Europe’s longest road trip, The Wild Atlantic Way is definitely a worthy contestant.
The route runs 2,500 km up the Western Coast of Ireland and passes through nine different counties and three provinces, all the way from County Donegal to Country Cork on the Celtic Sea. It is a true escape to the depths of mother nature,
and every day of the trip will offer you something different. From jaw-dropping views of sharp cliff edges, incredible beaches, and a peek into true Irish culture, it’s postcard-worthy scenes from start to finish.
The Hai Van Pass, Vietnam
Vietnam has road trip opportunities galore, switching four wheels for two! The majority of people on the road in Vietnam are on motorbikes, and for a real exploration of its hidden gems, it’s the best way to go.
The Hai Van pass is a winding, 20-kilometre road, stretching between the city of Da Nang and Lang Co in Hue Province. The road has been called a ‘ribbon of perfection’; twisting alongside luscious jungles and beautiful sea views, it’s one of the most iconic in the world. Its name means ‘sea cloud’, after the mist that rises from the South China Sea. If the journey itself isn’t enough excitement for one day, Lang Co is considered one of Vietnam’s most beautiful beaches.
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The Great Ocean Road, Australia
For a true taste of the life down under, delving into its breath-taking coastline is almost obligatory. And with the Great Ocean Road stretching all along the south-eastern coast, it doesn’t get much better.
Originally built as a dedication to the fallen soldiers of World War I, the road is the world’s largest war memorial, and is renowned among tourists as the most scenic in the country. Winding through 243 kilometres of natural beauty, including the famous Twelve Apostles limestone formations and some of the most beautiful national parks in the world that are brimming with unique wildlife, there’ll be many occasions where you’ll want to park up and truly experience the beauty!
As if all that wasn’t enough, some of the best surfing beaches in the world are located along this route, including the well renowned Bells Beach. Ready to pack your bags?
Ruta 40, Argentina
It’s said to be one of the longest highways in the world. More than 5,000 kilometres long running parallel to the beautiful Andes mountains, it stretches all the way from Rio Gallegos in Patagonia in the south, to near the border with Bolivia in the north.
Along the way it will take you through 20 national parks, including the stunning Talampaya and the Ischigualasto (Moon Valley), where its otherworldly rock formations will make you feel like you’re on a whole other planet. You will also catch a glimpse of the ‘Hill of Seven Colours’ at Puramarca, another stunning natural beauty you really have to see to believe. Ruta 40 is a truly unique way to experience Argentina, and from deserts to stretching vineyards to pre-Colombian ruins, it’s the perfect adventure.
Shotgun! Who else is geared up ready for a road trip? Let us know your ultimate route over on Instagram (@vadoapp), Facebook or Twitter!
