DiscoverCars, a company focused on providing car rental services, recently conducted a survey that included over 140,000 tourists from all over the world. The goal was to determine the best scenic routes that can be explored through road trips. The survey identified the top five road trips, which are located on different continents and provide diverse landscapes.
1. The Pacific Coast Highway, United States
The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1 or PCH, covers more than 1,000 kilometers that runs along the coast of California. This route goes through charming cities, including Santa Monica, Santa Barbara, and Big Sur, and offers gorgeous coastal views. Additionally, PCH leads you to the beautiful California State Parks, such as Point Lobos State Park and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
2. The Garden Route, South Africa
The Garden Route in South Africa is known for its beautiful coastal views, stunning cliffs, and beaches. It spans over 300 kilometers from Mossel Bay to Storms River and passes through the gorgeous towns of Knysna, George, and Plettenberg Bay. This scenic road trip offers plenty of opportunities to explore wildlife and natural beauty, including whale-watching, seal colonies, and birdlife.
3. The Great Ocean Road, Australia
The Great Ocean Road stretches over 243 kilometers from Torquay to Warnambool in Southern Australia. This road trip offers fantastic views of the Southern Ocean and winds through coastal towns and rugged limestone cliffs. One of the main attractions along this route is the Twelve Apostles, which are magnificent rock formations along the coast.
4. The North Coast 500, Scotland
The North Coast 500 is a route that covers 830 kilometers and, as the name suggests, follows the Scottish coastline. It offers dramatic landscapes of Scotland’s northern Highlands and passes through stunning coastal villages, such as Applecross, Durness, and John O’Groats. This route also explores castles, distilleries, and many natural wonders of Scotland.
5. The Ring Road, Iceland
The Ring Road is a 1,300-kilometer drive that circumnavigates Iceland, taking you through beautiful landscapes, including glaciers, hot springs, waterfalls, and black sand beaches. The route also allows you to explore Iceland’s wildlife, including reindeer, puffins, and whales. The Ring Road provides a unique opportunity to explore one of the most unbelievable natural wonders of the world.
The freedom and flexibility of road tripping make it a great option for travelers looking to enjoy any of these scenic routes. Moreover, tourists can choose to enjoy the road trip with family and friends, or even embark on the journey solo.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I rent a car for a road trip?
Many car rental companies offer services worldwide. They provide online booking, which you can use to choose your preferred car, location, pick-up, and drop-off times.
2. Can I travel on these routes with a campervan or motorhome?
Yes, camping grounds and motorhome parks are available along most of these routes, allowing travelers to stop for the night and rest. It’s also an excellent way to save on accommodation costs.
3. How long does each road trip take?
The duration of every road trip will vary depending on the stopovers along the way and how much time visitors spend at these stops. Experts recommend dedicating at least a week for each road trip to allow time for maximum exploration.
4. Is it safe to road trip in a foreign country?
Road trip itineraries that cover a foreign country will always come with some risks. Nevertheless, travelers can mitigate risks by getting comprehensive international travel insurance and obeying traffic rules and regulations.
5. What should I pack for a long road trip?
Essential items to pack include a first aid kit, toiletries, sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, comfortable clothing, snacks, and minimum gadgets like smartphones and cameras that can document the journey.
