5 Unmissable Road Trips

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By CRAIG ABLITT

Route 66, Illinois to California

The term ‘road trip’ and Route 66 go hand in hand. Land in Chicago, arrange your car hire and then head out on the journey of a lifetime like no other. The great American states of Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and finally California are all yours to discover, with the possibility for excitement and adventure untold. ‘Route 66’ itself no longer exists, but is in fact made up of several new highways and routes, however a map from the National Historical Route 66 Federation will detail the original roads as they are now plus all the must-do stops and sights along the way.

The Garden Route, South Africa

south africa coast 5 Unmissable Road Trips

Coast of Africa.

Around 500km makes up one of South Africa’s premier tourist attractions – The Garden Route. The main N2 road runs from Mossel Bay right on to Tsitsikamma National Park, with a plethora of true wonders and sights to behold along the way. Expect spectacular mountain landscapes, magnificent beaches, incredible caves and lakes, amazing wildlife including dolphins, whales, elephants and more, plus an innumerable amount of outdoor pursuits to thrill yourself with; all sitting by the sumptuous ocean coast. Wonders simply do not cease for the duration of this unique voyage.

The Great Ocean Road, Australia

twelve apostles 5 Unmissable Road Trips

The Twelve Apostles.

The Alaskan Highway

mountain 5 Unmissable Road Trips

If sheer beauty and escapism are high on your agenda, very few road trips can compare to the famous Alaskan Highway. This is truly about getting away from it all as your journey clambers through the spectacular wilderness of British Columbia, through Yukon and then on to the serene nature of Alaska. It’s not just the small settlements, rugged mountainous landscapes and wide open spaces that will greet you, expect to see elks, sheep, moose, marmots and grizzly bears in their natural habitats as well as whales and dolphins as your journey culminates by the ocean.

Sydney to Cairns

byronbay 5 Unmissable Road Trips

Byron Bay.

2,407km is the exact distance between the two points, but the drive between Sydney to Cairns will bombard the senses from start to finish. See the iconic sights of Sydney, arrange your car hire and then ready yourself for the magic that awaits, culminating in Cairns – the gateway to The Great Barrier Reef. Go surfing at the world-famous Byron Bay, ride the ferry across to the wild splendour of Fraser Island, visit the dolphins of Tin Can Bay, laze on the picture-perfect beaches of Whitsunday, lose yourself in the dazzling haze of the culture of Brisbane, or simply crank the music up and head north, hugging one of the most beautiful coastlines on the planet.

Craig Ablitt is a freelance article writer who has travelled extensively around the globe which has given way to his career in writing travel articles. Now living in South of England he writes full time for various companies, newspapers and magazines.

26 thoughts on “5 Unmissable Road Trips”

  1. Sonya

    Beautiful list of road trips! My personal unmissable road trip fave is Oslo to Bergen in Norway.

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    1. Erica Johansson Post author

      Oslo to Bergen is a route I’d like to drive myself one day. I bet the Norwegian coast makes for a beautiful drive as well.

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    1. Erica Johansson Post author

      I can’t help but start daydreaming whenever I hear of The Pacific Coast Highway. Have wanted to drive it ever since I first learned it existed.

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  3. Sherry Ott

    I’ve done a couple of them! Route 66 was really great – no jaw dropping scenery, but great culture!

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    1. Erica Johansson Post author

      I can imagine it is! Would love to drive (part of) Route 66 myself eventually.

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  7. Sara

    I’ve got some serious driving to do. Step 1 – Buy a car. Step 2 – Find a map. Step 3 – Let it ride!

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  8. Rick

    I’ve never really been on a long, scenic road trip. I’ve been on long drives, but not through areas like the ones you listed. I live in Canada and I’ve always wanted to spend a few weeks driving across the country, but I’ve never done it.
    The Route 66 drive would be next on my list.
    .-= Rick´s last blog ..Canadian Cottage Regions: Nova Scotia =-.

    Reply ↓
    1. Erica Johansson Post author

      Then you’re in for a real treat – once you do decide to realize your desire of driving cross-country.

      Unlike the guest writer Craig, I haven’t driven through Canada or Alaska, but I can imagine that the drive is very well worth it.

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  10. Anil

    Road trips are a great way to travel – I’ve done several in the US (including 66) and London to Istanbul is also one I’d like to try.

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    1. Erica Johansson Post author

      London to Istanbul sounds very appealing. It’s not an especially common route either, which makes it much more interesting.

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  11. Gray

    Great list! I’m with Erica–the one I’ve always dreamt of doing is the Pacific Coastal Highway in CA. I’d need a buddy for that one, though. I hate driving long distances by myself.
    .-= Gray´s last blog ..Recommended Reads: January 31, 2010 =-.

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    1. Erica Johansson Post author

      I’d be more than happy to join you! :) Finding a travel buddy for a Pacific Coastal Highway drive is probably pretty easy. So far I haven’t heard about any traveller who doesn’t want to drive it at one point or another.

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  12. Anwar

    I would love to get to Alaska some day and a road trip tothere would be great. South Africa would be fun too. I have done the great ocean road trip and would highly recommend it!

    I would definitely add PCH in California. one of the best road trips I’ve ever done…just gorgeous scenery.

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