6 of The World’s Most Amazing Road Trips
If you are one of those people who just love to hit the open road now and then you should keep reading. There’s nothing like the romance of a road trip. No commitments that's holding you back, just taking the day as it unravels. Let us take you on the drives of the world’s most amazing Road Trips.
Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria
The Grossglockner Alpine Road must be one of Europe's most beautiful roads and stretches the provinces of Salzburg, Tyrol and Carinthia. This almost 50 km long alpine road at 2500 m above sea level is nestled among high mountains, green fields, colorful flower meadows, rocky walls and amazing landscapes. It will take you through Austria's most beautiful mountains lined with glaciers, gushing waterfalls and furry marmots. The ride takes you right through the heart of Austria's largest National Park, Hohe Tauren where the highlight and best lookout point is the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe at the large Pasterze Glacier. Here you can hike on one of the beautiful hiking trails or take the cable car down to the glacier. The best time of year to drive is from early May to late October.
Route 66, USA
Route 66 is a legendary road trip and one of the most well-known routes in the United States that stretches nearly 4,000 km from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. Historically, the road is often referred to as "The Mother Road" as it was an important drive for Americans who moved from the east side of the country to the west to settle there. For many, Route 66 is still associated with being on the move to new adventures or escaping lost opportunities. Today the appeal of a Route 66 road trip is its kitschiness and that it offers everything America is known for, like sleepy suburbs, prairie as far as the eye can see and eating huge burgers at classic diners. You can drive either a portion of the route or the whole thing. If you choose to drive from Chicago to Sant Monica, you should plan to be away for about two weeks. You can enjoy a road trip along Route 66 all year round, but it is most popular during the summer months.
Amalfi Coast Road, Italy
If you are looking to experience one of the world's most iconic and cinematic routes, you should take a drive along the Amalfi Coast with its dramatic rock walls, spectacular landscapes and picturesque towns and villages along the way. Officially, the Amalfi Coast stretches from Salerno to Sorrento, an approximately 80 km narrow rocky road packed with sights and scenic views after each narrow curve. Instead of “completing” your journey, the joy and excitement of driving the Amalfi Coast is the journey itself. There are some must-sees towns such as Positano, Praiano and Ravello, to experience the local Italian way of life. Wherever you stop along the way, you will have fantastic panoramic views of the turquoise waters, rocky cliffs and pastel-colored houses clinging to the cliff walls. Although the distance is not long, you want to spend at least four to five days driving the Amalfi Coast, but you can easily stay a few weeks to get explore the small villages along the way.
Great Ocean Road, Australia
The world-famous Great Ocean Road is considered one of the world's most beautiful and memorable stretches of road. The 243 km long route runs along the spectacular coastline from the town of Torquay to Warrnambool on the south coast of Australia. It passes through a variety of landscapes - from relaxed surf towns, fishing villages and rainforests to steep dramatic cliffs and national parks. A paradise for those who dream of surf waves, koalas, and dramatic nature. Many have heard of The 12 Apostles, seven majestic limestone formations that stand proudly out in the ocean off the coast of Victoria and are a popular tourist attraction, but there are plenty of other interesting sights and places along the Great Ocean Road. For example, Cape Otway Lightstation, Otway Tree Top Walk, Loch Ard Gorge and Castle Cove Lookout. The best time of year to drive the Great Ocean Road is during Australia's summer when the days are long and the climate warmer.
Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
Many believe The Wild Atlantic Way is one of the most scenic drives you can experience in the world. It stretches 2,500 km along the west coast of Ireland from Donegal in the north to Cork in the south, unfolding the wonders of nature with wild landscapes in different shades of green, dramatic cliff formations, traditional cultural and jaw-dropping views. A road trip along The Wild Atlantic Way will not disappoint you. It connects to many of Ireland's most iconic tourist destinations such as the Ring of Kerry, Galway City and the Cliffs of Moher. Although you can easily drive the entire route in one week, a bit more time is recommended to fully experience the entire coastline and the nearby inland attractions. The best time to drive along the coast of Ireland is during the warmer months of the year when the weather is at its best with the most chances of sunshine and least rain.
Namibia Road Trip
A road trip through Namibia is an unforgettable experience. The country has a fantastic landscape with wide open spaces that end in endless horizons. There is no better way to see everything than on a road trip crossing the country. Drive from south to north and experience the shifts in the landscape - from the red-sand dunes of the Namib Desert to the lush green river forests of the Caprivi Strip with abundant flora and fauna. The total distance is about 1200 km and possible to drive in two weeks but to experience the hundreds of fantastic attractions Namibia has to offer plan for a month. See ancient cave paintings, explore the barren Skeleton Coast with one of the world's largest seal colonies, camp in Etosha National Park among zebras and elephants, visit the ghost town of Colmans Cop and be impressed by Africa's largest ravine Fish River Canyon.
