Solo or self-guided tours are all the rage these days. But ask someone on the street whether they’d like to travel around a foreign destination on a road trip and you’ll start getting concerned questions about safety. Still, for those who’re looking for a fresh and fabulous new take on travel, then the following destinations are for you!
Beginner Drives
Australia
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If there’s a road trip heaven out there, then it surely must be Australia, particularly at the famed, fantastical and unbelievably beautiful stretch of coastal road that hugs the seaside cliffs of Victoria called the Great Ocean Road.
Besides being familiar to us Malaysians due to Australia having left-handed driving, most of Australia’s scenic spots are usually out in the rural outback where there are fewer cars to contend with.
Having the chance to experience natural beauty with your own wheels and your own pace means Australia ranks highly as a prime road trip destination for newbies.
Japan
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Japan is yet another country that drives left-handed, so no worries for Malaysians here too.
Most major cities in Japan aren’t all that suited due to traffic and limited parking infrastructure, so if you’re looking to hit the road, then heading towards city outskirts or even rural towns and villages is the way to go.
Or better yet, head back to nature by driving around Hokkaido, particularly around springtime. From the stunning lavender fields of Northern Hokkaido to the gorgeous peaks and coasts of Southern Hokkaido, get ready for plenty of stops!
New Zealand
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Yet another left-handed choice, New Zealand is home to gleaming jewel-like lakes, frost-tipped glaciers, crisscrossing rivers, vast grasslands and glittering night skies that simply leave you wanting to drive forever.
Dubbed the “Home of Middle Earth”, both of its islands have some of the world’s best scenic drives that take you from the majestic heights of Mount Cook and Franz Josef Glacier down to the geothermal hotspots of Rotorua.
Vast and sparsely populated, New Zealand is a great choice to begin your road trip adventure!
United Kingdom
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The UK’s ancient hamlets and castles along with its sublime lakes and forests make it a uniquely attractive destination for the road tripper.
Thanks to an extensive and well-maintained road network that is frequently policed and its use of left-handed driving, the UK is excellent for beginner drivers and even family vacations.
Highlights here include Scotland’s lakes, highlands and castles, the windswept coasts of southern Wales and the hamlets, towns and rural beauty of England.
Intermediate Drives
Norway
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Norway could be said to be one massive national park that is filled with Scandinavia’s greatest hits!
For those driving, Norway’s three famous roads are a must-drive. Start with the spellbinding Atlantic Road, which weaves through tiny islets and ocean sprays out in the Atlantic Ocean. Then, go up the Trollstigen or Troll Road which winds up mountains with thrilling near 180-degree hairpin turns. Finally, soar through the skies with Eagle Road, which offers commanding views of the Geiranger fjord.
And we haven’t even mentioned Norway’s unique natural features such as their fjords, glaciers and the famous northern lights! Basically, Norway is the place to go if you want to cross off your bucket list in one go.
United States
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As the home of the automobile, it’s no surprise that the US is practically built for road trips.
And that isn’t even mentioning its unimaginably diverse landscapes and climates, from coastal paradises, endless plains, massive mountain ranges and even deserts. There’s almost always something new to see when you’re driving across the country’s many freeways. One of these famous freeways is California’s scenic State Route 1, which passes through some of America’s most jaw-dropping coastlines and bridges such as the Golden Gate Bridge.
Beware though, some rural areas of the US have remarkably few petrol or gas stations, so make sure to plan well ahead of your trip!
Canada
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Ranked as Lonely Planet’s #1 destination in 2017, plenty of natural wonders await those who take the road in Canada.
This massive country is home to bountiful forests, countless lakes and stunning coasts, particularly in its national parks such as Banff National Park and Grasslands National Park, not to mention the Interlake Region with Lake Winnipeg and Lake Manitoba. And thanks to a well-developed road network akin to that of its neighbour the US, Canada is a comfortable drive for the road trip traveller.
Italy
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Italy―a land of passion and romance that stands unrivaled as one of the top road trip destinations in Europe.
Ancient and grand ruins, seaside cities steeped in charm, towering mountain ranges blanketed by snow and roads that look out over azure seas―Italy is truly the land of a thousand sights and a top road trip choice, which is made all the more possible thanks to a well-maintained autostrade road network.
Some Italian highlights include the wine-soaked region of Tuscany, the sun-baked beaches of Sicily or the rugged Dolomite Mountains.
Advanced Drives
Iceland
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Iceland is one of the more tougher road trip destinations due to having both right-handed driving and some pretty harsh road conditions, including unpaved roads, harsh weather, fog and even livestock!
Despite that, if you’re an experienced and well-informed driver, driving here allows you plenty of time to explore its breathtaking volcanic landscapes, wild tundras and vast glaciers.
Of particular note is the Golden Circle, a route which takes you through Iceland’s superstar geological wonders including geysers, waterfalls and hot springs. If you want more, there are even Silver and Diamond Circles!
Switzerland
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To those lucky enough to go on a road trip through Switzerland, they will be rewarded with a full display of nature’s grand majesty in its snowy peaks, pristine lakes and verdant valleys.
Although tiny compared to its European neighbours, it more than makes up for it in sheer grandeur, particularly with unparalleled views of the Swiss Alps and its various peaks and passes.
It also helps that driving here is actually a ton of fun, with sweeping mountain views and fresh air greeting you at every turn. Beware though, you’ll need to read up on some mountain driving skills and observe the Swiss’ strict speed limits. Oh, and don’t forget to drive on the right too!
