Coolest countries you can visit on a driving vacation
Hitting the open road while you’re on vacation can be one of the most rewarding parts of any trip. It can be so exhilarating to feel the wind in your hair while visiting a few famous landmarks along the way. Given the dizzying array of options out there, it can be difficult to know which destination is best for a driving holiday. Luckily, this article outlines all the coolest countries to drive in while on vacation.
Ireland
The roads in Ireland are fairly well maintained, so you can count on a smooth ride.
The best part of driving in Ireland is undoubtedly the scenery. The country is a picture of rolling hills and quaint little towns, with the occasional jutting seaside cliff or forest to add variety.
The USA
The USA is a fantastic country for driving because there are so many great road trip destinations. Many vacationers start their journey in Chicago and then head west to the large national parks that dot the western states. The Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Yosemite National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Crater Lake all make for excellent stops along your route.
You could even make a little detour off route 66 and head to Vegas for a bit of gambling. Then again, companies like Gamble Online (gambleonline.co) make it easy to do this remotely, so you may not want to lose the hours. Traditionally speaking, Vegas isn’t on Route 66, but plenty of people make the effort. If that’s your thing, there are a few lovely drives out towards Seligman that will make it worth your while.
Italy
Italy’s winding roads, secluded hilltop villages, and vibrant nightlife make for an epic trip. Thanks to its comparatively small size, it is possible to tour the whole country in about a week.
The Italian countryside provides some stunning scenery, but there are also plenty of large cities to visit if you wish to take a break from the car.
With its wide variety of attractions, Italy is a great destination for people who are looking to go on an epic road trip.
South Africa
South Africa is a country that many people overlook on their lists of places to visit. The country’s diverse landscapes make it an indispensable destination for anyone with an adventurous spirit.
You can head out from Jo’burg and tour Kruger National Park, go diving off the coast of False Bay, or drive through the Karoo Desert. For a truly wild experience, head out to explore the pristine wilderness of South Africa’s mountain ranges.
New Zealand
New Zealand’s dramatic landscapes make it one of the best countries for a driving holiday. Driving through New Zealand on the South Island is a particularly fantastic experience, as a large part of the island is still untouched by human development.
If you head out to the southwest area of the island and visit Fox Glacier, you can even go on an exciting helicopter flight to get a better view of this breath-taking scenery.
Rent a camper van and head out of the city, find your own little spot on the beach, and relax for a couple of days before taking on the next leg of your journey. It is worth noting that New Zealand has some challenging roads if you are willing to test them out.