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Why Road Trips are So Special
Road trips are a true adventure that’s unlike any other vacation. There’s something about hitting the open road and exploring new destinations that makes it feel like you’re on a journey of discovery, taking in sights and experiences that you can’t get anywhere else.
Whether you’re traveling solo or with loved ones, there’s a unique sense of freedom that comes with being behind the wheel, driving wherever the road takes you. But what makes road trips so special?
For one thing, they offer an opportunity to unwind from our hectic daily lives and escape into nature or small towns where time seems to stand still. When driving on the open road, there’s no rush hour traffic or deadlines to worry about – just the wind in your hair and endless possibilities ahead.
And perhaps most importantly, road trips provide an opportunity for bonding with loved ones that’s hard to find elsewhere. There’s something about spending long hours together in a car, exploring new places and sharing experiences, that brings people closer together.
The Best Reasons to Take a Road Trip in 2023
If you’re thinking about taking a road trip next year but aren’t sure if it’s worth it, here are some great reasons why you should go for it: Firstly, road trips offer complete flexibility and control over your itinerary.
You can choose where you want to go and how long you want to stay there without having to worry about pre-booked flights or hotel reservations. This means more spontaneity and less stress when traveling.
Secondly, road trips allow us to experience destinations at our own pace. We can take our time exploring local attractions or simply relax along the way without feeling rushed by tour schedules or limited vacation days.
A road trip creates lasting memories that will stay with you forever. The people you meet, the sights you see, and the experiences you have will shape your perspective on life and provide a wealth of stories to share with others.
Where to Go for the Best Road Trips
Now that we’ve established why road trips are so great, let’s take a look at some of the best destinations for hitting the open road in 2023. From classic routes to off-the-beaten-path adventures, there’s something for everyone on this list. Whether you’re a foodie, an adventurer, or simply looking to unwind and explore new destinations with loved ones – there’s no shortage of amazing road trips awaiting you in 2023!
Classic Road Trips
Route 66: the iconic American road trip from Chicago to Santa Monica
If you’re looking for a classic American road trip, Route 66 is the one for you. Starting in Chicago and ending in Santa Monica, this iconic highway stretches over 2,400 miles and passes through eight states. Along the way, you’ll see everything from small towns and farmland to big cities and stunning natural landscapes.
One of the highlights of Route 66 is the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. This art installation features ten spray-painted vintage Cadillacs buried nose-first in the ground.
You can bring your own spray paint and leave your mark on these colorful cars. Another must-visit stop on Route 66 is the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona.
This natural wonder is more than a mile deep and over 270 miles long. You can hike along its rim or take a helicopter tour for an unforgettable view.
Pacific Coast Highway: stunning coastal views from San Francisco to San Diego
The Pacific Coast Highway is one of California’s most scenic drives, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean at every turn. The route starts in San Francisco and winds its way down to San Diego, passing through charming seaside towns like Monterey and Santa Barbara. One of the most popular stops along this route is Big Sur, where you’ll find towering cliffs that drop into turquoise waters below.
There are plenty of hiking trails here that offer spectacular views of this rugged stretch of coastline. Another highlight on the Pacific Coast Highway is Hearst Castle near San Simeon.
This extravagant mansion was built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst in the early 20th century. Take a guided tour to learn about its rich history and see its opulent interiors.
Great Ocean Road: winding roads along Australia’s southern coast
For an epic road trip down under, check out the Great Ocean Road in southern Australia. This scenic drive takes you along the stunning coastline of Victoria, passing by iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles rock formations and the Loch Ard Gorge.
Along the way, you’ll also find charming seaside towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay that offer plenty of opportunities for beachcombing and surfing. And don’t forget to stop at some of the local wineries and breweries to taste some of Australia’s finest wines and beers.
One unique attraction on this road trip is the Cape Otway Lightstation, which offers panoramic views of Bass Strait. You can climb to the top for a stunning view or take a guided tour to learn about its fascinating history as a lighthouse keeper’s home.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Road Trips
Iceland’s Ring Road: Otherworldly Landscapes and Natural Wonders
If you’re looking for a unique road trip experience, Iceland’s Ring Road is worth considering. The circular route runs around the entire island and covers over 800 miles of diverse terrain. Along the way, you’ll find glaciers, waterfalls, geysers, and hot springs that are unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.
One of the highlights is Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon where you can see icebergs floating in a turquoise blue lake. Another stunning sight along the route is the northern lights.
If you time your trip right (September to April), you may be lucky enough to witness this natural phenomenon light up the sky with dancing colors. Additionally, Iceland offers unique activities such as exploring ice caves and hiking on a glacier which will make your trip even more memorable.
The Scottish Highlands: Rugged Terrain, Castles, and Whisky Distilleries
Embarking on a Scottish Highlands road trip is like traveling back in time to an era of clans and castles. The stunning rugged terrain offers breathtaking views of mountain ranges, glens (valleys), lochs (lakes), and moors. It’s also home to historic castles such as Eilean Donan Castle which sits on its own small island at the junction of three lochs.
In addition to its scenic beauty and rich history, Scotland is known for its whisky distilleries making it a must-visit destination for whisky lovers. From Glenfiddich to Talisker whisky distillery tours are available that allow visitors to learn about how Scotch whisky is made while tasting samples along with some delicious Scottish cuisine.
The Balkans: Historic Cities, Scenic Mountains, and Beautiful Beaches
The Balkan Peninsula covers a large area of southeastern Europe and offers an eclectic mix of cultures, traditions, and landscapes. From the historic city of Dubrovnik in Croatia to the scenic mountains in Bosnia and Herzegovina, to the beautiful beaches of Montenegro, you’ll find a variety of experiences on this road trip.
One highlight is the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro which is known for its stunning scenery and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s surrounded by towering mountains which give it a fjord-like appearance.
Additionally, cities such as Belgrade in Serbia offer rich history and architecture along with lively nightlife making it an enjoyable destination for young travelers. No matter where you choose to go on an off-the-beaten-path road trip, these unique destinations will leave you with unforgettable memories and stories to tell for years to come.
Adventure Road Trips
Exploration, Adventure and Beauty Await You Along the Way
Are you looking for a road trip adventure that will leave you with unforgettable memories? Look no further than these three incredible routes. First up is Alaska’s Dalton Highway, a 414-mile stretch of road that crosses the Arctic Circle, traverses some of the most remote wilderness in America and offers sightings of wildlife like grizzly bears and moose.
It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you are up for an adventure, this is one road trip you won’t want to miss. Next on the list is Patagonia’s Carretera Austral.
This 800-mile-long highway takes travelers through stunning landscapes filled with glaciers, fjords and snow-capped mountains. Along the way, take in remote villages and try outdoor activities such as hiking or kayaking.
The Carretera Austral rewards those who are willing to venture off-the-beaten-path with breathtaking vistas around every corner. Head to South Africa’s Garden Route where safari parks like Addo Elephant National Park offer opportunities to see elephants up close and personal while bungee jumping opportunities from bridges or cliffs will get your adrenaline pumping.
The Garden Route also includes some of South Africa’s best beaches along the gorgeous coastline where you can soak up some sun or try surfing. So whether it’s seeing wild animals up close or experiencing natural wonders beyond your wildest dreams, these adventure road trips are sure to satisfy your thirst for excitement!
Foodie Road Trips
Italy’s Amalfi Coast: Pizza, Gelato, and Seafood Galore
If you’re a food lover, there’s no better destination for a road trip than Italy’s Amalfi Coast. This stunning stretch of coastline is home to some of the best pizza, gelato, and seafood in the world. Start your journey in Naples, the birthplace of pizza.
Here you’ll find pizzerias on every corner serving up delicious pies topped with fresh mozzarella and San Marzano tomatoes. From Naples, head to Sorrento for some of the best gelato you’ll ever taste.
Made with locally-sourced ingredients like lemons from nearby lemon groves, Sorrento’s gelato is refreshingly tangy and creamy at the same time. Finish your foodie adventure in Positano where you can indulge in some of Italy’s freshest seafood dishes while enjoying breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.
Southern United States BBQ Trail: Slow-Smoked Meats from Texas to Tennessee
For meat lovers, there’s no better road trip than a BBQ trail through the southern United States. Start your journey in Texas where you can enjoy slow-smoked brisket served with tangy barbecue sauce and classic sides like mac and cheese or coleslaw. Then make your way to Memphis for some mouth-watering pulled pork sandwiches topped with sweet and spicy barbecue sauce.
Next up is Nashville where hot chicken takes center stage as one of their signature dishes- crispy fried chicken coated in a spicy cayenne pepper paste slathered over it. end your trip in South Carolina where mustard-based barbecue sauce reigns supreme along with slow-cooked ribs.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a foodie or an adventurer (or both!), there’s no shortage of road trip destinations that will leave you with unforgettable memories. From classic routes like Route 66 and the Pacific Coast Highway to off-the-beaten-path journeys through Iceland’s Ring Road or the Scottish Highlands, there’s a road trip for every type of traveler.
So pack your bags, grab some snacks (preferably something local to the area you are travelling), and hit the open road. Who knows what kind of hidden gems you’ll discover along the way!
