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Even those who equate time behind the wheel with the daily grind of commuting often have a soft spot for the open road. The breeze in your hair, the scenic pit stops, the gentle hum of tires on the asphalt and the promise of something new around the bend – there's a certain magic about the thrill of finding the perfect road trip destination.
Iconic highways like Route 66 in the United States have inspired countless adventurers to take the road less travelled, as well as sparking the creation of timeless novels and movies, such as Jack Kerouac’s On the Road and the classic film Easy Rider.
Across the Atlantic in Europe, the now-ubiquitous Michelin Guide began as a road companion aimed at boosting tire sales. By inspiring exploration, it also ignited a love of a road trip.
Whether you’re cruising along coastal highways in a trusty van that doubles as your home or navigating winding mountain passes in a sleek convertible, the road trip remains a timeless adventure – a journey where the destination is only half the story.
Getting Started: Tips for a Smooth Journey
Your first road trip doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right plan and a steady hand on the wheel, you’ll be set for a stress-free adventure.
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In addition to packing a well-stocked first-aid kit for yourself, ensure your car is road-ready. Check the oil, brakes, tires and spare tire before setting off. Pack jumper cables, a flashlight and basic tools. If you don’t know how to change a tire, do research service numbers ahead of time for peace of mind.
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Bring your favourite snacks, plenty of water and a cooler for any perishable items. On-road entertainment is just as essential as good nourishment, so remember to pack chargers, a power bank and a playlist or podcasts to keep the journey lively.
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Allow room for spontaneity. Talk to residents for tips and hidden gems in the area.
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Avoid driving when tired. Keep a copy of your ID, car registration and insurance handy.
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Keep a physical travel journal where you can jot down notes, make sketches and attach museum tickets or other mementos along the way. Your friends and family back home – and your future self – will thank you!
- And, most importantly, enjoy the process.
Ready? Let’s go.
Top European Road Trips: German Alpine Road and Amalfi Coast Road Trip
The German route offers the chance to experience the famous Autobahn – a national highway network with stretches of unrestricted speed.
Start in the Bavarian capital of Munich, home to a significant portion of the Autobahn network. If you’re visiting during Oktoberfest, the temptation to explore every beer garden and brewery might prove irresistible. To ensure you stay safe, we strongly recommend booking a room at one of the best hotels in Munich. The NH Collection München Bavaria is conveniently located near historic landmarks such as Marienplatz, Königsplatz and the famous Augustiner Keller beer garden.
As you venture southward, the 450-kilometre German Alpine Road, running parallel to the Austrian border, takes you past storybook villages, lush meadows and snow-capped peaks. Highlights include stops at Neuschwanstein Castle, a fairytale fortress widely believed to have inspired the Disney logo, and the peaceful Lake Tegernsee where you can rent a rowing boat for a spot of exercise on the water.
Switching gears to Italy, the glamorous Amalfi Coast calls for a change of wardrobe and attitude to suit the sultry Mediterranean climate and personality. Choose Naples or Salerno as your starting point before making your way to the jaw-dropping coastal town of Amalfi. Here, spend a few days at Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel, strolling through cobblestone piazzas, cruising to Capri and learning how to transform the region's glorious local lemons into everything from marmalade to limoncello.
From your base at the 13th-century monastery-turned-hotel, you can also venture to nearby towns like Positano and Ravello, each overflowing with gelaterias to die for and trattorias worth writing home about.
Australia's Finest: Sydney to Melbourne Road Trip
Arguably the best road trip destination in Australia, the impossibly scenic drive between Sydney and Melbourne along the Princes Highway can be completed in one day. However, to truly enjoy this iconic route, it's best to spread the journey over several days.
Once you've settled into accommodation in Sydney and spent a night or two exploring the city, make your way to the town of Batemans Bay. Have your fill of freshly harvested oysters, sold straight from the farm gate on the sparkling Clyde River, then park your car at the end of Burri Point Road and set off on a 1,5-kilometre Burrewarra Point Banksia Walk through a mature banksia forest. In autumn, when the large flower spikes of the iconic Australian native plant bloom, nectar-eating birds flock to the area, adding to its already considerable charm.
Further down the coast, the quaint towns of Eden and Merimbula promise excellent whale-watching opportunities. This stretch of coastline, known as the 'Humpback Highway,' serves as a vital pit stop for migrating whales that pause in the nutrient-rich waters of Twofold Bay to feed and rest. Take a moment to stretch your legs on the scenic boardwalks before hopping back into your car and heading onward to the southernmost tip of mainland Australia.
After arriving at Wilsons Promontory, set up base at one of the 480-plus camping and caravan sites on Tidal River, where you can follow the management vehicle track to the summit of Mount Oberon for panoramic views over the coast, explore the area with overnight hikes or take it easy with day walks, perfect for spotting for wombats, kangaroos and emus.
From there, Melbourne and its cosmopolitan blend of cafes, museums and galleries is just a few hours down the road. Celebrated as Australia's cultural heart, the city is also a gastronomic getaway for some of the best food and wine in the country. For those planning a longer sojourn in the city, a good option is to pick up garden-fresh ingredients at local farmers markets including at the famous Queen Victoria Market and whip up delicious meals in your own kitchen, available in some hotels in Melbourne.
A North Island Road Trip from Auckland: Myths, Legends and Geysers
In New Zealand, begin your North Island adventure in Auckland. From there, head to Rotorua where boiling mud pools, sublime hot springs and geothermal vents offer both an energy resource and a remarkable natural spectacle.
Rotorua is also a vibrant hub for Māori culture. At Whakarewarewa, the only living geothermal Māori village, you can meet the locals, witness furious geysers and steaming hot pools, and discover how the community respects and utilises the dynamic forces beneath their land.
Then, a quick one-hour drive will transport you to a very different landscape – the Hobbiton Movie Set, which beautifully recreates the Shire – a mythical area settled by hobbits in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. A pilgrimage site for fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit series, it also delights those simply looking to explore its impeccably maintained surroundings.
Diehard fans of Peter Jackson’s epic should continue south, heading towards Glenorchy – the magical setting of Beorn's House – a road trip destination that feels as though it’s been plucked straight out of Middle-earth.
Queenstown and South Island: Soul-Warming Onsens and Blood-Curdling Bungee Jumping
Fictional characters and their abodes aren't the only draw of the South Island, the larger of the two. Find a cosy base among the many excellent hotels in Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand, and from there travel first to stunning Lake Tekapo – a beloved holiday destination of crystal-clear waters framed by a backdrop of snow-capped mountains (in colder months from June to October).
The next day, set your GPS for
Milford Sound, just a three-hour drive from Queenstown, and prepare to be awestruck. This iconic fjord, with its towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls, is widely celebrated as
one of the natural wonders of the world. Before heading back to Queenstown, stop at an
onsen hot pool retreat – steamy and comforting on snowy days, warm and sheltered on rainy ones, cool and shady when the sun shines.
Further afield, Fox Glacier – also known as Te Moeka o Tuawae – offers thrilling exploration opportunities such as heli hiking, ice climbing and guided walking. If this adventure doesn’t send a chill down your spine, zooming at 85kph on the Shotover River by jet boat or attempting to touch the water during a leap from the Kawarau Bridge Bungy certainly will.
In your quest to find the best road trip destination, the enchanting and culturally rich landscapes of Mauritius, Australia and New Zealand promise new adventures at every turn. Pick your favourite season, grab a travel companion with a steady hand on the wheel, and see where the road takes you.
Explore our hotels in Australia and New Zealand accommodation for more ideas, and safe travels!
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