Many destinations worldwide lend themselves perfectly suitable for a driving holiday. Some of these, such as New Zealand and America, have been attracting driving enthusiasts for many years. Others, such as South Africa, Belgium, and Iceland, may be relatively new to the scene but are definitely no less inspiring.
Flexibility, thrill, and the freedom to explore destinations at your own pace are some reasons why many are choosing to go on a driving holiday. When you drive to a new place, you’ll have the chance to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, visit as many sites as you can, and stop whenever you please. So, if you’re wondering which places to visit for your next driving holiday, here are the best destinations to consider.
South Africa
South Africa is fast gaining popularity for being one of the world’s best destinations for a driving holiday. You can drive toward the country’s scenic coastal road and into the rugged landscapes of KwaZulu Natal and, of course, the famed Kruger National Park.
The most popular route for a driving holiday in South Africa is the “Garden Route”, which starts in the iconic city of Cape Town. From there, head towards the lush Winelands towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, where fertile valleys are home to the country’s finest vineyards. From here, head north to Route 62 and into the beautiful villages of Montagu and Oudtshoorn. This route is best taken between November and May. But when visiting between June and October, you have the option of taking the southern route, where you will be passing through the scenic coastal town of Hermanus, a popular place for whale watching.
From Hermanus, head onto the Garden Route, a spectacular 300-km section of coastline with gentle rolling hills. As you drive eastwards, passing at the pretty seaside town of Mossel Bay and Plettenberg Bay, you will come across deserted sandy beaches, wild bushland, and sheltered lagoons set against the remarkable backdrop of the Tsitsikamma Mountains.
Iceland
Iceland is an excellent destination for a driving holiday, home to some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes and geological features. It may be relatively small, but it has plenty to offer in terms of attractions. The roads tend to be more or less deserted, especially those far from the main town. Moreover, Iceland has an impressive selection of accommodations, especially in more remote locations. But the best part is, you have the option in Iceland to hire a luxury car, which makes your driving holiday even more exciting.
Consider going on a weeklong self-drive holiday through Iceland’s Golden Circle and into the southern coast, where you’ll come across thermal pools, active volcanoes, giant waterfalls, and vast glacial lagoons. You can choose to go further afield and head north, where you’ll find the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, just north of Reykjavik. It’s where the impressive Snaefellsjokull ice cap can be found, featuring Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth.
New Zealand
New Zealand, the Land of the Long White Cloud, may be a small country, but it has everything you would ever want for a fun driving holiday. Home to lively and charming cities, vast mountain ranges, beautiful coastline, and unique wildlife. You will also enjoy safe and hassle-free driving, thanks to its perfectly maintained network of roads and a distinct lack of crowd outside the main cities.
Given the comprehensive network of depots and the wide range of car rental firms in New Zealand, you will have the freedom to drop off and pick up your car or motorhome, whichever vehicle you choose. If time permits, it’s worth exploring the North and South Islands to discover scenic vineyards and beautiful beaches at the north, along with glaciers, mountains, and fjords.
You can consider using a sustainable car rental business like Go Rentals to offset your carbon emissions or choose an electric vehicle for your trip.
The major cities of Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown, and Auckland are also worth a stop. Along the way, you will have the chance to indulge in different outdoor activities, such as swimmer with the dolphins, whale watching, water rafting, hiking, and several other thrilling sports, for which New Zealand is known.
Belgium
Belgium might be tiny, but what it lacks in size makes up for the great variety of scenery in the country. Its picturesque and unique countryside is well worth exploring behind the wheel. In the North Sea Coastline, you’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches in Northern Europe with long miles of powdery white sands.
Going on a castle run on your driving adventure of Belgium is fun, as the country is home to magnificent castles. In the country’s southwestern corner, you’ll find Château de Bouillon, which rests at the end of the Semois Valley, a tranquil setting bounded by lush greenery. Although short, driving from Rue Bois Jean along the river valley towards Château de Bouillon is filled with spectacular sceneries, consisting of iconic vistas of the countryside, gorgeous rivers, and Belgian architectural marvels, including Abbaye de Cordemois.
Schedule your visit during the Belgian Grand Prix to make the most of your driving holiday in Belgium. Book a Belgium F1 Package, which already includes a ticket to the race, roundtrip flights, accommodation, and more.
America
The United States of America is one of the world’s best destinations for a driving holiday, and it’s easy to see why. In fact, road-tripping is the way of life in this vast country, and you can find some of the world’s best driving routes here, the most popular of which is Route 66. Dubbed the Main Street of America, Route 66 stretches to a whopping 3,940-km road starting from Chicago all the way to Santa Monica, California, before snaking into the heart of the Midwest.
Another notable route is Highway 385, a spectacular 200-mile road to Big Bend National Park in Texas, passing through incredible canyons and desert landscapes. The Great River Road, which encompasses the path of Mississippi from Louisiana going to the Canadian border while passing through ten different states, is also a great route to conquer, offering an interesting insight into the local life along the American waterways.
