While there are countless ways to discover a country, there’s nothing quite like buckling up, driving the open road, and embarking on an epic driving holiday across the country. Behind the wheel, you will be in control of the agenda steering the wheel to wherever you please. As they say – it’s all about the journey. .
If you want to embark on a fun driving holiday you will never forget, here are some of the best destinations to consider.
- Iceland
Iceland is one of the best destinations for a driving holiday in Iceland, and it’s easy to see why. It’s home to some of the world’s most stunning natural attractions, such as the Seljalandsfoss waterfall and the Blue Lagoon, as car rental in Iceland is easily done from the airport.Nicknamed the “Ring Road”, Route I is the main motorway of Iceland and a great route to take for your Iceland driving holiday. The path loops Iceland full circle, skirting around the central uninhabited highlands. You will come across some of the most popular tourist attractions along the way, such as the Dyrhólaey cliffs, Skógafoss waterfalls, and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.At 1,328 km. long, the Ring Road covers most of the country. It bypasses part of North Iceland, passing the Westfjords and into the Snæfellsnes peninsula. While you can drive the entire Ring Road within 24 hours, it is best to tackle this route for at least a week. It’s more comfortable since you don’t have to hurry. You will also have plenty of time to explore the waterfalls, lava fields, steep mountains, fjords, glacial lagoons, and rocky beaches you will pass along the way.
- America
From the fabled Californian coast to the deserts of the Wild West and the stunning Appalachian Mountains, the United States offers some of the most exciting driving holidays in the world.Starting in Chicago and ending in Los Angeles, Route 66 is the longest of the American classic road trips. Driving through Route 66 is an exciting experience, as it passes into old-fashioned motels and truck stops that have made this road famous. The road’s long history is evident in the key sights you’ll find along the way – from museums to restaurants and charming towns that thrived in the 1930s and are now a significant part of American history.
The road from San Francisco to Utah is another popular route for a driving holiday in America. Drive over the Golden Gate Bridge to admire the panoramic views of the bay area and drop by the prison island of Alcatraz. Moving out of the city, head towards Lake Tahoe, and enjoy the stunning backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains on your way to Utah.
- Belgium
Belgium is one of those countries perfectly built for a road trip. Driving around the small country takes only approximately three hours. But despite being small, it offers plenty of exciting sights, which you’ll come across along the way – from UNESCO World Heritage Sites to charming medieval towns and stunning coastline.
When driving around Belgium, you also have the option to go around Europe and drive onto a ferry to visit other European countries. But if you prefer to drive within Belgium, you have plenty of route options. Start your journey in Brussels and spend at least a day exploring the city. Check out historic sites like the Grand Place and the Royal Palace. Then make your way to Antwerp, home to the country’s tallest church tower. Explore Grote Markt, Antwerp’s city centre lined with beautiful historic buildings dating back to the early centuries.From Antwerp, drive to Ghent, one of the best places to see in Belgium, famous for its Medieval architecture and scenic canals. Some of the most beautiful sights to see in Ghent include the Gravensteen Castle, Saint Michael’s Bridge, and the Belfry.
- Monaco
Monaco is the world’s second smallest independent state. But despite being small, it has so much wealth and is dubbed the playground of the rich and famous. It’s home to the lavish Casino de Monte Carlo and host to the prestigious Formula One Grand Prix. In fact, you should get tickets for the Monaco grand prix for the best driving experience in Monaco.
When driving around Monaco, consider the road through La Grande Corniche, which is part of the three routes following the mountainous stretch of road from Nice to Menton. La Grande Corniche is the highest of all three. At 500 metres above sea level, it has some of Monaco’s most dramatic views. The road dates back to Roman times when it was called Via Aurelia and used to conquer the West.Another popular spot for driving in Monaco is the long and windy road of the Gorges du Verdon, which takes around two hours from Monaco. The gorges stretch to 15 jaw-dropping miles and plunge to a depth of 700 metres.
- Scotland
Scotland is packed with incredible places to explore and scenic roads to drive. It’s filled to the brim with history and stunning landscapes, but it is the Highlands that captures the hearts of most visitors.Scotland’s wild northern coastline is the star of the country’s driving holidays. The North Coast 500, which starts and ends in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, is a great driving route to try. It makes a giant loop around the north end of the country and into the deeply indented coast. If you drive in an anti-clockwise direction, you will be passing through gorgeous moors and sandy beaches before reaching John O’Groats and the nearby Dunnet Head, the northernmost point of Britain.
The North Coast 500 is a hugely popular route, especially for those looking to drive through the Highlands. Consider booking accommodations in advance, especially during the peak summer season. Conquering the road at a more leisurely pace will give you plenty of time to check out local pubs along the way and take up some fun activities, such as kayaking on the west coast or hiking the lonely peaks of Assynt.