The Journey Unfolds: Friends Embrace Adventure, Maps, and Van Conversations.
With the new year firmly behind us, it’s time to start planning your travel adventures for next year. But when the world is your oyster, how do you whittle down your choices to just a handful of destinations that tick all the right roadtripping boxes?
So we asked our team the question – “Where will your next roadtripping adventure take you?” It was a big question, as there are so many different modern roadtrips you can choose, but we did it! And whittled down our list to 7 of our favourite roadtrip destinations for you. There really is something for everyone, whether you want to be awestruck by the work of Mother Nature or deep in the heart of the urban jungle.
We did get a little carried away and have suggested an inspiring itinerary that can easily be completed if you’ve only got a two-week block of annual leave to spare.
Norway
With its awe-inspiring landscapes and steep-sided fjords, Norway is a dream destination for self-driving adventures. You won’t find long stretches of “nothingness” here, with something breathtaking around every corner.
After sightseeing in Oslo, you can explore the heritage-listed farms of the Gudbrand Valley and hike through Norway’s oldest national park, Rondane, before witnessing the glacial-carved landscapes of Jotunheimen. Cruise through the stunningly beautiful Geirangerfjord and photograph the Seven Sisters Waterfall, then learn about traditional boat building at the Sogn Fjordmuseum.
Aurora’s Grand Display: A Starlit Canvas Painted with Northern Lights.
No trip to Norway is complete without experiencing the UNESCO-listed Hanseatic settlement of Bergen and visiting the former home of Edvard Grieg, one of the country’s most famous composers. End your journey in the “Oil City” of Stavanger where beautifully preserved wooden buildings stand juxtaposed against cutting-edge modern museums.
Spend 9 days being inspired by the natural wonders of Norway on our Nordic Fjords Roadtrip.
Northeast USA
Home to vibrant cities and sleepy coastal settlements, the Northeast USA is one of the country’s most stirring destinations for roadtrips. From the picturesque harbour of Camden, with its art galleries and antique shops, you can explore the hidden coves and islands of Megunticook Lake.
A short drive northeast will take you to Bar Harbor, which serves as a gateway to the rugged coastal landscapes of Acadia National Park. You can watch humpback whales migrating through the Gulf of Maine before getting lost in the cobblestone streets of Portland, Maine.
Directly south is Boston, which is packed with fascinating museums exploring America’s journey to independence. Discover the heritage-listed landmarks along the Freedom Trail and feast at the famous Quincy Market before escaping to the quaint villages and windswept beaches of Cape Cod. End your adventure amidst the bright lights of New York, a city that needs no introduction.
City Lights Dance: Boston Skyline Shimmers Across the Night River
.
Experience pulsing cities and idyllic seaside villages on our 10-day Northeast USA Coastal Tour.
Iceland
With its bubbling mud pools, smoking volcanoes and ice-filled lakes, Iceland is the ultimate roadtripping destination for travellers who are all about natural wonder. By following the main road that rings the island, you’ll have the opportunity to hike the multi-coloured landscapes of Laugarvatn and see Europe’s biggest glacier, Vatnajökull, before being awed by the drop of Hengifoss.
Begin and end your journey in the colourful capital, Reykjavik, which is renowned for its street art and gourmet restaurants specialising in Nordic cuisine. You can learn about the life of Icelandic author Gunnar Gunnarsson at the Skriðuklaustur farmstead and spot puffins in the cliffs of Reynisfjal or get up close to Arctic plants at the Akureyri’s renowned Botanical Garden. No visit to Iceland is complete without a soak in the therapeutic thermal pools of the famous Blue Lagoon.
Ready to explore the Land of Fire and Ice? Get behind the wheel on our 8-day Incredible Iceland Roadtrip.
Sicily
Situated in the heart of the Mediterranean, Sicily has long been a cultural crossroads, with fascinating cities and blissful beaches to explore. In the vibrant capital, Palermo, you’ll find lavish palaces adorned with Byzantine mosaics and bustling markets where you can pick up fresh fruits and vegetables.
Drive to the western tip of Sicily to explore the port city of Trapani, which serves as a gateway to the Aegadian Islands and a string of sun-drenched beaches. Offering something completely different is the hilltop city of Agrigento with its outstanding archaeological museum and Roman residential remains.
Urban Oasis: Lush Foliage and a Striking Red Scooter Grace a Rustic Hideaway.
Tour the beautifully preserved Greek ruins in the Valley of the Temples before visiting UNESCO-listed Ragusa, considered one of Sicily’s most beautiful towns. Its narrow, winding streets are lined with Baroque palazzi and churches, which can be explored aboard a miniature train. Also not to miss is Messina, famed for its ricotta-filled cannoli and views of the Italian mainland.
Soak up the Rays in Sicily on our 9-day self-driving adventure across one of Italy’s most captivating islands.
Croatia
Speckled with islands and ancient cities, Croatia is fast becoming one of Europe’s must-see destinations. It’s the perfect choice for travellers who want to combine a good dose of history and atmospheric sightseeing with a few solid days of coastal fun.
From Zagreb, make a beeline for the riverside city of Ljubljana, considered one of Europe’s most liveable capitals, then get ready to be spellbound by the travertine falls of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Explore the Roman ruins of Zadar before heading south to Split to tour the ruins of Diocletian’s Palace.
At the nearby fortress of Klis, you can get your “Game of Thrones” fix before ending your journey in Dubrovnik. Wander through the UNESCO-listed medieval streets of the Old Town and admire the ornately decorated Sponza Palace or escape to one of the blissful islands that dot the Adriatic Sea.
Spend 11 days exploring the sun-drenched Dalmatian coastline on our Complete Croatia Route.
Eastern Canada
Cosmopolitan cities and awe-inspiring national parks await in Eastern Canada along the country’s border with the United States. In Toronto, you’ll find a thriving metropolis where soaring modern skyscrapers dwarf the cobblestone streets of the Victorian-era Distillery District.
Follow the shores of Lake Ontario west to feel the spray of Niagara Falls, one of the world’s most famous natural wonders. You can then head north to Canada’s oldest provincial park, Algonquin, which encompasses ruggedly beautiful canyons and wildlife-dotted waterways.
Scattered across the eastern end of Lake Ontario are the Thousand Islands, famed for their elaborate mansions and abundance of recreational activities. After kayaking, swimming and fishing your way through the archipelago, get a change of pace in the buzzing Canadian capital, Ottawa. Rather than heading directly to Montreal, we recommend detouring through the historic industrial city of Trois Rivieres, UNESCO-listed Quebec and the “Queen of the Eastern Townships”, Sherbrooke.
Discover Eastern Canada’s Highlights on our 12-day self-driving itinerary from Toronto to Montreal.
Portugal
Encompassing the western edge of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal is one of those countries that has seen a meteoric rise in popularity with travellers. It’s home to an
inspiring capital, centuries-old villages and an Atlantic coastline where all your wildest beachside dreams will come true.
Spend at least a few days exploring the eclectic neighbourhoods of Lisbon, which sprawls across seven hills overlooking the River Tagus. Soak up the views from the Moorish-inspired São Jorge Castle and admire the tiles on display at the National Azulejo Museum before soaking up the rural sights en route to Coimbra.
Once serving as the capital of Portugal, Coimbra is one of the world’s oldest university cities and still exudes a lively student atmosphere. Be sure to marvel at the Sé Velha cathedral and the Baroque-style Joanine Library, which houses priceless historic documents. End your journey in enchanting Porto, with its fortified wine cellars and cutting-edge museums dotting the banks of the Douro River.
Short on time? Experience Portugal’s must-see cities on our 4-day Lisbon to Porto Weekender trip or explore the magic of Modern Roadtrips and what they have to offer.
