Best Places To Take A Road Trip

Route 66, North America

Chicago - Springfield - St Louis - Oklahoma City - Amarillo - Santa Fe - Albuquerque - Grand Canyon - Las Vegas - Los Angeles

Just for Kicks on Route 66 is a 2,448 mile (3,940km) road trip that has become a driving adventure along what is the most famous road in the world. The historic Route 66 crosses 8 states, starting in Chicago and finishing at the Santa Monica Pier on the Pacific Coast.

The journey goes through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona before ending in California. The highway dates back to 1926 but only 80% of the original road still exits today. There are many great stops on the route and lots of history to learn so be sure to seek out the vintage motels and route markers that let you know how far along the route you are.

The Garden Route, South Africa

Cape Town - Stellenbosch - Hermanus - Oudtshoorn - Knysna - Port Elizabeth - Addo Elephant Park

The Garden Route is a beautiful 125 mile (200km) stretch of coastline in the Eastern and Western Cape Provinces of South Africa. The route is a popular self drive from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth and is ideal for those looking to get the best of South Africa in a short space of time. The road weaves along the coast line and is set against the beautiful mountainous back drop where the land meets the ocean.

Highlights you can expect to see is the penguins and winelands in Cape Town. At the right time of year (October) you can see Southern Right Whales just off the cliffs of Hermanus within easy eye line from the shore as they come right up against the cliffs. There are also many ostrich farms in Oudtshoorn and an elephant orphanage in Knysna tourists can visit. The garden route is famous for its magnificent beaches, lagoons, coves and its indigenous forest with beautiful wildflowers. There are a series of caves and trails to explore the amazing scenery South Africa has to offer with many chances to see dolphins, seals and great white sharks just off the shore.

The quaint little towns along the route provide a wonderful base each day to explore, we highly recommend Plettenberg Bay, Knysna and George as must see locations. The Garden Route is teaming with activities accessible to all ages so makes a great family adventure as it caters to all needs. There is also many opportunities to do a safari including a visit to Addo Elephant Park which is a small park but teaming with wildlife. Throughout the year the temperate stays between 13-25 degrees making it suitable to travel in most seasons.

Great Ocean Road, Australia

Melbourne - Torquay - Bells Beach - Lorne - Kennett River - Apollo Bay - Great Otway National Park - Port Campbell - Allansford

The Great Ocean Road is a 249 mile (400km) drive from Melbourne to Allansford that takes about 90 minutes to complete with many stops along the way. The road winds along the southern ocean coast line passing the Memorial Arch, Twelve Apostles, Great Otway National Park and Loch Ard Gorge.

It is home to breath-taking cliffs, empty beaches and stunning wildlife. It has become an epic surfing spot with some incredible hikes to do along the shore, so ensure you give yourself at least 3 days to truly appreciate and take part in some of the many activities available on this route. The famous coastal journey is known for its shipwreck stories and pays homage to its original creation as a memorial to remember the fallen soldiers lost during World War I. It is best to do this drive during the spring and summer months of October to May as there is the lowest amount of rainfall.

Namibia

Windhoek - Etosha National Park - Spitzkoppe - Swakopmund - Sossusvlei - Fish River Canyon - Windhoek