Listopedia: Ten ultimate road trips
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In life sometimes it is all about the journey, other times it is about the destination - and sometimes, it's both. Here are 10 of the world's most stunning road trips.
Alaska is renowned for its iconic wildlife and natural beauty. Driving
along the Seward highway you will see moose grazing on the side of the
road, eagles soaring high up above, paddocks of wildflowers and endless
mountain vistas that pierce the sky. Take the time to stop off and sail
alongside breaching whales, hike through lush alpine forests, kayak
peaceful coastlines and stop off at local restaurants for a bite of
fresh trout.
2. Amalfi Coast, Italy
Throw your bags in the back of an Italian sports car, fold back the
roof and let the Italian sea breeze sweep through your hair. Coastal
roads wind around rugged bluffs, famous for its hairpin bends and
expansive views over turquoise waters. With every turn of the road a new
vista opens up; expect to see olive groves, old watchtowers converted
into gorgeous restaurants and pastel-hued villas built into the side of a
cliff. Take the time to stop off and savour the views over a glass of
local wine and fresh seafood.
3. The Great Ocean Road Australia
What ultimate top 10 road
trip list would be complete without the iconic Great Ocean Road? Winding
along the gorgeous southern coastline of Australia, the diverse
vegetation takes your senses on a journey, one minute you smell the
bark, leaves and flowers of the native bush and then the next minute you
get a waft of beach and sea mist. Make sure you keep an eye out for
koalas when you stop off at lookouts to snap a few photos, there is a
likely chance that there may be one sitting in the branches above
looking down at you.
4. The Big Island of Hawaii
Driving around the big island of
Hawaii you will encounter a diversity of landscapes from lava deserts,
lush jungles, tropical plantations, volcanoes, pristine beaches, big
waves, green highlands and jaw dropping views of rugged mountains and
deep plunging valleys. It is a road trip that will keep your senses
engaged, for you never know what surprise may await around the corner.
Filling the empty spaces between the breathtaking landscape is the
spirit of the Polynesians who landed on the island more than a thousand
years ago.
5. The South-West Coast, Ireland
Take a road trip through the
picturesque backdrop of Ireland's South-West Coast where you will be
rewarded with breathtaking vistas of rugged coastal cliffs, peninsulas
and deep, fjord-like bays. Charming quaint villages are surrounded by
lush, green countryside, and make sure you take the time to drop in to
one of the villages for a pint of beer at one of the friendly local
pubs.
6. Northeast New Mexico
Feel
the freedom of the open road as you drive across the vast and dusty
plains of Northeast New Mexico. The highway, which makes up part of
Route 66, is an endless and rather a lonesome one, except for the odd
saloon bar, pioneer homestead and abandoned ghost town. The landscape is
marked by prairies, volcanoes and villages straight out of a Clint
Eastwood movie set. This is where cowboys hang their boots, old Chevys
line the streets and artists from Santa Fe move to for some peace and
inspiration.
7. Country Trails of Provence, France
Take a leisurely road trip
along the country roads of Provence, marked by gentle rolling hills,
lavender fields, medieval castles, quaint local farms and an abundance
of artisan flavour. Weekends are vibrant and full of colour, for that is
when the town's market and antique shops are open. Decadent local
handicrafts and produce are up for grabs, from local woven fabrics,
colourful ceramics, gourmet foods and handmade soaps. Take your time to
explore the rural back roads which wind past olive groves, cherry
orchards, lavender farms and family run wineries - ensuring to stop off
and sample a quintessential slice of Provence.
8. Wallachia to Transylvania, Romania
Follow the footsteps of
Dracula and take a road trip through the rugged Carpathian Alps and
explore the rich history and natural beauty of this region. Bountiful in
deep valleys, rugged peaks, crystal lakes and ruined castles, is what
makes this countryside so enchanting yet mysterious. Driving the
Transfagarasan Pass is not for the faint hearted, climbing up towards
the crest of Romania's Fagaras Mountains, it is said to be one of the
highest roads in Europe. Climbing up to dizzying heights of 2000m, the
road winds between the jagged peaks of the country's highest mountains -
the Moldoveanu (2543m) and Negoiu (2535m) - and passes through a 887
metre tunnel.
9. The Garden Route, South Africa
The coastal road is very
popular with the outdoor enthusiast, rich in lush vegetation, wildlife
and outdoor activity. The name comes from the ecologically diverse
vegetation found here and the abundance of lagoons and lakes dotted
along the coast. You can stop off and hike through ancient forests, bike
through wildlife reserves, chill-out on pristine white beaches and
canoe in calm lagoons.
10. Vancouver to Jasper
Wind
down your window and let the warm sun of the Canadian summer hit your
skin as you soak in the natural beauty and elegance of the Canadian
Rockies. Mountains reach the heavens, wildlife is in abundance and
around every corner there is a picture perfect emerald green lake. Days
are spent meandering through the natural wilderness, occasionally
stopping off at roadside fruit stalls to fuel a hungry belly. A road
trip through the Rockies will leave you feeling more connected to
adventure, spirit and nature - it cannot be missed.
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