Road Tripping: Epic Routes and Must-See Stops

There’s something exhilarating about hitting the open road, the wind in your hair and the freedom to explore at your own pace. Road trips offer a unique way to experience a destination. Allowing you to uncover hidden treasures and witness breathtaking landscapes that might be missed when traveling by plane. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of road tripping and highlight some epic routes and must-see stops along the way.

The Classic American Road Trip – Route 66

U.S. Route 66, also known as the Main Street of America or the Mother Road. It is a piece of American history that has become iconic for travelers seeking to experience a classic American road trip. Established in 1926, Route 66 originally ran from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, covering more than 2,400 miles. It passing through eight states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California.

While the original Route 66 was officially removed from the U.S. Highway System in 1985, sections of the road that run through areas like Illinois, Missouri, New Mexico and Arizona have been designated as National Scenic Byways named “Historic Route 66”. Today, road trippers can still travel along these portions of the route and visit numerous preserved sites, museums and landmarks along the way.

Key highlights of a Route 66 road trip could include:

Chicago, Illinois – The starting point of Route 66, Chicago is home to the Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, Millennium Park and numerous other attractions.

Springfield, Illinois – Abraham Lincoln’s home, as well as his Presidential Library and Museum, are located in Springfield.

St. Louis, Missouri – The Gateway Arch, the Museum of Westward Expansion and a vibrant music scene make this city a must-visit stop.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum are notable attractions.

Amarillo, Texas – The Cadillac Ranch is a famous Route 66 landmark, where a series of Cadillac cars are buried nose-down in the ground.

Santa Fe, New Mexico – A city rich in Native American and Spanish culture, with attractions such as the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum.

Flagstaff, Arizona – The gateway to the Grand Canyon, one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders.

Santa Monica, California – The end of Route 66, Santa Monica features beautiful beaches, the iconic Santa Monica Pier and bustling Third Street Promenade.

Traveling Route 66 is like taking a journey through American history. From vintage motels and diners to unique roadside attractions, the route provides a glimpse into a bygone era that shaped the country. Remember to plan your trip carefully, as some sections of the route are not well maintained and services can be sparse in more remote areas. But with the right preparation, a Route 66 road trip can be an unforgettable adventure.

Coastal Beauty – The Great Ocean Road, Australia

The Great Ocean Road, located in Victoria, Australia, is known for it’s stunning coastal beauty, diverse wildlife and breathtaking natural landmarks. Stretching for about 243 kilometers (151 miles) along the southeastern coast of Australia, it’s one of the world’s most scenic coastal routes.

Built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932 and dedicated to soldiers killed during World War I, the road is the world’s largest war memorial. The Great Ocean Road begins in Torquay and ends in Allansford.

Here are some highlights and attractions you’ll encounter on a Great Ocean Road trip:

Bells Beach: Famous worldwide as a surfing destination, Bells Beach hosts the annual Rip Curl Pro Surfing competition. Even if you’re not a surfer, the beach is a beautiful spot to relax and watch the waves.

Lorne: A popular holiday destination, Lorne offers beautiful beaches and a vibrant arts community. The town is also home to the stunning Erskine Falls, one of the most famous waterfalls in the Otways.

Kennett River: One of the best places in Australia to see koalas in the wild. Take a walk up Grey River Road and see how many of these adorable creatures you can spot.

The Twelve Apostles: These towering limestone stacks are one of Australia’s most iconic natural features. Despite their name, only eight apostles remain standing today, but they are still a spectacular sight, especially at sunset.

Loch Ard Gorge: Named after a ship that wrecked here in 1878, the gorge is a beautiful spot with a sandy beach, towering cliffs and clear blue waters.

London Bridge (now London Arch): Once a natural bridge that connected the mainland to an offshore island, the middle of the bridge collapsed in 1990, leaving two tourists stranded on the newly formed island until they could be rescued by helicopter.

Port Campbell National Park: This park features a number of other striking rock formations, including The Grotto and Bay of Islands.

Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve: Located near the end of the Great Ocean Road. This reserve sits inside an extinct volcano and is a great place to see Australian wildlife, including kangaroos, emus and various bird species.

The Great Ocean Road offers an abundance of natural beauty and adventur. With opportunities for hiking, surfing, wildlife watching and simply enjoying the awe-inspiring coastal scenery. Whether you drive it in a day or take your time to explore over several days. A trip on the Great Ocean Road is a memorable experience.

Wild Beauty – The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

The Wild Atlantic Way, a tourism trail on the west coast of Ireland, is indeed an epitome of wild beauty. It is one of the longest defined coastal routes in the world. Spanning a staggering 2,500 kilometers (1,553 miles), from County Donegal in the north to County Cork in the south.

This captivating coastal journey takes you through nine counties and three provinces, each offering it’s unique charm, from tranquil bays and sandy beaches to sheer cliffs and bustling towns. The route is peppered with over 1,000 attractions, including natural wonders, historical sites and cultural hubs.

One of the most iconic landmarks along the Wild Atlantic Way is the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare. These majestic sea cliffs stretch for about 14 kilometers (9 miles) and rise to a height of 214 meters (702 feet), offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. On a clear day, you can even see the Aran Islands and Galway Bay.

Further north, in County Mayo, you’ll find Achill Island, Ireland’s largest island, renowned for it’s towering sea cliffs, golden beaches and rich cultural heritage. Here, you can hike the mountainous trails, explore ancient ruins or just enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the landscape.

In County Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula is a must-visit. It’s a place of rugged beauty, rich in archaeological sites and it’s here where you can take a boat tour to see Fungie, the famous wild bottlenose dolphin who has made the waters off Dingle his home.

At the southernmost tip of the route, in County Cork, you can explore the tranquil beauty of the Beara Peninsula. Known for it’s mountainous terrain, rugged coastline and colorful villages.

The Wild Atlantic Way is not just a drive but an experience. Along the route, you can immerse yourself in the local culture, listen to traditional Irish music, taste the local cuisine and learn about the rich history of the region. It’s a place where the wild beauty of the landscape is matched only by the warmth of it’s people. Whether you’re an adventurer, a history buff, a foodie or just someone who appreciates the beauty of nature, the Wild Atlantic Way has something for everyone.

Highland Adventure – North Coast 500, Scotland

The North Coast 500 is a renowned scenic route in Scotland, which starts and ends at Inverness Castle. It was launched in 2015 and has since become popular as a road trip route for it’s breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife and historical sites.

Here’s an overview of some key places and activities you might want to consider if you’re planning a highland adventure on the North Coast 500:

1. Inverness: Starting point of the route. Visit the Inverness Castle and the Cathedral, stroll along the River Ness or explore the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery.
2. Black Isle: Not actually an island but a peninsula, it’s known for it’s charming towns, breweries and wildlife. You can spot dolphins in the Moray Firth from Chanonry Point.
3. Wester Ross: Stop by the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve, which has a variety of trails. Visit the picturesque village of Applecross and enjoy stunning views from the Bealach Na Bà road.
4. Ullapool: A vibrant fishing village where you can enjoy fresh seafood. From here you can also take a ferry to the Summer Isles.
5. Assynt: This area is famous for it’s dramatic landscapes. Climb up Stac Pollaidh for fantastic views and don’t miss the historic ruins of Ardvreck Castle.
6. Durness: Visit Smoo Cave, a large combined sea cave and freshwater cave. Also, enjoy the beautiful sandy beach of Balnakeil.
7. Thurso and John O’Groats: Thurso is the most northerly town in mainland Scotland and offers good surfing opportunities. John O’Groats is a must-visit for it’s iconic signpost.
8. Caithness: Explore the Castle and Gardens of Mey, the late Queen Mother’s home in Scotland. You can also visit the Old Pulteney Distillery in Wick.
9. Sutherland: Walk the sandy beaches of Dornoch and explore the 13th-century Dornoch Cathedral. Dunrobin Castle is another highlight in the area.
10. Back to Inverness: Before your journey ends, you might want to take a tour of the Glen Ord Distillery or visit the Culloden Battlefield.

Remember, the beauty of the North Coast 500 is not just the destinations, but the journey itself. Take your time to explore the landscapes, wildlife and culture along the route. Whether you’re interested in hiking, photography, history or just enjoying the scenery, the North Coast 500 has something for everyone.

A Taste of the Mediterranean – The Amalfi Coast, Italy

The Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for it’s stunning landscapes, colorful villages perched on cliffs, delicious cuisine and warm, sunny climate.

Here’s a guide to some of the key places and experiences to explore on a Mediterranean adventure along the Amalfi Coast:

1. Positano: Start your journey in this picturesque town. Wander it’s steep, narrow streets lined with chic boutiques and vibrant cafes. Don’t miss the Church of Santa Maria Assunta and the Spiaggia Grande, the main beach.
2. Amalfi Town: The namesake of the coast, this town offers historical attractions like the Amalfi Cathedral and the Paper Museum. Also, try the local limoncello, a liqueur made from Amalfi lemons.
3. Ravello: This hilltop village is known for it’s panoramic views and beautiful gardens. Visit Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone, both of which have stunning gardens overlooking the sea.
4. Sorrento: Although not technically part of the Amalfi Coast, it’s often included in itineraries. Sorrento offers a charming old town, a beautiful harbor. It is a great base for exploring the region, including Pompeii and the island of Capri.
5. Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei): For those who love hiking, this trail offers breathtaking views of the coastline. It’s a moderately challenging route and usually takes about 3-4 hours to complete.
6. Capri: Take a boat trip to this glamorous island, known for the Blue Grotto, a sea cave illuminated by a magical blue light. Also visit the Gardens of Augustus and take a chairlift to the highest point on the island, Monte Solaro.
7. Cuisine: The Amalfi Coast is renowned for it’s Mediterranean diet. Enjoy seafood, pasta and local specialities like ‘Scialatielli ai frutti di mare’ (seafood pasta) and ‘Delizia al limone’ (lemon delight), a typical dessert. Also, sample local wines, limoncello and fresh produce like olives and lemons.
8. Artisan Shops: The region is known for it’s handmade ceramics, colorful, patterned and often decorated with lemons. You can find beautiful pieces in many shops along the coast.
9. Boat Tours: To truly appreciate the beauty of the Amalfi Coast, consider a boat tour. It provides a different perspective of the cliffside villages, allows you to explore sea caves and secluded beaches.
10. Pompeii and Herculaneum: A trip to these ancient Roman cities that were preserved under volcanic ash from the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in AD 79 is worth it. It’s a fascinating and poignant look back into history.

Remember, the Amalfi Coast can get quite busy in the summer months. So consider visiting in the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) for a more relaxed experience. Also, the roads are narrow and winding, so if you’re not comfortable driving. Consider using local buses or ferries to move between towns.

Natural Wonders – Icefields Parkway, Canada

The Icefields Parkway, also known as Highway 93, is one of the most scenic drives not only in Canada but in the world. The 232-kilometer (144-mile) stretch of road travels through the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains in Alberta. Providing a front-row seat to some of the most stunning natural beauty that the country has to offer.

The parkway starts at Lake Louise in Banff National Park and heads north to Jasper National Park. Along the way, it passes by sweeping vistas of alpine meadows, rugged mountains, ancient glaciers, crystal-clear lakes and thundering waterfalls. It’s not uncommon to spot wildlife such as elk, bighorn sheep and even bears along the route.

The highlight of the drive and from where the parkway gets it’s name, is the Columbia Icefield. This is one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world and it feeds eight major glaciers. The Athabasca Glacier, which is the most visited glacier in North America, is easily accessible from the parkway. Here, you can take a guided tour onto the glacier itself or visit the Glacier Discovery Centre for more information about this natural wonder.

The Icefields Parkway is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from June to September. When all services or facilities are open and the road is free from snow and ice. Even during these warmer months, the weather can be unpredictable. So it’s always a good idea to check road conditions before setting off.

Remember that this is a protected wilderness area. So it’s important to respect the environment and the wildlife that calls it home. There are numerous campgrounds and picnic areas along the route. Where you can stop and enjoy the scenery, but remember to leave no trace of your visit.

Conclusion

Road trips offer an unparalleled sense of adventure and discovery. Allowing you to forge your own path and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re cruising along Route 66 in the United States, exploring the wild landscapes of Scotland’s North Coast 500 or driving the winding