6 best road trips across the world
If there is one thing on your checklist this year, it should be an epic road trip!
What a great way to travel with the roof down, the warm sea breeze blowing through your hair and your favourite playlists on repeat.
Research from Booking.com has revealed that almost a third of people around the world took a road trip in 2016 and are likely to take one in 2017.
Booking.com has also rounded up some of the world’s greatest road trips and the best places to stay to start or end your journey on a high.
From the Pacific Coast Highway in US, one of the most scenic drives in the world to China’s over-water highway, there is a route for everyone. Just take your pick!
Pacific Coast Highway – San Francisco, United States
The Pacific Coast Highway is a must on your road trip checklist. This legendary route along the iconic California coast from San Francisco down to San Diego is known for having some of the most scenic views in the world.
Over 1000km long, the Pacific Coast Highway does not disappoint – expect to see stunning coastal views, picturesque seaside villages, untouched forests and sunny wine vineyards along the route. Top endorsements for San Francisco by Booking.com travellers are sightseeing, scenery and city trips.
The top nationalities that travelled to San Francisco in 2016 include British, Chinese and German and the top types of accommodation booked were hotels, motels and hostels.
Where to stay: Discover the charm and elegance of France in the heart of San Francisco at this family-owned hotel, ideally situated just a short stroll from the vibrant Union Square.
The Cornell Hotel de France presents a beautiful fusion of old-world charm and modern amenities – wake up to a full, free breakfast and admire prints of masterpieces from famous artists around the world.
Be sure to check out the Theatre District, San Francisco’s legendary Chinatown and take a ride on the city’s historic cable car.
Hidden Highway – Shrewsbury, United Kingdom
The Hidden Highway is the perfect choice for travellers looking for a relaxing road trip surrounded by the beautiful English countryside.
Travel through one of the most rural and scenic routes in Britain, where you can expect endless green fields dotted with rose-clad cottages, medieval castles plus quaint villages and farmers markets. The journey is 280km long and a good stop off is the famous town of Hay on Wye, which hosts the annual Festival of Literature every summer.
Top endorsements for Shrewsbury by Booking.com travellers are history, shopping and architecture, a great mixture for a relaxing road trip.
The top nationalities that booked Shrewsbury in 2016 include Australian, German and Irish and the top types of accommodation booked were hotels, guest houses and inns.
Where to stay: The splendid country estate of Meeson Hall dates back to 1640 and is nestled in the gorgeous countryside of Shrewsbury, offering spacious and elegant rooms, private parking and bicycle hire.
The perfect spot to recharge your batteries after exploring the Hidden Highway, Meeson Hall offers a relaxing stay perfect for a getaway to the countryside.
Stretch your legs with a stroll around the estate’s eight acres of landscaped grounds and paddocks.
Great Ocean Road – Melbourne, Australia
Challenging the Pacific Coast Highway for its spot as one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world is the Great Ocean Road route, with its jaw-dropping scenery along the southern coastline.
Tracing the shore between Geelong and Warrnambool, expect cliff-hugging turns, seascapes to die for and lush rainforests in your rear view mirror.
The 275km route starts in the surf capital of Torquay; be sure to visit the natural beauty Apollo Bay and the Great Otway National Park, where you can swap the wheels for a spot of walking. Top endorsements for Melbourne by Booking.com travellers include shopping, food and restaurants.
Top nationalities that booked Melbourne in 2016 are Chinese, Kiwis and British and the top types of accommodation booked were hotels, apart-hotels and hostels.
Where to stay: Location, location, location. Discovery Parks – Geelong is a clear winner in the location stakes.
Set alongside the Barwon River, it is only five minutes from the centre of Geelong, 15 minutes from world-class beaches, a short drive from the Great Ocean Road and just over an hour from Melbourne. It’s day tripper heaven!
Southern Scenic Route – Queenstown, New Zealand
The Southern Scenic Route combines everything from deserted beaches, native forests, rolling hillsides, waterfalls, lakes and snow-covered peaks – full of breath-taking views around every corner.
The 610km route starts at Queenstown to Fiordland, Ta Anau and the iconic Milford Road to Dunedin. Top endorsements for Queenstown by Booking.com travellers are scenery, adventure and relaxation.
The top types of nationalities that booked Queenstown in 2016 were Australian, Chinese and British and the top types of accommodation booked were hotels, hostels and apart-hotels.
Where to stay: Start off your road trip in the right way with a stay at the boutique and luxurious Element Escapes Apartment, ideally located just a short walk away from the beach and a half hour drive from Coronet Peak and The Remarkables ski parks.
A perfect getaway for skiers, hiking enthusiasts and travellers along the Southern Scenic Route looking to start as they mean to go on.
Amalfi Coast – Sorrento, Italy
Not for the faint-hearted the route along the Amalfi Coast presents narrow-winding roads along steep clifftops, although passengers will be rewarded with stunning views of rugged shorelines, pastel-coloured fishing villages, terraced vineyards and cliffside lemon groves.
This 60km stretch of coastline between Sorrento and Salerno is hemmed by high mountains and offers idyllic waterfront boutique hotels and unspoilt coastal towns. The top endorsements for Sorrento by Booking.com travellers are scenery, food and sightseeing.
The top nationalities that booked holidays to Sorrento in 2016 were English, American and Argentinian and the top types of accommodation booked were hotels, bed and breakfasts and guest houses.
Where to stay: The exquisite Grand Hotel Royal boasts a stunning beach-front location and lush palm-filled gardens and scenic cliff-top views. Take a dip in the outdoor pool and admire panoramic views of the Gulf of Naples and Vesuvius.
In high season, guests enjoy free access to the beach, and free use of parasols, sun beds and beach towels.
Grand Hotel Royal offers a complete gastronomic experience including multiple on-site restaurants and bars serving regional and classic Italian cuisine with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Overwater Highway – Xingshan, China
If a long distance road trip is not for you, but you are still seeking scenic views, then the Overwater Highway is your best option. Forget walking on water, how about driving on water!
Labelled as the overwater highway, the seven mile road linking Xingshan County in Hubei to the high speed motorway of G42 is built in the middle of the river and follows the natural curve of the valley. Even though this is the shortest route in our round-up of epic road trips passengers will still be treated to breath-taking views of the valley and nearby fishing villages.
The top nationalities that booked holidays to Xingshan in 2016 were Taiwanese, British and Russian and the top types of accommodation booked were hotels.
Where to stay: The luxurious InterContinental Tangshan is ideally situated in Wanda Square and looks out to the scenic DaZhao Park. Guests will love the indoor pool, fitness centre and pampering spa treatments, and the famous South Lake and Tangshan Anti-Earthquake museum are just a short drive away.
The onsite restaurant, Phoenix All Day Dining, serves international dishes from live cooking stations, as well as a daily buffet breakfast.
Other dining options include Cantonese food at Tang Yuan Chinese Restaurant and fine Chinese dining at Imperial Court.
Latest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!