7 Faraway Road Trips to Save Your Sanity
We all get overwhelmed sometimes, and getting away is often the best thing for that. Road trips may not always be the first thing on your mind when you think of peace, but they can truly change your outlook on life.
Whether you’re bringing along friends, family or going at it alone, these road trips are perfect getaways to refresh and recharge your mind.
1. Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way
Ireland is known for its rugged coastline and rich green foliage. This road trip takes you to places that aren’t really populated by humans — making it a great place for a restoring your sanity. The tallest cliffs in Ireland are on this road trip, as well as a place that’s renown worldwide for surfing. If you need to escape from people and recharge, this is the perfect place for it.
2. The South Island Circuit
New Zealand’s South Island is where you’ll find the country’s most gorgeous landscape. Road tripping lets you take it all in on your own pace without being rushed. One of the big highlights is the mountain landscapes in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, which were featured in The Lord of the Rings movies. Fiordland National Park is another must-see, with rare wildlife and huge fiords cut from glaciers.
3. Route 66
Route 66 is the classic American road trip. There are so many unique things to see on the drive — along with the ghost towns that were left when major interstates were built. It’s great to see the history of middle and western America, and it can transport you to a whole other world. And what better way to explore a classic road than with a sweet classic car? Rent a 1966 Chevy Camaro or Ford Mustang and ride across the country in style.
4. Romantic Road
The Romantic Road is a standout in Germany for its scenery. There are so many different kinds of landscapes to go through on just one drive — vineyards, valleys and the foot of the Alps. The castles and timber-framed houses along this drive make you feel like you’re in a whole other time period. If you’re choosing to road trip with your significant other, they also make for a super romantic backdrop to your travels.
5. The Pacific Coast
This trip takes you from Seattle all the way down to San Diego — or vice versa — along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway. It takes you through some of the most beautiful places America has to offer, like Big Sur and the giant redwood trees. If you find solace in cities, you can lose yourself in San Francisco or Los Angeles for a while on this trip. At the very least, you’ll want to see the wonder of the Golden Gate Bridge.
6. Ring Road
Iceland is home to some sights that are simply astonishing. You can’t find these in the rest of the world. Ring Road takes you all the way around Iceland. There are waterfalls, geysers, glaciers, active volcanoes, geothermal springs, mountains and the Northern Lights if you’re there at the right time. If you’re truly looking to escape, Iceland is exactly the place you want to be. There’s a new sight you’ll want to stop at every five minutes.
7. The Garden Route
The Garden Route in South Africa comes with a little bit of everything. It’s a perfect mix of modern and ancient, with tons of little gems to find along the way. You can find golf courses and shopping malls along with the ostrich capital of the world and secluded bays. If you look out to the sea, you have a pretty good chance of seeing humpback whales and dolphins frolicking near the coast. What more could you want?
Everyone has a different environment they’d consider a perfect escape, and luckily the world offers a road trip that fits everyone. Take your pick, plan your trip and let your life be changed and sanity restored by the wonders of the planet.
