Few travel experiences manage to match the freedom and flexibility that is offered by a self drive holiday. Setting off at your own pace, you'll be free to discover hidden gems, extend your time at world renowned attractions and experience the joy of waking up in spectacular new destinations each and every day.
Whether you're winding along dramatic coastal roads, crossing daunting mountain passes, exploring national parks or stopping off at world class vineyards, the world's best road trips combine unforgettable landscapes with remarkable experiences.
At Elegant Resorts, our Luxury Travel Specialists have used their first hand experiences to create thrilling self drive holiday itineraries taking in some of the best road trip routes from across the globe. In our latest blog, we challenged our experts to whittle these itineraries down to just five which they feel stand head and shoulders above the rest; mixing some of the best driving routes with iconic landmarks, titanic experiences and some of the finest hotels in the world. Let's start off with a route that brings together coast, city and winelands.
1. California's Highway 1 (USA)
When it comes to the best road trips in the world, California's legendary Highway 1 remains an enduring favourite. Stretching along the spectacular Pacific coastline, this iconic drive perfectly blends dramatic ocean scenery, glamorous cities, charming seaside towns and some of America's finest wine regions.
Your journey begins in Los Angeles with a stay at the legendary Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, before heading north along one of the world's most celebrated coastal highways. Every twist in the road reveals breathtaking ocean vistas, rugged cliffs and golden beaches, while stops in Santa Barbara and Big Sur along the way offer the perfect opportunity to slow down and soak up California's famously laid back lifestyle.
This itinerary also earns its place among the best food road trips thanks to its outstanding culinary experiences. Wine lovers can explore acclaimed vineyards, enjoy private tastings of exceptional Californian vintages and indulge in farm-to-table dining experiences that will leave a lasting impression. Alongside Michelin starred restaurants, you'll also discover authentic American diners serving classic comfort food, making every day a new opportunity to sample something unique and indulgent.
With luxury accommodation, unforgettable scenery and outstanding gourmet experiences, this is undoubtedly one of the best driving routes for travellers who want to combine relaxation, indulgence and iconic landscapes.
2. South Africa's Garden Route & Route 62 (South Africa)
South Africa offers one of the most diverse driving holidays we can think of when you take a ride along the famous Garden Route and neighbouring Route 62. Together these roads offer an extraordinary mix of coastlines, mountains, vineyards and wildlife.
Beginning in the beautiful Western Cape, this unforgettable journey takes you through dramatic mountain passes, picturesque wine estates and the vast landscapes of the Klein Karoo. While many visitors focus solely on the Garden Route, Route 62 provides an equally rewarding experience, showcasing charming towns, scenic valleys and some of South Africa's finest wineries.
One of the highlights along the way that we strongly recommend fitting into your itinerary is a stay at Rosenhof Country House in Oudtshoorn, which provides the perfect base from which to explore the region's natural beauty and unique ostrich farms. Once you get the journey back underway again, you'll head toward the coast where you'll encounter pristine beaches, ancient forests and opportunities to spot whales, dolphins and other incredible wildlife depending on the season.
The combination of spectacular scenery, world class accommodation and exceptional food & wine experiences makes this one of the best road trip routes in the world for travellers seeking variety. Few destinations manage to combine adventure, culture, wildlife and luxury quite so seamlessly as this magnificent road trip in South Africa.
3. Exploring Utah's National Parks (USA)
For travellers seeking epic landscapes unlike anywhere else on Earth, Utah delivers one of the world's best road trips to take into consideration for anyone who is keen on photography or someone who appreciates the wonders of Mother Nature. Towering sandstone cliffs, vast desert plains and iconic rock formations create an unforgettable backdrop for a luxury self-drive adventure through America's Southwest.
This remarkable journey explores Utah's legendary national parks, including the towering canyon walls of Zion National Park and the instantly recognisable landscapes of Monument Valley. Every day presents another breathtaking drive through scenery that has featured in countless films and photographs, yet somehow feels even more impressive when it is seen first hand.
Along the way, you'll discover peaceful desert hideaways offering luxurious comfort in the heart of the wilderness. After days spent hiking among red rock canyons, watching spectacular sunsets or marvelling at endless star-filled skies, returning to exceptional accommodation provides the perfect balance of adventure and pampering.
Utah's combination of extraordinary natural beauty, quiet open roads and unforgettable national parks makes it one of the best driving routes for anyone looking to experience the scale and beauty of the American West. It's a journey that continually surprises, with every mile revealing another unforgettable view and a unique experience that will last with you long after the holiday has ended.
4. New Zealand from North to South (New Zealand)
New Zealand was made for self drive holidays. With remarkably diverse scenery packed into two islands, travelling by car allows you to experience everything from volcanic landscapes and subtropical beaches to towering mountains and ancient glaciers at your own pace.
Beginning on the North Island, this incredible journey introduces travellers to geothermal wonders, rolling countryside and the rich traditions of Maori culture before continuing south through forests of ancient kauri trees and picturesque coastal bays alive with native wildlife.
Crossing to the South Island brings even greater contrasts. Snow-capped mountains rise above crystal-clear lakes, while winding alpine roads lead towards glaciers, fjords and some of the most spectacular scenery known to man. A helicopter flight over Milford Sound offers an unforgettable perspective on one of New Zealand's most iconic natural wonders before the adventure concludes in Queenstown, the country's adventure capital.
Every stage of this self drive holiday offers something completely different, making it one of the best road trip routes for travellers who enjoy constantly changing scenery and unforgettable experiences. With the option to stay in luxury accommodation throughout and complete flexibility to explore, New Zealand remains one of the best road trips for discovering nature at its very finest.
5. Canada Wilderness & Wildlife Tour (Canada)
Canada's British Columbia region offers a driving holiday unlike any other, where cosmopolitan cities give way to mountain peaks, peaceful ranches and untouched wilderness rich in wildlife.
Starting in vibrant Vancouver, you'll have time to enjoy the city's exceptional dining scene, waterfront parks and thriving visitor attractions before heading inland towards the spectacular Cariboo region. Here, a stay at Echo Valley Ranch & Spa provides a fascinating insight into authentic Canadian ranch life, combining outdoor adventures with wellness experiences surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
The journey continues on into Whistler, one of North America's most famous mountain resorts, where scenic drives reveal alpine lakes, towering forests and endless opportunities for outdoor exploration. Finally, the adventure reaches its epic conclusion at the exclusive Sonora Resort which is tucked away on British Columbia's remote west coast. Surrounded by pristine wilderness, this remarkable retreat offers extraordinary opportunities to encounter bears, whales, eagles and other native wildlife in their natural habitat.
For travellers seeking incredible scenery, luxurious accommodation and unforgettable wildlife encounters, this is undoubtedly one of the world's best road trips to take into consideration. Every stage offers a new perspective on Canada's extraordinary natural beauty, creating a driving holiday that feels both adventurous and deeply restorative.
Discover the World's Best Road Trips with Elegant Resorts
The best road trips are about far more than just ticking off a list of destinations. They're about the overall journey, taking in extraordinary landscapes, satisfying driving routes and unexpected experiences that may go on to characterise your time away. With the option to stay at some of the world's most prestigious hotels along the way, our tailor made self drive holiday itineraries manage to mix adventure with luxury, allowing you to have the holiday experience you had always dreamed of.
Whether you are searching for the best food road trips through California's celebrated wine country, dramatic desert scenery in Utah, spectacular coastal drives in South Africa or the wildlife rich wilderness of Canada, Elegant Resorts can tailor every aspect of your self drive holiday to your own individual preferences.
Our Luxury Travel Specialists are experts in creating personalised self drive holiday itineraries that combine iconic routes with exceptional accommodation and exclusive experiences, ensuring every journey becomes as memorable as the destinations themselves. Get in touch with one of our specialists today to start the exciting planning stage for your next tailor made escape.