Best Road Trip Holidays in 2018

Are you planning to hit the road this year? There is no better way to explore the world. Get off the main highways and explore the winding back roads and small villages. VroomVroomVroom has put together five exciting road-trip itineraries from around the world. For a memorable 2018 road trip, consider setting out on these routes.

A road trip through Canada’s French-infused East

Visitors have been flocking to the Rocky Mountains and scenic parks of western Canada for years. However, there is a whole other side to this natural paradise. Canada has surged in popularity in recent years and is showing no signs of slowing down. Why not explore the bustling Eastern region and get a taste of Europe in North America?

• Start your journey in Ontario’s capital: Toronto. Get a birds-eye view of the city from CN Tower and visit the exciting local museums and galleries.
• Don’t miss Niagara Falls! See the famous waterfall from various vantage points. On the way, stop in at the beautiful village of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
• Cross the border into the US, and explore upstate New York’s scenic Finger Lakes region. See impressive gorges and waterfalls in Watkins Glen State Park.
• Mont-Royal will give you the best view of the Montreal skyline. Be sure to visit the stunning Notre-Dame Basilica.
• Home to Chateau Frontenac and perfect cobblestone streets, Quebec City is a must-see. Drive to nearby Montmorency Falls and Jacques-Cartier National Park.
• Drive along the north bank of the St Lawrence River through French-speaking villages. Walk the streets of Baie St Paul and sample some local cuisine at Ile d’Orleans.

Directions

Pick up your rental car in Toronto. Queen Elizabeth Way will take you to Niagara Falls & the New York border. Passing by Rochester and Syracuse, follow I-81 N toward Canada and Montreal. Route Transcanadienne will lead from Montreal to Quebec City.

New Zealand’s remote south coast

Head to the southern fringes of New Zealand’s South Island to discover magnificent wildlife and stunning scenery. New Zealand has been at the top of many people’s road-trip wishlists for years, so 2018 is the time to explore the country in even more depth.

• Pick up your rental car in Invercargill and take a drive south to Bluff Point. See the power of the wild South Pacific Ocean from a ship graveyard lookout and scenic ocean-side walking track.
• Carved from cliffs at Waipati Beach, the Cathedral Caves are a highlight for all visitors to the Catlin region. The cave walls are around 30 metres high.
• Stop at Jack’s Blowhole to see the power of the ocean as it powers through a 55 metre deep hole.
• From the Nugget Point Lighthouse, you will have some of the best ocean views in New Zealand. The coast is a great spot to see fur seals, Hector’s dolphins, penguins and gannets.
• Explore the sights of Dunedin including Cadbury World, Tunnel Beach and the world’s steepest street!

Directions

The Tokanui Gorge Rd Highway leads from Invercargill to the Catlins. Drive north to the Milton Highway, which will lead into Dunedin.

Celebrate the south with a trip through Cajun country

New Orleans will celebrate its 300th year in 2018, so there is no better time to visit. There is plenty to see from the bayou’s of Louisiana all the way to the Gulf Coast beaches in Florida.

• Start off your journey in Baton Rouge at the Old Capitol Building. There are many exhibitions inside, including displays on the Civil War.
• No trip to Louisiana would be complete without exploring the French Quarter of New Orleans.
• Take a side trip to Honey Island swamp. See if you can spot any gators from a guided bayou tour.
• Relax on the pristine, white sands of Alabama’s Gulf Shores.
• Experience a genuine Florida finishing village and sample delicious seafood in Apalacicola.

Directions

Start your journey in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The I-10 E will lead to New Orleans and onto Mobile, Follow the Emerald Coast Parkway from the Gulf Shores to pass through some scenic finishing villages and onto Florida.

History meets fantasy on the Causeway Coast

With a turbulent history, once upon a time tourists were scarce in Northern Ireland. These days, as the filming location for popular TV series Game of Thrones, the country has definitely seen an influx of visitors. And with the informative tours, and miles of coastline, that is sure to keep increasing.

• Pick up your rental car in Belfast. Visit the Shankhill and Falls Road to see a visual display of Northern Ireland’s history in murals dotting the streets recollecting the Troubles.
• It’s one of the oldest towns in Northern Ireland, and colourful Carrickfergus is also home to a beautiful castle. The castle doubles as a gallery, displaying artifacts from the 17th century.
• The Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge in Ballycastle is a crossing that is not for those with a fear of heights. Initially built by salmon fisherman, visitors can now cross the swaying rope bridge between two clifftops.
• For an other-wordly view of basalt columns lining the beach, head to the famous Giant’s Causeway.
• Any Game of Thrones fans will have a wealth of filming locations to choose from. The Dark Hedges, or as it was named in the show, The Kingsroad, is one of the most photographed locations in the country.

Directions

Driving through the quiet hills of Northern Ireland is an unforgettable experience. Visitors can rent a car in Belfast. Take the scenic Causeway Coast route by following the M5 north of the city, and taking the Shore Road toward the lovely seaside town of Larne.

See Australia from the world-famous Gold Coast

It’s Australia’s turn to host the Commonwealth Games, meaning the attention of the world will be on the Gold Coast. There are a wealth of national parks, coastal hikes and exciting cities within easy reach of the Gold Coast. Head south into New South Wales and experience some unforgettable scenery. 

• One of the Gold Coast’s most popular beaches is at Burleigh Heads. It is a popular beach for surfing, and offers some great views.
• From Springbrook National Park, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the Gold Coast skyline. Located in the Hinterland, the park features lookouts, waterfalls and the iconic Natural Bridge.
• Visit Australia’s eastern-most point in Byron Bay. There are some great coastal and rainforest hiking trails in the region.
• In the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Lennox Head is home to a tea tree lake, the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing swim.
• The Big Banana is just one of the unique sights you’ll see in Coffs Harbour. You can also see whales in the Solitary Island Marine Park.

Directions

Find a rental car on the Gold Coast to begin your road trip. To reach Springbrook National Park, you will need to head inland on Springbrook Road. When you return to the coast, it is easy to reach destinations like Byron Bay and Coffs Harbour. Simply follow the Pacific Motorway south, crossing into New South Wales.

Have you been to any of these great road trip destinations? We’d love to see your photos! Tag your images from the road with #vroomsters on Instagram to be featured on our page.