Nothing beats a road trip. They have been popular since cars became part of everyday life back in the 1920’s. Throwing your bag in the boot and hitting the open road still has a sense of adventure, with new things to discover around every corner. It’s never been easier to explore foreign countries in the comfort of your own car. Modern maps and navigation make it nearly impossible to get lost, while also giving you the freedom to go anywhere you desire.
Spending your break lying on a beach isn’t for everyone, and being confined to a city for your entire holiday won’t satisfy others. Having a car allows you to check out sights throughout the entire country, even rural areas such as national parks and remote points of interest. You have the freedom to go and do whatever you like.
We love a good road trip. We’ve driven all over the world, everywhere from well-known cities like Paris to more obscure destinations such as Sao Tome. Let’s have a look at three of our favourites.
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1. Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan is an excellent destination to explore on a road trip. Modern and well-maintained roads make getting around easy. These excellent roads stretch all across the country to even the most remote mountain villages such as Sheki and Khinaliq.
Local drivers are generally respectful, and speed limits are usually followed. Police and speed cameras are common, adding to the overall safety on the road.
Another benefit of a driving holiday in Azerbaijan is the cost of fuel, which is among the most affordable on the planet. Car hire is also inexpensive, with popular international companies, along with local suppliers providing plenty of options.
During our driving adventure, we headed south to Lankaran and Lerik, which was amazing. We also explored the epic mountain towns of Sheki and Lahich, two places that have to be seen to be believed. The drive to Lahich is stunning, with the road following the river up through a rocky gorge. Eastern Azerbaijan is also unmissable, with the drive to the ancient village of Khinaliq one of the most beautiful we’ve ever done.
Read our Azerbaijan travel guide for tips and inspiration to plan your trip
The scenery in Azerbaijan is jaw dropping – simply unbelievable. Most of these places are impossible to reach on public transport, with your own car the only feasible way to experience them.
With its stunning landscapes and ever-changing scenery, Azerbaijan is unforgettable and remains one of our favourite travel experiences.
Azerbaijan, truly the perfect place for a road trip.
2. Moldova
Moldova is another country that’s ideal for road trips. The country’s roads are in excellent condition, providing access to every corner and village inside its borders. The capital, Chisinau, has wide, tree-lined streets, making driving much easier than some other European capitals.
Once you leave Chisinau, there are all sorts of wonderful sights and regions to explore. Quiet country roads lead to hidden caves and fairytale-like rural villages. Historic Orthodox churches and monasteries are scattered throughout the countryside, as are wineries and ancient fortresses.
Car hire isn’t expensive, with plenty of companies to choose from. Driving conditions are excellent and present no real challenges. In some remote rural areas, you’ll still share the road with horses and carts, this being more of a highlight than a problem.
During our road trip, we headed north to Soroca, with plenty of interesting stops along the way. The Orhei area is another lovely region we explored, packed things to see and do. Driving south is equally pleasant, with peaceful towns such as Cahul and Valeni changing very little over time and offering a glimpse into Moldova’s past. This area also has some fantastic vineyards and wineries – a reward for taking the time to head this way.
Check out our Moldova travel guide to discover where to stay, eat, and explore
Moldova also contains a country that officially doesn’t exist inside its borders, called Transnistria. There’s a border crossing with customs, and you’ll need some paperwork from your rental company to cross, but it’s not difficult. This small, unofficial country is unique and interesting, with plenty to offer the inquisitive traveller.
Read our Transnistria travel guide to learn what to expect and how to visit
Moldova is a great choice for a rewarding road trip. It’s not only unique, quiet, and welcoming, but also easy to explore while self-driving. Transnistria feels like another planet, a truly unusual and memorable place for the adventurous, adding to Moldova’s allure as a road trip destination.
Our road trip here was awesome and remains one of our most memorable.
Moldova, the ultimate country for an authentic road trip.
Road trips give you freedom and provide opportunities to see things you wouldn’t be able to reach without a car.
3. Namibia
Namibia is one of the easiest and safest countries in Africa to explore on a road trip. The country is a wonderland for nature and wildlife lovers, with some world-class wild places. It’s modern capital, Windhoek, has everything you’ll need and more, including no shortage of car hire companies with competitive prices. You’ll find all sorts of vehicles for hire, from small cars to jeeps equipped for camping.
Great roads and infrastructure connect the main cities and towns, along with major attractions. Road rules are enforced, making driving a hassle-free experience.
Outside of the major centres, vast open spaces dominate the landscape, but driving these stretches is far from boring. Along the roadsides, you’ll find endless scenery and wildlife spotting opportunities. Antelopes and jackals are common sightings during longer drives.
With everything from ocean and desert to massive national parks, Namibia offers something for all types of travellers.
During our road trip, we visited Swakopmund, a pleasant coastal town. North of here lies the impressive Skeleton Coast, an area of the world unlike anywhere else. Thousands of seals can be found at Cape Cross, a popular stop for travellers. South of Swakopmund is where you’ll find the majestic Sossusvlei, one of the planets greatest sand dunes.
Explore Namibia with our travel guide and start planning your adventure
Namibia’s major draw is the incredible Etosha National Park, about a four-hour drive from Windhoek. The volume of wildlife here is mind blowing. Rhino’s, elephants, lions – you name it, it lives here. Self-driving safaris are the best way to uncover the parks many secrets, another reason why Namibia is a fantastic African country for a road trip.
See why Etosha earned its place in our article, Unique Wildlife in Obscure Wild Places
A safe country with modern conveniences, unreal landscapes and scenery, and some of the best wildlife-viewing national parks in the world, makes Namibia a desirable road trip destination.
Namibia, a road trip full of wild and natural places.
Final thoughts on best road trip destinations
Not only are road trips enjoyable and rewarding, they are often the only way to truly experience and explore some countries. They allow you to go wherever it is you want to go. You can turn off down a bumpy road or visit a remote national park. Road trips give you freedom and provide opportunities to see things you wouldn’t be able to reach without a car. They let you see the country from a different perspective and uncover its secrets in the remote countryside and tiny rural villages.
The world is full of inexpensive and safe road trip destinations, catering to every interest imaginable. Do some research, make a plan. Adventure awaits on your next road trip.
Where is your favourite road trip destination?