The best road trips taken by the TravelLocal team

The open road; there’s no better way to experience a country. Getting behind the wheel and embarking on an epic road trip lets you set the pace and gives you access to the less-visited places a destination offers – the true hidden gems. From mountainous highways in Canada, to scenic coastlines in Crete, the TravelLocal team have done it all! Read on for wonderful stories of their road trips – then chat with one of our local experts if you’re feeling inspired to get out there and explore these incredible destinations for yourself.

Abbie’s Canada

In my opinion Canada is the ultimate road trip destination; vast open roads, an abundance of wildlife, and incredible scenery.

Splitting my time equally between British Columbia and Alberta, I started in Vancouver driving the Sea-to-Sky Highway up to Whistler. If this is your first introduction to the country, you won’t be disappointed. If there’s one thing Canada does better than anybody else, it’s creating some of the most beautiful roads in the world; most notably the Icefields Parkway, but across the country you’ll find others including the Maligne Lake Road in Jasper National Park, the Pacific Rim Highway on Vancouver Island, and the Okanagan Highway nestled in the vineyards of British Columbia.

Ending in Calgary, along the way I completed world-class hikes, went wine tasting in the Okanagan Valley, witnessed lakes in a spectrum of blues, and got stuck in multiple bear-jams (that’s what happens when a bear wants to cross the road). It was a trip I’ll never forget. I’d highly recommend visiting in September at the very end of the main summer season/beginning of the shoulder season  – this is exactly what I did, avoiding the crowds whilst still benefiting from beautiful mild weather; perfect for peaceful hiking and quiet campsites.

Patricia’s New Zealand

To this day, my 19-day road trip through New Zealand was one of the best trips I’ve ever taken. The country is incredible and offers an unforgettable blend of adventure, culture, and scenic beauty. We started from the vibrant city of Auckland and ended in the historic charms of Dunedin, encompassing both the North and South Islands. Some of my favorite parts were the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, the emerald waters of the Abel Tasman Coast – I recommend doing a hike in the national park or even kayaking, and the majestic landscapes of Fiordland. Aotearoa is truly a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

As huge Lord of the Rings and Hobbit fans, we were also able to explore some of the magical places where the movies were filmed. A big highlight was booking a film locations tour with a local expert in Queenstown. It was brilliant. Another highlight was hiking to the very scenic Cathedral Cove.

For anyone planning a similar adventure, I’d advise prioritizing must-see destinations – it’s a huge country, so there’s no way you’ll see everything. Book accommodations well in advance, especially during peak season, and prepare for diverse weather conditions. Also, consider including local experiences, such as a Māori cultural night or a visit to a local vineyard, both excellent opportunities to learn more about the history and culture of New Zealand.

Emily’s Costa Rica

In 2022, I did a road trip in Costa Rica with some friends – we packed a lot into two weeks but it really was an amazing trip. We first explored the Pacific Coast, stopping off at La Fortuna and Arenal to hike around the volcano and experience the hot springs. We visited Santa Elena Cloud Forest instead of the better-known and more touristy Monteverde Cloud Forest. It was magical – trees covered in moss and the constant background noises of the jungle and birdsong. Next was Manuel Antonio, a popular tourist spot but for good reason – it’s an incredible national park along a beautiful coastline.

The final part of our Pacific Coast leg was Corcovado which involved leaving the car on dry land and setting off on two boat trips to reach this remote peninsula. There we saw a tapir, sloths, capuchin monkeys, baby caimans, squirrel monkeys, wild pigs, an anteater, toucans… but no jaguars despite their presence there. Even our guide, who had spent much of his life out in this wilderness, had never spotted an elusive jaguar!

I’d highly recommend a road trip in Costa Rica – the roads are generally in great condition, although it’s worth getting a 4WD and speaking Spanish is very helpful. Having a car gives you the freedom to explore the country, and is great fun for uninterrupted conversations and singing along to your favorite playlists, with a car packed full of your nearest and dearest.

Dom’s Jordan

I visited Jordan in 2020 for a six-day self-drive trip around the country. It’s an incredibly easy country to explore by car with near-empty roads between towns. Most people head straight to the main sights of Petra and Wadi Rum, which are of course amazing, but there are other great and lesser-visited spots in-between.

One place to certainly visit is Mount Nebo, which is a short drive from the town of Madaba. There is a fascinating small church and a viewpoint at 700m above sea level, offering an epic panorama across the Dead Sea. Also, when driving south, a visit to see the 12th-century Kerak Castle in al-Karak is worth breaking up the journey for. I’d recommend picking up a Jordan Pass as it gives you access to many top sights and encourages you to explore some of the lesser-known areas too, which when you have a car is much easier to do.

Alex’s Crete

With its warm hospitality, rich history, and scenic beauty, Greece‘s Crete is a must-visit destination, best explored by car. Our road trip began in Chania, a city on the northwest coast known for its Venetian harbor and the perfect hub to explore some of Crete’s most beautiful beaches: Balos, Elafonisi, and Seitan Limania to name just a few. From Chania, we headed east along the north coast, spending a couple of days in Rethymno before passing through Heraklion to reach the Palace of Knossos, a relic of the 4,000-year-old Minoan city.

We continued eastward to our highlight of the trip, the charming fishing village of Elounda. Nestled along Mirabello Bay, Elounda is renowned for its stunning scenery, luxurious resorts, and abundance of boutique shops and tavernas. The nearby sunken city of Olous and views of Spinalonga, a fortified island steeped in history, add to Elounda’s beauty and cultural richness.

Natacha’s Albania

After road-tripping Albania here is my ultimate itinerary! Start your Albanian adventure in Tirana, where you can unwind at charming cafes, explore museums, or visit Bunkers. Fun fact: Albania has over 173,000 bunkers, remnants of its communist past, making Bunk’Art an intriguing stop. Next, head to Berat, the ‘City of a Thousand Windows’, where you’ll feel transported back in time. The view from the castle overlooking the town is spectacular and you will quickly understand why the town is called this way. Continue to Gjirokastër, where a walk to Ali Pasha Bridge before sunset is magical. En route to Saranda, cool off at the Blue Eye (Syri i Kalter), a stunning natural spring.

In Saranda, take a day trip to Butrint National Park for a memorable mussel tour and wine tasting. Don’t miss the Blue Eye Bar Coffee, hidden in the hills. Ask the owner for a tour of his bunker—an unexpected delight! Finally, drive up the coast to Himarë, stopping at local beaches like Bunec. The small town of Himarë, with hikes to pristine spots like Gjipe, is a highlight of this unforgettable journey.

Make it happen

Has our team at TravelLocal inspired you to book adventurous road trips of your own? Speak to our local experts today and take the first step to booking your tailor-made trip so you can explore like a local. Or if you’re looking for more inspiration, explore our road trip collection!

1. Canada
2. New Zealand
3. Costa Rica
4. Jordan
5. Crete, Greece
6. Albania