Driving on the open road is one of the most wonderful things in life.
Fresh air, beautiful scenery, and wide roads combine into a free and holy trinity, opening the door to a new century for car owners. Where is the best place to turn on the gas and run with abandon?
1. Milford Road, New Zealand
Distance: 120km.
The drive through the mountains of New Zealand's South Island, from Te Anau to Milford Sound to Fiordland National Park, is perhaps the most scenic route on the planet.
The road is lined with towering cliffs, snow-covered peaks, magnificent waterfalls and towering trees rooted deep in the earth's core.
It's hard not to stop and gaze at the unparalleled beauty of the Eglington Valley and Mirror Lake, where the water is crystal clear.
2. Amalfi Coast Road, Italy
Distance: 56 km.
This is one of the most beautiful routes in the world, with cozy villages, a pristine coastline, and many wildflowers along the way.
There is a cave where the mineral water is so green that it looks like emerald glowing.
3. Great Ocean Road, Australia
Distance: 253 km.
There are no thrilling roads here but there are breathtaking views, and even if you don't drive here, you will feel that you are getting good value for money.
Here, mountains and sea converge, rainforests set against spectacular cliffs, and lighthouses and national parks are the highlights of the attraction (the parks are also home to anteaters, kangaroos, penguins, wombats, and multicolored parrots). At the end of this trip, you'll want to turn around and revisit once more.
Swimmers would do well to visit Apollo Bay, one of the safest places in the area; this lovely seaside village also has horseback riding programs and bike rides.
4. Transfagarasan Road, Romania
Distance: 116 km.
Spooky dark tunnels (up to 800 meters long and pitch black) combined with endless twists and turns will give you the creeps as you traverse the Dracula territory.
The Balya Falls, Vidraru Lake, and the dam are all spectacular on this road trip.
5. The Alcan Highway, Canada - Alaska
Distance: 2167 km.
Between snowstorms, you can see vast mountains, glistening lakes, dog sleds, wolves, and the odd grizzly bear.
Watson Lake Forest is worth a visit. You can also choose to take a limited daily dogsled ride at the two motels (Burnt Paw and Cabins Outback) run by the Tok family.
Then you can finish the trip with a dip in Muncho Lake and Liard River Hot Springs (the second largest hot springs in Canada).
In short, if you like the road to travel, don't miss these places.
