Preface

Recently my social media feed has been flooded with road trip photos, making me really excited! As a travel blogger who has been around the world, today I'll share my years of experience driving around the globe. Honestly, every time I think about driving freely on foreign roads, that feeling is just incredible!

North American Road Trip

North America is absolutely the paradise for road trips, no doubt about it! How big is this land? Let me give you some numbers: the US highway system alone exceeds 4 million miles. To give you a tangible concept, let's take Texas as an example - it's twice the size of Germany! Imagine driving through such vast territory, that sense of freedom is simply indescribable.

Speaking of classic routes, I must properly recommend some to you. First is the legendary Route 66, from Chicago to Los Angeles - this road is practically a living fossil of American road culture. Along the way you'll see all sorts of vintage motels, neon signs and roadside shops, with unique stories hidden around every corner.

Then there's the Pacific Coast Highway in California - I've driven it three times already and discover new surprises each time. The winding coastline, blue Pacific Ocean, seals and sea lions everywhere, plus those hidden viewpoints along the cliffs - definitely worth making a special trip for.

The Blue Ridge Parkway in the Appalachian Mountains is also a treasure route. Especially in autumn when the maple trees start changing colors, the entire road looks like God spilled a paint palette. I spent two whole weeks there last fall, waking up to different stunning views every morning.

As for the Florida Keys Highway 1, that's even more interesting. This road connects the Florida Keys, giving you the illusion of flying over the sea while driving. I remember once driving to Seven Mile Bridge at sunset, watching the sun slowly sink into the horizon - that overwhelming feeling remains unforgettable.

Speaking of road trip lessons learned, I must mention my first Route 66 journey. I was too young and impulsive then, wanting to check off every single spot marked on Google Maps. The result was predictable - not only did I exhaust myself, but I also missed many places truly worth savoring.

So now when planning trips, I first make a wish list, then ruthlessly cut it in half. Why do this? Because during actual travel, you'll always encounter wonderful things outside your plans. It might be a particularly charming roadside restaurant, a secret spot recommended by locals, or just a perfect patch of grass for daydreaming. If your schedule is too packed, these unexpected delights become burdens.

For North American road trips, car rental is a crucial step. I suggest getting full insurance coverage - it might cost more but will give you much less to worry about. Also, if you're planning long-distance drives, I recommend choosing more comfortable vehicle models. Trust me, after driving 8 hours straight, you'll be thankful for those extra hundred dollars you spent.

Australian Wandering

If North American road trips are magnificent, then Australian ones are wild! The Pacific Coast exploration from Sydney to Cairns is absolutely a classic among classics. I recommend at least 14 days for this route because there are just too many places worth stopping at.

Take Byron Bay for example, this hippie culture paradise - I unexpectedly stayed there for three extra days. The local markets, beaches, cafes, and nighttime street performances - each aspect makes you want to linger. Then there's the Gold Coast, where just surfing alone can keep you entertained for days.

If you want a more exciting experience, you must try the 4WD journey from Adelaide to Darwin. Crossing through Australia's central inland region, you'll see a completely different Australia. Red earth extends to the horizon, wild kangaroos hop alongside the road, and the night sky is so brilliant it takes your breath away.

Last year while driving in Australia, I met an interesting couple from Beijing. They chose the coastal route from Sydney to Melbourne, and although they only had 6 days, they had an amazing time. They shared a particularly useful tip: you must bring good sun protection when driving in Australia because the sunlight here is incredibly intense.

There's another particularly important note for driving in Australia: you must pay attention to gas station distribution. In inland areas, the distance between two gas stations might exceed several hundred kilometers. One of my friends almost broke down in the inland region because they didn't note this. So now whenever I drive in Australia, I mark all the gas stations along the route on my map in advance.

European Stroll

The driving experience in Europe is completely different from North America and Australia. The road conditions here are usually good, but lanes are generally narrower, and country roads in some nations can be particularly winding. However, these characteristics are exactly what make European road trips especially charming.

Auto Tours Europe's self-drive packages are the choice of many first-time European road trippers. They help plan routes, book accommodations, and even provide specific sightseeing suggestions. But personally, I recommend Tenon Tours' customized services, especially their in-depth UK and Ireland products.

Speaking of driving in the UK, the biggest challenge might be adapting to driving on the left. During my first time driving in the UK, I kept unconsciously drifting to the right, terrifying my passenger. However, you usually fully adapt after two or three days.

Driving in Italy is also a special experience. Though the country roads in Tuscany wind and twist, the vineyards, olive trees, and ancient stone houses along the way form a perfect pastoral painting. I particularly enjoy driving in the evening when the light is especially soft and the entire landscape is bathed in golden rays.

Recently, a friend of mine just returned from a European road trip, choosing a 12-day journey across France, Switzerland, and Italy. He told me that compared to group tours, self-driving not only saves money but more importantly allows you to truly experience local life. For instance, they accidentally discovered an amazing family restaurant in a small Provence town - an experience impossible with group tours.

Another advantage of driving in Europe is the freedom to explore less-visited niche spots. For example, in France's Provence region, besides the famous lavender fields, there are many ancient hilltop villages worth visiting. Though rarely mentioned in travel guides, these places often provide the most memorable experiences.

Practical Tips

After discussing so many destinations, let's talk about specific driving advice. First is the booking issue, which is really crucial. During peak seasons, especially spring and summer, accommodations and rental cars in popular areas get booked up quickly.

Last summer I learned this lesson the hard way. I planned to see lavender in Provence, but because I didn't book in advance, I could only choose lodging far from attractions, and car rental prices were nearly double. So now I start planning trips at least three months ahead.

Regarding itinerary planning, while many self-drive companies provide suggested itineraries, these should really only serve as references. Everyone has different interests and travel rhythms, and strictly following a standardized itinerary might affect your mood.

My suggestion is to plan maximum two to three main attractions per day, leaving plenty of free time. This not only lets you experience each place more leisurely but also leaves room for unexpected discoveries. After all, travel's most beautiful moments often come from unplanned surprises.

Another important suggestion is about navigation. Although Google Maps is convenient now, I still recommend preparing a paper map as backup. Because in some remote areas, phone signals might be unstable. Plus, the process of reading paper maps itself is part of travel's pleasure.

Regarding insurance, my advice is to buy as comprehensive coverage as possible. Besides basic vehicle insurance, personal travel insurance is also important. Though you might never use it, it can save you lots of trouble at crucial moments.

Final Words

Every time I write to this point, I think of all the different travelers I've met on the road. There were newly retired couples starting their world tour, college students taking spontaneous summer vacation trips, and young parents chasing dreams with their whole family.

Everyone has different reasons for choosing road trips, but we all find our own happiness on the road. Whether you want to experience North America's vastness, feel Australia's wildness, or taste Europe's elegance, the most important thing is choosing a road that suits you, then bravely setting off.

Remember, travel isn't about checking off spots, but discovering another possibility of life on the road. Perhaps at some unfamiliar corner, you'll meet another version of yourself.