There is a distinct kind of magic that happens when you leave the city limits behind. The noise of traffic fades, replaced by the hum of an engine and the rush of wind. Skyscrapers give way to rolling hills, jagged coastlines, or endless desert horizons. Whether you are behind the wheel of a car or gripping the handlebars of a motorcycle, the open road offers an escape that few other forms of travel can match.
It isn’t just about getting from point A to point B. It is about the in-between moments. It’s the diner coffee in a town you’ve never heard of, the unplanned detour that leads to a breathtaking view, and the feeling of complete autonomy over your schedule. You aren’t beholden to flight times or train schedules. You are simply moving through the world at your own pace.
For many, this form of travel is the ultimate expression of freedom. It connects you to the environment in a visceral way, especially on a motorcycle where you are exposed to the elements, smelling the rain before it hits and feeling the temperature drop as you climb a mountain pass. This guide explores why we love the road, where you should go, and how to prepare for your next great adventure.
What are the benefits of road trips and motorcycle tours?
Travel often focuses on the destination, but road tripping shifts the focus to the journey itself. This shift in perspective offers significant mental and emotional benefits.
Stress Relief
Escaping your daily routine is one of the most effective ways to reset your mind. The rhythmic nature of driving or riding—focusing on the curve of the road, the shifting gears, the passing landscape—can be meditative. It forces you to be present. You cannot worry about an email from work when you are navigating a hairpin turn or trying to read a map in a new state. This forced mindfulness lowers cortisol levels and helps you detach from the stressors of everyday life.
Exploration
Air travel drops you into a tourist hub, bypassing everything in between. Road trips force you to see the “flyover” country. You discover local cultures, regional cuisines, and small-town oddities that aren’t in the guidebooks. You might stumble upon a vibrant local festival, a quiet beach with no name, or a conversation with a local that changes your perspective. These unscripted moments often become the most memorable parts of the road trips.
Personal Growth
There is a level of self-reliance required when you are on the road. You have to navigate, manage your vehicle, and solve problems on the fly. Maybe you get a flat tyre in the middle of nowhere, or you get lost without a GPS signal. Overcoming these small challenges builds confidence and adaptability. You learn to trust your instincts and handle the unexpected with a cool head.
Where are the best road trip destinations?
The world is full of incredible drives, but some routes have earned legendary status for a reason. These journeys offer a mix of stunning scenery and cultural significance.
Pacific Coast Highway (California, USA)
Stretching along most of the California coastline, Highway 1 is iconic. The drive offers dramatic cliffs dropping into the Pacific Ocean, towering redwood forests, and iconic bridges like Bixby Creek.
- Highlights: Big Sur, McWay Falls, and the majestic Golden Gate Bridge. It is a drive best taken slowly, with plenty of stops to watch the waves crash against the rocks.
The Garden Route (South Africa)
This 300-kilometre stretch along South Africa’s south-eastern coast creates a stunning contrast of landscapes. You get lush forests, mountains, beaches, and lagoons all in one drive.
- Highlights: Knysna Heads, Tsitsikamma National Park, and Bloukrans Bridge (the world’s highest commercial bridge bungee jump). It is a haven for nature lovers and adrenaline junkies alike.
The Ring Road (Iceland)
Route 1 circles the entire island of Iceland, connecting most of the inhabited parts of the country. It is a geology lesson in motion, taking you past volcanoes, waterfalls, glaciers, and black sand beaches.
- Highlights: Skógafoss waterfall, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, and the chance to see the Northern Lights if you travel during the darker months.
Where are the best motorcycle tour routes?
For motorcyclists, the best roads aren’t just scenic; they are technical. Riders look for twisty tarmac, elevation changes, and roads that demand engagement.
The Tail of the Dragon (North Carolina/Tennessee, USA)
This is the most famous motorcycle road in America. It packs 318 curves into just 11 miles. There are no intersecting roads or driveways to interrupt your flow.
- The Thrill: It is a test of skill and concentration. The “Tree of Shame” at the Deal’s Gap Motorcycle Resort is festooned with motorcycle parts from riders who pushed a little too hard, serving as a reminder to respect the road trips.
The Mae Hong Son Loop (Thailand)
This loop in northern Thailand takes you through 1,864 curves over about 600 kilometres. It winds through lush jungle mountains, misty valleys, and remote hill tribe villages.
- The Thrill: The road trips surface is generally good, but the challenge comes from the sheer number of corners and the occasional stray animal. It offers a profound sense of adventure and immersion in Thai culture.
The North Coast 500 (Scotland)
Often called Scotland’s Route 66, this 500-mile loop around the northern coast offers rugged, stark beauty. You ride past ancient castles, white sand beaches that look tropical (until you feel the temperature), and brooding mountains.
- The Thrill:Single-track road trips with passing places add a unique challenge, requiring you to look far ahead. The weather can change in an instant, adding an element of unpredictability to the ride.
How should I plan and prepare?
Spontaneity is the soul of a road trip, but preparation is its backbone. A little planning ensures that a mechanical issue or poor packing doesn’t ruin the fun.
Check Your Vehicle
Before you leave, perform a thorough inspection.
- For Cars:Check oil levels, tyre pressure (including the spare), coolant, and brake fluid. Ensure all lights are working.
- For Motorcycles: Inspect tyres for wear and foreign objects, check chain tension and lubrication, test brakes, and ensure controls are smooth. A breakdown on a bike is often more complicated than in a car, as you have less space for tools and spares.
Pack Essential Gear
Space is limited, especially on a bike, so prioritise.
- Navigation: Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me) because cell service is never guaranteed in the best riding spots.
- Emergency Kit: First aid supplies, a flashlight, a multi-tool, and jumper cables (or a portable jump starter).
- Comfort: Snacks, plenty of water, and layers of clothing to handle changing weather conditions.
Route Planning and Accommodation
Decide on your “must-see” stops, but leave wiggle room for the unexpected. For accommodation, booking in advance guarantees a bed, which is crucial in peak seasons or remote areas. However, leaving some nights open allows you to ride or drive as far as you feel like that day. Apps like HotelTonight or camping apps can help you find last-minute spots.
What safety tips are essential?
The road is unpredictable. Staying safe ensures you live to recount the stories.
For Road Trippers
- Manage Fatigue:Drowsy driving is as dangerous as drunk driving. Switch drivers every few hours or take regular breaks to stretch your legs.
- Avoid Distractions:The temptation to film the scenery or change the playlist while driving is high. Set your GPS and music before you put the car in drive.
- Drive defensively: Assume other drivers don’t see you, especially in tourist areas where people might be looking at landmarks rather than the road.
For Motorcyclists
- All The Gear, All The Time (ATGATT):Dress for the slide, not the ride. A helmet, gloves, an armoured jacket, pants, and sturdy boots are non-negotiable.
- Read the Road:Two wheels offer less stability. Watch for gravel in corners, oil slicks at intersections, and tar snakes that get slippery in the heat.
- Be Visible:You are smaller than everything else on the road. Stay out of blind spots and use your lane position to make yourself visible to oncoming traffic and cars waiting to turn.
Start Your Engine
There is a big world out there waiting to be seen, and looking at it through a windshield or visor is the best way to do it. Whether you crave the solitude of a solo motorcycle tour through the mountains or the camaraderie of a cross-country car ride with friends, the open road offers a canvas for memories that will last a lifetime.
So, check your tyres, pack your bags, and pick a direction. The adventure doesn’t begin when you arrive; it begins the moment you pull out of the driveway.
