Road trips for every season

There's nothing quite like the thrill of a road trip – the freedom of the open highway, the ever-changing scenery and unexpected discoveries along the way. Whether you're winter wandering, summer cruising with the top down or leaf peeping your way through autumn, there's a road trip for every season. Here are some exciting itinerary ideas to fuel your next adventure.

January - March

Sunsets, surf and shiraz: Australia’s Southwest

Kick off your year with an unforgettable trip through Australia’s southwest. January to March is a great time to explore Perth and Western Australia; you can expect wonderfully warm weather and fewer crowds. Our Australia's Classic South West Self-Drive leads you from vibrant Perth to the stunning Margaret River wine region and the beaches of Albany. Highlights include following trails in ancient forests, quokka-spotting on Rottnest Island and sipping fruity reds in world-class vineyards.

Follow in Frodo’s footsteps: New Zealand

New Zealand’s straight-out-of-Lord-of-the-Rings scenery is truly epic. Experience the best of this fantastical land on our Best of New Zealand Self-Drive. Roam from north to south, taking in the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, the adrenaline rushes of Queenstown and the gigantic ice formations of Glacier Country. Top it all off with a ride on the TranzAlpine Express, one of the world’s most scenic rail routes.

Beach vibes to desert hikes: So-Cal & Arizona Desert Drive

Experience the cacti-dotted deserts of the American Southwest during the milder winter months. On the So-Cal and Arizona Desert Drive, you’ll travel from the sunny shores of San Diego to the millionaires' playground of Scottsdale. Along the way, soak up the retro vibes of Palm Springs, marvel at the quirky beauty of Joshua Tree National Park and tap into the mystical energy of Sedona’s renowned vortex sites. Don't miss a night of stargazing at the Grand Canyon; the clear desert skies offer some of the best views of the Milky Way you'll ever see.

April - June

The New Zealand Grape Escape

Autumn in New Zealand means gorgeous foliage and just-right temperatures. Our New Zealand Grape Escape Self Drive is a wine lover's paradise, whisking you through the storybook vineyards of Marlborough, the scenic landscapes of Nelson and the dramatic west coast, staying in luxe lodges and hotels all the way. Visit between April and June to catch the harvest season in full swing, where you can swirl and savour the freshest wines right from the source.

Flamenco and fun in the sun: Andalucia & Marbella

Leapfrog from one enchanting destination to the next on this culture rich Andalucia & Marbella self-drive itinerary. This road trip is a fiesta for all the senses: wander through orange-blossom-scented courtyards in Cordoba, admire the sun-dappled Alhambra in Granada and hear the strumming of flamenco guitars echoing through the streets of Seville. After a whirlwind adventure exploring this trio of Andalucian cities, hand back the keys and unwind on the sands of Marbella's 'Golden Mile’.

Spring in the Sunshine State: Florida

Spring is the perfect time to dive into Florida’s eclectic mix of attractions. Our Best of Florida Road Trip will have you meeting Mickey and friends in The Magic Kingdom, shopping in the chic boutiques of Naples’ Fifth Avenue and sampling spicy Cuban cuisine in Miami. You’ll then cruise along the Overseas Highway, an exhilarating 113-mile drive over the Atlantic Ocean to the Florida Keys, where you’ll find fiery sunsets and boat-fresh seafood in waterfront fish shacks.

July – September

Rustic charm in Tuscany

A Tuscan road trip is all about navigating winding roads from one medieval hilltop town to the next, stopping for lazy vineyard lunches and passing golden fields and ancient olive groves. Wander the art-filled streets of Florence, feel the medieval magic of Siena and sample exquisite wines in the scenic Chianti region. Every twist and turn brings something new, from charming farmhouses and artisan markets to hidden trattorias serving mouthwatering Italian cuisine. While ‘Summer in Tuscany’ has a nice ring to it, spring and autumn are also spectacular times for this trip.

Rockin' the Rockies: Canada's ultimate road trip

Summer in Canada is the season for epic drives through majestic mountains and pristine wilderness. On the Rockies Road Trip itinerary, you'll meander past astonishingly blue lakes and breathtaking alpine scenery in Banff and Jasper National Parks, and dive into the cosmopolitan culture of Vancouver. For the icing on the cake, we recommend adding an Alaska cruise to take your adventures from the road to the sea.

Desert dreams: Essential Namibia Self-Drive

Namibia’s dry season, from May to October, is ideal for spotting wildlife and discovering its jaw-dropping landscapes, with balmy weather, clear skies and optimal road conditions. Buckle up and head into the wilds of the Namib, the planet’s oldest desert, where you’ll have the chance to sleep under the stars on an open-air deck. You'll also scale surreal sand dunes in Sossusvlei, venture out to see the ‘marine big five’ in Swakopmund and experience a wildlife extravaganza in Etosha National Park.

October - December

Leaf peeping & lobsters: New England

Our Discover New England Self Drive takes you on a journey through dazzling fall foliage, charming towns and iconic landmarks. Start in historic Boston, where you can walk the Freedom Trail and indulge in fresh seafood at Quincy Market. Wind your way through the scenic White Mountains, where the blazing autumn colours will leave you spellbound. End on the picturesque coast of Maine, feasting on lobster rolls and gawping at the coastal views.

Aussie adventures: The Great Southern Self-Drive

Spring in Australia’s Victoria region makes for the perfect Aussie drive. Begin in Melbourne, where you can sip coffee in graffiti-splashed laneways and coo over the waddling penguins on Phillip Island. Then turn up the volume and take on the Great Ocean Road to watch surfers conquer the waves at Bells Beach. Dive into history in the charming town of Ballarat, with its well-preserved Gold Rush-era architecture, and explore rugged Kangaroo Island before rolling into Adelaide.

Whale tails and trails: The Classic Garden Route self drive

This South Africa road trip is packed with scenic drives and amazing wildlife. After living it up in lively Cape Town – perhaps hiking up Table Mountain or exploring the bustling V&A Waterfront – get behind the wheel and hit The Garden Route. First stop, the marine capital of Hermanus, known for its fantastic whale watching – you can see these gentle giants breach and play just off the coast. Next, let your hair down on the windswept beaches of Knysna, where you can stroll along golden sands and feast on freshly shucked oysters. End on a wild note with thrilling game drives on the Eastern Cape, where you'll come face to face with lions, elephants and rhinos in their natural habitat.

This feature was created on 21st May 2024. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of print. Feature by Heather Flanagan.