;reliable and affordable car rental options in Baja California Sur. It\’s best to travel during the winter months to avoid the scorching heat of the summer.
Baja California Sur is a paradise for road trippers, with its stunning desert landscapes, rugged coastlines and charming towns. This road trip will take you from the bustling city of La Paz to the historic town of Loreto, through the pristine beaches of Bahia Concepcion, and finally to the artsy enclave of Todos Santos.
La Paz
Start your road trip in the vibrant city of La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur. With its laid-back vibe and stunning waterfront promenade, La Paz is the perfect place to relax and soak in the beauty of the Sea of Cortez.
Don\’t miss a visit to the Malecon, a lively waterfront boulevard lined with cafes, shops, and street performers. You can also take a boat tour to Isla Espiritu Santo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life.
Loreto
From La Paz, head south to the historic town of Loreto, the first Spanish settlement on the Baja California Peninsula. Founded in 1697, Loreto is a charming town with a rich history and beautiful colonial architecture.
Visit the Mission San Javier, a stunning 18th-century church nestled in the mountains, and explore the nearby Sierra de la Giganta mountains for hiking and wildlife spotting opportunities. Don\’t miss the chance to sample the local cuisine, which includes fresh seafood and traditional Mexican dishes.
Bahia Concepcion
Continue your road trip along the stunning coastline of Bahia Concepcion, a series of pristine beaches and turquoise bays that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. Playa El Requeson and Playa Santispac are two of the most popular beaches in the area, with calm waters and powdery white sand.
Take your time to explore the hidden coves and secluded beaches along the bay, and don\’t forget to stop at one of the many roadside taco stands for a taste of authentic Baja cuisine.
Todos Santos
Finish your road trip in the artsy enclave of Todos Santos, a laid-back town known for its vibrant art scene, historic buildings, and surf-friendly beaches. Stroll through the town\’s colorful streets lined with galleries, boutiques, and cafes, and visit the iconic Hotel California for a taste of local folklore.
Don\’t miss a visit to the nearby Sierra de la Laguna mountains for hiking and birdwatching opportunities, or head to Playa Los Cerritos for some of the best surfing in Baja California Sur. Finish your road trip with a sunset cocktail at one of the town\’s rooftop bars, and reflect on the beauty and diversity of Baja California Sur.
New Zealand\’s South Island
Lake Tekapo in New Zealand\’s South Island. CHRISWITHERS/GETTY IMAGES
Duration: Two weeks
Highlights: Christchurch, Queenstown, Wanaka, Milford Sound, and Mount Cook
Planning tip: The best time to visit New Zealand\’s South Island is during the summer months (December to February) when the weather is warm and the days are long. Be prepared for changeable weather and make sure to pack layers and a good rain jacket.
New Zealand\’s South Island is a road tripper\’s dream, with its stunning landscapes, friendly locals, and diverse range of activities. This road trip will take you from the vibrant city of Christchurch to the adventure capital of Queenstown, through the picturesque towns of Wanaka and Milford Sound, and finally to the iconic Mount Cook.
Christchurch
Start your road trip in the vibrant city of Christchurch, known for its historic architecture, beautiful gardens, and quirky street art. Take a stroll through the Botanic Gardens, visit the Canterbury Museum, and explore the vibrant street markets in the city center.
Don\’t miss a visit to the Christchurch Gondola for panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains, or a leisurely punt ride along the Avon River for a unique perspective of the city.
Queenstown
From Christchurch, head south to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is a mecca for thrill-seekers, with a wide range of activities including bungee jumping, skydiving, and jet boating.
Take a scenic drive along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy, a small town surrounded by snow-capped mountains and pristine forests. Don\’t miss the chance to take a cruise on Milford Sound, a stunning fjord known for its dramatic waterfalls and towering cliffs.
Wanaka
Continue your road trip to the picturesque town of Wanaka, located on the shores of Lake Wanaka and surrounded by the Southern Alps. Wanaka is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking, mountain biking, and skiing opportunities in the nearby Mount Aspiring National Park.
Take a leisurely stroll along the lakefront, visit the iconic Wanaka Tree, and enjoy a glass of local wine at one of the town\’s many vineyards. Don\’t miss a visit to the nearby Puzzling World, a quirky attraction with optical illusions and mind-bending puzzles.
Milford Sound
From Wanaka, head west to Milford Sound, one of New Zealand\’s most iconic natural attractions. Take a scenic drive through the stunning Fiordland National Park, stopping at the Mirror Lakes, the Chasm, and the Homer Tunnel along the way.
Once you reach Milford Sound, take a cruise on the fjord to see the towering Mitre Peak, the cascading waterfalls, and the resident seals and dolphins. Don\’t miss the chance to kayak or hike in the area for a closer look at this pristine wilderness.
Mount Cook
Finish your road trip with a visit to Mount Cook, New Zealand\’s highest peak and a mecca for hikers and mountaineers. Take a scenic drive to Mount Cook Village, located at the base of the mountain, and explore the many hiking trails in the area.
Don\’t miss a visit to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, which pays tribute to the famous mountaineer and includes a planetarium and interactive exhibits. Finish your road trip with a scenic flight over the Southern Alps for a bird\’s eye view of this stunning landscape.
Japan\’s Hokkaido Island
Lavender fields in Furano, Hokkaido. JTB PHOTO/UIG/GETTY IMAGES
Duration: Two weeks
Highlights: Sapporo, Otaru, Furano, Biei, and Noboribetsu
Planning tip: The best time to visit Hokkaido is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is mild and the lavender fields are in full bloom. Make sure to book your accommodations in advance, as Hokkaido is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.
Hokkaido is Japan\’s northernmost island and a paradise for road trippers, with its stunning landscapes, hot springs, and delicious cuisine. This road trip will take you from the bustling city of Sapporo to the charming towns of Otaru, Furano, Biei, and Noboribetsu, through some of the most picturesque scenery in Japan.
Sapporo
Start your road trip in the vibrant city of Sapporo, known for its lively nightlife, delicious street food, and annual snow festival. Take a stroll through Odori Park, visit the historic Sapporo Clock Tower, and sample the local cuisine at the Nijo Market.
Don\’t miss a visit to the Sapporo Beer Museum for a taste of Hokkaido\’s famous brew, or a leisurely soak in one of the city\’s many hot springs. If you\’re visiting in winter, make sure to check out the Sapporo Snow Festival, a spectacular event featuring ice sculptures and light displays.
Otaru
From Sapporo, head north to the charming town of Otaru, known for its historic canal district, glassblowing workshops, and fresh seafood. Take a stroll along the Otaru Canal, visit the Music Box Museum, and sample the famous Otaru sushi at one of the many local restaurants.
Don\’t miss a visit to the Otaru Glassworks for a hands-on glassblowing experience, or a leisurely boat cruise along the canal for a different perspective of the town. If you\’re visiting in winter, make sure to check out the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival, a magical event featuring illuminated snow sculptures and lanterns.
Furano
Continue your road trip to the picturesque town of Furano, known for its stunning lavender fields, rolling hills, and delicious dairy products. Take a drive through the Patchwork Road, a scenic route lined with colorful fields of flowers, and visit the Tomita Farm for a taste of Hokkaido\’s famous lavender.
Don\’t miss a visit to the Furano Cheese Factory for a tour of the production process and a sample of the local cheeses, or a leisurely hike in the nearby Tokachidake Mountains for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. If you\’re visiting in winter, make sure to check out the Furano Ski Resort for some of the best powder skiing in Japan.
Biei
From Furano, head south to the charming town of Biei, known for its rolling hills, picturesque farms, and vibrant flower fields. Take a drive along the Panorama Road, a scenic route lined with panoramic viewpoints, and visit the Shikisai no Oka Flower Park for a taste of Hokkaido\’s stunning natural beauty.
Don\’t miss a visit to the Blue Pond, a stunning turquoise lake surrounded by vibrant foliage, or a leisurely bike ride through the countryside for a different perspective of the town. If you\’re visiting in winter, make sure to check out the Biei Ski Resort for some of the best powder skiing in Japan.
Noboribetsu
Finish your road trip with a visit to Noboribetsu, known for its hot springs, volcanic landscapes, and delicious seafood. Take a leisurely soak in the famous Hell Valley hot springs, visit the Jigokudani Monkey Park to see the resident snow monkeys, and sample the local cuisine at one of the many seafood restaurants.
Don\’t miss a visit to the Noboribetsu Bear Park for a chance to see Hokkaido\’s famous brown bears up close, or a hike through the nearby Hell Valley for a taste of the region\’s volcanic landscapes. Finish your road trip with a leisurely stroll along the Noboribetsu River for a different perspective of this beautiful town.
Conclusion
Road trips are a fantastic way to explore a new destination, allowing you to immerse yourself in the culture, landscapes, and people of a country in a way that traditional tours can\’t match. Whether you\’re exploring the coastal towns of Croatia, the rugged landscapes of South Africa, the pristine beaches of Baja California Sur, the stunning scenery of New Zealand\’s South Island, or the charming towns of Japan\’s Hokkaido Island, there\’s a road trip for every type of traveler.
So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. The world is waiting to be explored, and there\’s no better way to see it than from behind the wheel of a car. Happy travels!