A Scenic Drive Can Be the Holiday

Photo source: Flickr

We often think of road trips as a way to get somewhere. But sometimes the road itself is the destination. A scenic drive can turn an ordinary weekend into an enjoyable adventure, particularly when there’s no need to rush towards a particular attraction.

The beauty of travelling by car is the freedom to stop whenever something catches your attention. A roadside lookout, small country town, farm shop, historic building, or quiet beach can become an unexpected highlight simply because you decided to pull over.

You don’t need to plan every minute. In fact, leaving some room in your itinerary can make the experience more enjoyable. Choose a general route, identify a few places you’d like to see, and allow yourself the freedom to explore along the way.

New Zealand is particularly well suited to scenic drives. Coastal roads, mountain passes, vineyards, farmland, and forested stretches can all offer dramatically different scenery within a relatively short distance. Even familiar roads can look completely different when you’re not travelling them as part of the daily commute.

Comfort matters on longer drives. Take regular breaks to stretch your legs, stay hydrated, and change drivers if you’re travelling with someone else. There’s no prize for reaching your destination without stopping.

It can also be worth checking the road conditions before setting off, particularly if you’re travelling through mountainous or rural areas. Weather can change quickly, and some routes may require more preparation than others.

The best part of a scenic drive may be the lack of a strict timetable. You can stop for coffee when you feel like it, take photographs when the view is beautiful, and spend an extra hour somewhere that wasn’t even on your original plan.