It’s not too early to plan for the sunny season! The long vacation is calling us for a fantastic adventure, and it’s best to prepare now. So, what do you plan to do for summer 2023? Or, haven’t you got any idea yet? Then, we recommend going on road trips for this hot summer! Hopping on a van and going on summer road trips are the best way to enjoy your long vacation and have lots of fun. With so much to see and enjoy during the trip, a summer road trip is an awesome idea.
Why You Should go for Road Trips in Summer 2023
1. So much to see in one trip
Driving your own car makes it easy for you to explore. Cars are usually more flexible and allow you to get on different kinds of roads. You can either stop in a picturesque area or hop around to see some hidden gems. Moreover, you can enjoy gorgeous scenery while sitting inside the car.
2. Save up your budget
Going on road trips allows you to save more money. With no flight ticket booked, you can save hundreds of euros for an incredible adventure. You can also save your wallet by driving your own car or finding an affordable car to rent. Moreover, if you go with your travel buddies, you can save money on petrol and car rental.
3. Flexible itineraries
Going on road trips is an excellent idea if you want flexible itineraries. You are the boss on your own trip. You can decide when to stop, what to see, and where to travel. Thus, you can enjoy your vacation in a more relaxed manner as you don’t have strict itineraries circling around you.
4. Bring your fluffy friends along
Now, you don’t have to worry about leaving your pets at home and seeing their puppy teary eyes. Instead, you can bring them on the trip! Road trips are pet-friendly, as you can cuddle your furry buddies inside the car. However, make sure you bring essential stuff that your pet might need. Stock up on treats and small toys to make them happy.
5. Have lots of fun with your friends or travel buddies
The word ‘fun’ is highlighted when it comes to road trips. As you spend a few days in a car with your friends, lots of fun is guaranteed! You are exploring beautiful places together and bonding with each other. So, if you want to stick closer to your group of friends, road trips are definitely great!
Best Road Trips for Summer 2023 | Summary
- Amalfi Coast, Italy
- Madeira, Portugal
- South of France
- Baltic Countries (Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia)
- Epirus Region
- Pembrokeshire Coast, Wales, the UK
- Pacific Coast, the US
- Turquoise Trail, the US
- Utah National Parks Road Trip, the US
- Route 66, the US
1. Amalfi Coast, Italy
The charming beauty of the Amalfi Coast makes it one of Italy’s beloved destinations. The magical coastline is lined with sandy beaches, lovely seaside towns, and well-developed roads. For that reason, Amalfi Coast is perfect for summer road trips. During summer, its beauty lights up under the sparkling sunshine. The hot days are perfect for sipping some fizzy limoncello and dipping into the crystal-clear ocean. So, go for a fantastic summer road trip to Amalfi Coast this 2023!
A road trip to Amalfi Coast includes going around the Southern peninsula of Italy. You can start from Naples, a seaside town famous for its UNESCO Heritage Sites. On the way, you will be captivated by a surreal view of a vast sea, rugged cliffs, and steep limestone coves. Then, you can head to Sorrento, the first stop of the Amalfi Coast road trip, and munch on some Italian pizza. Also, plan a visit to several must-see destinations, like the lovely seaside town of Positano and the authentic Vietri sul Male.
Start: Naples or Sorrento
End: Salerno
Duration: 3 – 7 days
2. Madeira, Portugal
There are countless things to see on Flower Island. Every natural landscape in Madeira is enchanting, from astonishing lakes to unbelievable hills. Thus, you can hop on a car and drive around to get the best out of the island. It’s more effective and easier than taking a bus. Thus, driving around Madeira is also relatively safe because it has smooth asphalt roads and gentle terrains. So, make sure you have secured a driving license, rent a car, and get ready to start a road trip in Madeira.
Madeira is a small island that takes only four hours to drive around. However, planning long road trips is always a good idea. You can have more time to explore the beautiful island and even stay longer in a town you love. Thus, a Madeira road trip can start from Funchal, the Southernmost town of the island. Then, you can drive to the island’s West coast and explore places like Câmara De Lobos and Ponta do Sol. Furthermore, head to the northern and eastern parts of the island.
Start: Funchal
End: Santa Cruz
Duration: 4 – 7 days (based on your itineraries)
3. South of France
Spend the hot summer driving around the South of France. Situated on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, the South of France offers a lavish sunny adventure. From the luxurious experiences in Saint Tropez to classic French chateaux in Marseille, there is much to see in the South of France. Therefore, hopping in a car and driving around the seaside region is a great idea.
There are lots of places you can see during your road trip. You can visit tranquil towns like Sainte-Victoire, go for a wine-tasting session in Saint-Emilion, and see lavender fields in Aix-en-Provence. Then, you can stop in the famous cities of the French Riviera, like Nice and Saint Tropez. Furthermore, there are various itineraries of the South of France road trips. You can start from Toulouse or Marseilles, the most Western part of the coastline.
Start: Toulouse or Marseilles
End: Nice
Duration: 5 – 7 days
4. Baltic Countries (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania)
Looking for a different way to explore Eastern Europe? Then, go for this awesome summer road trip! Drive around the Baltic countries, especially Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, to discover the hidden beauties of Europe. You will drive from north to south, which ends in Lithuania. However, you can also continue your trip by heading to other countries like the Czech Republic and Poland.
Then, what’s so special about these countries? You should experience it yourself and get ready to be captivated! Lovely old towns, stunning historical buildings, and UNESCO World Heritage sites are what you can expect from these Baltic countries. Moreover, they offer exquisite natural scenery. From verdant hills to gorgeous national parks, they will make an outdoor fan happy. Besides that, you can find warm and pleasant weather during summer. It’s calling you for an awesome road trip!
Start: Estonia
End: Lithuania
Duration: 2 -3 days
5. Epirus Region, Greece
Plan a visit to the best-kept secret of Greece this summer. Epirus is a mountainous region in northwestern Greece. With picturesque mountains, the glimmering Ionian Sea, and laidback villages, Epirus is perfect for relaxing getaways. Moreover, the best way to explore Epirus is by driving. So, a road trip to the Epirus region is highly recommended for summer 2023.
You can head to Ioannina, the capital of Epirus, from Athens to start the summer road trip. It will take around 4 hours, so make sure your car’s fuel is full. Then, you can start to explore the ethereal region of Epirus. Get ready to be stunned by the fantastic view of lush forests, spectacular gorges, and towering mountains. Thus, make sure to visit some of Epirus’ lovely villages, like Pyrsogianni and Zagoria.
Start (round-trip): Ioannina
End (round-trip): Ioannina or Athens
Duration: 5 – 7 days
6. Pembrokeshire Coast, Wales, the UK
Find yourself stunned every time you pass by Pembrokeshire’s roadway. Pembrokeshire is a coastal region in southwest Wales. Thus, it offers one of Great Britain’s most magical scenery. You can see a long coastline with rugged cliffs, turquoise-blue waters, and dramatic verdant hills in Pembrokeshire. Moreover, you can explore the beautiful region by going on road trips.
If you are looking for a more relaxed road trip, Pembrokeshire should definitely be on your bucket list. With the high possibility of driving behind tractors and RVs, you are told not to rush and enjoy the moment. Taking it slow is the best way to enjoy Pembrokeshire’s surreal landscapes. Thus, a road trip to Pembrokeshire means centuries-old villages, unbelievable beaches, authentic Welsh culture, and classic English cuisines. Sounds good, right?
Start: Tenby
End: Newport
Duration: 5 – 7 days
7. Pacific Coast, the US
Going on road trips in the US is always a good idea. Then, one of the routes you should check out is the Pacific Coast. The scenic highway has been almost a century-years-old since it was established in 1930. Thus, Pacific Coast boasts an astonishing scene of California’s glimmering coastline and verdant forests.
The Pacific Coast Highway stretches around 900km in California. It will take around 10-12 hours to drive through the road without stopping. However, taking it slow and visiting some of California’s charming spots is recommended. This way, you can take around a week on the road while staying in different places. You can stop in cities like San Fransisco and Santa Cruz or spend some time on one of California’s beautiful beaches. Also, ensure your camera is ready to snap as you pass Highway 1, the most scenic part of the Pacific Coast.
Start: Los Angeles
End: San Fransisco
Duration: 5 – 7 days
8. Turquoise Trail, the US
Get both stunning scenery and exciting history on this iconic highway. Turquoise Trail stretches around 90 km long through the state of New Mexico. It allows you to see several cities like Albuquerque, Cerrillos, and Golden. Moreover, the word ‘Turquoise’ came from a fascinating past. A century ago, the region is dotted with mining towns specialized in digging turquoise. Thus, it reflects Native American culture, which views turquoise as a good luck charm and sacred talisman.
Driving through the Turquoise Trail alone allows you to see a picturesque scene of the iconic West. Reddish deserts, cactus plants, and arid grasslands are your regular view. Moreover, you can see the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, which adds more magical vibes to the astonishing desert landscape. So, driving along Turquoise Trail is worth it as you get history, culture, and nature in one trip!
Start: Albuquerque
End: Santa Fe
Duration: 1 – 2 days
9. Utah National Parks, the US
One of the essential things for a road trip is picturesque scenery. It’s a huge win – not getting off the car, but still seeing awesome landscapes! Then, you must try road-tripping along Utah, the United States. Nestled between the Rocky Mountains, Utah offers a natural landscape that will leave you in awe.
Going on a road trip along Utah means passing through its national parks. Moreover, there are usually five national parks you can visit in one trip. You can see Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches National Park, and Canyonlands. The national parks in Utah are outstanding, offering unique rock structures and an arid desert ecosystem.
Start: Salt Lake City or Las Vegas
End: Canyonlands National Park
Duration: 7-8 days
10. Route 66, the US
No road trip ideas would be complete without America’s most iconic route. This summer, you should hit Route 66 and experience a trip you can only see in classic American movies. Thus, it is one of the longest highways in the US, stretching around 2,400 km and passing through eight states. The road was established in 1926, offering a nostalgic atmosphere in the midst of modern cities.
Route 66 is perfect for both cars and motorcycles. So, if you want to hop on huge bikes and hit the road, you can do it on this awesome road. Thus, for the scenery, you will be spoiled by a stunning view of the West with its reddish desert and arid grasslands. Then, you can stop in cities like Chicago, Albuquerque, and Springfield during the trip.
Start: Chicago, Illinois
End: Santa Monica, California
Duration: 7 – 14 days
So, have we convinced you enough to prepare for your fantastic summer road trip? Then, what destination do you think is the best for your 2023 summer trip? Before you go for a fantastic adventure, make sure to have your friends on the trip with you so that the fun will be doubled. If you are unsure who to ask, you can always check us out! JoinMyTrip has curated trips from all over the world with authentic itineraries and exciting activities. The trips will be fantastic for connecting with like-minded travelers and enduring friendships! Sounds exciting, right?