In an era where the journey is often as important as the destination, driving holidays have emerged as a favourite mode of travel for adventure seekers, families, and solo wanderers alike. The allure lies in the freedom of the open road, the spontaneity of detours, and the intimate experience of landscapes and cultures that one simply cannot capture from a plane window. Across India and the world, driving holidays are transforming how people explore, connect, and create memories.
The global pandemic accelerated a shift towards road travel as people sought safer, more controlled environments to vacation. But even as borders reopen and air travel returns, the charm of road trips has endured. The ability to curate one’s own itinerary, discover hidden gems, and travel at one’s own pace resonates deeply with modern travellers.
The Great Himalayan Expedition
India: A Tapestry of Driving Experiences
India, with its vast and diverse geography, offers an extraordinary array of driving holiday experiences.
- The Himalayan Odyssey: Driving through the Himalayas offers breathtaking scenery, from the verdant valleys of Himachal Pradesh to the stark beauty of Ladakh. The Manali-Leh highway, open during the summer months, is one of the most iconic road trips, with its dramatic mountain passes and pristine landscapes.
- Coastal Escapes: The East Coast Road from Chennai to Pondicherry and the Konkan Coast from Mumbai to Goa offer idyllic coastal drives. These routes combine picturesque beaches, historical towns, and delicious regional cuisine.
- The Desert Trails: Rajasthan’s desert circuits, such as Jaipur-Jodhpur-Jaisalmer, transport travellers through vibrant culture, ancient forts, and rolling sand dunes.
- The Western Ghats: The lush hill stations of Kerala, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, such as Munnar, Coorg, and Mahabaleshwar, are perfect for monsoon drives, with winding roads, misty vistas, and waterfalls around every corner.
Drives along the Amalfi Coast, Italy
Global Driving Holidays: Iconic Routes Around the World
Beyond India, the world offers some of the most spectacular driving routes that captivate the imagination.
- Route 66, USA: Stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, Route 66 is the quintessential American road trip, offering a nostalgic journey through small towns, desert landscapes, and classic diners.
- The Great Ocean Road, Australia: This coastal drive offers stunning views of the Southern Ocean, limestone cliffs, and the iconic Twelve Apostles rock formations, making it one of the world’s most scenic routes.
- The Garden Route, South Africa: Running along the southern coast, this route blends beaches, forests, and wildlife reserves, with opportunities for safaris, whale watching, and cultural experiences.
- Iceland’s Ring Road: Circling the entire island, this road offers surreal landscapes of volcanoes, glaciers, geysers, and waterfalls, providing an unforgettable adventure.
- The Amalfi Coast, Italy: Narrow, winding cliffside roads with views over the Mediterranean Sea, punctuated by charming villages like Positano and Amalfi, make this a dream drive for many.
Driving Holidays in the English Countryside
“With the launch of IndiGo’s new direct flight from Mumbai to Manchester in July, visitors will now have easier access to one of Britain’s most vibrant regions — the North of England. From buzzing cities with rich industrial heritage to breathtaking countryside, North England offers the perfect backdrop for a self-drive holiday. A two-hour drive north of Manchester takes you to the stunning Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ideal for road trippers, the region is known for charming towns like Windermere, Keswick, and Ambleside. Drive along quiet country roads lined with stone walls and green hills, and enjoy peaceful walks, boat rides on calm lakes, and relaxing time in cosy village pubs. My favourite time to visit is spring or autumn — when the landscape is full of fresh blooms and vibrant autumn shades, making the drive more enjoyable and the experience more relaxed. Visitors could also explore cities like York — a walled city with Viking roots and charming cobbled lanes — or Chester, known for its Roman amphitheatre and striking black-and-white Tudor buildings. Both are just a few hours’ drive from Manchester and add depth and variety to your road trip experience.
In Britain, people drive on the left — just like in India — making it easier for Indian travellers to adapt. Renting a car is simple and widely available, and most vehicles come equipped with GPS navigation to help you explore with ease and confidence. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a solo trip, North England’s scenic road trip routes offer a perfect blend of culture, charm, and natural beauty — now more accessible than ever with a direct flight to Manchester,” says Mr. Gary Robson, VisitBritain’s Deputy Director – Europe, GCC and India
Self-drive Holidays at Germany
“Germany is a dream destination for self-drive holidays, with over 150 scenic themed routes that connect history, nature, and regional charm. Notable examples include the Romantic Road, the German Alpine Road, the German Wine Route, and the Fairy Tale Route, all of which are beautifully curated for immersive travel experiences.
Germany is also among Europe’s most EV-friendly countries, with around 47,000 public charging points. Many of these are thoughtfully located along major scenic routes, enabling travellers with electric vehicles to recharge while exploring. For instance, the route between Frankfurt and Hohenschwangau offers over 90 charging stations, turning stops into meaningful sightseeing breaks. Similarly, the 600 km Fairy Tale Route, from Hanau to Bremen, supports EV travel with numerous charging locations in towns like Kassel and Bremen,” says Mr. Romit Theophilus, Director, GNTO India.
Road Trips at Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah
“A road trip in Ras Al Khaimah is more than a scenic drive—it’s a journey through one of the UAE’s most diverse and under-explored landscapes. Just a short drive from Dubai, this northern Emirate reveals an ever-changing panorama – deserts, mountain peaks, 68 km of coastline – and glimpses of heritage tucked into quiet corners. Your first stop should be Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah’s crown jewel. The drive up the mountain is an experience, covering around 30 kilometres, with nearly 20 kilometres of dramatic hairpin bends cutting through the rugged Hajar Mountains.
From the mountains, head down to the coast and discover Al Marjan Island, a man-made archipelago stretching into the Arabian Gulf. With its string of beachfront resorts, palm-lined promenades, and gentle waves, it’s perfect for a spa escape, a swim in the warm waters, or simply a sunset walk along the shore. Whether you are chasing adventure, craving stillness, or curious about culture, Ras Al Khaimah delivers it all, just a drive away from the bustle of city life. Thanks to the easy UAE visa process for Indians and flight connectivity to its Emirate, it’s ready to be explored on your next long weekend getaway,” adds Mr. Iyad Rasbey, VP-Destination Tourism Development, RAKTDA
Technology has further enhanced driving holidays. Real-time navigation, curated travel apps, and digital communities allow travellers to plan and adapt their journeys on the fly. Car rentals, self-drive packages, and campervans have made road trips accessible to a wider audience.
With the rising popularity of driving holidays, sustainability becomes crucial. Electric vehicles (EVs), eco-friendly accommodations, and responsible tourism practices can minimise environmental impact. Travellers are increasingly conscious of respecting local cultures, preserving natural habitats, and supporting local economies.
Driving holidays offer an unparalleled sense of freedom, adventure, and personal connection to the places we visit. Whether navigating the serpentine passes of the Himalayas, cruising along California’s Pacific Coast Highway, or tracing the fjords of Norway, the journey becomes a tapestry of experiences and stories. As travel continues to evolve, driving holidays stand as a timeless reminder that sometimes, the best way to explore the world is simply to hit the road.