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  1. 6 Places in Cambodia You Shouldn’t Miss

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    Despite its turbulent past, Cambodia has become a mainstay on the Southeast Asia backpacking route and sees million of international visitors every year. So what are the 6 Places in Cambodia you shouldn’t miss?While neighbouring Thailand and Vietnam are ostensibly more popular, Cambodia has an under-stated charm that captivates visitors. Indeed, Cambodia is one of those places that has everything, from mouth-watering food, to world class scenery. If you are planning a trip to Southeast Asia, you would be crazy not to dedicate a decent chunk of time exploring this fascinating country.

    If you’re looking for inspiration for your trip to Cambodia, here are six places that you absolutely have to visit while you’re there.

    Angkor Wat, Siem Reap

    Angkor Wat is Cambodia’s pride and joy and the number one reason why people travel to the country. The Angkor Wat complex consists of dozens of temples, ruins, shrines, palaces, and mausoleums, dating back to the 12th century. Visitors spend up to three days exploring the various buildings and admiring the rugged landscape that surrounds them. The best way to explore the site is to hire a driver to take you around in a car or tuk-tuk or rent a bike and cycle around.

    Tuol Sleng, Phnom Penh

    Tuol Sleng is the high school turned extermination camp that was set up by the Khmer Rouge during Pol Pot’s regime. Today, it is a genocide museum that depicts the horrors that occurred under Pol Pot’s rule. While the experience is deeply harrowing, it is a fascinating insight into what happened and an important reminder of how humanity can be completely lost under a dictatorship.

    Koh Rong

    Koh Rong is Cambodia’s most beautiful island and it is exactly what you would expect a tropical paradise island to look like. It’s definately one of the 6 places in Cambodia you shouldn’t miss.Think white powder sand, sparkling turquoise water, and plenty of beach bars where you can quench your thirst (and then some). If you need somewhere to chill out and forget about the outside world for a bit, Koh Rong will do the trick.

    Ka Choung Waterfall, Ratnakiri

    Who doesn’t love waterfalls, am I right? If you can’t get enough of water cascading over rocks, the Ka Choung Waterfall will take your breath away and give you some outstanding photo ops. The journey to the waterfall is an adventure in itself and involves hiking through the jungle. Once you’ve built up a sweat and arrived at the waterfall you can cool off under its refreshing cascade.

    Otres Beach, Sihanoukville

    Sihanoukville is Cambodia’s premier seaside spot and unlike the beach hubs in Thailand, it has retained a lot of its natural beauty. On Otres Beach you’ll find super soft sand, lapped at gently by the Gulf of Thailand, that isn’t covered with garbage and doesn’t have a million other people jostling for space on it. But, that doesn’t mean Sihanoukville is quiet. Beach bars and a fun vibe are staples on and around Otres Beach.

    Botum Sakor National Park

    This national park is one of the largest in Cambodia and boasts an astonishing level of biodiversity. Take a guide along with you to point out the monkeys, birds, and tigers that call this park home. In addition to its wildlife, the vegetation in the park is rich and varied. In just one hour of walking, you could encounter jungle, woodland, mangrove, and evergreen forest.

  2. 5 Reasons Why You Should Hire a Car in Iceland

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    Road Trip

    There really are  5 Reasons why you should hire a car in Iceland as it has become such a popular travel destination over the past decade or so. Nicknamed ‘The Land of Ice and Fire’, Iceland is one of the few places left on the planet where nature still dominates the land, unhindered by human behaviour. Many who visit this island nation are utterly awestruck by the natural beauty that flourishes around every corner.

    From Reykjavik, the most common routes are the Golden Circle and the Ring Road. The Golden Circle can be done in under a week, while the whole Ring Road takes a lot longer as it runs along the perimeter of the entire country. It is possible to take public transport along these routes, but having your own vehicle is incomparable. In this article we will look at why hiring a car in Iceland will be the best idea you’ve ever had.

    It Will Save You Valuable Time

    Unless you are a digital nomad or endless traveller, you probably have some kind of time constraint for your vacation. With this in mind, the last thing you want to do is waste your precious time working out public transport maps and trying to schedule your timetable to allow for lengthy bus journeys and potentially long waits for transport. With your own car you are free to set off and come back as and when you want. There really are 5 reasons why you should hire a car in Iceland.

    It Will Save You Money

    Public transport will not take you everywhere you want to go. For some sites you either need your own vehicle or you need to book yourself onto a tour. Needless to say, tours can be really expensive and while they offer the opportunities to see the country with a professional guide and meet new people, your budget might not allow for it. With your own car, you have access to the whole country and you don’t need to waste money on tour groups.

    You Can Take Detours

    The beauty of Iceland is… well… its beauty! Away from the tourist hotspots that everyone visits are dozens of smaller spots that most people have never heard of. The only way to find some of these places is to accidentally stumble across them as you’re driving between destinations. When you have your own car you have complete freedom to follow a curious road or change course to get a better look at a waterfall you spotted in the distance. The freedom is utterly liberating.

    You Can Enjoy a Holiday Playlist at Full Volume

    Songs have the powerful ability of allowing us to conjure up vivid memories. Just a few opening chords are sometimes all it takes to transport you to a very specific time and place and help you relive a cherished moment. Yes, if you’re on a tour you can put your headphones in a listen to your Spotify playlist, but it is not the same as blasting your tunes in your own car and sharing the experience with your fellow passengers.

    It is the Ultimate Adventure

    Things will go wrong while you are driving. You might run out of gas or take a wrong turn, but these mishaps are sometimes just as exciting as the bits that go according to plan. They certainly make good anecdotes at any rate. Striking off on your own is an exhilarating adventure where you get to call the shots. Explore Iceland in your very own car and create a unique experience that you will never forget.

  3. 5 Things You Should Know About Visiting Dubai During Ramadan

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    Before you think about visiting Dubai during Ramadan, it is important to understand what this festival is all about. Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic calendar. Throughout the month, observant Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset – this means abstaining from eating, drinking, and even engaging in anything that could be considered entertainment.

    However, there is a flip side to this seemingly sombre sacred period. Before sunrise, Muslims fill up for the day with a hearty meal called suhoor. This meal needs to last them all day until they can break their fast with the iftar meal. Iftar is an extravagant banquet, often served in a Bedouin style tent.

    The feasts can be quite elaborate and there is nowhere better to experience them than in Dubai, in the heart of the Middle East. Feasting aside, however, there are some other things you should know if you are planning on visiting Dubai during Ramadan.

    The Shops Have Crazy Ramadan Sales

    Most of the malls in Dubai stay open extra late during Ramadan – sometimes until 2am! This gives people plenty of time to hunt for bargains after their iftar meal. In addition to the extra opening hours, the shops in the malls often have fabulous sales in honour of the holy month. It might be worth starving all day if it means you can nab some delightful deals in the evening!

    Hotels and Flights Are Cheaper

    As you might imagine, people are often put off travelling to Dubai during Ramadan. This is a blessing for those who do travel as accommodation and flight prices plummet in this month. You could see your budget going far further than you imagined while you shack up in a luxury resort for a fraction of the normal price.

    Eating and Drinking in Public is Illegal

    It is important to note that eating, drinking, and smoking in public during Ramadan in Dubai is illegal. Even something as trivial as chewing gum can be seen as disrespectful and could cause you problems with the authorities. If you are hungry or thirsty, there are plenty of restaurants that still serve food and drinks during fasting hours. However, out of respect to observers of Ramadan, they will put up a screen to hide you from public view.

    Some Activities Will Have Reduced Opening Hours

    If you have grand ideas about all the activities you are going to do while you are in Dubai, don’t worry. You can probably still do everything you planned, you might just need to be a bit more meticulous with your planning. Some activities open late and close early over Ramadan. These include water parks, safari tours and some entertainment complexes. It is simply a case of googling the activity and finding out its Ramadan opening hours.

    Be Wary of Offending People

    While Dubai is generally a lenient place, people expect a higher level of respect during the holy month. Refrain from kissing or touching in public, dress modestly, and do not play music out loud (headphones are fine). The holy month is a time for peace, tranquillity, and self-reflection. Be sensitive to this and you won’t have any problems.

  4. Top 5 Reasons to Visit Costa Rica in 2019

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    If you are looking for a destination that has it all in 2019, look no further than Costa Rica. While Central America is often over-looked when it comes to vacation destinations, Costa Rica stands out as the shining gem of this part of the world. People flock to the tiny country from far and wide – and with good reason. No matter what kind of trip you are after, you will be able to find something to suit all tastes in Cost Rica.

    Need a little more convincing? Here are our top five reasons why Costa Rica should make it on to your itinerary this year.

    It Is Filled With Incredible Wildlife

    Costa Rica has one of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world despite its small size. In fact, you can find over 5% of all known plants and animals on earth in this tiny country. The country boasts several world class national parks, including Bahia Ballena, Parque Nacional Tortuguero, and Manuel Antonio. Within these parks you will see monkeys swinging from the trees, whales breaching in the sea and everything else in between.

    The Pura Vida Lifestyle Is Oh-So Appealing

    Costa Ricans call themselves Ticos and Ticas, a nickname that represents their fondness for affection and not taking things to seriously. This is just one element that makes up their famous Pura Vida lifestyle. Pura Vida literally translates as ‘Pure Life’ but it means a lot more than that. It is their way for saying everything is good and there is nothing to worry or stress about. Wander through any market in Costa Rica and you will find this saying emblazoned on T-Shirts, hats, and all manner of trinkets.

    The Beaches Are Out of This World

    Costa Rica has, hands down, some of the most spectacular beaches on the planet. Whether you travel along the Pacific or Caribbean coasts, you will find golden sand, soft as powder, fringed by lush vegetation and trailing down into warm water. Depending on what you are after, there are beaches for all occasions. Playa Conchal, Punta Uva, and Samara are all great for swimming, while Playa Grande, Dominical and Jaco are better for surfing. Of course, all of them are perfect for soaking up the sunshine and working on your tan.

    The Food Is Better Than You Think

    Forget about boring old rice and beans – you’re in for a real treat in Costa Rica. Thanks to the country’s two coastlines, seafood and fresh fish play a big part in the national cuisine. Head to Puerto Viejo or one of the other small Caribbean towns and you’ll find grilled fish, lobster, and scallops popping up regularly on menus. Served with coconut rice and seasoned to perfection, these dishes are utterly mouth-watering.

    There Are Dozens of Different Landscapes

    Not everyone will want to spend their whole vacation on the beach. Similarly, some will want a day or two at the beach and the rest of the time doing other things. Costa Rica’s landscape is exceptionally diverse. You will find a big city vibe in the capital, San Jose, complete with bustling markets and museums, but within just an hour or two’s drive you can be at the Arenal Volcano, exploring its rugged surroundings. Alternatively, you could venture into the cool, lush cloud forest or the humid rainforest if you want your nature fix.

  5. 6 Ways Budapest Will Blow You Away

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    Budapest is, hands down, one of the best cities in Europe. It is a beautiful city, rich with culture and history and (fun fact) did you know the city is actually made up of two different cities- Buda and Pest? They just combined the names together to form what we all now refer to as Budapest. It is also delightfully cheap, meaning you get some serious bang for your buck when you spend here.

    Thinking about visiting? Here are some of the ways in which Budapest will blow you away.

    1. Szechenyi Baths

    Best visited on a hot summer’s day, these baths will undoubtedly be the highlight of your trip. Picture the scene: you’re under the weather after a night of cheap Hungarian beer and you just need to unwind and chill out. Now imagine huge outdoor pools with perfectly heated medicinal water, accompanied by a whole host of indoor pools and saunas at varying temperatures for health purposes. One word of warning, once you’re in, you can’t go out and then come back in again so take lunch with you or you’ll end up forking out for over-priced poolside food.

    2. Goulash

    It’s actually pronounced Gwee-Yash according to a reliable Hungarian source. You’ve probably heard of it but chances are you’ve never experienced real Hungarian goulash. Well now is your chance. It’s a weird but wonderful experience and once you’ve had your first sip, there’s no going back. For those of you that don’t know, goulash is chunks of meat and potato in a delicious broth spiced with paprika. What more could you possibly want? There are loads of places that sell this stuff in Budapest and, of course, it is dirt cheap.

    3. The Castle

    To get to the castle you’ve either got to take the Funicular train or you can try and burn off some of that heavy Hungarian food you’ve been stuffing yourself with and walk up. The castle itself is gorgeous, but what really blows you away is the view from the top. The castle is in Buda and from the top of the hill you can see the entire of Pest, including the spectacular houses of parliament, the river and the famous chain bridge. It’s worth going up there at night as well when the city is all lit up.

    4. Langos

    If you’re a fan of heart-stoppingly greasy but mind-blowingly delicious food then Langos is the only Hungarian word you need to learn for your trip. This national staple contains a hideous number of calories but it will be the best thing you eat on your trip. It’s a thick disk of deep-fried dough smothered in a generous layer of sour cream and then sprinkled with grated cheese. Simple yet deeply satisfying.

    5. A River Cruise

    What better way to enjoy the city than cruising along the Danube Rivers, which separates Buda from Pest? There are dozens of different cruises available, day and night, If you are after something civilised opt for a dinner and wine cruise. If you want debauchery, there are a number of booze cruises to choose from. Whichever you choose, you are guaranteed world class views of Hungary’s finest architecture.

    6. The City

    Just walk around the city and look at everything. It is free to do and highly enjoyable. The National Museum, the Synagogue and the National Gallery are all incredible on the inside but also pretty beautiful from the outside as well. Once you get in to the touristy centre near the river, things start to get a bit more modern but the city has somehow found the key to modernising without becoming cheap and tacky. Everywhere you turn there is something remarkable – you’d be amazed at how quickly time passes when you’re meandering through the streets of Budapest.

  6. 5 Essential Skills You Develop While You Travel

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    It is amazing how much you can learn by spending a few months on the road. While some label travelling as an excuse to float around the world doing nothing, this really couldn’t be further from the truth. Without even thinking about it, you develop a huge amount when you travel. You encounter situations that are completely alien and have to learn quickly how to adjust to them. This requires a great level of mental flexibility and skill and, best of all, you probably don’t even realise you’re doing it.

    If you are worried that your brain will turn to mush if you travel or that you won’t have anything to show for it afterwards, think again. Here are five of the numerous skills you develop while you are on the road.

    Social Skills

    Whether you travel on your own or in a group, you will always encounter other people on the road. Talking to strangers is not something most of us feel comfortable with. It has been bred out of us since the advent of smart phones. Why take the potential risk of rejection or awkwardness when you can tap away without a care in the world? But, striking up conversations with people from different walks of life is an extremely valuable skill and it can easily be fine-tuned while you travel.

    Problem-Solving Skills

    It would be very naïve to think that nothing will go wrong while you travel. Buses are missed, hostels are full, people get scammed – there is no end to the things that could interfere with your plan. Learning how to react in these kinds of situations is highly transferrable to all aspects of life. When you encounter a problem, you need to be able to resolve it quickly and you will get plenty of practice of this when you travel.

    Language Skills

    Unless you only ever travel to other English speaking countries, you will come up against language barriers. These can seem daunting at first and it is unlikely you will leave your stint in Koh Samui speaking fluent Thai. You will, however, come away with at least a few words if you put your mind to it. Having language skills can only ever be a good thing and who knows, if you spend enough time in Mexico, your Spanish might get good enough to put on your CV.

    Independence Skills

    When you are travelling you don’t have your parents or a wide support network there to help you out. You have to do everything on your own. This means keeping yourself fed and watered, finding places to do your laundry, and organising your own itinerary. The freedom is liberating but it can also be challenging. Nevertheless, once you’ve successfully travelled independently, you’ll feel like there’s nothing you can’t do.

    Cultural Sensitivity Skills

    It is one thing to read about a country in a history book or on Wikipedia, but it is another thing entirely to see it in person. Encountering people from different cultures and understanding how they function as a society will enhance your cultural sensitivity. It will make you more capable of working alongside people from different backgrounds in the future and broaden your mind.

  7. Everything You Need for the Perfect Road Trip

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    For decades, the road trip has been one of the most popular types of vacation for young people, old people and families alike. The freedom that comes with cruising around in your own vehicle is unparalleled and it is exactly this that we find so appealing. If we see something of interest, we don’t have to simply carry on past it, wondering what it was. We can pull over, get out of the car, and spend as long as we like exploring it.

    It is hard to get a road trip wrong. You are in complete control, which means you ultimately end up doing exactly what you want. What could be better right? But, there are definitely things you should take along with you to turn your road trip quality up to 11.

    A Plan

    The last thing you want to do is to waste your vacation driving around aimlessly so you need a decent idea of where you are going to go. Go on to Google maps and plan yourself a route along with some stops you want to make along the way. Remember that just because you have a plan doesn’t mean it is set in stone. It is absolutely fine if you deviate from this, but it is useful to have as a back up.

    An Amazing Playlist

    Songs have an incredible ability to transport us back in time and help us relive our most powerful memories. Creating a killer playlist will not only make the hours of driving more enjoyable, but they will be pivotal in the formation of your memories of this trip. In a year’s time you will listen to that same playlist and remember all the amazing experiences you had on the road.

    Piles of Snacks

    Driving around the country or continent is hungry work so you should make sure you are fully stocked up with snacks before you set off. Of course, you’re going to want bags of crisps, chocolates, biscuits and the other usual suspects, but you should also think about taking bananas, nuts, and carrot sticks so you don’t reach your first stop feeling bloated and gross.

    A Good GPS

    We live in an age where map-reading is essentially obsolete. In fact, most young people would freak out if you tried to make them read a paper map. Get yourself a good GPS that you can stick to your windscreen. Plug in your coordinates and follow the wisdom of your device. While this stops you from getting lost and stumbling across hidden gems, it also stops you from getting lost and wasting your time and petrol trying to work out where the heck you are.

    Sleeping Bags & Pillows

    There may well be a night when you have no idea where the nearest motel is and you’re in desperate need of some shut eye. The best thing to do in this scenario is to pull over somewhere discrete and have a snooze in your car. This is unlikely to be the most comfortable night of your life, but it is better than falling asleep at the wheel. Taking sleeping bags and pillows will make the experience infinitely better. So, just put your seat down and relax.

  8. 5 Spectacular Train Journeys You Need to Do in Your Lifetime

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    They say that travel it’s not about the destination, but the journey. Now, this phrase usually refers to the emotional, cultural and spiritual journey you undertake when you travel. It takes into account the people you meet and the experiences you have along the way – these are the things that really matter. But, sometimes the journey can be taken in the most literal of senses and refer to the actual physical transportation of yourself from one place to another. A train journey, for example.

    There are some journeys, scattered along the well-trodden travel routes of the world that are utterly mind-blowing. If you are ready to experience the most sublime journeys in the world, here are five to get you started.

    Kandy to Ella, Sri Lanka

    Often voted the single most beautiful journey in the world, the train from Ella to Kandy winds through the lush rice paddies and fields of Sri Lanka’s misty highlands. Try and get yourself a window seat so you can fully absorb the majestic emerald landscape as you race through the countryside. The journey takes around seven hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to soak up the views. The best part of the journey is that the natural beauty gets even better when you arrive at your destination.

    The Sacred Valley, Peru

    There is a train that runs from Ollantaytambo, which is nestled in the heart of the sacred valley, all the way to Machu Picchu. Not only is the train itself fabulously luxurious with its armchairs and observation decks, but the scenery that whizzes by outside is world class. The verdant slopes of the mountains, capped with snow, shoot out of the ground on either side of the train, offering nothing but untapped natural beauty as far as the eye can see. Plus, you’ll see a few llamas and alpacas grazing as you go.

    Darwin to Adelaide, Australia

    The Ghan is the name of the train that covers the 2,000 or so miles between Adelaide and Darwin. It races through Australia’s fiery and inhospitable outback, offering its passengers views of this extreme landscape as it goes. This journey is perfect for those who want to experience the Bush but aren’t so keen on the sunstroke that comes with it. If you have the time, stop off in Alice Springs and at the Nitmiluk Gorge on your way.

    The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia

    What sort of list would this be if it didn’t include one of the world’s longest train routes – the Trans-Siberian Railway. This eight day monster journey will take you from Moscow, through the untouched Russian countryside, all the way to the dense forests of Siberia. There isn’t a single part of the journey that isn’t breath-taking. This journey is perfect for people who want to get away from civilisation and to ogle at top quality natural landscapes.

    Vancouver to Banff, Canada

    Undoubtedly the most beautiful train journey in Canada, this route winds past glacial lakes and through lush valleys flanked by snow-capped mountains. The air will be the freshest you will have ever breathed and the magnificence of Mother Nature will be omnipresent. If you were looking for some snaps to spice up your Instagram, this trip will provide you with ample material.

  9. 5 Very Good Reasons to go to Colombia

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    If you got hooked on Netflix’s Narcos, then you probably aren’t desperate to go to Colombia right now. Going by the series, the country is little more than a never-ending parade of drug cartels, terrorism and extreme violence.

    Except that it is not like this at all.

    In the past decade or so, Colombia has seriously cleaned up its act and it is now one of South America’s hottest travel destinations. Yes, the country still has its problems – name me on that doesn’t! But, the streets of Bogota and Medellin have replaced the sounds of gunshots with salsa music and laughter and the country is ripe for a big influx of tourism.

    Are you still on the fence about travelling to Colombia? Here are five very good reasons why you should pack your bag right now and head over there.

    It Is Cheap

    I’m not sure about you, but cost is always at the top of my list when it comes to travelling. I like to get as much bang for my buck as possible and in Colombia your money can go really far. Honestly, Colombia probably won’t stay this cheap as more and more tourists are flocking here every year. But, right now you can live comfortably on around £40 per day. If you are on a real budget, £20 or even £15 a day is also possible.

    It Is Insanely Beautiful

    Colombia has every possible landscape you could want. It has the Amazon Rainforest in the South; misty highlands in the coffee region; golden beaches on the Caribbean coast; and some seriously impressive volcanoes scattered around the country. Whatever kind of scenery you were looking for, you will find it and more in Colombia. And, of course, if you ever want to take a break from this natural beauty, there are gorgeous colonial towns such as Guatape, Cartagena, Santa Marta, and Solento to enjoy.

    The People Are Friendly

    Again, Narcos painted all Colombians as malicious drug dealers who would shoot you in the face in a heartbeat. In reality, Colombians are as friendly as they come. In fact, most of the Colombians I met were just grateful that I had decided to visit their country despite its history. They wanted to tell me why Colombia was so great (not that I needed convincing) and to talk about Gabriel Garcia Marquez, the country’s Nobel Prize winning author.

    You Can Disconnect From the Real World

    On the Caribbean coast of Colombia, just an hour or so from Santa Marta, is Tayrona National Park. This beautifully conserved patch of lush, emerald jungle stretches out for miles, until it reaches the golden sand of Colombia’s finest beaches. There are no fancy hotels here. Instead, there are a few cabins and a lot of tents. There is also no WiFi or any form of electronic entertainment. Instead it’s just you and nature, spending some much-needed quality time together.

    It Is an Excellent Place to Practice Your Spanish

    The Spanish they speak in Spain is hard to understand. Any Latino will tell you that. They speak very fast, blend their words together and pronounce their ‘c’ like a ‘th’. In Colombia, however, it’s a completely different story. The Colombians are very proud of their accent, and rightly so. Words are pronounced properly and clearly, making it very easy to understand what is being said – even for someone who is not super confident with their language skills.

  10. The World’s Top 5 Destination for a Road Trip

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    In a world of luxury resorts and guided tours, people seem to have less time for a road trip. The road trip has been a stalwart member of the vacation family for decades, but in recent years it has dwindled in popularity. In fact, even before cars were invented people explored the world using horses and carriages. Before cheap flights came into existence, road trips were the best way to travel. You could visit far flung parts of your own country or cross into a neighbouring country if you lived near a border.

    But, the road trip is not dead – indeed, it is thriving. Nothing beats cruising through stunning landscapes with the freedom to stop and explore whenever it takes your fancy. Best of all, you don’t miss a single thing like you do when you’re in a plane. So, if you’re ready to travel along the world’s most beautiful roads, here are five incredible road trip destinations to get you started.

    Canada

    Perhaps the most beautiful country in the world, Canada is the road trip destination of your dreams. Starting from the West Coast, you will drive through lush forests and past dramatic, snow-capped mountains. Head North and you’ll hit vast swathes of sparkling snow and if you make it all the way to the East coast you will be greeted with gorgeous coastlines and the spectacular Bay of Fundy.

    France

    One of France’s greatest charms is its tiny medieval villages that can be found in every region. Some of these villages are little more than a few cobbled streets, but they are guaranteed to have outstanding architecture around every corner. You might even stumble across a crumbling castle perched on a hill or a gorgeous vineyard if you’re lucky.

    New Zealand

    Known as the filming location for Lord of the Rings, New Zealand is utterly breath-taking no matter where you are in the country. Hop in your car and explore the diverse landscapes that spread out to the horizon. Sparkling lakes, rolling hills, glorious coastlines – what more could you want? And, from the comfort of your own vehicle, you can drink it all in at your own pace.

    South Africa

    South Africa gets a bad rap in the press for being dangerous. While there are certainly parts of the country that you are better off avoiding, there are also places that are both safe and supremely beautiful to drive through. The Garden Route is South Africa’s most exhilarating stretch of road. It runs along the coastline past exceptional scenery and you might even spot some cool wildlife as you go.

    USA

    Last but not least is the ultimate road trip destination: the USA. The American road trip was popularised in Kerouac’s On the Road and has been a staple of American culture for as long as cars have been around. Not only is the USA enormous, but it has just about everything you could want to see. From the great lakes to the rugged coastline of California, there is natural beauty everywhere you look. For a particularly spectacular drive, head over to California and cruise along the Pacific Coast Highway.