Sunday 12 April 2015

ROAD TRIPS: THE ULTIMATE BUCKET LIST


I love the freedom of a road trip. Just you, your travel companions and the open road. I'll be knocking one trip off my bucket list this summer with our Scottish adventure; but there's a long list to get through! Read on to discover my top three ultimate road trips. 

1. California

Route: Las Vegas - Joshua Tree National Park - Salvation Mountain - Palm Springs - Los Angeles - Big Sur - Monterey - Yosemite National Park - Lake Tahoe - San Francisco


This is the dream. Sprawling national parks, camp fires on rugged beaches, never-ending photo opportunities, and a jeep full of friends. From driving through the relentless desert to discover colourful modernist buildings, indigenous wildlife and a pastel hued mountain dedicated to God - to winding cliff top roads with breathtaking views of the Pacific - California seems to be the state that has it all. In a dream world, I'd have a whole month to complete this trip, taking time to relish my surroundings and embrace a slow and lazy lifestyle whilst managing to cram in everything that I've ever wanted to see.





2. Oregon - Washington - British Columbia

Route: Portland - La Push - Vance Creek - Seattle - Vancouver - Tofino


I have to split up my ultimate American road trip into two parts, as there are so many places I want to visit on just the West coast! The Pacific North West is an area that tantalizes me with the allure of stormy grey seas, dense green forests, mountain trails and acres of wilderness. I imagine myself hiking all of the trails that I see on my Instagram feed and camping in the middle of nowhere, close to the beach. In between the rugged, wild landscapes I'd explore three cities that have long been on my radar, ticking off bars and cafes and shops that tickle my fancy.





3. Iceland - The Ring Road

Route: Keflavik - The Golden Circle - Sólheimajökull Glacier - Jokulsarlon Glacial lagoon - Dettifoss - Lake Myvatn - Husavik - Reykjavik 


I'd have to visit Iceland twice - both in summer and in winter. The journey around the ring road may be treacherous in the colder months, but it would be worth it to see such unique scenery with an icy coating, and the chance to spot the illusive Northern Lights. In summer, there would be never-ending days and a spectrum of colours across surprising geological features. We'd stop in secluded cottages and small hotels, bathe in natural hot springs in the middle of nowhere, and witness spectacular scenery.




Image 1 - Jessica Tremp / Image 2 - Laura Austin / Image 6 - Local Wanderer / Image 10 - Oh, Lady Cakes / Other images - found via Pinterest

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