Living There
Often, driving is seen as a mechanical exercise meant to bring you from one destination to another. It should be a no-brainer: you get into your car, you drive, you park, and then you do your business—nothing complicated.
However, this routine might not apply when you happen to find yourself driving along the world’s most scenic highways. With gorgeous views and sceneries that are bound to inspire “oohs” and “aahs,” these highways will make you realize that the journey is indeed the destination.
Whether it’s the great view of the ocean, vast stretches of lush forests across a hilly terrain, or snowcapped mountains, you’d probably need to slow down or step out of the car altogether to take a snapshot or two.
Want to find out where these highways are? Here’s a quick list:
- Queen Charlotte Drive (New Zealand)
New Zealand’s pristine environs were in full view in the movie adaptations of Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. If these films made you crave for more of New Zealand, then the best place to bring your car around is Queen Charlotte Drive in South Island, in between Picton and Nelson. With verdant greens, naturally fresh air, and unspoiled environment, you’d probably think you were in a fictional realm.
- Ruta 40 (Argentina)
Stretching for 5,000 kilometers, Ruta 40 in the western section of Argentina provides a memorable trip for anyone driving along this path. For starters, Ruta 40 crosses 18 rivers and passes by 20 national parks. Running parallel to the famous Andes mountain range, this route has parts that are both paved and unpaved, with the latter providing more excitement for those who are into wilder adventures.
- Chapman’s Peak Drive (South Africa)
Located 15 kilometers south of the bustling metropolis of Cape Town, Chapman’s Peak Drive has been around for quite a long while already, having been built between 1915 and 1922. Its name is derived from Chapman’s Peak, a mountain. You will be passing by 114 curves in total, each one with road paint and offering breathtaking views of the mountain and the sea. The western side of the mountain is particularly popular because this is where Chapman’s Peak falls sharply into the sea.
- Great Ocean Road (Australia)
Nowhere is the rugged beauty of Australia better appreciated than along Great Ocean Road. Located in the southeastern coast of the country, between Torquay and Allansfor, the Great Ocean Road offers panoramic views of lush rain forests and various national parks. This road, built between 1919 and 1932, is also the perfect place to spot a popular stack of limestones known as Twelve Apostles. And as if things couldn’t get any better, there are whale lookouts on the road, too.
With scenic drives like the ones enumerated above, there’s definitely no reason to feel stressed out behind the wheel. After all, these are the kinds of views and vistas that memorable dreams are made of. So slow down, relax, and enjoy the view. You’re in for a real treat courtesy of nature.
