10 Post-Graduation Holiday Ideas for the Summer
At the end of an era, round your student days off on a high by grabbing some friends, packing a car and setting off on the Road Trip of a lifetime. With car hire, there are no limits to where you can go or what you can see this summer. Here are 10 of the greatest road trips; all perfect getaways to help you saviour every moment of your last months of freedom.
Route 66
Possibly the most famous drive in the world, America’s Route 66 stretches for 2,448 miles, from Chicago to Los Angeles, and represents a trip through American cultural history. The route was decommissioned in 1985 and the reduction of traffic transformed the settlements which line it into ghost towns. Miles of road stretch as far as the eye can see, evoking an exhilarating sense of freedom.
Atlas Mountains
From Morocco's humid bustling capital, across barren desert, to the snow capped Atlas Mountains; this is one of the most adventurous routes around. Before reaching the final destination of Essaouira, travellers will be amazed by the valleys, ridges and gorges which make up the terrain. The highest and most thrilling part of the route is The Tizi n Test Pass, from which the most splendid views can be seen.
Chile's Route Seven
Originally built to connect the local communities, this 1,200 km route runs the length of rural Patagonia and encompasses some of the nation’s most splendid sights; such as lakes, mountains and glaciers, all of which make the perfect backdrop for a truly memorable trip.
Alaskan Highway
For travellers wishing to get closer to nature, few trips come more recommended than the Alaskan Highway. Starting out in British Columbia in Canada, travellers can go as far as the Arctic Coast, through majestic forests, alongside meandering streams into some of the coldest inhabited places on the continent. A favourite route amongst wildlife enthusiasts, grizzly bears, elk and moose are just a few of the famous residents road-trippers often see.
Karakoram Highway
Said to be the world's highest paved international road, Karakoram is the perfect choice for thrill-seekers. The Highway traces a small part of the ancient Silk Road across the Karakoram mountain range that connects China with Pakistan. Given the altitude and the adverse conditions under which it was constructed, the Highway is often referred to as the ‘Ninth Wonder of the World'.
Hana Highway
Quite possibly the most scenic route on our list is Hawaii's Hana Highway. 68 miles of white beaches, azure waters, bamboo groves and cascading waterfalls, make this the perfect destination for a slow drive. Charming little fresh fruit juice stalls are dotted all along the road providing the perfect refreshment and rest stop whilst you take in this area of beauty.
Finnish Lakes
The best way to fully experience the lakes of Finland is to start in the capital Helsinki, so you can soak up some of the national culture before hitting the road. As soon as you get out of the city, the horizon opens up and lavish countryside and vast expanses of lakes wow travellers. Around the route there are various little towns such as Turku, Urjala and Tampere, each with their own unique history and landmarks.
Drive under the Northern Lights
The short drive from Iceland's capital, Reykjavik, to the northern city of Akureyri, passes through a landscape that is as beautiful as it is diverse. Volcanic craters, hot springs, waterfalls and lagoons combine to make this region absolutely stunning. Along the highway is the fishing village of Stykkishólmur, with friendly locals that offer travellers an array of national delicacies. On your way to Akureyri, you will pass the huge glacier-covered volcano, Snæfellsjökul. From its peak, Snæfellsjökul provides spectacular views of the Northern Lights.
The Great Ocean Road
For anyone wanting to catch some waves and some sun, Australia's south-eastern coast is hard to beat. This scenic route can take hours or days to complete, depending on the traveller. The area is famous for its coastal rock formations and limestone pillars which were once joined to the mainland, but now lay isolated amongst the waves.
New Zealand's South Island
New Zealand's stunning South Island has it all, from birds of paradise to beaches of paradise. The gorgeous route is famous for whale and dolphin spotting and has splendid locations to relax in such as Lake Wakatipu. The route culminates in the port city of Timaru.
