A honeymoon on the road, anyone? At the wheel, the constraints of public transport evaporate. Little-known regions reveal their treasures to you far from the beaten track. In a nutshell, a honeymoon road trip gives you unparalleled freedom.
So, are you dreaming of a one-on-one on the most beautiful roads in the world? From Europe to the edge of the Pacific, set sail for a road trip honeymoon.
A wedding road trip in the United States
When it comes to road trips, the United States knows a lot. First, the country is so vast that a vehicle is not too much to skim all the wonders. No wonder then that the American territory concentrates some of the most mythical roads on the planet.
But from the rugged landscapes of Colorado to the colonial towns of the historic East, to the coastal backdrop of California, the roads of the United States weave an unforgettable backdrop to a driving honeymoon. And on the side, a dinner offers an essential respite to newlyweds in love with road movies.
Please note: for European nationals, an international driving license is required in some American states. This is the case, for example, of South Carolina, Connecticut and Florida. Find out about the itinerary of your autotour beforehand.
A road trip honeymoon in Canada
In Canada, nature draws a dazzling diversity from coast to coast. Mountains with vertiginous peaks, thick forests sublimated by the Indian summer, exceptional waterfalls, everything is there to amaze lovers of raw nature . And at the turn of a lace, you sometimes see a bear, as if frozen in a postcard setting.
Thus, taking the road is the best way to enjoy the beauties of Canada in complete freedom. Moreover, even winter lends itself to a honeymoon road trip against the current. The hardest part is only choosing a coast. Because between the national parks of the Great West and the picturesque villages of Quebec, each region offers you plenty of breathtaking panoramas.
Good to know: from Canada, some rental companies allow you to cross the US border provided you return the rented vehicle in the country of departure. Depending on the states visited, it is better to take an international driving license in your luggage.
A romantic road trip in Mexico
Fine sandy beaches, paradise islands and archaeological sites, Mexico has dreams to spare. And the good surprise is that the country is easily discovered by road. A vehicle rental then allows you to explore a region in depth , as well as to alternate the atmospheres at your own pace.
The Yucatan is a privileged stage on a Mexican road trip. The romantic ruins of fascinating civilizations then file by the window, followed by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean and incredible outdoor cenotes .
The historic region of Oaxaca also lends itself well to a self-drive outside the classic circuits, between colonial cities and the Pacific coast. The wild expanses of Chiapas delight honeymooners with a pioneering spirit.
Note: Driving in tourist areas of Mexico is safe, but some areas of the country are still to be avoided. To know them, consult the Quai d’Orsay map when planning your Mexican honeymoon.
A wedding road trip at the end of the world in Argentina
A honeymoon in Argentina is the very definition of wild paradise. Between the reliefs of the Andes and the glaciers of Patagonia, the Auriverde country takes you from one world to another in a few hours of flight. But between two planes, there’s nothing like getting behind the wheel to explore Argentina’s riches.
On an Argentinian road trip, the mythical route 40 sets the stage for an epic one-on-one circuit. This axis which crosses the country from side to side makes you rub shoulders with the giants of Patagonia , from Fitz Roy to Perito Moreno. At the other end, the road winds between the vineyards and the pre-Columbian remains of the Northeast.
Good to know: from route 40 to the no less sumptuous Carretera Austral , there is only one step on a combined honeymoon. However, it is impossible to cross the Chilean border by rental car. So opt for a transfer by sea or by land, before renting a new vehicle once in Chile.
A driving honeymoon in Namibia
Southern Africa acts as a magnet for lovers of wildlife and wide open spaces. Of course, South Africa is the flagship destination for honeymoon on the safari side. But north of the Rainbow Nation, an equally grandiose territory lends itself to an even more original honeymoon road trip.
In Namibia, hitting the road feels like an odyssey. Because the car is only a point on the horizon of disproportionate landscapes. From the titanic waves of Walvis Bay to the dunes of Sesriem, thousands of kilometers of slopes make you feel limitless freedom.
Moreover, the setting is intimate because rare vehicles cross your path. And this fullness is accompanied by the magic of an encounter with the elephants of Damariland, or the famous black rhinos of Etosha Park.
The good idea: do you dream of discovering a natural wonder of the world? Departing from the Kavango region, push your epic journey to the legendary Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
An unusual wedding road trip in Japan
Driving in Japan? The idea may seem incongruous to you. Because in Japan, the pleasure consists in seeing the landscapes pass by from the comfort of the famous Shinkansen. But if the train is part of the Japanese experience, a break on the roads allows you to discover another face of Japan.
Once out of the cities, renting a car is the best way to treat yourself to a Japanese honeymoon away from the crowds. In the Japanese Alps, for example, your route takes you from traditional onsen rice paddies to lush mountains. At the wheel, you can also cross the most beautiful islands of the Okinawa archipelago on a seaside honeymoon.
And even at the height of the cherry and maple tourist season , unexplored regions like Tohoku or Shikoku reveal their treasures to you one-on-one. Samurai houses, fishing villages and century-old craft shops, it is an authentic Japan that opens its doors to you.
Please note: to drive in Japan, you must obtain a Japanese translation of your European license. The easiest way is then to contact a specialized site, or even a tailor-made travel agency.
A honeymoon on the roads of Australia
Bag on the back, your van is waiting for you. So head for the desert on a solitary journey ? Or rather the Great Barrier Reef for a stay combining relaxation and scuba diving? Unless you prefer the great outdoors between mountain lakes and eucalyptus forests.
From the foothills of Uluru to the beaches of Queensland, Australian roads weave an extraordinary self-drive web. That’s without forgetting some of the most beautiful road routes in the world , starting with the famous Great Ocean Road.
And everywhere, nature encourages adventure. You therefore swallow the kilometers without realizing it, between an impromptu break to observe a koala asleep on its branch and an assault on a thousand-year- old geological formation.
Good to know: due to abundant wildlife, it is not recommended to drive at night in Australia. In addition, certain precautions are in order when crossing isolated areas such as the Northern Territory. Thus, it is customary to store enough water and fuel to last the distance.
A nature road trip in New Zealand
Glaciers, fjords, sandy beaches and natural pools, New Zealand seems to be a concentrate of all the landscapes on the planet. And the relatively small size of the New Zealand territory offers the perfect opportunity to travel the country by road from north to south.
On the North Island, a coastal drive like Thames Coast Road takes your eyes off the road to the Coromandel Peninsula. Other axes transport you to a movie set , as you catch sight of the iconic silhouette of Mount Doom off Tongariro National Park.
To the south, landscapes more impressive than each other also punctuate your itinerary. So you take your time and let yourself be carried away by the discovery , according to the magical panoramas that scroll through the window.
Please note: like Australia, New Zealand requires an international driving permit. A small detail that is important, the driving is also reversed.
A road trip in Scotland
In Europe, Scotland asserts itself as an eminently romantic honeymoon destination. Thus, a night in a castle has no equal for a timeless one-on-one. And if the country lends itself to a nice wedding weekend, a longer getaway promises you an exotic getaway just a few hours away by plane.
The Road to the Isles takes you, for example, between lochs and high mountains , with the bonus of a nice view of the famous viaduct from the Harry Potter films. Highland loops like the North Coast 500 also delight lovers of mysterious fortresses , preferably under a typical Scottish mist.
Good to know: in the British Isles, speed limits are indicated in miles. But no need for a converter, as long as you cap at 110 km/h on the expressway. Be careful, however, on the small roads , because the sheep brush lightly against the cars.
An original honeymoon road trip in Iceland
The Icelandic landscapes seem straight out of a science fiction movie. It is no coincidence that filmmakers have been jostling there in recent years. And when leaving Reykjavik, the car is your best guide to explore the jewels of this volcanic island.
Your wheels are obviously leading you down Route 1 . And for good reason, this loop of a thousand kilometers is the only highway in the country. There, craters and waterfalls succeed glaciers along the mythical Golden Circle . By off-road vehicle, you can even venture to spectacular hot springs surrounded by lush greenery.
Please note: for a zero-stress self-drive in Iceland, it is advisable to take outadditional sand and ash insurance .
A honeymoon on the road in Italy
Honeymoon in a few days or long-term getaway, Italy offers an ideal playground for a getaway as a couple. And by car, it’s all the diversity of the country that is combined with the Italian sweetness of life .
From the steep roads of the Dolomites to the Amalfi Coast, Italy is full of photogenic arteries . For a honeymoon in the sun, the islands of Sicily and Sardinia offer an equally charming setting for Mediterranean romance.
The little extra: from France, Switzerland or Belgium, you can save on rental costs by driving in your own car.
Taking the road without a program and stopping off as you discover one of the pleasures of a honeymoon road trip. And once the suitcase is in the trunk, there’s no need to drag it panting from one train to another. A trip by car therefore allows you to visit certain destinations in optimal conditions.
