Go down the roads less travelled with Steppes Travel

Nothing beats the excitement of a road trip. Inspiring films, music, art and literature by the boot-full, they’re not just journeys, they’re odysseys that wake the sleeping explorer within us. They offer freedom to meander, to push horizons, to abandon comfort zones and to discover the world in a way that no other mode of travel allows, with every mile telling a different story.

The obvious has always beckoned: Route 66, the ‘Mother Road’, with its offer of nostalgic Americana, iconic roadside attractions and small-town charm; our own Lake District, Scotland’s ‘road to the isles’, Australia’s Great Ocean Road, the dusty, dreamy back roads of France; and we’ve always lapped them up.

But now, with better communications and support networks, with navigation made easier, moving well beyond the weathered maps of yesteryear, new roads, further afield, are offering more for singles, couples, friends and families. More accessible means more adventure, more memories and more tales to tell.

So, surrender to spontaneity and savour the flavour of the journey itself. In a world bound by routines and schedules, make choices at a pace of your choosing: go left, right or straight ahead, remembering that life’s best moments are often found ‘up the road’, in a vehicle of your choice, with windows wound down and your favourite tune playing on the radio.

Here are some of our favourite road trips. Sort out your playlist, grab your leys and drive.Drive the Carretera Austral

Chile is a country of breathtaking diversity, offering vibrant cities, ancient culture, world-class vineyards, stargazing and unmatched adventure amidst stunning mountains, fjords and dramatic coastlines.

From tree-shrouded valleys and snow-capped mountains to emerald rivers and turquoise, glacial-fed streams, this self-drive route is strictly for the wild at heart. Starting and finishing in Santiago, explore northern Patagonia. Visit traditional coastal villages or flamingo filled lakes before resting at remote lodges with home cooked meals and family-run hospitality.

You’ll want to make a stop at the Capillas de Mármol, stunning natural formations sculpted over thousands of years. These blue Marble Caves, located on General Carrera Lake, can only be accessed by boat, making them one of Patagonia’s hidden gems.

Without another car in sight, tell-tale plumes of dust in the distance will be the only reminder that humanity is still out there, albeit somewhere else.Nordic Adventure: Vesterålen and Lofoten

Norway never fails to captivate and, for 12 months of the year, delivers much for drivers to enjoy: majestic fjords, Viking history, serene Arctic landscapes and exciting town and cities set amidst unspoiled natural beauty and striking coastal scenery.

Unrivalled views, Arctic wildlife and sensational food are just some of the highlights you can expect on this Norwegian driving adventure, starting serenely in the village of Ardenes. Slow down and drive through ancient mountain ranges and alongside scenes-shaped fjords. Chalk-white beaches, invite ad-hoc swimming.

Driveable throughout the year, you’ll end your trip with two nights in the city of Bodø, a great spot for taking a northern lights safari or for simply enjoying long days of midnight sun.Big Adventures in British Columbia

Canada enchants with vast wilderness, rugged mountain ranges, modern cities and huge cultural diversity. Canadian roads allow the easy exploration of pristine national parks and stunning coastlines, providing opportunities for life changing wildlife encounters, better understanding of indigenous heritage and thrilling adventure in a land of seemingly endless natural beauty.

Starting and finishing in Vancouver, featuring a sprinkling of ferry rides and a balanced mix of pristine wilderness with bustling seaport cities, this journey traverses the extremes of Canada’s westernmost province. Throw in high chances of spotting native wildlife, the unique opportunity to walk with members of the Nuu-chah-nulth community, with whale watching by kayak and the outdoor pursuits of Whistler and this journey becomes one of our favourite family driving adventures.Namibia: Where Sand Meets Sea

Namibia mesmerises with otherworldly deserts, its raw coastline and incredible wildlife. Explore towering dunes, visit vast salt pans, embrace ancient cultures, see star-filled skies and enjoy unique safari experiences in one of Africa’s most untouched landscapes.

A self-drive 4×4 adventure here evokes feelings of exploration and discovery. Driving across this Mad Max landscape, beginning and closing in Windhoek, is an exhilarating yet oddly relaxing journey and yet, Namibia is not short of activities to fill your time. Search for elephants and lions uniquely adapted to survive in such conditions. Hike up dunes, kayak beside seals, visit rock art sites and ride horses through the desert. Why not detour and pick your way up the Skeleton Coast? Shipwrecks and whale bones are scattered along its foggy, treacherous shores, some wrecks dating back centuries, eerily preserved in the sand.New Zealand: From North to South

New Zealand amazes with breathtaking landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to pristine beaches. You’ll find adventure, Māori culture, welcoming cities, geothermal wonders and serene fjords in a land where nature and beauty thrive.

From Auckland to Christchurch, you’ll find yourself alone on wide, open roads surrounded by vistas of epic proportions. With jaw-dropping views at every turn, drive alongside soaring volcanic peaks, lakes and rivers fringed by dense woodland, fertile plains and glorious golden beaches. The freedom and space of self-drive in New Zealand allows for spontaneity, whether that be stopping to spot seal pups and dolphins, walking on a deserted beach or photographing extraordinary panoramas.

All tours mentioned are available on a tailor-made basis from Steppes Travel.

Steppes Travel has been creating bespoke, beautiful and transformative travel experiences for over 30 years. Specialists in off-the-beaten-track wildlife and cultural adventure, Steppes Travel is regularly recognised as one of the leading Specialist Tour Operators in the world.