We do go on a LOT of trips here in the Czech Republic – be it trips around the city of Prague or day trips outside of Prague – like this one, where we went to the most picturesque chateau I’ve ever seen! What I do miss about the UK though are my favourite road trips – travelling by train does have its magic to it, but travelling by car is just so much more convenient and gives you the opportunity to enjoy the journey a little more. That’s why I’ve been day dreaming about some of the best road trips I’ve been on in my life, ones that I most definitely recommend you go on (ideally in autumn or in spring, because everything is just that much more beautiful in those seasons, isn’t it?), ones that I will most definitely go on again.
3 gorgeous scenic road trips you cannot miss
From moor to dale through centuries of dark medieval history
My most favourite road trip in the UK is through the Peak District. If you haven’t been and you live in the UK, who are you even?! The winding roads curling through green valleys and dales when the sun’s rising and all you can see is the green endlessness with a brick barn or two on the horizon. The smooth flow of the roads gives you such a sense of serenity yet you can be just a few miles from a bustling market town or Manchester, even! My absolute favourite spot in the Peak District is the pretty village of Hope, which lies quite at the centre of the National Park, where the River Noe and Peakshole Water meet. This quaint village has a stunning 13th century church with creepy Medieval gargoyles but also a few nice pubs making it the perfect pit stop on your travels.
Does Sudetenland really exist?
Erm, what? What strange no-one-has-ever-heard-of country is she on about now?! Don’t worry, it’s not a country they’ve been hiding from you at the Geography class, it’s rather a historical area in the Czech Republic which had traditionally been inhabited by Germans. You can find this area on the border between Bohemia and Germany, however you won’t find no Germans there anymore. They used to live there from the Middle Ages up until 1947.
After the WWII they were removed and returned to Germany and the homes they left behind were either returned to Czech people or just left abandoned. This area is known for its mountain ranges covered in deep forests and moorlands. Travelling through this place you will be utterly stunned by the nature yet you will feel the eerie atmosphere of the emptiness left by the people that once lived and thrived there. This is definitely a road trail that’s only rarely talked about but should not be forgotten!
To the Azure Window and back
You already know that Malta is a love affair of a destination for me, I’ve been there three times already and I would return in the blink of an eye. If I was to recommend a road trip around Malta I would say hire a car when you’re out on Malta’s second island – Gozo. It’s a pretty small island and the tour guides usually recommend you stay in its capital, but I personally think the rest of the island outside the Citadel forts is plain heart-stopping. In summer you find the landscape is such a varied mix of scorched land and lush greenery! And why wouldn’t you want to see where they shot the Clash of the Titans, right?
What else do you need to know?
I always, always reiterate that road trips are great fun but since you’re being your own means of transport you need to be extra cautious. When you’re out and about, do reserve time for regular breaks, drink enough water and have plenty of snacks on hand. Each road trip I’ve mentioned comes with a good number of pit stops (traditional pubs, quaint cafes, picturesque inns and more!) so you won’t end up deserted in a place you’re not familiar with.
Also don’t forget to check your car prior to your road trip. Kwik Fit offers car servicing and checks the condition of things such as batteries and tyres. This would help you to prevent car breakdowns during your road trip. They have created this brilliant e-book which gives you tips for 6 more beautiful scenic road trips around Europe together with driving and car care tips including how to care for your car or van tyres.
What’s your most favourite road trip you’ve ever been on?