I mean I'd always go to Greece because I love it there, if it was a special occasion it'd mean staying somewhere fancy on a particularly beautiful island.
If you fancy South America Chile is a great place to start. Torres del Paine, Lake District area, Santiago and the Atacama sure is a country of contrasts.
One of the best road trips i did was LA up through the giant sequoia forests and Yosemite. Drove across the Tioga pass and up through Carson city to Reno. From there it was across to the californi/Oregon border through Redding then down the entire coast back to L.A , Great trip with great memories. US late spring was wondeful as all the waterfalls were in full flow with wildflowers everywhere. The Tioga pass is only open April through October due to snow and the scenery is breathtaking.
Years and years ago I did San Diego to LA to Vegas then San Francisco. Stopped at loads of lovely west ciast towns on the way like Santa Barbara, San Luis Opisbo, Carmel & Santa Cruz. It's a great drive. Wished we'd gone north of San Fran too - would have loved to have see Yosemite
Thanks all. Some great ideas here. An afternoon and evening of research awaits. Not given up on the safari just yet...
If you're looking for something a bit closer to home and more economical, how about the north coast 500? People come from all over the world to do it.
As you'll have various people with you I'd avoid too much road work to get to the next destination ... ... you could end up resting at night instead of getting out seeing things. I'd recommend renting a villa, and car, in the Italian countryside near Florence. Pick somewhere near a mainline train station so you can go to the coast, Rome Venice, Pompei, etc. Best of all worlds ... ... days round the pool, nights on the terrace and some of the most interesting cities in the world.
Did this last year over 5 days. Excellent holiday but needs at least 2 weeks. Thinking of going over it again this year. The road over to Applecross is not for the faint hearted. Definately recommend, but August maybe a nightmare with everyone in motorhomes. The pass to Applecross says not ideal to motorhomes or hgvs, but they still go on it. I went in September after the schools returned but it was still very busy. Scenic views are unbelievable
I did that with our lass stopped in a little Albergo with our own Juliette balcony over looking the piazza in Tavernelle val de Pisa, magic, clocked that many miles up , needed 2weeks holiday when we got home
Few years ago I was working in Inverness. I decided for my last trip I was going to drive up (live in Derbyshire) and then drive back down the west coast and do the Applecross road. I love driving and love it more when the roads and scenery are wild. It absolutely lashed if down, misty and grey. Hell of a drive though, loved it. Some part of the world that.
I’m exactly the opposite now mate, hate driving but love walking, but can’t walk anywhere near like I used to.
I love walking as well mate. I have always loved driving though. Any drive through mountains or fells and I am in my element. During the lockdowns I used to sneak out to drive in the dead of night because I missed it so much. Not motorways and cities mind, just country roads. Snake Pass isnt far from me, a favourite of mine.
Do the Silverbacks or Orang u tang tours. Sitting in a jungle with them and cuddling them was a tad scary according to my mate but said he loved it.
I've done that one and can thoroughly recommended it, some truly spectacular scenery, great food and wine. The best place I went to in South America was Machu Picchu and Cuzco in Peru - a magical place.
