One for the road!

Published in the Sunday Navbharat Times on 01 September, 2024

As I prepared for my upcoming trip to Peru, I carefully gathered my passport and ensured all my documents were in order. While flipping through the pages, I noticed the familiar immigration stamps, each marked with an airplane symbol. Then, to my delight, my daughter Sara pointed out a stamp with a car icon beside it. How fascinating, I thought! Instantly, I was transported back to that unforgettable road trip with friends through Croatia and Slovenia, a time when Croatia was not yet part of the Schengen Area.

I’ve always loved driving, always on the hunt for the world’s most scenic routes. My road trips have taken me across the stunning landscapes of Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Africa, America, and, of course, the diverse terrain of India. Like the movie *Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara* captured so beautifully, road trips create memories that last a lifetime. There’s something irresistible about the freedom of the open road, the beauty of nature all around you—whether it's mountains, lakes, or the ocean by your side—and the exhilarating sense of adventure that fills your soul.

Road trips offer countless reasons to hit the road, not least of which is their sustainability and the reduced environmental impact compared to flying. Of course, air travel can’t always be avoided, but a road trip is undeniably less stressful and often more rewarding, for, as the saying goes, the journey is more interesting than the destination. But how do we prepare for an epic road trip? What are some of the world’s best routes to explore? And, can you enjoy a road trip even if you can’t drive? We’ll dive into these questions shortly, so buckle up as we embark on the road trip of our dreams.

Choosing your destination and the time of year you want to travel is half the battle. Next, plan your route, research attractions and scenic spots along the way, and decide on the type of vehicle you want to drive. It’s wise to familiarize yourself with the local traffic rules, speed limits, and any other dos and don’ts. On my first self-drive tour, in New Zealand, adjusting was straightforward since they drive on the left side of the road like in India. The biggest challenge was keeping to the speed limits on those deserted roads, where the only traffic I encountered was the occasional flock of sheep!

In countries like New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa, where right-hand drive cars are the norm, road trips are a breeze. Sometimes I rent a car right at the airport, but if long flights leave you jet-lagged, it's better to start fresh the next day. I remember my exhilarating drive along Australia’s Great Ocean Road. With mountains on one side and the ocean on the other, could there be a better journey? This iconic route begins in Torquay and leads to the Twelve Apostles, the towering limestone stacks rising majestically from the Southern Ocean.

On Veena World’s Australia tours, you can not only experience the Great Ocean Road but also the Grand Pacific Drive, one of Australia’s most spectacular coastal routes. Starting just south of Sydney, the road clings to the coastline, crossing the Sea Cliff Bridge, which seems to float above the crashing waves. Continuing to Jervis Bay, you can enjoy a dolphin-watching cruise. Speaking of coastal routes, South Africa’s Garden Route is another drive I’ve thoroughly enjoyed, stretching from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to Storms River in the Eastern Cape. This 190-mile journey is famed for its diverse landscapes, from dense forests to pristine beaches and dramatic mountains.

Along this route, I stayed at Knysna, a picturesque lagoon-side town, known for its oysters and forested surroundings. At the Tsitsikamma National Park, a paradise for nature lovers, I took a leap of faith and bungee jumped from the Bloukrans Bridge. The route also offers the chance to spot dolphins and whales and to explore the ancient Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn, filled with fascinating rock formations.

With each new country, road trips offer a different adventure and a fresh set of challenges to embrace.Driving a left-hand drive car in the U.S. was a bit of an adjustment, but I quickly got the hang of it, thanks to my nephew Raaj, who guided me through the rules. Starting in San Francisco, we embarked on one of the world’s most beautiful drives: the Pacific Coast Highway.

This iconic route stretches from San Francisco to the sunny beaches of Los Angeles, hugging the rugged California coastline and offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, dramatic cliffs, and picturesque towns. With towering redwoods and crashing waves, Big Sur is a must-see along this drive. This route was so captivating that we couldn’t resist adding it to our USA tours.

One road trip that remains on my bucket list is in the land of fire and ice—Iceland’s Ring Road, or Route 1. This epic 828-mile loop around the country takes you through surreal landscapes of glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, and fjords, making it one of the most extraordinary road trips on the planet. The journey typically begins in Reykjavik, where you can explore its vibrant culture, colorful buildings, and nearby geothermal pools like the Blue Lagoon. Next, head to the Golden Circle, which includes the Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. At Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, you can watch icebergs drift in a serene lagoon at the base of Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull. Akureyri, Iceland’s second-largest city, is the perfect base for exploring the northern fjords and going whale watching. If you want to see the Northern Lights, considered to be at their best this year, Veena World has a tour departing on October 15th—perfect timing for an Icelandic adventure.

There’s something mystical about taking a road trip in remote places like Iceland, or even closer to home, in Ladakh. On a work trip to Ladakh, I couldn’t resist asking the driver to let me take the wheel, despite being there to inspect hotels. With stunning views wherever you go, it was an unforgettable experience. But not everyone can or wants to drive—should they miss out on the joys of a road trip? Absolutely not. With this in mind, Veena World’s product team has put together some fantastic road trips. You could join us on a journey from Manali to Leh, with options to add on Kargil or Kashmir, or explore the rugged landscapes of Lahaul Spiti and Chandrataal. Enjoy awe-inspiring landscapes and postcard-perfect views throughout the journey. Or perhaps you’d like to discover all of India? Set off on an epic journey of 30, 40, or 50 days, with innovative routes like Gujarat to Guwahati, Kashmir to Kanyakumari, or the Great Indian Peninsula road trip from Rajkot to Kolkata, and experience the breathtaking diversity of our beautiful motherland.

The road is calling—where will you go next? The world’s most unforgettable journeys await; all you need to do is start the engine and follow where the road leads.