Embarking on a road trip in a VW Camper Van Type 2 is not just a journey; it’s an adventure steeped in nostalgia and freedom. Whether you’re a seasoned owner or dreaming of hitting the road in one of these classic vehicles, here are ten iconic road trips around the world that should be on your bucket list:
1. Pacific Coast Highway, California, USA
- Route: Starting from Los Angeles and hugging the rugged coastline along Highway 1 up to San Francisco, this road trip is synonymous with stunning Pacific Ocean views and coastal charm.
- Highlights: Marvel at the dramatic cliffs of Big Sur, visit Hearst Castle, and cross the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge. Stop at seaside towns like Santa Barbara and Monterey for fresh seafood and quaint shops.
- Read more about the rout the offical Visit USA website here.
2. Ring Road, Iceland
- Route: Circumnavigate Iceland on Route 1, a 1,332-kilometer loop that showcases the island’s diverse landscapes, from volcanoes to glaciers.
- Highlights: Witness geothermal wonders like Geysir and the powerful Gullfoss waterfall. Explore black sand beaches, such as Reynisfjara, and soak in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon. Don’t miss the chance to spot the elusive Northern Lights during winter.
- Find out more info on the route on the official Iceland travel website here.
3. The Great Ocean Road, Australia
- Route: Stretching along Victoria’s coastline, this 243-kilometer route begins in Torquay and ends in Allansford, offering breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean.
- Highlights: Admire the limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles, visit the lush rainforests of Otway National Park, and surf at Bells Beach. Explore seaside towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay, known for their relaxed atmosphere and delicious local cuisine.
- Find out more on the offiacial Austrialia website here.
4. Route 66, USA
- Route: The historic “Mother Road” stretches from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, covering over 3,940 kilometers of quintessential Americana.
- Highlights: Encounter quirky roadside attractions like Cadillac Ranch in Texas and the Wigwam Motel in Arizona. Experience the nostalgia of vintage diners and neon signs while passing through iconic cities like St. Louis, Missouri, and Albuquerque, New Mexico.
- You can find out more on this route here.
5. Scottish Highlands, Scotland
- Route: Wind through Scotland’s rugged landscapes, starting from Edinburgh or Glasgow and heading north towards Inverness and beyond.
- Highlights: Discover the mythical Loch Ness and its legendary monster, hike through the dramatic Glencoe Valley, and explore historic castles like Eilean Donan. Enjoy the tranquility of remote lochs and the charm of picturesque villages nestled amidst rolling hills.
- Find out more on this route from this website.
6. Amalfi Coast, Italy
- Route: Take a scenic drive along the stunning Amalfi Coast, starting from Sorrento and winding your way through Positano and Amalfi, ending in Salerno.
- Highlights: Marvel at the terraced vineyards and lemon groves clinging to the cliffs, visit the colorful villages of Ravello and Atrani, and enjoy panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Indulge in authentic Italian cuisine, including fresh seafood and limoncello.
- Find out more on this route from this website.
7. Cape Town to Namibia, Africa
- Route: Journey from Cape Town, South Africa’s vibrant city, through the stark landscapes of Namibia’s deserts, such as the Namib and Kalahari.
- Highlights: Witness the towering sand dunes of Sossusvlei in Namib-Naukluft National Park, embark on wildlife safaris in Etosha National Park, and explore the eerie shipwrecks along Namibia’s Skeleton Coast. Experience the rich cultural heritage of local tribes and marvel at ancient rock engravings.
- Find out more on this route from this website.
8. North Coast 500, Scotland
- Route: Scotland’s answer to America’s Route 66, this 830-kilometer circular route starts and ends in Inverness, showcasing the rugged beauty of the northern Highlands.
- Highlights: Discover remote beaches like Sandwood Bay, tour historic castles such as Dunrobin Castle, and sample whisky at renowned distilleries like Glenmorangie. Encounter local wildlife, including dolphins in the Moray Firth and red deer in the Cairngorms National Park.
- Find out more on this route from this website.
9. The Balkans Circuit, Eastern Europe
- Route: Embark on a journey through the diverse landscapes and cultures of the Balkan Peninsula, crossing multiple countries like Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania.
- Highlights: Enjoy the Adriatic coastline with its turquoise waters and ancient towns like Dubrovnik and Kotor. Explore historic sites such as the Ottoman-era bridge in Mostar and the UNESCO-listed old town of Krujë. Drive through rugged mountain ranges like the Dinaric Alps and experience the warm hospitality of Balkan locals.
- Find out more on this route from this website.
10. New Zealand’s South Island
- Route: Discover the South Island’s natural wonders, starting from Christchurch and heading towards Queenstown, passing through Fiordland National Park and other stunning landscapes.
- Highlights: Cruise through Milford Sound’s fjords, hike on Franz Josef Glacier, and marvel at the Southern Alps’ snow-capped peaks. Experience adrenaline-pumping activities like bungee jumping in Queenstown and explore charming towns such as Wanaka and Nelson.
- Find out more on this route from this website.
Planning Your Adventure
Before hitting the road, ensure your VW Camper Van Type 2 is road-ready with maintenance checks and adequate supplies. Pack essentials like camping gear, maps, and a sense of adventure. Each of these road trips offers a unique experience, blending the charm of vintage travel with breathtaking landscapes and cultural discoveries.
Ready to make memories in your VW Camper Van Type 2? Choose your route, rev up your engine, and embark on the road trip of a lifetime!