With many now planning their summer road trips, Premier Inn has researched Pinterest and Google search data for various routes around the world to reveal which road trips are inspiring the most wanderlust this year.
The number of Pinterest boards and Google searches were counted and compared for road trips in the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Africa, South America and Asia.
When it comes to holiday research and inspiration, Pinterest is one of the places where travel dreams are shared, with Pinterest boards revealing plenty about people’s future travel plans. Similarly, many holidaymakers turn to Google when researching or planning their next dream journey, looking for routes, accommodation and things to do whilst on their upcoming trip. By analysing both of these holiday planning tools, Premier Inn can reveal the top trending road trips as people map out their motoring adventures this summer.
World’s top 10 trending road trips
The Keanae Peninsula on Maui, on the famous Road to Hana. PHOTO COURTESY HAWAII TOURISM AUTHORITY
The research analyzed more than 50 road trips to crown Hawaii’s Road to Hana as the top trending route to drive this year. The U.S. has the most road trips in the top 10, with the Pacific Coast Highway featuring fourth and the Pan-American Highway just behind in fifth. Canada’s Cabot Trail ranked in seventh position.
- Road to Hana, Hawaii
- Great Ocean Road, Australia
- North Coast 500, Scotland
- Pacific Coast Highway, USA
- Pan-American Highway, USA
- Ruta 40, Argentina
- Cabot Trail, Canada
- Karakoram Highway, Pakistan
- Snake Pass, UK
- Route 66, USA
Road to Hana, Hawaii: This 64.4-mile-long stretch of Maui highway winds its way through lush green forests, waterfalls, valleys and local towns, making it a road trip not to miss! However – this trip is reserved for the confident driver, with a staggering 617 hairpin curves and 59 exhilarating one-lane bridges. Make sure to stop frequently to hike to the nearest sights, enjoy fresh delicacies and take in the beautiful nature in this Hawaiian tropical paradise. (I’ve driven this dozens of times and it never gets old. The scenery is magnificent, and the waterfalls frequent!)
Great Ocean Road, Australia: A stunningly scenic coastal drive starting in the surf capital Torquay and finishing off in historic fishing village Port Fairy makes up Australia’s Great Ocean Road. Beautiful natural landscapes are on offer throughout this epic road trip; the 12 Apostles, chiselled out of limestone over millions of years; woodland wildlife; hot springs and treetop canopies. (Only got to do this drive once, back in 2000. I actually cried when I saw the 12 Apostles for the first time.)
The Great Ocean Road in the state of Victoria, Australia. Alex Rhee-Unsplash Photo
North Coast 500, Scotland: Taking up to five days for a round trip, this rugged Scottish coastal route is well worth the 500 miles it’s named after. Road trippers can take in jagged mountains, historic fishing villages, Scottish architecture and breath-taking mountain landscapes along the way, enjoying local delicacies such as Haggis and Scotch pies. (Never been on this drive, but I hope to next year.)
Ullapool Harbour, Scotland. Photo Courtesy Visit Scotland.
The Pacific Coast Highway (Highway One), California. This is pure magic; a ribbon of highway that skirts the Pacific Ocean and features jaw-dropping views from the top of towering sea cliffs. (I’ve done this drive a half-dozen times, but not for probably 10 years or more. Gotta make a point of it soon!)
A drone view of Big Sur and the Bixby Bridge in California. GEORGE COX PHOTO/UNSPLASH
The Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia takes seventh position in the rankings, with its stunning scenery and numerous points of interest securing its place in the global rankings. (I’ve been lucky enough to do this drive three or four times and it never fails to put a smile on my face. Not only tremendous views, but great little villages such as Mabou, home to the wonderful Red Shoe Pub.
A famous red chair along the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia. JIM BYERS PHOTO
I’m surprised that the Icefields Parkway in Alberta didn’t make the list, as it’s hands down one of the best drives on the planet. I’d also nominate the Chapman’s Peak Drive in South Africa, which I think is even more striking than Highway One in California (and that’s my home state).
The full Wanderlust Report can be found at: https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/news/2022/pinterest-travel-report.html
