Top 5 Driving Getaways with Kids

Every kid should experience the classic family road trip at least once. With a driving getaway, it is more about the journey and making memories that your kids will treasure for the rest of their lives. 

Your little ones will remember the quirky attractions you’ve come across by the roadside or the funny jokes mom told everyone in the car. Indeed, road trips allow families to reconnect, spend quality time, and experience a truly unforgettable holiday. If you need inspiration on your next driving holiday, check out our top picks for the best driving getaways with kids.

1. Iceland 

Driving is the best way to get around Iceland with your kids, from the winding fjords in the north to the calving glaciers in the south. Many of the spectacular things to see in the country can only be accessible by road. So, as soon as you reach the country’s capital city, book an SUV that can accommodate the entire family, stock up on snacks, and hit the road!

The Golden Circle is one of the most popular driving routes in Iceland. Starting in Reykjavík, this 155-mile route will take you to Iceland’s most popular sights, such as the stunning Thingvellir National Park, the majestic Gullfoss Falls, and the spectacular Geysir Geothermal Area. The route can be driven in one day, allowing you to return to your hotel in Reykjavík in time for dinner. 

Thanks to the presence of the Dýrafjarðargong Tunnel, it’s now possible to drive through the loop of the Westfjords. The Westfjords region is a vast peninsula in the northwestern part of Iceland offering remarkable experiences, from bathing at an open-air hot spring to visiting the weird Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft.

2. South Africa

South Africa is a great destination for families with kids. The country’s highlights include visiting beautiful beaches, wildlife spotting, and hiking. And the best way to explore the vastness of the country is on a driving getaway. The roads here are great, car rental is easy, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get off the beaten path. 

Start your adventure in Cape Town, where you can spend a few days visiting museums and swimming at some beautiful beaches. There’s a scenic route that loops south before returning to Cape Town. The route will take you to the coastal towns of Clifton and Camps Bay and into the Cape Peninsula National Park, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Here, you’ll have wonderful opportunities for exciting wildlife encounters, from baboons to antelopes and rare marine birds. 

Leaving Cape Town, drive to the Winelands, which should take around an hour and a half. The scenery along the way is nothing short of spectacular, which consists of scenic vineyards coating the lush green sloping valleys. Spend a night in the region to discover its world-class restaurants and sample some of the country’s finest wines.

3. Belgium

Nestled between Germany, France, and the Netherlands, Belgium is a welcoming country that you can best explore in a car. If you and your kids are history buffs, there are plenty of historical sites waiting for you to explore here, from Gothic cathedrals to fairytale castles and epic battlefields.

The ideal driving holiday through Belgium starts in the West Flanders province, close to the northern ferry ports of France, the Calais and Dunkirk. Head to Bruges and make a short stop in De Haan to swim in the North Sea. This coastal village is home to many beautiful buildings featuring Belle Epoque style. Burges should not be missed on your driving getaway in Belgium. It’s one of the few cities in the country that have never been destroyed, and you’ll instantly notice this the moment you step foot in this charming city. 

While on a driving getaway in Belgium, you might want to get tickets for the Belgian Grand Prix, happening at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, about 140 km from Brussels. Since this is a prestigious event, you should consider getting your tickets to the Grand Prix as early as possible.

4. America

Road trips are a favourite pastime in America, especially for families who love long drives. There’s no better way to discover the country’s vast array of breathtaking valleys, stunning coastal towns, lush forestry, and rugged cliffs than behind the wheel. 

The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most popular driving routes in the country. It starts in San Diego and will take you to some of California’s stunning coastal sceneries. You’ll pass through Los Angeles, Hearst Castle, and the iconic Highway One as you make your way towards Monterey. The final destination of your driving getaway will be San Francisco, where you’ll find many exciting places to explore.

Arizona’s Red Rock Country is another fascinating destination for a driving getaway in America. It’s a 145-mile journey along Interstate 17, including a minor detour along Route 179. This trip will take you to the seemingly endless desert terrains and stunning rock formations that dominate the horizon, making you feel like you have reached another planet. Make sure to stop and admire the National Monument or visit the Rock State Park, where your kids can plunge into a natural waterslide.

5. Italy

Driving across Italy can be a bit intimidating, especially for first-timers. But once you hit the road, you and your kids will be left in awe at the stunning beauty that this country has to offer.  

One of the most popular routes for a driving getaway in Italy is the road from Rome to Terni. The pleasant and soothing route is 62 miles long, taking you through the picturesque Italian countryside, passing along the Tiber River and passing at the foothills of the Apennine Mountains at Monte Terminillo. You can also discover Italy’s gastronomic culture on this route as you pass by roadside stalls peddling high-quality olive oils and farmer’s markets selling fresh produce. 

Driving along the Amalfi Coast is also a must for families going to Italy on a driving getaway. The 30-mile route linking Sorrento to Amalfi is truly spectacular. It runs along a scenic coastline, and driving on this spot is exhilarating, as you will feel like passing on a balcony that clings to a steep hill jutting into the sea.