8 Unforgettable Global Roadtrips for a Family of 4
*This is a collaborative guest post
There’s no better way to bring a family closer together than by jumping in the car and heading off on a driving adventure.
For families of four, road trips offer a perfect mix of fun and flexibility. They give you the freedom to set your own pace, discover hidden spots, and enjoy plenty of laughs along the way.
It doesn’t matter if you do a short scenic drive or embark on a bucket-list journey across the globe. The right route can turn a simple holiday into something truly unforgettable.
In this guide, we’ll present some of the best family road trip destinations you can undertake around the world. Each of them is packed with kid-friendly stops, stunning views, and moments you’ll treasure long after you return home.
1. The Queenstown to Te Anau drive, New Zealand
If you happen to be travelling to New Zealand, one of the most breathtaking routes you can take is the Queenstown to Te Anau drive.
Showcasing some of the country’s best landscapes, you’ll experience lake and mountain scenery that will render you speechless. You’ll also encounter a diverse cross-section of wildlife, more unique than you could ever imagine.
The trip takes just a few hours, which should be quite manageable for families with young children. Along the way, you’ll pass through several quaint towns where you can stop for food and let the kids stretch their legs.
Te Anau is renowned for being the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Once you reach there, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy, including glowworm caves, boat rides, and lakeside walks.
2. Great Ocean Road, Australia
Located on the other side of the Tasman, Australia has no shortage of awesome road trip drives of its own. Probably the most iconic is the Great Ocean Road, which starts in Torquay, a charming surf town near Melbourne, and finishes in Allansford, near Warrnambool.
The coastal views along this drive are world-class, and the journey is dotted with lots of different child-friendly attractions. Families, for instance, can stop at wildlife parks to spot koalas and kangaroos, enjoy sandy beaches, and explore many small surf towns.
The highlight of the drive is the magnificent Twelve Apostles, which are best seen at sunset. They are something the whole family will remember for a long time to come, which is why you may consider Australia as a spring break destination.
3. Pacific Coast Highway, USA
The Pacific Coast Highway in California is another unforgettable adventure you should add to your family road-tripping bucket list. Stretching along the west coast, it takes you through much of California from Dana Point to Leggett.
Defined by its dramatic ocean views, this is a drive you’ll want to take slowly. And not just for the scenery. There are plenty of fun stops along the way that families can enjoy.
First of all, there’s San Francisco (riding a cable car is a must!) and the fascinating Monterey Bay Aquarium. But there are also a number of kid-friendly beaches you can check out for a quick swim or walk on the sand.
Other highlights include the dramatic cliffs and redwoods of Big Sur, the famous McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, guided tours of Hearst Castle, and the wildlife at the Piedras Blancas elephant seal rookery.
4. Ring Road, Iceland
If it’s driving through nature that your family is after, then it is hard to go beyond the Ring Road in Iceland.
This scenic driving route circles the island and is packed with waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanic landscapes, which you will run out of adjectives to describe.
One of the most notable child-friendly attractions on this route is the geothermal pools. There, kids can splash about while parents soak up the incredible views.
Overall, the route is easy to navigate, and families can camp, stay in guesthouses, or book any number of family-friendly hotels along the way.
5. Garden Route, South Africa
Over in South Africa, the Garden Route offers a road trip that perfectly balances adventure and relaxation.
Running from Mossel Bay to Storms River, it is renowned for its beaches, forests, and wildlife. During this route, families can stop at nature reserves, take short hikes, or try canoeing down calm rivers.
The great thing about this route is that there are several attractions around which you can build a family-friendly itinerary that will keep everyone happy.
Additionally, aside from the cost of the flights, it’s also one of the more affordable family holidays on this list. Generally speaking, the price of food and holiday accommodation is a lot more budget-friendly.
6. Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands are a patchwork of castles, lochs and munros that will mesmerise you with their beauty. Full of history, mystery and character, this region offers a road trip experience like no other.
One of the main highlights is stopping at Loch Ness to attempt to spot the famous monster. However, if you are game enough, you can also try haggis or whiskey at one of the local restaurants or distilleries.
If you are a fan of the TV series Outlander, you can also visit several filming locations, including Rannoch Moor and Newtonmore. But wherever you decide to go, the roads are safe and well-marked, which makes it easy for families to explore the area at their leisure.
7. Amalfi Coast, Italy
Italy’s Amalfi Coast may sound more suitable for a romantic couple’s road trip. However, it can be a fantastic option for families, too.
The scenic driving route on this trip is one of the most famous in the world, with views that wow at every turn. Families can take breaks in villages like Positano or Amalfi, and enjoy pizza and gelato along the way.
If your children are old enough to appreciate it, the region also has several museums and other cultural points of interest worth visiting.
8. Canadian Rockies, Canada
The Canadian Rockies offer a blend of nature, wildlife, and adventure that frankly will blow your mind.
Driving between Banff and Jasper, this route takes families through towering peaks, turquoise lakes, and forest trails that will give you goosebumps.
Along the way, you’ll be able to enjoy child-friendly attractions like gondola rides and easy walks, while the chance to see elk or bears from a safe distance should also excite you.
Should you attempt the trip in winter, you will also be able to go skiing at any of the pistes you encounter along the way.
