Have you ever watch a romantic movie where couples take on dreamy road trips to a far-away place?
Credit: Giphy
It's therapeutic (and sometimes testing ?) to be spending long hours in a vehicle next to your significant other aka SO, but how can you trade silly and intimate moments with them for anything else?
Now you can recreate those road trips flicks to these 8 destinations we've picked for you!
1. Guwahati-Darjeeling, India (12 hours)
This 502km worth of trip is focused on Northern Indian lesser known districts, yet will guarantee you the most beautiful views from Assam all the way to West Bengal.
Guwahati, previously known as Gauhati, is the quintessential destination if you and your SO love an immersive cultural experience. The city is filled with temples, roadside eateries, and rustic bazaars just waiting to be explored.
We recommend visiting Madan Kam Dev Temple, an ancient ruin bearing the sculpture of the God of Love, just 40km away from the city centre! Don't mind a few extra hours in the car with your special someone, the drive will be worth it ?
If you're both tea connoisseurs, you'd easily fall in love with Darjeeling, a city settled at the foothills of Himalaya. Darjeeling tea is known as the champagne of tea. A visit to their plantations sipping your favourite cup of brew overlooking the misty mountains is simply an irreplaceable experience.
While you're there, don't miss the chance to take photos with your SO at Batasia Loop, famous for its 360-view from the Toy Train aka Darjeeling Himalayan Railway ?
#HHWT Tip: The best time to go on this road trip is between February - March and September - October.
2. Garden Route, South Africa (9 hours)
We don't know about you, but 200km worth of activities-filled road trip in a state famous for its ecosystem diversity is something we won't give up for anything on earth ?
That, ladies and gents, is exactly what you're getting when you sign up for Garden Route right here in the southernmost tip of the African continent.
#HHWT Tip: First time in South Africa and keen to know more about the stunning country? We've got just the guide for you!
The drive from Mossel Bay to Cape Town features the best landscape mother nature can offer. For one, you'll pass by this magnificent waterfall when driving in Tsitsikamma ? The best thing to do is park your car, spread your picnic mat and share a feast with your SO!
Should the long nature trip exhaust you a little and you find yourself wanting to tour local towns, the route stretch is connected to quaint towns you'll find yourself falling in love with. From the picturesque Knysna to lively St. Plettenberg Bay to sleepy St. Francis Bay, the exploration possibilities are simply endless.
There are also 2 game lodges; namely Gondwana Game Reserve and Garden Route Game Lodge that you and your partner can spend a night or two at. Accommodation packages often feature thrilling safari activities including game drives and mountain biking so be sure to check them out!
Note: Game drives package rate inclusive of stay and dining starts at R2475/night per pax.
3. Amalfi Coast, Italy (1 hour)
No one can deny that apart from Greece and Australia, Italy is home to the few of the most beautiful coasts in the world. If a picture speaks a thousand words, we'll let the one below convince you and your beau to take a road trip right here in Amalfi Coast.
Located in the Salerno province, the two-way road only stretches for 25km from Maiori to Positano along the SS163. You'd find this short route an absolutely breathtaking one, thanks to the rustic towns perched in between steep cliffs and the clear coastal waters.
Locals would argue that the best way to tour the coast is either by Vespas/motorbike or by foot as the narrow road is usually very busy with buses and cars.
#HHWT Tip: Though high heels make you look good in photos you're about to take here, we advise opting for more comfortable footwear as the only level area here is the beachside walk!
Despite the province being quite a small area, there's a lot to be done here as a couple ? Dine at local seaside restaurants and enjoy Neopolitan espresso while watching the locals go about their daily routine. Then explore the Italian shop rows (souvenir hunt?), terraced vineyards and lemon groves.
The jet-set villas in Capri and the 11th-century cathedral in Ravello is also a must-include in your Amalfi itinerary. And when the weather's perfect for a boat ride, you know what you and your SO should do ?
#HHWT Tip: You can rent boats from booths on Positano beach. Rates start at 35 Euros per hour.
4. Hải Vân Pass, Vietnam (6 hours)
Hai Van translates to Sea of Clouds in Vietnamese, and true enough, this whole place lives up to its name ☁
This route is especially perfect if both of you are intrigued by historical wars and the raw landscape of central Vietnam. Read on to know why! ?
At an elevation of 1627 feet, driving through the 90-degree bents overlooking lush mountainscape and the East Vietnam sea promises you and your beau a romantic trip of a lifetime. Thanks to the tunnel built by the Vietnamese government in 2005, this pass is known as the street without traffic-- so you'll pretty much only share the winding roads with fellow travellers who are in awe with the scenery as much as you are!
While the bottom of Hai Van Pass offers you gorgeous view of the Lang Co beach, you'll see ruins and remnants of the Vietnamese War when you ascend all the way up to the summit.
5. North Coast 500, Scotland (10 hours)
Travelling to Scotland seems like a distant idea for some of us who have always known Europe through destinations like London, Paris, Amsterdam, etc. We wouldn't be surprised if you've never considered driving down the tranquil counties of the UK's northernmost country.
Bet you didn't know that the North Coast 500 route is famous for its stunning 'secret' beaches and roads that pass through serene landscapes ? This 516-mile highland route brings you in a loop that focuses on the Scottish coastlines, from Inverness to Inverness. It is romantic as much as it is rewarding, so scroll along and allow us to convince you!
A must visit would be Kearvaig Bay, one of the idyllic bays located off-trail from the NC500. You'll easily find wild company when spending the day here, and we're talking about the likes of puffins and oystercatchers! Now wouldn't that that be a cute sight for you and your SO to share? ?
As you reach Loch Eriboll, you'll notice a would-be island attached to the mainland known as Ard Neakie. It is a marvellous spot to soak in the 360-degree view of the loch, and of course, a photo or two with your loved one ?
#HHWT Tip: Tech blackspots for both mobile signals and internet connection is sporadic across this route, so come prepared with your offline maps and address of the places you wish to visit ?
6. Romantic Road, Germany (3 days)
If you and your beau were ever curious of what Disneyland would look like as actual cities, we think you'd love our 6th pick for your potential romantic road trip.
This route brings you through Southern Germany, consisting of the historic cities of Würzburg, Augsburg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Dinkelsbühl and Nördlingen, and then finishes off with the tourist highlights of Neuschwanstein Castle and the Alps.
#funfact: Neuschwanstein Castle (in the photo below) inspired the castle you see in the 1959 Sleeping Beauty animated film. Can you spot the similarities? ?
Starting off at Würzburg is an ideal way to begin your Romantic Road road trip, as it's known for spectacular remnants of the 1700s German monarchs. Stop by the Würzburg Residence and take your own sweet time to explore the charming palace with your SO.
The palace is especially beautiful during spring as you'll get to see the garden comes to life with its vibrant floral landscape ? Truly a sight worth travelling for!
Rothenburg itself is a captivating town to be explored. If you and your beau are both museum-goers, you'd find that there are plenty to visit such as the Medieval Crime Museum, the Christmas Museum, and the Imperial Town Museum.
7. The Great Ocean Road, Australia (1 day)
Whether or not you've been to the Land Down Under, we're pretty sure you know that it is synonymous to epic landscape and views that are beyond breathtaking ??
The Great Ocean Road brings you across a 664km westward drive from Torquay to Allansford. One of the sights which are not to be missed is, of course, the Twelve Apostles.
Fun fact: These limestone structures were initially known as the Sow & Piglets. No one had any idea on why the ticklish name changed, but at least the vista remains unbeatable especially during golden hours!
Did you know this route also offers one of Aussie's gorgeous national parks?
A must-visit attraction here is the Otway Fly Treetop Walk in Great Otway National Park. A perfect spot for you and your beau to sneak in an immersive solitude in midst of foliages and forest scent.
As you enter Victoria, don't forget to put on proper shoes and go down the popular Gibson Steps, located in Port Campbell National Park
For a different yet equally stunning view of the coast, head over to Loch Ard Gorge, and get ready to be mesmerised by the majestic stacks of limestone that enclaves the beach. This is the perfect spot for lovebirds to freeze the moment in a photo so trust a stranger with your camera and get clicking!
8. Basque Circuit, Spain-France
Dubbed as one of the most scenic routes in the whole of Europe, this trip will show both you and bae the best of both worlds aka northern Spain and southern France.
As you start off at Bilbao, Spain, drop by the Guggenheim Museum and check out their permanent as well as pop up installations. Whether you and your SO are serious modern art critics or simply suckers for adorable mega-sized puppies, Guggenheim is for everyone.
Who doesn't fancy a stroll down a chic, seaside town when you're vacationing in Europe? No one, that's who. For that, one has to admire the picturesque city of Donostia (San Sebastian) and the streets which are lined with world-renowned restaurants ???
Pass the borders and into France, we highly recommend you stop at Saint Jean de Luz for a wholesome sightseeing journey across the town which has been around since the 15th century.
Enjoy a short walk with your loved one at the Promenade, and if you have the time, make a detour to the Saint Baptiste Church, the very establishment in which the French King Louis XIV married the King of Spain’s daughter, hence ending the long-lasting conflict between the two countries.
There you go, lovebirds! Hope we've enticed you to take the next bold step in surprising your beau on a road trip s/he will never forget ❤