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Freedom to explore a country at your own speed, driving through shifting landscapes with the window wound down, is a soul-stirring and flexible way to travel.

We create our tailor-made self-drive holidays using a well of personal experience. Our specialists have road-tested routes in our destinations around the world and will recommend the best places to self-drive, where the roads are good and there's scenery to match. We'll also give you driving tips for the country you'll be visiting, and organise your holiday to run like clockwork from the point you collect your car at the airport right until when you drop it off.

Speak to one of our Global Travel Advisors
Audley Travel Specialist Tabby

Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Global Travel Advisors

Our recommended self-drive holiday destinations

Our specialists can help you plan your self-drive trip, individually focusing on your tastes and interests, to the destinations below.

Our recommended self-drive itinerary ideas

Our itinerary ideas will give you a starting point for what your trip could entail. Treat them just as inspiration, as each trip is created uniquely for you and there are many more options available.

Our expert guides to choosing your self-drive holiday

Penned by our specialists from their own travels, these guides aim to inspire you with suggestions of where to spend your holiday. Giving tips for what to experience and recommendations for where to stay, we share our ideas for the best self-drive destinations to consider.

  • Self-drive holidays in the United States
    Highway 163, Monument Valley

    Self-drive holidays in the United States

    Self-drive holidays in the United States

    Discover the best road trip ideas in the USA, hand-picked by our specialists, from island-hopping trips in Hawaii to red-rock vistas in the Southwest. We also share some of the experiences you can have as you stop along the way.

    9 min read

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  • Self-drive holidays in Canada
    Jasper National Park

    Self-drive holidays in Canada

    Self-drive holidays in Canada

    Whether you choose a route circuiting western Canada’s renowned mountains, glaciers and lakes, or you’d rather go off-grid exploring the traditional fishing villages and coastal drives of the Maritimes, Canada’s well-maintained, easily navigable roads make it an excellent self-drive destination.

    7 min read

    Read this guide
  • Self-driving in South Africa
    Self-driving in the Kruger National Park

    Self-driving in South Africa

    Self-driving in South Africa

    With well-maintained roads and little traffic, a self-drive trip is a flexible way to explore South Africa's southern coast. Country specialist, Toby, selects his favourite drive, taking in the Garden Route, South Africa’s Winelands and finishing with time on safari.

    7 min read

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  • New Zealand self-drive holidays: 3 great routes
    Queenstown, Queenstown

    New Zealand self-drive holidays: 3 great routes

    New Zealand self-drive holidays: 3 great routes

    Audley country specialist John explains why, for him, self-drive is the best way to explore New Zealand. He recommends three very different routes, from mountain passes in the South Island to forest roads in the North Island.

    10 min read

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  • Self-driving in Namibia
    Self driving in Namibia

    Self-driving in Namibia

    Self-driving in Namibia

    With very little traffic on well-maintained roads that wind through spectacular scenery, as well as plenty of big-game wildlife to see, Namibia is an ideal destination for a self-drive safari.

    7 min read

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  • Driving in Japan: the logistics
    Drive through Shiretoko

    Driving in Japan: the logistics

    Driving in Japan: the logistics

    In this how-to guide, our Japan specialist Toby explains what it’s like driving around Japan. We’ve asked him some practical questions about traffic, navigation and the quirks of Japanese motoring.

    3 min read

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  • Self-drive holidays in Chile: 3 wilderness road trips
    Driving between Balmaceda and Lago General Carrera

    Self-drive holidays in Chile: 3 wilderness road trips

    Self-drive holidays in Chile: 3 wilderness road trips

    When it comes to driving trips in Chile, you’ll find the most fulfilling journeys are to be had in the Lake District and Chilean Patagonia, says Audley Chile specialist Chloe. Just make sure you allow time to stop and explore.

    7 min read

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  • Self-drive holidays in Australia: beyond the Great Ocean Road
    Australian road sign

    Self-drive holidays in Australia: beyond the Great Ocean Road

    Self-drive holidays in Australia: beyond the Great Ocean Road

    The ultimate Australian road trip? A myth — this is a country of many great drives. We talk you through alternative routes to the Great Ocean Road in traditionally quieter areas of Australia: the southwest, South Australia, and the Top End.

    9 min read

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New Zealand road on the South Island

Why pick a self-drive holiday?

What are the benefits of a self-drive holiday? From greater comfort and privacy to freedom and flexibility, we list the reasons why a self-drive holiday is a great idea.