The open road. Coastal views. Mountains. Delicious flavours. Sumptuous cuisine. Not breaking the bank.
A road trip is an unforgettable way to see a new country and sample the best food along the way. And if you can stick within your budget, what a way to explore. Pack your bags for two weeks and travel abroad, as we’ve found the most affordable road trips that both your wallet and your stomach will thank you for. Let’s go.
Southern Coastal Loop Road Trip
And the winner is in. The cheapest road trip destination is Australia, and here’s what you can see.
You’ll start your road trip of a lifetime in super cool Melbourne for coffee, hipster cafes and indoor markets before heading 100km to Torquay for the start of the Great Ocean Road coastal drive. Enjoy some fish and chips on the beach and jump in your hire car for the 40km drive to Lorne for fresh calamari and surfy beaches. You’ll love the coastal scenes and wild beaches along the 30km journey to Apollo Bay. The fresh seafood that awaits you will be a highlight of your trip. It’s then on to Wattle Hill (50km) for some super fresh fruit picked that day.
You’ll pass the Twelve Apostles on the 80km drive to Warrnambool where you’ll stop for fresh crayfish, before journeying 250km to reach the incredible Grampians National Park. You’ll then hit gold rush country in Ballarat (100km away) and spa country in Daylesford (50km away). It’s then back in the car for the final 110km back to Melbourne.
Driving tips for Australia:
They drive on the left in Australia, just like at home. But always park on the left-hand side of the road. It’s illegal to park facing oncoming traffic in Australia.
Be polite. Aussies rarely use their car horns. If someone lets you out or stops so you can pass, thank them with a little wave.
Many motorways in big cities are toll roads and need to be paid with an electronic pass or tag. You can hire one with your hire car.
The most affordable foodie road trip destinations
We dug into the data and did some research to find the top five most affordable road trip destinations.
First, we started with car hire costs (essential for a road trip!) using our own Skyscanner data. We looked at all the countries where average car hire costs per day came in at under £50.
Next, came the extra costs. We conducted extensive research using Numbeo to find the average costs of all your essentials on a foodie road trip. We’re talking fuel costs and the average costs of food and drink along the way – including water, coffee, beer, and soft drinks, as well as mid-tier three course meals and street food snacks.
And we found that it is possible. You can go on an unforgettable road trip and save your budget – the holiday of a lifetime really is within your grasp. But where to go?
For British travellers planning a road trip in 2024, these are the top five cheapest destinations.
The top 5 cheapest road trip destinations for foodies
Planning a road trip this year? Want to keep within your budget and explore some of the best countries in the world? Here are the top five.
Australia
Pacific
Featuring approximately 34,000km of coastline and world-renowned cities, a road trip in Australia is always a unique experience. Famed for road trips such as the Great Ocean Road and the Grand Pacific Drive, there’s plenty of coastline and scenery to explore in Australia. From beach barbecues to tasty seafood, it’s sure to tick the boxes for food lovers too.
Look out for:
- Roast lamb is Australia’s national dish
- Australian seafood is some of the best in the world
- Taste in the City festival is held every September in Sydney
Malta
Mediterranean
With around 219km of coastline, this island in the Mediterranean may be small, but it definitely has a lot to offer. Its beaches are incredible, it’s home to a fortified medieval town (Mdina) and is packed with historic sights and megalithic temples. Don’t miss Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum – a subterranean complex of halls and burial chambers dating to around 4000 B.C. Food wise, tuck into Pastizz (a delicious savoury pastry), and if you’re brave enough try Stuffat tal-Fenek (rabbit stew).
Look out for:
- Stuffat tal-Fenek is the national dish of Malta
- Pastizz is among the most popular street food in Malta
- Malta International Food Festival is held in August
Cyprus
Aegean
With roughly 640km of coastline, you can see pretty much everything in Cyprus on a two-week road trip. On your Cypriot odyssey road trip, discover the sights and sounds of Nicosia, head up into the Troodos Mountains and party in Ayia Napa. And don’t forget to hit the beach too. During your time in Cyprus, you’ll taste the best Halloumi you’ve ever eaten, sample some sumptuous Souvlaki and sit down for traditional Meze.
Look out for:
- Fasolada (bean and vegetable soup) is the national dish of Cyprus
- Souvlaki accompanied by tzatziki is a popular street food dish in Cyprus
- The Cyprus Street Food Festival is held in September
Greece
Mediterranean
With over 13,000km of coastline and thousands of islands dotted in the Aegean and Ionian Seas (many accessible by car ferry), Greece is a traveller’s dream. Athens and its historic and ancient sights – like the Acropolis and Parthenon – are calling. Olympia is a history buff’s playground, whilst Thessaloniki promises a dive into the lives of the Romans. On your Greek Odyssey road trip enjoy dishes including Spanakopita, Souvlaki, and Moussaka.
Look out for:
- Moussaka is the national dish of Greece
- Greek cuisine is over 4,000 years old
- Taste of Athens festival happens every July in the capital
Slovenia
Adriatic
Whilst Slovenia might not be top of your holiday agenda, it really should be. This country in Central Europe is one of the prettiest in the entire continent and is ripe for a road trip. Lake Bled is the star of the show. Located in the Julian Alps, the green-blue lake is fed by hot springs and is a sight to behold. On your Slovenian road trip, don’t miss the beautiful Triglav National Park and Lake Bohinj. Fuel yourself with Burek, a flaky filo pastry with a delicious meat filling.
Look out for:
- Štruklji (rolled dumplings) is one of the most popular Slovenian dishes and dates back to the 16th century
- Potica (rolled dough cake) is the most popular Slovenian cake
- Slovenian cuisine is heavily influenced by food from Germany, Austria, Italy and Hungary
Car hire tip:
It’s usually cheaper to drop your hire car off in the same place you picked it up. This is because the supplier will need to get it back to its original location.
That means it’s more cost-effective to plan your road trip as a round trip beginning and starting in the same location. Like our Southern Coastal Loop road trip.
Also, don’t forget your car hire insurance – you’ll need it!
What a way to see a new country. Two weeks on the open road. Some of the best food in the world. Awe-inspiring sights. And all without blowing your budget. A road trip is the essential way to spend your summer in 2024.
Thinking of going on a roadtrip? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.
