National Road Trip Day was two weeks ago, and I am thrilled to have celebrated the occasion with Leighanne Evans and the team at CTV Evening News.
National Road Trip Day lands in late May for a reason: it is widely recognized as the unofficial kickoff to the North American summer travel season. My own love of travel was born in the back seat of the family minivan, winding through the Rocky Mountains, and a road trip is still my favourite way to truly slow down and connect with a place to this day.
I know that I am not alone in feeling this way. A lot of globetrotters understand that there is no better way to discover hidden gems, set your own itinerary, and spend real, unhurried time with the people you love. I recently had the chance to share that love of the open road with Amber Pfister over at NBC's California Live, so I was especially excited to come back to CTV and go a layer deeper. This time, I wanted to focus on some of the best ways to prepare and enjoy a road trip. I also have a handful of incredible self drive road trips that I can't stop thinking about that I am sure will also inspire you.
Tips for a Great Road Trip
One of the most important lessons I have learned from my years of writing about and embarking on road trips is that the difference between a stressful drive and a great one usually comes down to a little preparation. Here are the steps I take before hitting the road to ensure my drive is pleasant rather than problematic.
Give Your Car a Once-Over
Your car is the most important part of your road trip, so it is crucial to ensure it is in proper condition before beginning your trip. Checking your tire pressure and windshield fluid, topping up your gas tank or battery, and packing an emergency kit and spare tire are all important steps you need to take before hitting the road.
Map a Route Worth Driving
The fastest way is rarely the best way. Trusted sources of road trip inspiration, like Goway's Globetrotting Magazine, are a great place to prospect for route ideas before you begin your trip. Once you have your route, I recommend downloading it to your phone or GPS and having physical maps on hand in case you lose cell service. Goway's Destination Specialists are experts at preparing for road trips, so they will help ensure you have all your maps and navigation resources in advance.
Curate Your Audio
A road trip often lives or dies by its soundtrack. Build a few playlists with some variety, download an engaging audiobook, and queue up a podcast series or two for the longer, quieter stretches. My one rule: every playlist needs at least a few songs you can belt out at the top of your lungs. There is a reason "Life Is a Highway" has soundtracked so many summer drives. In my opinion, a road trip is at its very best when the windows are down and everyone is singing along.
Pack Strategically
This is a tip people often forget or overlook, and it is also the one they thank me for later. Keep the things you reach for most, like snacks, tissues, chargers, and a refillable water bottle, within arm's reach rather than buried in the trunk. And do not underestimate the snacks: I am a firm believer that good ones can make or break a drive. I lean toward options that travel well and don't weigh you down, but I also love using a road trip as an excuse to sample flavours wherever I am headed. On my upcoming trip to Japan, you can bet there will be matcha KitKats and Pocky riding shotgun.
Keep the Kids Entertained
Lastly, planning and preparing for your road trip is all the more important when travelling with children. I am a fan of low-tech entertainment that keeps everyone engaged, like a travel colouring book or a simple, unmessy craft kit, rather than defaulting straight to screen time. And if you are like me and happiest riding as a passenger, those same activities are a wonderful way to keep yourself occupied while someone else takes the wheel.
Drive One: The Bruce Peninsula & Georgian Bay Coastal Route
One of the best parts of being based in Toronto, Ontario, is that we are at the edge of one of the greatest road-trip regions in all of Canada. My local favourite is the Bruce Peninsula and Georgian Bay Coastal Route, consistently rated among the top ten drives in the country. It rolls through St. Jacobs country and the Elora Gorge before finishing at the impossibly turquoise waters of Tobermory.
What I love about this one is its flexibility. You can stretch it across the better part of two weeks and linger, or carve off a single segment for a long weekend when that is all the time you have. Either way, it shows off Ontario at its absolute best and is proof that you don't always have to go far to find a worthwhile road trip. This is true for so many places around the world as well, particularly in the US, home of the Great American Road Trip.
Treasures of Canada's Great Lakes Road Trip
Enjoy an unforgettable 16-day Ontario road trip, exploring its lake regions, elite summer cottages, and wildlife.
Your Canada vacation begins in lively Toronto, the country’s largest city and capital of Ontario. One of the most diverse cities on Earth, Toronto is all about its neighbourhoods, including the Danforth’s Greektown, Little Italy, Kensington Market, Church-Wellesley’s LGBTQ+ village, and one of the west’s largest Chinatowns. Your time here is free to explore, though it’s hard to go wrong with a visit to CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium, topped off with a local brew at Steam Whistle Brewery, or at Mill Street in the historic Distillery District. After dark, sit down for delicious Michelin-starred eats and cocktails, opt for a tasting tour in one of the many neighbourhoods, or check out Toronto’s ever-changing roster of theatre and live music events.
Set out for Huntsville and Muskoka, known as Ontario’s cottage country. The term “cottage” is an understated description for some of the palatial summer homes that overlook the area’s lakes, but even they pale in comparison to what nature has to offer here. Provincial parks like Algonquin and Arrowhead offer endless trails to explore, but there are also cultural hotspots showcasing the region’s art, and some great dining options too.
Head north into the Canadian Shield and explore Killarney Provincial Park. Located near the northern Ontario hub of Sudbury, this region includes the striking Granite Ridge Trail and a recently upgraded observatory used by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. It’s one of the few parks in Canada that promotes stargazing as an attraction, and it also marks the start of where you can glimpse the Northern Lights.
After a night in Timmins, admire the lakes and cliffs that dot the Boreal Forest on your way to Wawa, where you can explore local First Nations history at Sandy Beach Eco-Interpretive Park. Then follow the Trans-Canada Highway to Sault Ste. Marie, northwest Ontario’s largest town, situated on the St Mary’s River which carries the waters of Lake Superior to Lake Huron. It’s an ideal base for exploring Pancake Bay, Batchawana Bay and Lake Superior Provincial Parks.
Spend two nights on Manitoulin Island, admiring its natural beauty while learning about nearly 9,500 years of human habitation. Boating, fishing, and even scuba diving are all popular activities here. A ferry crossing traverses Lake Huron, leading you to Tobermory. It’s another great spot to relax before heading into Western Ontario, but scuba divers may want to test their skills exploring the shipwrecks of Fathom Five National Marine Park.
Weave your way down through the Niagara Escarpment and see Ontario’s most famous natural attraction, Niagara Falls. You’ll have time to admire both the American and Canadian horseshoe falls and perhaps stop in at a winery or two before spending the night at nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake. This beautiful town is also home to the annual Shaw Theatre Festival from spring through to fall, perfect for catching a show before your return to Toronto.
Drive Two: Hidden Gems of Costa Rica
That being said, road trips don't have to stay in your own backyard. I was instantly hooked on the idea of exploring a new country from behind the wheel after my first international road trip in Spain years ago. My all-time favourite, however, remains Costa Rica. It was a custom version of the eight-day Hidden Gems of Costa Rica Road Trip designed by Goway's Destination Specialists.
The drive begins in the country's central region, threading through cloud forests, canyons, and waterfalls, with so many places to pull over and meet nature on its own terms. If you keep your eyes open, you will spot howler monkeys, toucans, and, if you are lucky, a sloth or two. From there, the route delivers you to the Pacific Coast and a string of hidden-gem beaches. My Goway Destination Specialist handled every detail, from the rental car and accommodations to the tours and the best stops along the way, which is exactly what you want when you are driving in an unfamiliar country.
Costa Rica Hidden Gems Road Trip
A road trip through Costa Rica offers the freedom to uncover the country’s quieter treasures at your own pace.
Begin in the mist-veiled cloud forest, where trails lead through lush greenery alive with birdsong and the rustle of hidden wildlife. Time seems to slow here, inviting you to savour the crisp mountain air and the hushed beauty of a landscape that feels far removed from the everyday.
From there, journey toward the canyon reserve, where dramatic cliffs and warm thermal pools create a striking contrast to the forest’s softness. Days here are yours to spend wandering trails, watching for exotic birds, or simply unwinding in nature’s embrace.
Your final days bring you to the Pacific coast, where golden beaches stretch into the horizon and the ocean breeze carries the scent of salt and sun. Whether you prefer to explore tide pools, surf gentle waves, or relax by the shore, the Pacific offers a natural playground framed by swaying palms and spectacular sunsets.
This road trip blends the tranquillity of highland forests, the rugged allure of canyon landscapes, and the laid-back charm of coastal life. By driving yourself, you’ll have the chance to pause where the scenery captures you most, making each moment along Costa Rica’s winding roads uniquely your own.
Where I'm Headed Next
I mentioned an upcoming trip to Japan the last time I stopped by to visit our friends at CTV Evening News. I have since decided to extend it to include Kyushu: Japan's third-largest island with a distinctly different rhythm from the mainland. Imagine a subtropical climate, hot springs, volcanoes, and stunning beaches, yet with a more leisurely pace than some of Japan's more mainstream destinations. All of which, of course, makes it the perfect road trip destination.
My favourite people at Goway are putting together my itinerary as we speak. And yes, the matcha KitKats and Pocky are already on the shopping list. You can follow along on my Instagram stories to watch it come together: @_mitchellalexander.
Japan Road Trip: Kyushu Edition
Discover the wild beauty and cultural depth of southern Japan on a self-drive journey across Kyushu. Begin on the remote island of Yakushima, where moss-draped cedar forests and misty peaks create a fairytale atmosphere. After a scenic ferry ride to the mainland, ease into Ibusuki’s famed sand baths and take in views of the ever-smoking Sakurajima volcano across the bay.
Follow coastal roads through lush countryside to Miyazaki, where dramatic cliffs meet the sea and spiritual shrines overlook crashing waves. Heading inland, Takachiho Gorge offers a striking blend of myth and nature, with sheer walls and waterfalls recalling ancient legends. Further north, the steamy hot springs of Kurokawa and Beppu invite slow mornings and restorative soaks, nestled among forested hills.
End your journey in Fukuoka, a city that blends coastal charm with urban energy. Stroll riverside promenades, try street-side ramen, and reflect on the road behind you. This route offers a rare chance to explore at your own pace—following winding mountain roads, pausing in sleepy towns, and experiencing local life far from the crowds.
With a perfect mix of natural wonders, traditional culture and everyday moments, Kyushu invites travellers seeking freedom, discovery and quiet beauty on the open road.
Road Trips with Goway
Goway's story began with road trips over 55 years ago, with overland tours of North and South America. This legacy lives on with unforgettable self-drive road trips now all across the world. The beauty of going with Goway is that the planning is taken off your plate without taking the freedom off the table. Every trip comes with a rental vehicle, pre-booked accommodation, and curated touring built in. Goway's Destination Specialists know exactly which stops are genuinely worth stopping for on your road trip because of their experience either living, working, or travelling extensively in the regions they sell. And with 24/7 in-destination support, the only real decision left to you each morning is where to pull over for breakfast.
Keep an eye out for the upcoming June issue of Globetrotting Magazine, completely redesigned and packed with even more inspiration for your next great drive. Connect with a Goway Destination Specialist today to start building your own tailor-made adventure to over 115 countries across all seven continents.
Mitchell's love of travel and adventure was formed during family road trips in a minivan across Western Canada. He has since passionately pursued a career in travel ever since his first job working at the front desk of a Calgary Holiday Inn. He now leads Goway's marketing and serves as Globetrotting's editor in chief. Mitchell thrives on pushing his boundaries and challenging his fears, seeking out travel experiences that promise adventure and excitement. However, above all, Mitchell is driven by his love of food, delighting in the diverse culinary landscapes he encounters around the globe.