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Just you, your husband, and the open road: What could be
more romantic than that? (Well, sleeping in an Irish castle at night,
possibly. But who says you can't do both?) With options in the United States
and abroad, these five unforgettable honeymoon journeys—including
highlights to see along the way—will fuel you to take the wheel and
embark on the road trip of a lifetime.
Drive Highway 1 in California
Why Here?
American roads don't get more iconic than this 270-mile stretch wrapping the coast from Carmel-by-the-Sea south to Santa Barbara. Give yourself at least a weekend to check out the forests of 100-foot redwoods, cliffs overlooking the misty ocean, and sea lion colonies.What to Rent
What else? A convertible. Top down.Where to Start
Carmel-by-the-Sea could be a classic movie set, with its charming main street lined with art galleries, cowboy-boot shops, and bakeries. Nearby Bernardus Lodge & Spa has 57 rooms with views of vineyards and lavender-covered fields (from $475 a night).Where to End
Get cozy at Santa Barbara's Belmond El Encanto. The 1920s landmark, once frequented by Hollywood stars like Clark Gable, has 92 bungalows (from $425 a night).Why Here?
The famed road is one of the island's most traveled—and for good reason. It's 50-plus miles of switchbacks cut through fern forests and go past waterfalls. The trip can be done in a day, but wouldn't it be more fun to make it last?What to Rent
A compact car navigates the narrow roads best; don't fall for the four-wheel drive Jeep upsell.Where to Start
The beachfront Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort is an understated alternative to the area's vast hotel compounds (from $474 a night). The Road to Hana begins near Paia, 35 minutes away; get there early to beat the traffic.Drive Clare Coast in Ireland
Why Here?
Patchwork fields and fairy-tale castles are just a few of the draws of the wild western shore. Take it all in on this 100-mile route.What to Rent
The tiniest car possible for those skinny streets.Where to Start
A 1750 manor near Galway Bay, Gregans Castle was a refuge for writers such as J.R.R. Tolkien. The antiques-filled rooms and scent of peat burning in the fireplaces are enough to make you want to stay forever (from $300 a night).Drive Clare Coast in Ireland
Drive Basque Country in Spain
Why Here?
The distance between Bilbao and San Sebastián is just 63 miles, but there are enough bucolic towns, innovative restaurants, and art-filled cultural sites to fill at least a week of meandering.What to Rent
The roads are easy—anything goes!Where to Start
After visiting the Frank Gehry–designed Guggenheim Bilbao Museoa, stay outside the city at the neo-medieval Castillo de Arteaga (from $190 a night). On the way, eat at three Michelin-starred Azurmendi; travel company Made for Spain can arrange a kitchen tour.Drive Basque Country in Spain
Drive Great Ocean Road in Australia
