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 overseas, as we’ve found the most affordable road trips that both your wallet and your stomach will thank you for. Let’s go.
Bilbao and Back Again Road Trip
And the winner is in. The cheapest road trip is Spain, and here’s what you can see.
Our Bilbao and back again foodie road trip begins in the Basque Country with art, architecture, and Basque tapas. You’ll then head 110km into wine country in the La Rioja region at Haro then Santo Domingo de la Calzada (50km) for red wine and delicious local delicacies. Next, you’ll journey 67.5km to Burgos with its medieval architecture and tasty tapas, before hitting the road for 199km to arrive in Segovia. Here you’ll tuck into roast suckling pig and explore the city on foot. Then it’s Ávila (60km away) and its famous dessert.
Next, jump in your hire car and drive 120km to Salamanca for traditional meat pies and UNESCO World Heritage architecture. Hit the road for 119km to Valladolid for some history of Christopher Columbus and a fresh salad. Then it’s onto Aguilar de Campoo (142km) for medieval walls and a rare steak, before finishing off again in Bilbao (189.2km). Don’t forget to try any fabulous food you missed the first time.
Driving tips for Spain:
Unnecessary use of your horn is forbidden. In urban areas, you can’t use your horn at all unless it’s an emergency.
The speed limit automatically drops to 50km/h when entering towns and cities unless signs say otherwise.
Look out for scooters. In towns and cities, mobs of scooters appear from all angles and edge into oncoming traffic. It takes a little getting used to.
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 $96.
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. We also looked at the average costs of hotels across a two-week road trip.
And we found that it is possible. You can go on an epic road trip and save your budget – the holiday of a lifetime really is within your grasp. But where to go?
For Aussie travellers planning a road trip in 2024, these are the top five cheapest destinations.
The top 5 cheapest road trip destinations for foodies
Planning an unforgettable road trip overseas this year? Want to keep within your budget and explore some of the best countries in the world? Here are the top five.
Spain
With 17 autonomous regions each with their own history, culture, and cuisine. Promising approximately 8,000km of coastline, mountains, islands and more, Spain is a feast for the eyes, senses, and tastebuds. A road trip in Spain means incredible countryside, some of the most famous cities in the world and food that’s always worth writing home about. Try the salted cod in Bilbao, the wine in La Rioja and the meat pies in Salamanca.
Look out for:
- Paella is the national dish in Spain and originates from Valencia
- 13% of the world’s vineyards are in Spain
- La Tomatina, held every August in Buñol near Valencia, is the world’s biggest food fight
Croatia
With approximately 5,800km of Adriatic coastline, its iconic Dalmatian Coast and 78 islands, Croatia is the perfect country for a road trip. And with the likes of historic Dubrovnik, wine tasting in Pelješac and trips to the country’s spectacular national parks, there’s so much to fill your road trip itinerary. And to taste along the way? Try black risotto, Brodetto and Fritule.
Look out for:
- Istrian Yota (stew made of beans, potatoes, bacon, and sauerkraut) is the national dish of Croatia
- The seafood in Croatia is amongst the best in the Mediterranean
- The Good Food Festival is held every October in Dubrovnik
Greece
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 happens every July in the capital
New Zealand
Hop over the Tasman for a road trip in NZ. Your Aotearoa adventure begins in the volcanic spot of Rotorua (look out for the hot springs and geysers), before heading to Taupo and Art Deco Napier. Catch a gig in Wellington then hit the South Island for Milford Sound, Wanaka, and Queenstown. And don’t miss the hokey pokey ice cream (you know you love it) and Fergburgers in QT.
Look out for:
- Pies are the national dish of New Zealand
- The Māori hāngī is a traditional earth oven style of cooking – try it in Rotorua
- Marlborough Food & Wine Festival is the longest-running food festival in New Zealand
Italy
Is there a better country than Italy for a foodie road trip? You’ll drive through the majestic Italian countryside, taking in lakes, mountains, and vineyards. Then there’s Italy’s incredible cities, whether Rome, Florence, Venice, or Milan. And who can forget the food? Feast on pizza, pasta, gelato and more.
Look out for:
- Pizza originated in Naples and is one of Italy’s national dishes
- Italy’s version of ice cream, Gelato, has a rich and luxurious consistency
- The Festival of the Sea is celebrated for four days every summer just outside Naples
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. Also, don’t forget your car insurance – you’ll need it!
What a way to see a new country. Two weeks on the open road. The best food in the world. Awe-inspiring sights. And all without blowing your budget. A foodie road trip is the essential way to spend your overseas trip 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.
