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  • 6 Breathtaking Spots for a Romantic Drive Abroad

    Apple Bruselas
    Apple Bruselas
    Last updated 2 Mar 2023
    a large skyway in the countryside

    Experience driving abroad at least once in your life

    a large bridge amidst a big field and mountains in taiwan
    Photo Credit: tingyaoh from Pixabay
    They say that the true test of a relationship is traveling together, so what about considering going on a road trip in a completely different country together?! So if you’re still thinking about driving abroad for your romantic getaway – whether you’ll finally take the opportunity this time or the next – this is your sign to go for it! You can enjoy scenic views, hole in the wall places, and less crowded spots for that unique and romantic escape.
    If you and your partner already have a driver’s license in your own countries, that’s already one step down! Driving abroad is truly an experience on its own, you get to explore at your own pace and even discover things that you wouldn't expect to chance upon. Before we get into the must-visit spots for your road trip and part from obtaining an International Driver’s License, here are the basic requirements you need before anything else.
    What requirements should I prepare to drive abroad?
    You can book a car rental hassle-free here on Klook. However, overseas travelers looking to rent a car will need the following documents:
    • A valid passport
    • A valid International Driving Permit (IDP)
    • A valid driver’s license from your country of origin
    • A credit card for payment
    • A printed voucher for your rental
    These are just the basic requirements, make sure to check with your destination country for any specific documents needed, if any.

    How to book a car rental

    Once you’re all set with your requirements, it’s time to book that car rental. Getting a car rental abroad is actually really simple and you can even book directly on Klook! All you have to do is input the dates you plan on driving, select a car, choose add-ons (e.g., English GPS, toddler seats, etc), and input your driver information. You can check out A Short Guide to Booking a Klook Car Rental and Driving Abroad for more details as well as how to get your international driver’s license if you don’t have one yet.
    Klook Tip: Apart from cash, make sure to also have small change with you because some toll and parking machines only accept cash.

    Must-visit spots for your romantic road trip

    Torii gate on a road in Fukuoka by the sea
    Photo Credit: Tomo M on Unsplash
    Many countries have insanely beautiful roads and panoramic views that would make you question why you’ve only started thinking of driving abroad just now, so you can only imagine how difficult it was for us to handpick these spots! Below you can expect breathtaking spots from Japan, Taiwan, and the USA that we feel will inspire you to finally book that ticket AND that car rental you’ve been eyeing for that perfect romantic getaway.

    Japan

    Apart from the bustling capital, Japan actually has one of the best roads for a breezy and laid-back drive. You can expect wide roads and many rest stops called michi-no-eki especially in the countryside like in Kyushu and Honshu.

    1. Yamaguchi Tsunoshima Bridge

    a long scenic bridge in Japan
    One of Japan’s most scenic bridges that you have to see and drive for yourself is the Yamaguchi Tsunoshima Bridge. The bridge connects Tsunoshima to the mainland and offers the best ocean views you’ll ever witness during your drive. If you want to check the bridge out before actually driving it, you could join a day trip that includes the Yamaguchi Tsunoshima Bridge along with Karatao Market, a must for sushi lovers! 

    2. Sakurai Futamigaura at Itoshima

    Sakurai Futamigaura Fukuoka
    If you ever plan a trip to Fukuoka, a 40-minute scenic drive from central Fukuoka will get you to the breathtaking location of the white torii gate of Sakurai Futamigaura. There are two large sacred rocks within its view that are joined by a shimenawa rope (a type of hemp rope used in the Shinto religion).
    Klook Tip: If you can, try reaching sunset at Sakurai Futamigaura. While it’s beautiful any time during the day, it’s really best known for its amazing sunset view.

    Taiwan

    Famously known for their drool-worthy street food, Taiwan is also worth exploring by car! By going on a road trip, you get to experience more of the country’s coastal roads and reach its lush tropical places you would have never even thought of.

    3. Maobitou Park

    by the mountain with a view of the sea and more mountains
    Photo Credit: Cedar on Adobe Stock
    About an hour and half from Kaohsiung City is Maobitou Park. Here you’ll get to see the Taiwan Strait and amazing waves that make for incredible photos, you’ll also see interesting rock formations and one prominent one is famously known for looking like a crouching cat!
    Klook Tip: There’s no entrance fee but prepare to pay a parking fee of about 2 USD, which is about 40 NT locally.

    4.  Sanyi Wood Sculpture Museum & Dajia Mazu

    Wooden parrot
    You and your partner can experience more of Taiwan’s culture with a trip to Sanyi Wood Sculpture Museum & Dajia Mazu. The Sanyi Township is actually known for their woodcarving, so apart from the nine exhibitions you can check out in the museum, you two get to paint your own wooden duck sculptures and bring them home to commemorate your trip!

    USA

    It really comes as no surprise that the United States of America is part of our list. While the country is known for many things, there’s no question that it has an insane amount of roads with massive views amidst the expansive backdrops of the countryside. 

    5. Big Sur

    a view of bixby creek bridge in big sur in california
    Photo credit: Spencer Davis on Unsplash
    Popular to many locals as a go-to place if you want to enjoy the great outdoors, the Big Sur is a state park where you can expect some of the most beautiful views in the country. The park also has one of the most photographed bridges in California! If you and your partner are also keen on hikes, the area is popular for hiking and one of the destinations hikers go to is the McWay Falls, also a sight to behold.

    6. The Seven Mile Miracle

    man surfing in banzai pipeline
    Photo credit: Johannes Andersson on Unsplash
    While separate from the actual massive landmass of the United States, Hawaii also has equally exciting roads for road trips. Spanning from Haleiwa Beach Park to Sunset Beach is the famous “Seven Mile Miracle”. It’s a stretch of sandy beaches that have a number of amazing surf spots like Waimea Bay Kammieland and Banzai Pipeline. If you and your partner aren’t really into surfing, Waimea Bay at Sunset Beach also has swimming and snorkeling spots for you both to enjoy!

    Looking for more ideas for your romantic road trip?