There is nothing quite like uncovering new destinations on the road less travelled, and if you are looking to add a bit of excitement to your upcoming summer holiday, why not skip the packaged tour and tailor make something that little bit different?

Tailor made travel is certainly on the increase, and with a little planning, a clear budget, and a week or two to spare, you can create the holiday of a lifetime and do something you have always dreamed about.

Driving across the US, for example, is a wonderful way to see many different states, as we found out on our honeymoon.  Flying to Los Angeles, we picked up a rental car and spent the next four weeks driving across the southern states visiting California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida before finally heading down to Key West!  When it was finally time to return home, we just dropped the car off at Miami airport before jumping on the plane – it really was that simple!

South Africa is another great place to head off the beaten track and avoid the typical tourist trails, and there are some amazing scenic routes to take out of Cape Town.  The most popular would have to be the Garden Route that offers numerous different stopovers, but there is also the Namibia route where you can experience the beauty of Langebaan, Springbok and Fish River Canyon.  Self-drive tours are easy in South Africa and Namibia, and you will witness beautiful scenery, friendly people, and great food on your tailor-made journey throughout these countries.

In Australia it is easy get off the beaten track and head into the unknown with little more than a map, plenty of water, and some food supplies.  The distances from one destination to another are huge, but if you enjoy hitting the road with some great sounds, a fully charged camera, and your best buddy – there is perhaps no better place on earth to do it your way!

By taking the road less travelled, we have witnessed some amazing scenery, met some wonderful people, and got to know each of the countries we have visited a little more intimately – and that is what makes a holiday a trip of a lifetime!