Top international driving experiences

Are you longing to go where you can drive like you’ve never driven before? Buckle up because we’ve collected five of the most inspiring international driving experiences from around the world to fuel your passion for exploration.

A man in a dinosaur costume zipping down a busy Japanese city street in a go-cart with a flag on the back.

The Mario cart experience in Tokyo, Japan. Credit: Getty Images

Do you love the thrill of getting behind the wheel? From the winding roads of Italy to the rugged landscapes of Namibia, each destination boasts a fusion of breathtaking scenery and exhilarating driving challenges. Plus, for those planning to drive overseas, we delve into the importance of having an International Driving Permit (IDP) to ensure a seamless driving experience abroad and how you can easily obtain one.

Tour the city in real-life Mario Kart, Japan

You should know that you won’t be racing around the streets of Osaka, and there’s definitely no power-ups, but one of the most popular international driving experiences is go-kart tours of Japanese cities.

For less than $100 AUD you can spend an hour go-karting on actual streets and touring popular areas like Shibuya Crossing, Harajuku, and Omotesando. Not only do you get to see the city like never before, but you can do it in style by dressing up as your favourite Mario Kart character. Most tours will have costume rental (and more) included in the price but if you want to dress up as anything a little more obscure, you are welcome to bring your own costume as well.

After a safety demonstration and check of your IDP, you can hit the roads on a predetermined course with your go-karting crew. For some, driving at such a low height with other standard motorists on the road may be a little intimidating, but rest assured there are safety measures in place to make this the ultimate real-life gaming experience!

A group of six people in Mario video game character costumes, driving go carts on a sunny day.

Tokyo, Japan. Credit: Getty Images

Drive Chicago to Santa Monica on Route 66, USA

Channel your inner Jack Kerouac and hit the road on one of the most famous driving routes in the world. Start out in Midwest America, the windy city of Chicago, and to the sunny, sandy beaches of Santa Monica in California – all while driving along one designated route.

Hire a campervan and give yourself the freedom to stay at campgrounds and in national parks or fully immerse yourself in the experience by hiring a convertible for the ultimate Americana experience.

You’ll drive through Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. And with no shortage of towns, landmarks, and roadside attractions, you’ll be sure to check off many bucket list items.

As a bonus, this well-worn drive has produced thousands of itineraries that are easily searched for online, so you can mix and match your perfect road trip stops and take as much or as little time as you want on this storied highway.

Close up of a road with Route 66 painted in white on the pavement, cutting through a panoramic view of a scrubby desert and rock formation.

Route 66, USA. Credit: Getty Images

Your drifting dreams come true while ice driving in Sweden

As Australians, one experience we're unlikely to have at home is driving on ice and heavy snow. But a road trip through Swedish Lapland in the winter can give you an experience you never thought you'd have.

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Lake Uddjaur near Arjeplog in Sweden, is where you'll find not just ice, but a sprawling 2,965-acre drifting playground 65 kilometres shy of the Arctic Circle. Here, daredevils can rev their engines on meticulously recreated Formula 1 tracks, scaled down and set on the ice in a variety of high-performance vehicles available for hire.

Master the art of drifting under expert guidance, then extend the adventure with activities like snowmobile tours, dog sledding, and you may even catch the Aurora Borealis.

A car driving along a near completely snow-covered road, surrounded by snowy trees and an orange sunset on the horizon.

Credit: Getty Images

Tour the mountain passes of Italy

Italy boasts some of Europe’s most renowned driving routes, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to conquer iconic roads, autostradas, and mountain passes. From the majestic peaks of the Dolomites to the hairpin bends of the legendary Stelvio Pass, every twist and turn unveils a new vista of natural splendour. As you traverse through idyllic towns and charming villages, you can indulge yourself in local hospitality and Italy’s culinary heritage.

For the rev heads, dive into the adrenaline-fueled world of motorsport by spending a weekend at the Grand Prix, where you can even take a spin on the Modena racetrack. Alternatively, for a more serene escape that will still give you a thrill and put your driving skills to the test, why not drive the famous Amalfi coast to make this driving holiday one you will never forget.

A paved road at the mouth of a short tunnel through a mountainside, to the right is the sea below and more mountains in the distance.

Stelvio Pass, Italy. Credit: Getty Images

Extreme off-road driving in Namibia, Southern Africa

Or if four-wheel driving is more your thing, head for the immense sand plains of Namibia in Sub-Saharan Africa. Ranging from steep climbs and sand dunes of the Namib-Naukluft Park to the mud tracks of Etosha National Park, Namibia has 4×4 routes for drivers of any skill level.

Etosha National Park boasts five hundred miles of African outback and is home to the world’s largest population of rare black rhinos. Visit the breathtaking Epupa Falls and Hartmann Mountains before arriving at the aptly named Skeleton Coast National Park, whose shoreline is dotted with shipwrecks and is home to colonies of Cape fur seals.

Finish your journey in Windhoek, Namibia’s bustling capital city. A melting pot of African and European cultures, colonial architecture, and a wealth of culinary traditions, Windhoek is the perfect place to understand contemporary Namibian culture.

A single SUV appears small driving across huge sand dunes that back up onto deep blue sea.

Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia. Credit: Getty Images

How to get your IDP and insurance

Once you’ve got your dream driving holiday booked, make sure you finalise two very important things: your International Driving Permit (IDP) and your insurance.

An IDP is the best way to make sure there are no hiccups when it comes to licenses overseas. It’s a United Nations sanctioned document that’s translated into nine different languages and recognised in over 150 countries around the world. Plus it’s quick and easy to get one, for just $51 all you need to do is apply online and upload a passport sized photo or make an appointment at your local NRMA branch.

As well as an IDP, remember to get travel insurance that will cover the excess on a rental car, should you have any accidents. My NRMA members receive 5% off travel insurance so you can put your mind at ease and focus solely on the journey ahead.

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