9 Places Where the Journey Is Just as Important as the Destination
The Amalfi Coast, Italy
Some trips are remembered for the place at the end. Others are remembered for everything that happens before you arrive.
A winding mountain road, a slow train through dramatic scenery, a boat crossing or a long coastal drive can turn transportation into one of the main experiences of a trip.
For travellers who enjoy taking their time, these nine destinations offer journeys that are almost as memorable as the places they lead to.
1. The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
The Rocky Mountaineer is designed for travellers who want to watch the landscape unfold rather than rush through it.
The train travels through parts of western Canada, with routes passing dramatic mountain scenery, forests, rivers and valleys.
Large windows make the changing landscape part of the experience, while the relatively slow pace allows passengers to appreciate places that might disappear in seconds from a faster train or aircraft.
For many travellers, the journey through the Canadian Rockies becomes the highlight rather than simply a way of reaching another city.
2. The Amalfi Coast, Italy
The road along Italy’s Amalfi Coast is famous for its dramatic views, steep cliffs and villages seemingly stacked above the Mediterranean.
The journey itself can be an attraction.
As the road winds between mountains and the sea, travellers encounter viewpoints overlooking the coastline, colourful towns and stretches of Mediterranean landscape.
The route can be busy, particularly during peak travel periods, but that does little to diminish its reputation as one of Europe’s most memorable coastal drives.
3. The Glacier Express, Switzerland
Switzerland’s Glacier Express is often described as a panoramic train journey through the Alps.
The route connects mountain destinations including Zermatt and St. Moritz, crossing bridges, passing through valleys and travelling alongside alpine landscapes.
The train moves at a pace that encourages passengers to look outside rather than simply wait for the destination.
Among the memorable sights is the Landwasser Viaduct, an impressive railway bridge surrounded by mountainous scenery.
4. Milford Sound, New Zealand
Reaching Milford Sound in New Zealand’s South Island is an experience in its own right.
The route takes travellers through the landscapes of Fiordland, with towering mountains, forests, valleys and dramatic natural formations along the way.
For visitors arriving by road, the journey includes some of the country’s most spectacular scenery.
Once at Milford Sound, boat trips offer another perspective, taking travellers across the dark waters beneath steep cliffs and waterfalls.
The destination is extraordinary, but the approach helps explain why the area attracts so much attention.
5. The Garden Route, South Africa
South Africa’s Garden Route is made for travellers who prefer road trips to rushed itineraries.
The route follows a scenic stretch of the country’s southern coastline and passes forests, beaches, lagoons, mountains and small coastal communities.
There is no need to treat the route as a race from one attraction to another.
Stopping along the way is part of the experience, whether that means exploring a coastal town, taking a forest walk or simply finding a viewpoint overlooking the ocean.
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6. The Bernina Express, Switzerland and Italy
The Bernina Express offers another spectacular way to experience the Alps.
The railway crosses high mountain terrain between Switzerland and Italy, passing glaciers, lakes, valleys and dramatic bridges.
Its engineering is part of the attraction too. The railway navigates steep terrain through tunnels and across viaducts while passengers watch the scenery change with elevation.
The result is a trip where the train ride becomes a major part of the holiday rather than merely transportation.
7. The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way follows the country’s western coastline and offers a very different kind of scenic journey.
Instead of one spectacular attraction, the experience comes from the accumulation of landscapes along the route.
Travellers encounter rugged cliffs, beaches, fishing villages, green countryside and dramatic ocean views.
The changing weather can make the scenery feel different from one stretch of road to the next, giving the journey an unpredictable quality that suits slow road trips.
8. The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia
The Trans-Siberian Railway is one of the world’s best-known long-distance rail journeys.
Rather than being a short scenic excursion, it is an extended experience across a vast geographical area.
Passengers can spend days watching cities, forests, rivers and changing landscapes pass outside the carriage windows.
The scale of the journey is a major part of its appeal. It offers a very different idea of travel from flying between two destinations in a few hours.
Travellers should check current entry, safety and transport conditions before considering a trip involving Russia.
9. The California Coast, United States
California’s coastal highways offer another classic journey where the road itself becomes part of the holiday.
The route around Big Sur is particularly famous for dramatic Pacific Ocean views, cliffs, beaches and winding roads.
The appeal comes from being able to stop frequently rather than simply drive from one city to another.
A coastal road trip can include destinations such as Monterey, Big Sur and other communities along the California coastline, with the landscape providing a continuous backdrop.
Why Slow Travel Can Make a Trip More Memorable
Modern travel often focuses on reaching a destination as quickly as possible.
But some of the world’s most memorable journeys work in the opposite direction.
Taking a train through mountains, driving along a coastline or travelling by boat through a fjord gives travellers time to observe the places between major attractions.
The journey also creates room for unexpected discoveries. A roadside viewpoint, small village, local restaurant or changing landscape can become a lasting memory.
That is why these trips are worth treating as experiences in their own right. Sometimes, the best part of a holiday begins long before you arrive.
Frequently asked questions
What destinations are known for scenic journeys?
Destinations such as the Canadian Rockies, Switzerland’s Alps, the Amalfi Coast, New Zealand’s Fiordland, South Africa’s Garden Route and California’s Pacific coastline are well known for journeys with spectacular scenery.
Which train journeys are worth taking for the scenery?
The Rocky Mountaineer, Glacier Express and Bernina Express are among the most famous scenic rail journeys, each offering a different landscape and travel experience.
What is a good destination for a road trip?
The Amalfi Coast, Garden Route, Wild Atlantic Way and California’s coastal highways are popular choices for travellers who enjoy scenic road trips.
Why is slow travel becoming popular?
Slow travel allows visitors to spend more time experiencing landscapes, communities and local attractions rather than moving rapidly between destinations.
Is the journey sometimes better than the destination?
For scenic rail routes, coastal drives and long-distance road trips, the journey can be a major attraction itself. The scenery and experiences along the route can become some of the most memorable parts of the trip.