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Trips and Adventures
Bucket List Travel for 2026: top ideas for car road trips.
A bucket list can be much more than a simple wish list: it often becomes a personal manifesto of dreams and experiences. And when it comes to travel, it turns into a compass for new adventures.
So, if you’re still short on travel ideas for 2026, here are some of the best options in Portugal and across Europe. Take those plans out of the drawer and bring them to the open road.
Travel ideas to start the New Year big.
Why not place building your bucket list to travel at the top of your 2026 priorities? Behind the wheel, every kilometre becomes a true discovery. From stunning landscapes and hidden villages to flavours only locals know how to prepare.
Picture the road as the stage for your adventure. The most important part isn’t always reaching the destination but rather enjoying every moment intensely. And that kind of freedom only comes with a car from Xtracars.
Portugal: a bucket list full of possibilities.
Portugal feels tailor-made for the best road trips. From north to south, you’ll find around 561 km of diverse scenery, culture, traditions, and food.
Each region has its own identity, and their proximity allows for short but experience-rich journeys. Here are a few road trip ideas across Portugal.
1. Mountain Roads and Historic Villages.
Imagine driving through the winding roads of Serra da Estrela, blanketed in snow in winter or blooming with flowers in summer. Discover more places to visit in Portugal during winter.
Then head down to the historic villages of Sortelha or Monsanto, where ancient stones tell centuries-old stories. It’s a trip where tradition and scenery intertwine, ideal for you to travel alone.
2. Food Routes.
If your bucket list includes culinary delights, add a route through the Alentejo plains or the Douro region. Both areas offer rich cuisine, paired with unique wines, and comforting traditional dishes.
Along Portugal’s 800 km coastline, indulge in the freshest seafood: fried cuttlefish, cold-water crab, oysters, clams, and of course, tender octopus. A true adventure led by flavour.
3. Coastal Drives.
From Viana do Castelo to Sagres, Portugal’s coastline is a tribute to the Atlantic. Seaside roads, breathtaking viewpoints, and wild beaches should absolutely be part of your 2026 bucket list of travel ideas.
To explore each route with complete freedom, browse our monthly car rental, from compact city cars to SUVs.
Europe also belongs to your bucket list.
Expanding your horizons, Europe offers road trips that are as accessible as they are inspiring. Here are a few ideas for bucket list travel across Europe.
1. Winter Markets in Germany and Austria.
In winter, some cities turn into real-life fairy tales. From Munich to Salzburg, each stop immerses you in the festive spirit, with flavours and scents typical of this region.
Christmas markets in Nuremberg, Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck, combining alpine backdrops with festive charm, are must-sees on any bucket list.
2. The Mediterranean Coast.
From Nice to Barcelona, from Liguria to lush Croatia, the Mediterranean coastline is ideal for those seeking sun, sea, and delicious food. A journey to celebrate a laid-back lifestyle, always guided by the road.
3. Sustainable Road trips in Northern Europe.
Countries like Norway or Denmark are perfect for travellers who want to make sustainability part of their bucket list.
To match the spirit of your trip, you can opt for Xtracars’ electric vehicles. A smart car hire solution for exploring fjords and eco-friendly cities without leaving a carbon footprint.
3 Epic road trips to take your bucket list to the next level.
If your bucket list dreams aim even higher, 2026 could be the year to go all in.
Iceland and the Golden Circle.
Covering around 300 km from Reykjavík, with a must-see stop at Thingvellir National Park, the Golden Circle offers roads that cut through powerful geysers, stunning waterfalls and volcanic landscapes, a true emotional rush.
The Netherlands.
Set aside a week to fully enjoy the balance between tradition and modernity. Start in Amsterdam with its canals, world-class museums, and vibrant lifestyle. Then head to The Hague, Rotterdam, Maastricht and end strong in Groningen, a hub of street art and buzzing energy. Along the way, soak up the river Lek landscapes and postcard-worthy views.
Greece.
Travelling through Greece is surrendering to the cradle of civilisation and the essence of blue. From Athens’ monuments to the sun-soaked islands, every kilometre reveals idyllic beaches, whitewashed villages and a sea steeped in legends and philosophy. The country is filled with mythical routes, aromas of olive oil and oregano, the sound of sirtaki, and seaside sunsets that seem to last forever.
Xtracars: by your side on every bucket list adventure.
Flexibility is essential on any journey, and that is exactly what Xtracars offers. With our monthly car subscription, you can choose the ideal vehicle for every type of adventure. An SUV for mountain getaways, a compact car for city breaks, or an electric vehicle for a more sustainable road trip.
Just as you pack the right bag for each destination, you can also choose the right car for your needs. And if you prefer not to drive all the time, you can add an Additional Driver when booking. For even greater peace of mind, activate Roadside Assistance and enjoy the journey with total confidence.
Every trip is an opportunity to discover more about the world and about yourself. By planning your travel bucket list for 2026, you are taking the first step towards a year filled with unforgettable experiences.
Whether on national roads or heading abroad, start planning your next adventure now. With Xtracars by your side, every kilometre becomes easier, more flexible and, above all, truly yours. 2026 is waiting for you. So, do you know where you will start?
