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Urban cities like London, Berlin or Amsterdam might not be on the cards this year for those who travel for culture and style.

And the 2020 holiday is looking more like a weekend away camping in a damp tent, surrounded by mosquitos and the fancy stopover at top notch airports, like Heathrow, have suddenly been replaced by soggy 2-dollar (sponge) pies at deserted petrol stations.

But for those who crave a trendy European holiday this year, our good friends at Toyota have put together the ultimate funky road trip, with grungy, modern or artsy “pit stops” around Australia that all breathes Europe one way or another.

Bubble Tenting, for the Zodiac Lover

Star Gazing in Capertee, NSW = The Northern Lights, in Iceland

Spirituality was the word on everyone’s lips in 2020, so it is no wonder that a tent catering for star gazers, has popped up two hours outside of Sydney. In these luxe bubble tents, named of zodiac signs like Leo and Virgo, you can watch the star-lit skies, in panoramic views while sipping on a vino.

The Rest Stop? – Hometown café, in Lithgow

Stop for a break at funky Hometown café, in small town Lithgow, for a Melbourne-style smashed avocado, an artsy-looking milkshake or a freshly ground coffee. They have Oatly, do I need to say more?

Bangalow, for those who miss Berlin

Artsy Hub in Bangalow, NSW= Amsterdam, in the Netherlands

For those who are craving cities that drizzle of style and cool culture but don’t reside in Melbourne and think Byron Bay is too commercial, then Bangalow is your solve. This tiny town boosts of artistic shops, organic markets, cute cafes, and boutique hotels.

Get around the bath trend, at Greenhouse the Bathhouse

Turkish Bathhouse in Queensland = An Hamman, in Antalya

If you had a trip to Turkey booked in 2020, it is needless to say that you were looking forward to a Hamman (Turkish bathhouse) to freshen up after the 20+ hours flight. Thankfully for Queenslanders, Burleigh heads on the Gold Coast has a much trendier option in their Greenhouse the Bathhouse – a modern bathhouse that is a stylish mix of a Swedish sauna and a Hamman.

Rest Stop? – All-organic farmers market, Coomera

Stop by at Hinterland Farmers market in Upper Coomera, North Gold Coast, an all organic market in a rustic ‘shack’, that servs fresh food and homebrewed coffee. They even personalise your coffee for you if you ask nicely.

Recharge for 2021 at hip Gwinganna

Organic Retreat on the Gold Coast = Yoga retreat, on Santorini

If you had plans to detox from the modern world at a yoga retreat on a Greek islan this year, there is an even better Aussie version in ‘Gwinganna’ on the Gold Coast hinterland. This organic lifestyle retreat is loved by celebs and apparently even Hugh Jackman has recharged his batteries here.

Rest Stop? – The original Yatala Pie Shop, Yatala

Why not pair your road trip with stark contrasts and stop by much less glamorous Aussie iconic Yatala Pie Shop. This landmark has been around for 130 years, so if you’re that trendy that you like things real original, then Yatala is a must.

The Illegal Tender Rum Co, to get down and dirty

Underground Rum Bar in Springfield, WA = Berghain, in Berlin

For those who like their trip less fancy and who would usually end up in a musky underground bar in Berlin, rural town Springfield has something just for you. The Illegal Tender Rum Co is a grungy craft rum distillery in who are “on a mission to make Australian rum famous”.

Rest Stop? Get artsy at Sea Spray Art, Jurien Bay

Jurien Bay has something quite unique for the artsy pants. In the small coastal town, there is an ocean art gallery, but it is not just any art gallery – all their paintings glow in the dark, using mixed digital media. At times it almost feels like you are right at Rainbow Serpent.

Hutt Lagon, for the Instagram addict

Pink Lake on the Coral Coast, WA = Lake Vrana, in Crotia

If you are looking for a weekend trip and you live in Perth, you simply must check out the Hutt Lagoon on the Coral Coast. If the name alone is not funky enough for you, then the lagoon will do it. The water changes colour between bright bubble-gum pink, lilac, and occasionally even red, it is basically like the latest Instagram AR filter, only it’s real. It is simply too cool to not visit.

Rest Stop? – Green Beanie, Denison

If you are travelling from Perth, swing past Port Denison to get your coffee fix at the beach. Green Beanie is an eco-friendly retro coffee van, serving organic teas, freshly roasted coffee, and a selection of treats.