world best road trip

The 10 best road trips in the world

By Rory FH Smith

While there are limitless ways to experience the full force of a country or continent, there's nothing quite like buckling up, hitting the open road and embarking on an epic road trip across a country (or two). Behind the wheel, you're in full control of the agenda, steering the trip wherever your heart or mind takes you. Put simply, it's all about the journey.

Our list of the 10 best road trips in the world covers everything from Alpine mountain passes and arid desert drives in western America , to lush forests in Japan and India , and the rugged coastlines of Norway and Scotland . With that, indulge in some route planning and prepare to be inspired.

Blue Ridge Parkway, USA

Afton to Cherokee, 469 miles (755km)

Just over three hours southwest of Washington DC lies the start of the most phenomenal scenic byway that carves its way through the lush, mountainous forests of Virginia and North Carolina . Named the Blue Ridge Parkway – due to the surrounding mountains having a bluish colour when seen from a distance – the route starts in Afton, Virginia, and runs for 469 miles (755km) down the spine of the Blue Ridge, before finishing up in Cherokee. Driving along here at any time of year is a treat but prepare to be blown away in autumn , when the forests turn to iridescent shades of brown, orange and red. Linking the Shenandoah National Park to the beautifully named Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this route down the eastern states of the USA is one to savour.

Great St Bernard Pass, Italy

Turin, Italy to Montreux, Switzerland, 143 miles (230km)

For movie fans, this road is a must-drive after it was immortalised in the iconic opening scene of the original Italian Job , starring Michael Caine. The film opens with a Lamborghini Muria dancing its way over the Great St Bernard Pass, which, aside from a few safety improvements, is still as unspoilt and spectacular as it was back in 1969. Its blend of sheer drops, hairpin bends and tunnels give way to vistas across the Alps, making it the model Alpine mountain pass. Added to that, the starting point in the charming Italian city of Turin is only topped by finishing up on the shores of Lake Geneva in the jazz town of Montreux.

The Carretera Austral, Chile

Puerto Montt to Villa O'Higgins 770 miles (1240km)

Patagonia is a place that should appear on everyone's bucket list. This remote, pre-historic wilderness is made of mountains, lakes, forests and fjords, which can all be absorbed from the comfort of a car driving down Chile 's Southern Highway (Route 7) – the ‘Carretera Austral’. At 770 miles long, this route is for those seeking adventure off the beaten track and is best undertaken between October and April . Starting in Puerto Montt – a busy town in the Chilean Lake District – the route heads south through Santa Lucia, Coyhaique and Tortel before finishing in Villa O'Higgins. Leave plenty of time to take in everything Patagonia has to offer and be prepared to get out of the car and hike, ride or swim to experience the very best views and nature.

The North Coast 500, Scotland

Inverness to Inverness loop around Scotland's coastline, 516 miles (830km)

One of the best road trips the United Kingdom has to offer is the North Coast 500. As the name suggests, the 500-mile route loops its way around Scotland 's rugged northern coastline, taking in everything from white sandy beaches to mountains and remote fishing villages. Heading north from Inverness, the route takes in the Black Isle, Easter Ross and Caithness around the top of the British Isles, including the most northerly point, John O'Groats. After that, the route heads back down the western coast and south through Sutherland, Wester Ross and back to Inverness.

Read our ultimate guide on the North Coast 500 .

Wayanad Ghat Road, India

Kozhikode to Wayanad, 53 miles (86km)

Clinging on for dear life as you negotiate the twists and turns of the Wayanad Ghat Road in Kerala is an exhilarating experience. Cutting through the lush forest of the Western Ghats, the road snakes its way past waterfalls, misty mountains and vast tea plantations that date back centuries. Driving the Thamarassery Churam mountain pass, which sits 800m above sea level, it's worth stopping along the route to take in some of the spectacular scenery, or hiking to explore the waterfalls and trails – just watch out for wild elephants who occasionally stray across the road!

The Japanese Alps

Kyoto to Tokyo (the long way around), 460 miles (740km)

Getting off the train and into a car in Japan is one of the best things you can do. While the Shinkansen – or Bullet Train – is a marvellous feat of engineering, exploring Japan by car is how to access the country's best-kept secrets. Taking the long way round from Kyoto to Tokyo , head north from the historic city and up to Kanazawa. From here, the route heads east across the Japanese Alps, taking in the onsen – hot spring – spa towns high in the mountains. With some epic and well-kept driving roads that twist their way through the mountains, the route is a must for any keen drivers. After navigating your way through the hills, the route takes in some historic sights, like the Samurai city of Matsumoto, before it heads towards the hill resort town of Karuizawa and south, to the bright neon lights of Tokyo.

Atlantic Road, Norway

Molde to the Gjemnessundbrua suspension bridge – 69 miles (111km)

Navigating Norway's extensive road network, which is punctuated by bridges, tunnels and ferries, is one of the best ways to take in its mighty landscape. With towering, sheer-faced and snow-capped peaks rising from the depths of its icy fjords and glacial lakes, inspiration isn’t hard to find. One particular route, the Atlantic Road, is perhaps the best example of Norway's sightseeing routes as it sweeps its way from the city of Molde and over to the island of Averøy, giving way to some spectacular views across the Atlantic. If you tackle this stretch on a calm summer's day, it's possible to soak up the stillness as you breeze across the sparkling water, but head there as a blustery northwest storm rolls in and be prepared to feel the full force of the Atlantic's awesomeness.

Southern Utah National Park Circuit, USA

Dead Horse Point to Zion National Park, 475 miles (764km)

In the land where scorched red pillars of rock rise majestically from the earth, the sense of scale soon becomes apparent as you travel across vast swathes of rocky desert in the wild west of Southern Utah. Although this route has no official name, it's the amalgamation of several routes that carve their way through some of the most impressive landscapes on earth. Each bend in the road – which can be few and far between on some stretches – reveals an awe-inspiring view, reminiscent of Hollywood Westerns. Setting off from Dead Horse Point near Moab , the route takes in the Canyonlands National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Capitol Reef National Park and Bryce Canyon before finishing in the enchanting Zion National Park, nearly 500 miles later. For those looking to indulge en route, it's hard to resist a night or two at the remarkable Amangiri hotel – a luxury oasis that blends into the vast, surrounding landscape of canyons, mesas, ridges and gorges.

Caitlin Morton

CNT Editors

Sarah James

The Panorama Route, South Africa

Hoedspruit to Pilgrim's Rest, 130 miles (209km)

Heading up and over South Africa 's Drakensberg Escarpment, the route takes in wildlife reserves, fruit fields, gold-rush sites, cascading waterfalls, gorges and, of course, the imposing peaks of the Drakensberg Escarpment. Once over the peak, the aptly named 'God's Window' reveals views over the Blyde River Canyon, the famous Kruger National Park and the Lebombo Mountains on South Africa's border with Mozambique . Known as one of the world's greatest wildlife reserves, you have a good chance of encountering the Big Five in the Kruger National Park, which is just an hour's drive east from the end point in Pilgrim's Rest.

The Great Ocean Road, Australia

Melbourne to the 12 Apostles and back to Melbourne, 340 miles (550km)

Australia ’s most famous road blends rugged coastal vistas with dense forests, national parks and beach towns. Starting in the city of Melbourne , the route heads southwest to the beach town of Torquay, which is where the Great Ocean Road officially starts. From here, it hugs the Victorian coastline all the way along to a group of limestone sea stacks called the 12 Apostles, just before Port Campbell. While the weather has taken its toll, reducing the number of sea stacks over the years, the route is still a popular sightseeing trip from Melbourne and is frequented by campervans and cars alike. Turning back towards Melbourne at the 12 Apostles, make sure you loop back, inland at Cape Otway taking in the dense forests of the Otway National Park before heading back into the hustle and bustle of the city.

25 Best Road Trips in the World – That We’ve Taken

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: February 11, 2024

We’ve taken a lot of the best road trips in the world during our travels. We’ve done everything from epic road trips lasting 6 weeks to one-day scenic drives that cover spectacular scenery. We’ve done them all and here are the best road trips Dave and I have done around the world.

Table of Contents

Best Road Trips in the World

Thanks  Johnny Jet  and  Chris McGinnis  for giving us the idea to make this list. It was during their Twitter chat about road trips that we realized, “wow, we’ve driven most of the ultimate road trip destinations on earth!” So without further adieu, let’s take a look at road trips around the world that we have done by country or continent.

Road Trips in the USA

There’s no doubt about it, the United States is one of the best road trip destinations in the world. Many of the best road trips in the world are located right in the United States. We’ve been lucky enough to drive along most of the East and West Coasts of the country and here are a few of our favorite routes.

1. Route 66 – Arizona

Route 66 is the road trip of dreams. We have all listened to that beautiful song by Nat King Cole and fantasized about driving Route 66 one day. And we had the chance. It lives up to the hype. Albeit, only portions of it are worth driving.

Much of the 3,940km route is abandoned and decrepit as it was forgotten when the highway system was put in place, but there are parts that have been turned into national scenic byways in Illinois, Missouri, New Mexico, and Arizona . We have driven many different portions of  Route 66 , but you can drive this entire route from Chicago to California.

For more another great US Road trip not on this list check out:  The Ulitmate 10 Day Arizona Road Trip ,

• Duration: 1 Day for portions to 2-3 weeks
• Highlights of Route 66: Best portions are in Arizona , New Mexico, Missouri and Illinois.
• Read more at:  Route 66 Road Trip – Cruising The Main Street of America

2. Pacific Coast Highway – California

It’s the most epic drive in the United States. The drive starts in Monterrey and weaves down Highway 1 to Los Angeles . Make sure to stay the night in Monterrey or Carmel by the Sea . There is great kayaking in the marine reserve of Monterrey and Surfing in Carmel. Read more: Big Sur Road Trip – The Best Viewpoints

It’s a beautiful coastal highway with long stretches of beaches, impressive sea cliffs, and legendary stops where movie stars and billionaires have hung out for decades to escape the hustle and bustle of California cities. And definitely take time to stay at one of the best places to stay in California (Mark Zuckerberg stayed here) the Ventana

• Duration: 2-4 Days
• Highlights of Pacific Coast Highway – The Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls, Carmel by the Sea, Big Sur, Hearst Castle, Santa Barbara, and Pfeiffer Beach.
• Read more at  California Road Trip and Where to Camp in Big Sur

3. San Francisco to LA –  National Parks Route

This is the epic American route. Don’t just drive in a straight line from San Francisco to Los Angeles, go everywhere in between. This road trip takes you through four different states and showcases the best of America’s National Parks and cities.

It takes you through the most rugged and beautiful landscapes of America and you visit the most exciting cities in the country. Read more: Things to do in Yosemite National Park

• Duration: 2 Weeks
• Highlights of San Francisco to Los Angeles – Grand Canyon , Vegas, Antelope Canyon, Zion National Park, Yosemite National Park
• Read More:  Make the Most of Antelope Canyon Photography Tour

4. Hana Highway – Maui Hawaii

It’s just a short drive, but everyone who goes to Maui raves about the Hana Highway. This (mostly) single lane road is a day trip that spans the North Coast of the Island from Paia to Hana.

It twists and turns and you cross 59 bridges during the 2-3 hour drive (one way) there are many scenic stops along the way, but the real beauty begins after Hana when you reach  Haleakala National Park . This is one of the top things to do in Maui , so if you plan a trip, make sure to rent a car and drive the road to hana.

• Duration: 1 Day
• Highlights of the Hana Highway : Bamboo Forest, Painted Eucalyptus Trees, 7 Sacred Pools, Waterfalls, Scenic Views
• Read More: Road Trip to Hana and Beyond

5. 17 Mile Drive – California

It may be a short road trip, but it is a goodie. You can take an entire day exploring 17-Mile Drive at Carmel By the Sea. If you are looking for a different way of road tripping, try e-biking instead of going in a car. A road trip doesn’t have to be always in a car, we’ve included cycling Africa as one of our best road trips we’ve ever done! Read more: Photography Guide to Big Sur Coastal Drive, California

• Duration: a few hours to 1 day
• Highlights of 17 Mile Drive: Ghost Tree, Bird Rock,  the Lone Cypress, Spanish Bay, John Denver Memorial, Beaches, Links at Spanish Bay, Pebble Cove.
• Read More : The Ultimate Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary and The Best Viewpoints
• Best California Road Trip

6. Miami to Key West

It took Dave and me a few tries to finally make it to Key West. We have driven from Canada to Central Florida many times, but only ever made it as far as Daytona and Orlando .

We had flown into Miami before but never did a road trip to the Florida Keys. When we finally rented a car and made our way to the famous ocean highway to the southern tip of the United States. We felt like we entered a different world. Key West is like being in the Caribbean without having to stamp your passport. Check out these Facts about Florida

It’s only a day trip from Miami to Key West, but we suggest taking your time to explore the Keys on the way down.

• Duration: 1-day return trip to 1 week for exploring.
• Highlights of Key West Road Trip – Marathon Key, Hemingway’s House, Key Largo , Dry Tortugas National Park, snorkeling, underwater museum, Seven Mile Bridge, Southernmost Point , Islamorada Florida Keys , & Where to Stay in The Florida Keys
• Read More: Miami to Key West Road Trip – Best Florida Keys Itinerary

7. Lake Superior Circle Tour – USA and Canada

Road trips can take many forms and we circumnavigated the world’s largest freshwater lake by motorcycle. The Lake Superior Circle Tour is one of the epic motorcycle routes in North America, but it’s also fabulous in a car and makes for an amazing road trip.

From the sandy shores of the southern shore to the rocky high sea cliffs of the wild north, this is an unexpected route through Ontario, Michigan, Wisconson, and Minnesota. Travel through small-town USA, historic treasures and the wild abandoned North of Ontario, this road trip is magnificent.

• Duration: 4 days to 2 weeks.
• Highlights of Lake Superior Circle Tour – Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Terri Fox Memorial, Beautiful coast, three different states and one province in Canada
• Read More:  The Best of the Lake Superior Circle Tour
• See all of the best places to visit in Michigan for your next road trip.

Canadian Road Trips

Canada is our favourite country for road tripping and in our humble opinion, the best road trips in the world are located in our home country. From both coasts to the far north, through high altitude of the Rocky Mountains and along the shore, you will see it all in Canada.

8. Icefields Parkway – Alberta

Alberta’s Icefields Parkway is often considered one of the top road trips in the world! And with good reason. There are so many things to see along the way. There is one spectacular scene after another.

Starting in Banff, the road trip takes you north along Highway 1 through the Rocky Mountains. It spans two of Canada’s most beautiful National Parks. Banff National Park and Jasper National Park. See our full drive here.

There are scenic lookouts galore where you can go hiking or to simply take in the view of mirror lakes reflecting jagged snow-capped mountains. A highlight is stopping at the Athabasca Glacier for a snowcat tour of this gigantic piece of ice and to take a walk on the Icefields Sky Walk. Continue on to Jasper where you can explore more of Alberta’s rugged and remote areas. Suggested hotel Fairmont Jasper and Fairmont Lake Louise

• Duration:  1-3 Days
• Highlights of the Icefields Parkway: Bow Lake, Columbia Icefields Skywalk, Athabasca Glacier, Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise
• Read more about Banff:  The Rocky Mountaineer,   Where to Stay in Banff

9. Dempster Highway – Yukon

For the ultimate road trip adventure, there’s not a lot that compares to the Dempster Highway. You can drive to the Arctic on the Dempster Highway and that is exactly what we did.

This 736 km road stretches from the far Arctic in Inuvik in the Northwest Territories, to Dawson City in the  Yukon. It crosses the equator through the most beautiful landscape in the world. You’ll see caribou, grizzley bears and other wildlife on along the way and it is simply spectacular.

• Duration:  2-6 days
• Highlights of the Dempster Highway:  Crossing the Arctic Circle, Innuvik, Dawson City, Eagle Plains, Tombstone Mountains
• Read More:   Drive to the Arctic, Yes you Can

10. Fundy Trail – New Brunswick

The province of New Brunswick houses one of the most beautiful coastal drives in Canada. Famous for the Hopewell Rocks, we drove along the Bay of Fundy Parkway and witnessed giant sea cliffs plunging into the sea.

There are secluded and isolated beaches, it crosses through the Fundy National Park where you can hike to waterfalls and lookouts and it drives along one of the longest undeveloped coastlines in North America.

It is home to the world’s highest tides where you can walk out for miles on the ocean floor. Take your time to drive along this stretch of road that houses some of the most spectacular scenery on earth.

• Duration:  3 – 4 Days
• Highlights of the Fundy Trail : Hopewell Rocks, Saint Stephen’s Sea Caves, Fundy National Park, Cape Enrage, Town of Alma, Covered Bridges. 
• Read More:  Things to do in Saint John, New Brunswick

11. Cowboy Trail – Alberta

If you love getting away from it all and having a rip-roaring adventure, the Cowboy Trail is for you. This is one of our favourite road trips we’ve ever done. Following the route through Southern Alberta is easy, well marked and filled with activities and beauty. There is something to see every single day and this trip will surprise you.

From the lunar landscape of the badlands to where the great plains meet the Rocky Mountains, you’ll be driving through the varied landscapes that will take your breath away.

• Highlights of the Cowboy Trail: Dinosaur Provincial Park, Crows Nest Pass, Bar U Ranch, Waterton Lakes National Park, Hoodoos of Drumheller
• Read more:  Full Itinerary – Alberta Road Trip, Where to Stay in Banff

12. Cabot Trail – Nova Scotia

The Cabot Trail is one of Canada’s Ultimate Scenic Highways. Located on  Nova Scotia’s  Cape Breton Island, it is filled with sea cliffs, coastal hikes, beaches, and untamed wilderness. You’ll see moose on the Skyline walk, whales on kayaking and scenic boat trips and stunning sunsets over the Gulf of St. Lawrence explore the best scenic stops in the country.

• Duration: 2-5 Days
• Highlights of the Cabot Trail: Skyline Trail, Alexander Graham Bell’s house, Uisge Ban Waterfall Hike, North River Kayaking, Ingonish Beach, Middle Head Trail, Boat Tours, whale watching and wildlife.
• Read More:  11 Not to be Missed Stops on the Cabot Trail

13. Sea to Sky Highway – British Columbia

Canada is known for its multiday road trips since the country is so massive, but the Sea to Sky Highway is an excellent short road trip from Vancouver. The Sea to Sky drive is only about 90 minutes from Vancouver to Whistler, but there are many sights to see along the way this mountain road.

We suggest taking at least two days and spend the night in Squamish. Squamish has some of the best rock climbing in the world at Big Chief, there are world-class kite surfing and backcountry hiking. It also has fantastic dining options.

On the way to Whistler (home to the 2010 Olympics), there are scenic lookouts, waterfalls, hiking trails and adrenaline sports like bungy jumping, skydiving and scenic flights) Read more at Sea to Sky Highway Stops – What to See From Vancouver to Whistler

14. Sunshine Coast – British Columbia

A 90-minute ferry ride from Vancouver takes you to the start of the Sunshine Coast drive at Gibsons Landing. The beloved Canadian TV Series, The Beachcombers was filmed here for 20 years! You may also like These Best Places to Visit in British Columbia

The Sunshine Coast takes you through a gorgeous coastal drive, historic towns, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It has some of the best mountain biking and hiking in the country with well marked trails and few crowds.

It’s a wonderful road trip taking you on several ferries, over bridges and along the coast. The entire loop goes through the towns on the Sunshine Coast to Vancouver Island.

• Duration: 1 week Highlights of the Sunshine Coast: Gibson’s Landing, Smuggler’s Cove, Historic Powell River, Rockwater Resort, Secret Cove, Lund, Desolation Sound
• Watch our video of our Sunshine Coast Road Trip

The Best European Road Trips

5. wild atlantic way – ireland.

It’s the longest Coastal Route in the World and Ireland has done an incredible job at marketing it as the best road trips on earth. During our many trips around Ireland, The Wild Atlantic Way is a standout. Starting in Dublin , we made a b-line for the west coast of Southwest coast of Ireland from Cork to the  Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal .

The Wild Atlantic Way runs 2500 km up the Western Coast of Ireland. There are so many things to see and do on this route. Every day offers spectacular views of enormous sea cliffs, incredible beaches, and unique culture . This is a road trip that packs a huge punch with a road that goes along the entire west coast of Ireland. Read more: 23 of The Very Best Things to do in Ireland

• Duration: 2-4 weeks
• Highlights of the Wild Atlantic Way: Cliffs of Moher, Skellig Michael, Mizen Head, Poulnabrone Dolmen, Slea Head Drive, Aran Islands
• Read more about this Road Trip :  Tips for Driving the Wild Atlantic Way 

16. North Coast 500 – Scotland

The North Coast 500 is Scotland’s answer to America’s Route 66. With legendary castles, extraordinary coastal scenery, and famous whisky distilleries lining the winding single track lanes, the North Coast 500 is the ultimate drive for travel lovers.

At 500 miles long it is a touring route around Scotland’s northern coast, starting in Inverness. A Highlithg was most certainly Duncansby Head’s Seastacks

• Duration: 5 Days to 2 Weeks
• Highlights of the North Coast 500:  Inverness, Duncansby Head, Loch Ness, Distilleries, Dornoch Castle, Smoo Caves, Ullapool, Klinlochewe Viewpoint, Applecross, Baelnabach. Eilean Donan Castle
• Read More:  The Essential Guide to the North Coast 500

17. Amalfi Coast – Italy

I think the best road trip in Europe is the Amalfi Coast . We fell in love with that drive from Sorrento to Ravello. There is a reason this drive along the most stunning sea cliffs on earth has been used in so many movies.

The towns and lookouts along the coast are something out of a fairytale. They are just gorgeous. We pulled off to the side of the road to look at the luxurious island of Capri. We saw yachts sailing along the coast, and we were ein awe at the height of the seacliffs. It is truly spectacular.

• Duration:  2 days to a week
• Highlights of the Amalfi Coast  – Positano , Amalfi Town, Ravello, Sorrento, Beaches, Grottos, Capri, Hiking and Waterfalls. 
• Watch it:  Watch our video of our Amalfi Road Trip
• Check out our post :  The Best Things to do on the Amalfi Coast

18. Causeway Coast – Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is so amazing for driving and its star attraction is the Causeway Coast. The Causeway Coastal Route is filled with stop after stop of amazing sights and scenery.

It’s a much shorter route than the Wild Atlantic Way and it can be done in just a couple of days, but we recommend giving at least 4 days to explore this coast because there is so much to see.

We actually took 9 days to drive around Northern Ireland and it was perfect. Highlights include the Giant’s Causeway, Carick a Rede Bridge, The Dark Hedges and Belfast

• Duration: About a Week
• Highlights of the Causeway Coast – Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges, Carrick-a-Rede Bridge, Belfast, Game of Thrones. 
• Read more:  Best things to do in Northern Ireland

19. Bavaria – Germany

Driving through the Bavarian Alps will take your breath away. Our road trip through the Alps started in Munich where we made our way to some of Germany’s most iconic sites.

Take a trip through fairytale castles and the highest peaks of Germany for one of the most memorable drives on earth. Go to the Olympic town of Garmish-Partenkirken, tour the world’s oldest monastery and brewery and hike through the picturesque landscape filled with rivers, valleys, lakes, and mountains.

• Duration: 2  Weeks
• Highlights of Bavaria : Neuschwanstein Castle, Berchtesgaden ,  Weltenburg Abbey, Danube Gorge, Munich , Nuremberg, Volkach wine region, Alpspix
•   The Best of Bavaria  
• Things to do in Garmisch Partenkirchen
• Things to do in Munich

20. Ring Road – Iceland

The Ring Road Route 1 of Iceland circles the entire country offering drivers the chance to explore every nook and cranny. People normally drive the route in 10 days to 2 weeks, but to really explore Iceland properly you should take longer. We drove around the island in a counterclockwise directly from Reyjavik Vik and then turning north to see the rest of Iceland.

You can camp or stay at hotels along the way. We drove counterclockwise around the 1,322 km (821 miles). With magnificent glaciers, mountains, hot springs, an untamed coastline, and fascinating culture, The Iceland Ring Road is definitely one of the best road trips in the world.

• Duration: 2 Weeks
• Highlights of the Ring Road:  Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Skogafoss waterfall, Seljalandsfoss, Vik, Horseback Riding Skagafjörður Region, Myvatn Geothermal Area, Kirkjufellsfoss
• Read more:  18 Photos of Iceland’s Mind-Blowing Beauty and 30 of the Best Places To Visit In Iceland

The Best International Road Trips

21. south island – new zealand.

The best way to get around New Zealand is by driving independently. We traveled the South Island two ways, on a bus with the Flying Kiwi which was affordable and a great way to see the highlights, but once we took more time to explore with our own camper van, that’s when the true road trip in New Zealand began.

Just follow the roads in a circle around the South Island island to explore all there is to see and do. New Zealand has a diverse landscape in a very little area. You’ll be mesmerized by the changing landscape before your eyes at each and every turn. Be sure to drive the Milford Road to see the incredible Milford Sound.

There are glaciers, mountains, lakes, and amazing adventures to be had. Read all about it on 46 Top Things to do in New Zealand

• Duration: 4 Weeks
• Highlights : Queenstown, Milford Sound, Abel Tasman, Lake Tekapo, Kaikoura, Pancake Rocks
• Read more about New Zealand:  33 Reasons to Visit New Zealand

22. Great Ocean Road – Australia

Australia is an amazing country to take a driving tour. The Great Ocean Road is probably the most scenic road trip in the country. The route is more than 600km (400 miles) and drives along sea cliffs, jungles, and out to amazing beaches. Some of the top beaches for surfing are located along this route.

If you can, get out and hike because that is where you really get to witness the spectacular coast. We did the Great Ocean Walk – A Beautiful Way to Experience the Twelve Apostles and it was truly a memorable experience.

• Duration:  1 – 3 days
• Highlights  – Twelve Apostles, Bells Beach, Koalas of Kennet River, Otway National Park,
• Read more:   Great Ocean Walk to the 12 Apostles

Overland Europe to Asia

23. mongol rally – 12 countries/2 continents.

It’s the mother of all road trips and the most epic road trip we have ever taken. We hit the open road for six weeks traveling overland from England to Mongolia. iI you are up for the adventure of a lifetime, this is a must.

The Mongol Rally is on many a bucket list and it lives up to the hype! The Mongol Rally is a charity rally starting in London, England and ending in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Read more: 38 Best Things to do in London, England In 2023

You choose your route and take as long as you want to get there. Take your time to get to know the people, and to experience some of the most remote regions on earth.

You just have to raise a certain amount of money for charity and buy a car that used to be donated to the country, but now must be shipped back when you finished.

Or if you have loads of time, return in back around in a different route!

• Duration – 3-8 weeks
• Highlights – 15 countries, 2 continents, endless possibilities – Siberia, The Mongolian Steppe, Prague, Brussels , Kyiv, Kazakhstan, it all really depends on the route you choose to take.
• Countries include England , France, Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Tip of Austria, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Mongolia.

Africa Road Trips

24.  garden route – south africa.

I always thought the Garden Route of South Africa sounded a little tame, the name sounds like we’d be driving through Botanical gardens. I had visions of sipping tea in manicured gardens as we overlooked the ocean, but this road trip is filled with amazing adventure, striking coastlines, wild animals, incredible nature, and world class wine and dining.

The Garden Route is the southern half of the Durban to Cape Town road trip that we took, and we highly recommend doing the entire thing. South Africa has it all in one of the most exotic and beautiful places on earth. From Gorgeous coastal views, whale watching, jungles and caves. There is so much to see. This is a year round route so hop in your car and go any time.

• Highlights – Great White Shark Diving, Cango Caves, Big 5 Safari, Ostrich Farm, Microlight over Durban, Cape Town
• Read More:  Awesome Things to do in South Africa

25. Cairo to Cape Town –  Entire Coast of Africa

We said early that road trips take many forms, so we wanted to include this one as well. This is more than a cross country road trip, it’s a cross-continent road trip!

Even though we did it by bicycle, you can drive an SUV or motorcycle down the Eastern side of Africa. 12,000 km takes you through some of the most fascinating countries on earth.

Landscapes and cultures vary drastically as you start in the desert landscape of Egypt’s Middle East and the Islamic culture of Sudan. It’s then into the great plains, jungles, and wildlife of Eastern and Southern Africa that takes you all the way down to the Southern point of the continent. Wow!

You can drive this epic route down Africa going through 9 countries: Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Botswana, Zambia, South Africa.

• Duration: 3 – 4 months
• Highlights : 10 countries, 3- 6 months, the possibilities are once again endless…Pyramids of Egypt, Blue Nile, Victoria Falls, Safaris, Chobe National Park, Addis Ababa, Nubian Desert of Sudan, Cape Town South Africa
• Read more:  We cycled the Continent of Africa

Road Trip Planner Apps

• Road Tripping Apps – Going on a Road Trip Check out these driving route planners and travel apps to make the most of your trip.
• Apple Maps:  We used Apple Maps recently from Florida to Toronto and found it to be better than Google Maps. It offered more options for avoiding traffic than Google.
• Road Trippers:  Road Trippers is a popular one that is free for shorter road trips offering 7 waypoints. If you upgrade to the paid subscription you get 150 points to pin on your route.
• Waze:  Dave os a huge fan of Waze, even for daily commutes. It’s a social-riven app that lets you know of collisions, traffic, police radar and gas prices.
• Spotify:  Okay, this isn’t a route planning app, but it is a must for road tripping. We have our tunes for each part of the day sectioned on playlists.
• To get started we use our  Ultimate Road Trip playlist  and then as the day goes on we end with our mellow mix.

Travel Tips for Road Trip Planning

We have taken a lot of road trips, and the best times we have had were when we were prepared.

We aren’t saying that you can’t stray from your route, but have what you need ready in case of an emergency or any unplanned hiccups.

I know a lot of this is common sense, but if you go through the checklist, it will make for fewer headaches when you are on the road.

Route Planning and Maps

Plan the route on your road trip planner,  but have a hard copy map with you as well. In many places, you are going to drop cellular coverage and will have to rely on good old fashioned map reading.

Have car chargers for your electronics . Most cars have a USB charger, but we find we need more than one. We love the dual USB charger, we have even charged our drone in our car while on a road trip.

Car Insurance

Insurance : If you are renting a car, check with your insurance company to see if it covers rentals, if not make sure you get insurance.

Our American Express Platinum Card also covers all insurance if we rent our car through our credit card in the same name that the rental is in. Check with your credit card company to see if you are covered for everything.

We nearly always get the extra coverage because we don’t want the hassle of having to go through our insurance should something happen.

If there is a fender bender, we just hand over the keys and don’t worry about a thing. but it is more money, so be prepared.

If you enjoyed this post, save it to Pinterest for future travel planning. 

So there you have it. The best road trips ever! (that we have taken) There are other road trips on our list. Like Let us know if you have a suggestion, we are always adding to our list.

Read other road trip itineraries destinations around the world

• Tasmania Road Trip
• Ultimate Arizona Road Trip Itinerary
• Bosnia and Herzegovina Road Trip
• Tips for Driving from England to Mongolia
• Mongol Rally Gear Guide

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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72 thoughts on “25 Best Road Trips in the World – That We’ve Taken”

I was very excited after reading about Road Trip. I like this part “It’s the longest Coastal Route in the World and Ireland has done an incredible job at marketing it as the best road trips on earth” very much because I have never here about it. Thanks for writing about road trip. I also write a blog on it but it is nothing in front of your Article.

I would have never thought about the Mongol Rally until I saw this. That is an awesome trip out of so many I honestly don’t know how to pick a favorite. Thanks so much for all this good information to have.

I loved reading about your road trip experience around the world. Your descriptions really made it come alive for me. Happy travels!

Arizona is my one of the favorite places. hope, i’ll go there in future. thanks for sharing this amazing post with us.

So many fantastic road trips – so much to be discovered! We have done a lot in the USA, and especially loved our California road trip that included 5 national parks and we REALLY LOVE Colorado – you two would love a southwest Colorado road trip !

The view of the Arizone road 66 is awesome.It stars attracting me,haha

OMG! These places are really so amazing. I always love to travel whenever I’ve chance to visit. Also, I want to say that these roads are beautiful to see. You’ve counted the most beautiful place from all over the world. In this article all pictures are mindblowing. Thanks

When i “grow up” i want to to atleast half of this 🙂 🙂 Thanks for sharing.

Really a great list of road trips. Love to do one of these road trips. Thanks for sharing.

Amazing post! I’ve only been to a few of these road trips in past four years. Now it looks like I have many more to add to my bucket list. Pictures are gorgeous! Thanks for the list.

Wow, what a great list of the trips. It is nice and informative.

Can any one give me a perfect travel plan to visit Amalfi Coast – Italy. May i know the monsoon time of Amalfi Coast.

You can check out our blog here. We are planning on updating it with more information, but it gives you the highlights here. https://theplanetd.com/things-to-do-in-amalfi-coast-italy/

Thanks for sharing a great post!

Great post, we have to go back to Canada for a while next year and planning a few road trips out west. We’ve seen much of the world the last 5 years but really haven’t seen much of Canada.

We did our own version of the Garden Route a few years back, crossing the mountains into the Karoo and then across the Swartberg pass to Prince Albert. The best road trip we’ve done.

Fantastic list of imagination I love road trips very much. I feel more close to nature Maybe in my next trip I’ll think about one of them and over time I’ll try it all Thank you I’m constantly following up on your advice

Looks like you have not traversed the entire Route 66 so let’s do it. When do you want to go?

Thank you all for your responses. Greatly appreciated.

I’ve done the road 66 with my best friends and laugh a lot, I really need to make much more road trips it was so a good experience, loved it! I’ve written an article also about Road trips

I’d add the Corniche, the drive along the French Riviera coastline from St Tropez to Cannes, past and then on to Juan Les Pins, Antibes and Nice, a really brilliant drive.

Awesome article and inspiration, thanks Dave and Deb! I agree with you on the South African Garden Route (also the trans-Karoo is spectacular…and many more in our beautiful country). One more to try out if you haven’t is Namibia – that country was MADE for gravel travel roadtripping! From south to north, the desert scenery turns to bush and lush riverine country in the north – and NEVER gets ugly, boring or repetitive. An outstandingly beautiful and safe country to travel. PS our names are also Dave and Deb 🙂

hey Dave and Deb, In search of freedom and liberty, I quit my job and started my business. Hope this venture of mine goes successful. If that happens, the first thing that I am gonna do is spend a nice and a long vacation with my family. you guys are amazing. keep travelling and keep sharing.

regards, Dhruv K. Mangukia

Amazing photos, great list of Road trips. You guys done a great job. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

Thabks sharing the awesome travel Skills

I think Ireland will be one for us soon ? Headed to the US soon but no roadtrip one this trip!

Another nice but short road-trip is from Lisbon to Faro at the west-coast of Portugal. I did this last year with a friend and it was awesome! Although the weather wasn’t that good we saw a lot of beautiful bay areas. forests and hidden cliffs!

Wow these are all epic, I would love to do some of these road trips – fantastic post!

really a very good list.. thanx for sharing

Great list! I’d love to take one of these road trips one day. Thanks for sharing..

Love your site!!! We me and my wife are getting ready for a European roadtrip in a mobile home do you have any expirience or tips of that? All our best Annika & Daniel Majak

We haven’t done a European mobile home trip, but we did have a campervan in New Zealand. just have a great time, be flexible and enjoy the campgrounds. We’ve stayed at a few campgrounds in Europe and they are excellent! They’re often close to cities and some even have shuttles.

I have almost finished 2500km walk around Ireland, doing both the Coastal walk, and the Wild Atlantic way, the published distance is a bit missleading, you would have to go back and forth on every sign poated road for the WAW to be 2500. That said , it is spectacular.

That is great that you have walked nearly all around Ireland. The official Website for the WAW also says 2500 km. That’s their claim to fame, the longest coast driving route int he world. Pretty awesome. I didn’t measure the exact km we did from bottom to top, but it was pretty much 2500 km as well. We definitely did a lot of back and forth and around different bays and lochs, so that probably explains. If you go in a direct line, it definitely cuts km off:)

Awesome and interesting post.

Massive list!! You guys have done on a lot! Currently doing a massive road trip to Mongolia, inspired by the mongol rally. But i like to take some more time then 3-8 weeks 😉

One good roadtrip that you guys ‘should’ do is the Transfagarasan in Romania. 90 km both ways and very scenic!

Love your website!!! Arnoud

That’s a good idea. We’d like to do it again but take a few months. There’s so much to see and so many different routes. The Mongol Rally was a blast, but longer would be better. Thanks for the suggestion about Romania. We drove through Romania during the Mongol Rally, but I’m not sure if we went that route. Cheers!

Would do any of these at the drop of a hat. Road trips are such a fun, classic way to see the world 🙂

They are a great way to see the world aren’t they?

Some incredibly beautiful places…… all the pics in this post are worthy of becoming wallpaper on my laptop……. I will make at least a couple of these my laptop wallpapers!!

Some of these are still on the bucket list, and while the LA to SF is one of the shortest it is one of my favorite! So many people think California is just LA and don’t take the time to spend the extra couple days to enjoy the AMAZING drive up the coast. Carmel might just be one of my favorite little towns on Earth!

Great list! I’d love to take one of these road trips one day. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you Sanjana. You would love any one of these road trips. We definitely did.

Amazing photos, great list of Road trips. Though I’m a hiking lover but you did succeed in encouraging me to try road trips. I don’t know how to drive and my parents never taught me. Maybe I can ask my parents to drive for me and explore all of this area.

Glad we could entice you to give road trips a try. We love hiking too. The great thing about a road trip, is you can take time off to go for a hike. The car gives you freedom to do whatever you like. I think your parents would love a road trip too!

Taking note, as a few of these are in the works. And guys, Norway has fabulous road trips, especially along the long coast. Just sayin’. 🙂

Thanks Sophie! Have a great time road tripping! I would love to go to Norway, hopefully one day soon, that is one long coas.t We’ll be sure to rent a car!

The Cairo to Cape town trip looks exciting. Is the route generally safe?

Dave & Deb, having just made the legendary road-trip along California’s Highway One, I’m eager to do more, and like the look of the drives that you included here. Another one of our favorites has been exploring the Dalmatian coastline in Croatia, and then crossing into Montenegro and Albania too. Love your captures, particularly those from Hawaii and Dark Hedges,.

They sound like awesome road trips, thanks for sharing! WE havne’t been to Montenegro or Albania, I smell another road trip on the horizon! Thanks for the compliment regarding the photographs. It’s pretty easy to be inspired by such beautiful destinations.

Some great exciting road trips, im from New Zealand and have yet done a South Island road trip, although many of my friends have and say it is amazing!

Thank you! You’ll definitely have to get that South Island road trip in, it’s amazing!

I have done a few of these road trips that you mentioned, but nothing to the level that you guys have done. The pictures are fabulous. Your mention of the Route 66 road trip brought back memories to me. I made a cross country road trip of the USA where most of it was on Route 66 when they were still building the interstate highway system, so most the the route was still there. I am so glad that I did because a lot of that is gone now and I have memories that cannot be duplicated today. I am intrigued with Canada and would love to take a trip across the southern portion. I would also enjoy such a trip by train and leave the driving to them. I heard there is such a great trip available.

Hey Bob, that would have been amazing. We only gave it an honorable mention because we haven’t done the entire thing. We felt that we couldn’t properly say we’ve done Route 66 when we’ve only done portions. Now to do the whole thing, that would be amazing. I’d love to do it on a motorcycle. You would love visiting Canada, In the summer, it’s beautiful. A road trip through the Rockies is outstanding.

Loved doing road trips in South Africa and in South Island New Zealand where the blues are the most gorgeous hues we have ever seen! Next time, do try the Route 62 from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth in South Africa – the towering cliffs just come at you! Also you two will love the east coastal drive in Sri Lanka – although hugging the east coast, the route also takes you inland through some rugged terrain with elephants. Lovely images – thanks for inspiring us.

Sounds fantastic! Thanks for the recommendations. You could spend a lifetime doing road trips around the world and barely scratch the surface. We didn’t get to explore much of the Eastern Sri Lankan Coast, another reason to go back!

South Island, New Zealand is very beautiful place in world. Really I like this place very much. Anyone can be more delighted to come here.

These all look amazing. I was on the Hana Highway many years ago, and would love to go back. Having lived in Alberta in the 70’s (and dating a couple of cowboys!), I’d love to go back and do the Cowboy Trail

thanks for this compilation. It will now be on my bucket list before I turn 60. 10 years to go. Keep exploring guys !

Fantastic photos guys. Very sharp! I’ve done a road trip from LA through to Arizona, Utah and Nevada. It was our first time in America and I did this with my husband and young son. Also, we drove from Berlin to London. I’m not sure that you would call it a road trip per se, but I think driving through 5 independent countries and then crossing the British Channel should surely count LOL! Nice post guys. 🙂

Hi Victoria, Thanks for the compliment. Sounds like you’ve done some awesome road trips. I call Berlin to London a road trip for sure. Anytime you drive and travel, it’s a road trip to me! Love it!

Wow, what a great list of road trips! Some wonderful photos too. Really like the bamboo forest. I’ve only done a couple road trips that you have listed…Page to Antelope Canyon being one of them. I actually did a little video if your readers are interested: http://www.mikesroadtrip.com/antelope-canyon

Thanks Mike, that bamboo forest is pretty incredible eh? I’ll definitely check out the video, thanks for sharing.

Would love to do every single one of the road trips you mentioned above. Especially the Mongol Rally would be something I´d love to do. My aunt and uncle did it a couple of years ago and they fell in love with the landscape in Mongolia. If you have a chance you should do a road trip in Southern France. The Lavender Route is a great route where you will drive along one of the largest canyons in Europe and you will drive past the famous lavender fields.

Your Aunt and Uncle are right. The landscape of Mongolia is so beautiful, we both really want to go back. We’ve actually done Southern France, I should have included that one! We went from Paris through the South of France, into Spain and then over to the Cinque Terre in Italy. You’ve reminded me that I will have to add it to this list when I get a chance.

Great list!! We are currently driving the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland! Also headed to the Causeway Coast. Love the Lake Superior Circle Tour (Duluth/Superior is our home town!!!) and loved the Road to Hana. Nothing like a great road trip.

Have an amazing time on the Wild Atlantic Way! It’s incredible isn’t it? And enjoy the Causeway Coast,try to stay over night at the Giant’s Causeway to see it in the morning or at sunset without all the tour buses there. Totally worth it.

Great post with amazing photos!

Thanks Johnny! And thanks for the inspiration it was #TravelSkills that got me thinking about putting all the road trips together!

I’ve only been to a few of these road trips, looks like quite a few more I would need to add to my bucket list – gorgeous pics!

Thanks Noel, I’m glad we could inspire you with a few ideas:)

Fantastic list of imagination I love road trips very much. I feel more close to nature Maybe in my next trip I’ll think about one of them and over time I’ll try it all Thank you I’m constantly following up on your advice

Thanks Noel even I am glad to know this Thank You very much

The Best Road Trips in the World

By CNT Editors

"What Slovenia lacks in size, it makes up for in medieval architecture, stylish alfresco cafes, and hit-the-brakes-pretty scenery. The charm begins in the romantic capital of Ljubljana, where riverside wine bars bring the centuries-old cobbled streets and baroque architecture to life. From there, it’s all glassy mountain lakes, rolling vineyards, mountains of prosciutto, fresh cheese, and castles —so many castles. No matter which way you turn, there’s a fifteenth-century village or a craggy karst canyon begging for a pitstop. Southwest of Ljubljana, the UNESCO-inscribed Skocjan Caves wind underground for 3.8 miles, while the Renaissance-era Predjama Castle dramatically hovers over the mouth of a cave." – Kate Springer

Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

"Tooling around in the Crown Vic for a week used to feel like consolation for the exotic vacation we couldn’t take. But now better roads and rentals in many countries—and the hack that is GPS—are putting travelers back in the driver’s seat. On a recent trip to the Yucatán, my husband and I drove from Cancún to Playa del Carmen to discover it’s hardly the cute town it was 20 years ago. So we floored it south to perpetually eco-chic Tulum , stopping for Mayan ruins and a dip in a cenote, even scoring a table at Hartwood . We could have stayed all week, but the peninsula’s well-maintained network of roads made it easy to keep going—to colonial Valladolid with its arty expat crowd (there’s a gorgeous Coqui Coqui hotel there) and through the jungle to the design-and-food mecca of Mérida . All a needed reminder that sometimes the end point is beside the point." – Rebecca Misner

Highway 101, Oregon

"Down the snaking shoreline from Washington State to the California Redwoods, Oregon's Highway 101 puts on a show, from broad Cannon Beach to dozens of outstanding state parks with even better names (see: Devils Punchbowl, Cape Perpetua). Each detour is distinctive, and the drive is—dare we say it—as lovely as California's Highway 1 . One of the most famous landmarks on the Oregon coast is Haystack Rock, forever known as Goonies Rock, thanks to its appearance at the end of the 1981 kidventure flick The Goonies . The sea stack rises 235 feet above sea level, and is a visible beacon calling you to Cannon Beach." – CNT Editors

Namibia's Desert

"We started the day with a breakfast buffet at Sossusvlei Lodge. The camp sits just a few minutes from the Sesriem campsite, the gateway to Sossusvlei . By 9 a.m., we hit the 37-mile tar road... We made it to Dune 45, often considered the most photographed dune in the world due to its close proximity to the road. It sits in the sun’s spotlight at more than 550 feet tall...Our next destination was Deadvlei , a giant white clay pan just under four miles from the massive dunes of Sossusvlei. At the entrance, the park ranger pointed, muttered 'Walk a kilometer that way,' and disappeared. We played hide-and-seek in the graveyard of 900-year-old acacia trees." – Dominica Lim

Mark Ellwood

Tom Vanderbilt

Shana Clarke

Hana Highway, Hawaii

"Not all roads are created equal. The legendary 64-mile stretch, known as the Hana Highway or Road to Hana , snakes along the northeastern coast of Maui with 600 curvy bends and fifty-plus-wait-your-turn bridges (We suggest a Jeep Wrangler for this journey.) Leisurely driving is rewarded with towering coastal cliffs, plunging waterfalls , dense jungle, and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean." – CNT Editors

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina & Virginia

"The Blue Ridge Parkway is America’s longest linear park, running 469 miles through 29 counties in Virginia and North Carolina. The picturesque road is hugged by the soft green valleys that descend from the Blue Ridge Mountains, and often clouded by a heavy mist that can fall over the area in the early morning or at sunset—so drive with caution. Stop off at Benton’s Smoky Mountain Country Hams to try hams that are slow cured and aged nine to ten months and plan at least a night's stay at Hotel Indigo , a boutique downtown hotel in Asheville, North Carolina ." – CNT Editors

Route 66, United States

"No other highway has inspired so many classic rock songs, stories, and poems, and no wonder: The 2,200-mile-long Route 66 was one of the original highways built in America. Running from Chicago to California, there’s a sense of nostalgia (mingling with a little loneliness), and curios stops abound. Make sure to stop for some St. Louis-style barbecue ribs —grilled and sauced, rather than dry-rubbed and slow-smoked—at any roadside dive." – CNT Editors

"In 1997, the government repurposed 18 defunct country roads as culture and nature drives, inviting top architects to design hotels along the way. Take the Geiranger-to- Trollstigen route to marvel at the Geirangerfjord and stay in one of the seven glass cubes at Jensen & Skodvin–designed Juvet Landscape Hotel ." – Erin Florio

Northern Morocco

"Navigating Moroccan city streets can be tricky and the medinas are off-limits to cars, so we figured that letting ourselves be a little pampered would mean less arguing over directions and more freedom to experience what we came for. Start in Tangier and set aside at least a day to explore the stalls of new and antique wares in the medina... From Tangier we drove to Asilah, a whitewashed town 45 minutes down the coast, where, if it weren’t for the carpets hanging on every wall, you’d think you were in Greece... The next stop was Chefchaouen , known as the Blue Pearl, where the medina has been painted blue since the 15th century, when Jewish refugees from Spain brought their custom of coloring things to reflect the divine... We finished up in Fez, which wound up being one of the most magical, untouched places I’ve ever been." – Yolanda Edwards

"Since the 1,600-mile Wild Atlantic Way coastal highway opened in 2013, road-trippers have been exploring its once remote cliffs, castles, and cottages. We like the five-day drive from Dingle (stop for seafood at Global Village ) to Mizen Head, with a night at cozy Dromcloc House near a shingle beach." – Erin Florio

"Driving through Iceland is like a travel movie montage come to life—waterfalls and glaciers and sheep and impossibly high mountains appear between blinks. So while the 800-plus-mile Ring Road (Route 1) can technically be driven in one day, don't you dare even consider it. Give yourself a week (at least) to circle the country so you can explore Thingvellir National Park and the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, weave in and out of the eastern fjords, look for whales and Northern Lights, and pull over every ten minutes for ceaseless photo ops. Just remember to stock up on snacks and keep your headlights on 24/7." – Caitlin Morton

Romantic Road, Germany

"Follow the throngs of tourists south out of Munich to King Ludwig II's Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau, known as the real-life inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty palace , to mark the beginning of your drive up Germany's Romantic Road. Now, that's some bold billing, to be sure. But the nineteenth-century Romanesque Revival up on the hills does set the fairy-tale tone for this 285-mile ride. Day two, walk the outer wall of the medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber for a real Games of Thrones feel. Wind slowly through Bavarian villages with all their flowerbox charm and end in Würzburg outside Frankfurt, where the wine impresses as much as the Residenz, an eighteenth-century Baroque palace that caps off a drive that lives up to the hype." – Laura Dannen Redman

Tuscany, Italy

"Tuscany’s bucolic, vineyard-dotted landscape makes for the quintessential Italian road trip . Start in Florence and cruise south on the SS22 for 30 minutes until you reach the heart of the Chianti wine region . Take your time winding through Strada and Greve towards Siena, stopping at cantine along the way (we recommend these ). Depending on how much time you have, spend the night in Panzano before circling back up to Florence the next day, or head further south to Montalcino, Montepulciano, and the spectacular Val d’Orcia —arguably the most beautiful stretch of countryside in Tuscany ." – Krisanne Fordham

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Our Bucket List Of 100 Ultimate Road Trips Around The World

01 apr 2024 04 oct 2020 | dan.

Last updated 26 January 2024 by John and Dan

So many roads, so many adventures! So where to start? In this EPIC post, we’ve compiled our bucket list of 100 ultimate road trips around the world. It’s a road trip list for a lifetime of unforgettable journeys and experiences, spanning every continent (but one). Mission accepted.

We’re happiest when we’re on the road. There’s nothing quite like the freedom and anticipation of setting out on a driving adventure of your own making. Where you call the shots: you decide where to go, what to see, how long you want to stay. Where you can enjoy the best of the roads well travelled, and then leave them behind in search of the low-key and the off-beat; the hidden gems of a destination.

Road tripping is our favourite style of travel, and over the years it’s become a key element of just about every trip we make, whether it’s in our own car, a hire car, or with a local driver/guide and their car.

Years ago, we started compiling random ideas for the world’s best road trips. Our objective? The ultimate road trip bucket list to hang on our virtual travel planning wall and set the agenda for a lifetime of adventures to come. Over time, we’ve embarked on some these grail journeys too. Until 2020 anyway when, like everyone around the world, circumstances outside our control meant we had to shift down a gear.

Perfect opportunity to take our random list and make it properly epic, we thought, and plan our road tripping future for decades to come.

So we started researching. We trawled maps, websites, guidebooks, newsletters, social media and friends’ brains, to pinpoint the best drives in the world and build our own ultimate road trips list across the globe. Then we plotted out a rough route for every single one, with approximate distances and minimum timeframes. The clusters of starred places on our Google world map resembles the Milky Way.

This post is the result: 100 amazing, multi-day (in many cases multi-week) bucket list road trip adventures on every continent, except  Antarctica ( though we have set foot on the icy landmass and that trip has the number one spot on our list of 21 Epic Adventures Around the World ).

For every epic drive that’s made pole position on our road trip list though, there are another handful of road trips waiting at the back of the pack.

We’ve started with 100 but the world’s the limit, and our world is a very big place. We’re also keen to hear your tips on the best road trips in the world:  let us know in the comments at the end of the post . Let’s hit the road!

100 Ultimate Road Trips Around The World

1. Road Trips in Africa 2. Asian Road Trips 3. Road Trips in Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific 4. Road Trips in Central & South America 5. European Road Trips 6. Road Trips in the Middle East 7. Road Trips in North America

Our road trip bucket list has been years in the making and some we’ve happily warmed the tyres on already. Road trips we’ve done have their titles highlighted in orange and include links to posts where we’ve written up the itineraries. Plenty more write-ups and road trips still to come!

Road Trips in Africa

It’s the continent we’ve travelled the least and there are still vast swathes of Africa we’re keen to explore. There’s also an enormous diversity of experiences to be found between the desert dunes of the north and the wild and beautiful coastline of the south. So where to even start?

For our top 100, we’ve opted for seven mighty African road trip adventures taking in some of the continent’s most epic scenery, wildlife and history, from the top to the bottom, and off the mainland to an island on the Indian Ocean.

1. Baobabs, Wildlife and Pinnacles ~ Madagascar

Appx. 1,000+ km (620+ miles) | 10-14 days

Antananarivo to Morondava  | In an ideal world, we’d road trip all of Madagascar, but as the fourth largest island in the world, perspective is essential. So our starting point is a central island journey offering a taster of the unique wildlife, nature and landscapes the island is famous for, including the famous  Avenue of Baobabs  and the World Heritage  Tsingy pinnacles .

2. Across the High Atlas ~ Morocco

560 km (348 miles) | Up to 1 week

Marrakech to Merzouga  |  From a World Heritage walled city, we journey across the high Atlas Mountains, through canyons and gorges, past oases and ancient mud-brick kasbahs to the edge of the vast, burnt-orange Sahara Desert. We’ve travelled to Morocco twice and we loved this Moroccan road trip so much, we decided to carry on north with our driver guide through the ancient city of Fez and the blue city of Chefchaouen to Tangier. It’s a trip we hope to repeat one day. Itineraries to come .

3. The Namib Desert ~ Namibia

Appx. 2,500 km (1,550 miles) | 10-14 days

Windhoek to Windhoek Loop  | Soaring red sand dunes in the world’s oldest desert; grasslands and salt pans where wildlife roam; remarkable granite landscapes and ancient, World Heritage rock art; great gatherings of fur seals; Africa’s largest canyon; and the Skeleton Coast, a notorious stretch of coastline with the name to match. It all serves to make this one of the most exciting and anticipated adventure road trips on our list. In late 2023, we explored this fantastic country on an overland truck tour and now all we want is to go back and do it all again independently. Stay tuned for the write-up .

4. The Garden Route ~ South Africa

Appx. 1,850 km (1,150 miles) | 1-2 weeks

Cape Town to Cape Town Loop  | The Garden Route, South Africa – a 200 km (124 mile) stretch of road from Mossel Bay to Storms River – is said to be one of the most spectacular coastal road trips in the world. That in itself would be enough for us. So the fact it also offers amazing wildlife watching (on land and sea) and awesome adventure activities has cemented this on our road trip bucket list. We’ll extend the journey beyond the Garden Route itself by looping to and from Cape Town, and adding more wildlife reserves plus the wineries of Stellenbosch and Francshhoek.

5. Durban to Drakensberg Mountains ~ South Africa & Lesotho

Appx. 900 km (560 miles+) | Up to 2 weeks

Durban to Durban Loop  | This is a BIG drive: big beaches, big mountains, big waterfalls, big five wildlife encounters. Looping from Durban in South Africa along the coast, then inland through national parks and up into the World Heritage Drakensberg Mountains and the famous  Sani Pass  to Lesotho, this road trip is just one more reason we need to get driving in South Africa sooner rather than later.

6. Panorama Route ~ South Africa

Appx. 2,000 km (1,240 miles) | 1 week

Johannesburg to Johannesburg Loop  | A safari in Kruger National Park is a bucket list goal. A safari in Kruger at the end of one of the most beautiful road trips in Africa, which also happens to take in one of the world’s largest canyons, must be a bucket list road trip trifecta! In addition to the showcase Blyde River Canyon, the Panorama Route packs in forests, waterfalls, rockpools, gorges, a National Monument town and, of course, epic panoramas across the lowlands to Kruger.

7. Sea, Sand and Ancient Ruins ~ Tunisia

Appx 1,600 km (995 miles) | 2 weeks

Tunis to Tunis Loop  | If you know us, you know we’re mad for ruins, all ruins, but especially ruins of the Ancient Roman era. Tunisia, a wedge of land in Africa’s north, has some of the best ancient sites still standing, including the ruins of the famous Punic city of Carthage. By all accounts, road tripping through this under-the-radar country’s shifting landscapes – from the Mediterranean coast to the sands of the Sahara – is outstanding.

Asian Road Trips

From the ancient Silk Road through the mountains and high plains of Central Asia, to the cultural highlights of the Far East and tropical island jungles of the Indonesian archipelago, Asia is a treasure chest of road tripping adventures.

Drive journeys in Asia offer the chance to get off the more typical tourist trails and into villages, local hideaways and harder-to-reach destinations for unforgettable experiences in culture, adventure and history; and the nine epic Asian road trips on our top 100 road trip list do just that.

8. The Remote Himalayas ~ Bhutan

Distance varies | 10 days

Paro to Paro Loop  | The Himalayas remain seriously high on our bucket list (no pun intended), and at the peak is enigmatic Bhutan, a mountain kingdom with a unique culture and spectacular, untouched nature. The country’s tourism policy means we would need to have a driver and guide for this particular Asian road trip, but when you’re surrounded by the world’s highest mountains and happiest people, we’re fine with being able to sit back and just take it all in!

9. Road Trip Flores ~ Indonesia

Appx. 750 km (465 miles) | Up to 2 weeks

Labuan Bajo to Ende  | This awesome road trip through the Indonesian island of Flores serves up soaring volcanoes, traditional villages, jungley highlands and some of the best off-the-beaten track beaches in the archipelago. Add some scuba diving or snorkelling, and close encounters with primeval dragons in speccy Komodo National Park, and this is one of the best island road trips you never heard of. We traversed the island with a hire car and driver-guide. Read  our 14-day Flores itinerary  for all the details.

10. Land of Kings, Rajasthan ~ India

Appx. 2,500 km | Up to a month

Delhi to Delhi Loop  |  India’s northern state of Rajasthan is a captivating world of epic fortresses, vibrant temples, extraordinary wildlife reserves, colourful cities, vast desert landscapes and tantalising cuisines. Our driving journey into this incredible place, via the neighbouring states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradhesh, is an adventure we’ll never forget. Read  our Rajasthan road trip itinerary  for the low-down on one of the best Asian road trips on the sub-continent.

11. The Golden Route ~ Japan

Appx. 550 km (340 miles) | 1-2 weeks

Tokyo to Osaka  | Where to start when it comes to exploring Japan? There’s so much we want to see on this island nation, and there are plenty of awesome-looking road trips to explore off the beaten track, like the  Scenic Byway collection on Hokkaido . For our very first trip to the country though, we’re keen to seek out the epic highlights of the famous  Golden Route , following the ancient Tokkaido Road between Tokyo and Kyoto and on to Osaka – a magic introduction of big cities, historic towns, rich culture and stunning scenery.

12. Gobi Desert ~ Mongolia

Distance varies | 1-2 weeks

Ulaanbaatar to Ulaanbaatar Loop  | Far-flung and properly off the beaten track, Mongolia makes for no ordinary road trip. Actually, it’s well and truly off-road and from the sounds of it, trips usually take place in functional old rust-bucket vans. The rough and ready nature of this trip is all part of the fun though and well worth the prizes: huge sand dunes, vast steppes, Mongol empire ruins, wild horses, endless skies, wonderful isolation…and nights under the stars in yurts!

13. Seoul to Busan Overlander ~ South Korea

Distance TBC | 2-3 weeks

Seoul to Busan  | We’re still talking about our one brilliant night in Seoul, and we didn’t even make it into the city on that stopover. So we’re eager to get back and explore the country proper. Road tripping is apparently easy and the best way to get off the beaten track to visit the country’s best World Heritage sites, traditional villages, Buddhist temples and monasteries. There’s a ton of culture, history and nature to experience here, plus Korean BBQ! If time allows, we’ll also hop across to Jeju Island to drive the renowned  Ilju Coastal Road .

14. Emerald Island Circuit ~ Sri Lanka

Appx 1,600km (995 miles) | Up to a month

Colombo to Colombo Loop  | Compact Sri Lanka is a wonderful country to explore by road, serving up beautiful coastlines, jungles and mountains, highland tea plantations, and standout World Heritage cultural and natural sites.  We’ve travelled the traditional tourist loop  from the capital to the highlands to the coast, but there’s so much more we want to see here with the freedom of a car, especially the less-visited north and east, only more recently reopened to visitors after decades of internal strife.

15. Island Loop ~ Taiwan

Appx. 1,080 km (670 miles) | 2 weeks

Taipei to Taipei Loop  | Taiwan is a magical mystery to us, but what we’ve read has put it squarely on our road trip bucket list. Apparently the roads are great and the sights are many – from the city lights and night markets of the capital Taipei, to the cultural sites, tea plantations, beautiful beaches, hiking opportunities, speccy Taroko Gorge and everything else in between. More than half of Taiwan is mountain country too and we can never get enough mountains.

16. Pamir Highway ~ Tajikistan

Appx. 700 km+ (430 miles) | 1 week

Osh, Kyrgyzstan to Khorog, Tajikistan  | The ‘stans loom large on our destination bucket list, so it goes without saying the opportunity to get out and explore by road (not just any road either but part of the ancient Silk Road!) only adds to the appeal. The Pamir Highway starts in Kyrgyzstan and winds a route through Tajikistan that by all accounts serves up some of the most majestic mountain scenery in the world. In fact, our mates Alesha and Jarryd of NOMADasaurus rate it so highly they set up group tours with a local operator, and their  road trip write-up  has us very much looking forward to one day making this journey.

Road Trips in Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific

We’ve been enjoying road trips in Australia for as long as we can remember (Dan since she was a kid on family holidays, and John since touring Oz in a Ford Econovan as a backpacker in the 90s), but we’ve still got a serious hit list of road tripping adventures we want to have across our vast island-continent home.

We’ve also been drawn time and again to that other island nation across the pond, New Zealand , as it arguably serves up some of the world’s best road tripping opportunities. Plus, after discovering the delights of Pacific Island road tripping in  Vanuatu  and  Easter Island , we’ve added Fiji as a new island addition in our top 100.

17. Great Ocean Road ~ Australia

Appx. 243 km (150 miles) | 2-4 Days

Torquay to Allansford  | This iconic coastal drive is on our southern doorstep in the state of Victoria, and while we’ve both cruised parts of it, we haven’t driven it together. While you can knock it over in around four hours, we want to take our time and explore the epic coastal scenery both in and out of the car, including the world-famous Twelve Apostles, pristine beaches, rainforest, waterfalls, bushwalks, and eats and drinks along the way.

18. Circle Tasmania ~ Australia

Appx. 1,800 km (1,120 miles) | 1 week to 1 month

Hobart to Hobart Loop  | Gorgeous Tasmania holds a real allure for us: it’s one of just a couple of places we could imagine ourselves retiring to one day. Naturally, we’re keen to road trip to all of its corners before then. This  epic Tassie circuit  by Tourism Australia looks like the perfect place to start. Add some extra km’s to include historic Port Arthur and the foodie destination, Bruny Island, plus some world-class hiking side-trips, and we’re raring to go!

19. The South-Western Corner ~ Australia

Appx. 2,000 km (1,240 miles) | 2 weeks

Perth to Perth via Albany  | Take one of the world’s great wine regions (Margaret River), add exquisite white-sand beaches, giant trees, waterfalls, sand dunes, amazing hikes, unique geological formations and ridiculously cute quokkas, and you can see why this road trip has been calling to us. We finally had the chance to drive it in 2021 and it was every bit as epic as we’d hoped. Our original claim stands – this may well be one of the best road trips in Australia. Check out our itinerary for an epic two week road trip of south west Australia .

The Ultimate Australian Road Trip It’s called ‘The Big Lap’, a classic Aussie understatement for an epic 40,000 km (25,000 mile) adventure looping right around Australia. It’s a bit of a tradition for retired older Aussies and young international backpackers to load up a 4WD or camper trailer and embark on this extraordinary journey. It skirts just about all of the Australian coastline plus a stint inland to the Red Centre. How long it takes is entirely up you. Something to look forward to when we’re old(er).

20. South to North via Explorer’s Way ~ Australia

Appx. 4,000 km+ (2,500 miles) | 2-3 weeks

Adelaide to Darwin  | We might be leaving  The Big Lap  for later (see above), but this epic Australian road trip is one we hope to make sooner. Starting in the South Australian capital of Adelaide, this incredible journey overlands through the southern outback and into the Northern Territory to visit some of the most iconic destinations on the continent – Uluru and Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, Karlu Karlu-Devils Marbles, Litchfield National Park and more – before winding up in Darwin. Huge!

21. Viti Levu Island ~ Fiji

Appx. 515 km (320 miles) | 12-14 days

Nadi to Nadi Loop  | An iso binge watch of  Eco-Challenge Fiji  put the spectacular landscapes of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu, firmly on our road trip list. While we’ll leave the hard core adventure racing to the pros, exploring the island by car opens up a world of possibilities for reaching its remote corners and experiencing its diverse natural beauty and outdoor adventure – on land as well as in the sea (diving!) and on the nearby islands – along with the culture and legendary warmth of the Fijian people. 

22. North Island Loop ~ New Zealand

Appx. 3,200+ km (2,000 miles) | Up to a month

Auckland to Auckland Loop  | This incredible journey around the north island of New Zealand, one of our favourite places on the planet, is at the summit of our bucket list. It takes in the north’s unsurpassed landscapes of lush forests, thermal springs, pristine beaches, iconic volcanoes and spectacular lakes. Throw in ultra-cool Wellington with its craft beer and food scene, a visit to ‘Hobbiton’, and the wineries of Hawkes Bay, and this may just be our ultimate road trip heaven.

23. South Island Loop ~ New Zealand

Distance varies | Up to a month

Christchurch to Christchurch Loop  | You can tackle New Zealand’s breathtaking South Island in a couple of different trips, or road trip the whole island. We’ve already mini-looped once via the west coast glaciers, and a second time via Central Otago and the east coast ( check out our South Island highlights ). Both times we took in the magnetic mountains-and-fjords-drive between Queenstown and Milford Sound. With loads of epic destinations like Abel Tasman National Park, the Catlins and Dunedin still to visit, a drive around the whole South Island is definitely a future New Zealand bucket list road trip goal for us.

Road Trips in Central & South America

Latin America may well be a contender for our favourite part of the world. The vast spaces and incredible, changing scenery of South America are superb for road tripping, while the countries of Central America serve up culture and history in compact abundance. While there are still so many corners of both that we want to explore, the seven journeys here are a combination of our favourites and most anticipated.

24. Ruta 40 ~ Argentina

Appx. 5,200 km (3,230 miles) | As long as it takes

La Quiaca to Punta Loyola  | South America is catnip for us, we just love it. We’ve travelled various segments of amazing National Route 40 through Argentina over the years, but we’re keen to travel the entire length, from the dramatic canyons, deserts and salt flats of the north, through the lake regions, wine regions, World Heritage, cultural heritage, historic sites and pampas grasslands, to the mind-blowing mountains and glaciers of spectacular southern Patagonia.

25. Route of the Seven Lakes ~ Argentina

Appx. 108 km (67 miles) | 1-3 days

Bariloche to San Martín de los Andes  | The more time we spend in Argentina, the more places end up on our bucket list to come back and explore by car. We knew nothing about the Ruta de los Siete Lagos – Route of the Seven Lakes – when we arrived in the town of Bariloche, and our expectations were batted completely out of the ballpark. This road trip, a tiny section of Ruta 40, can be done in a day or more slowly as you follow a winding route through the sweeping forests, soaring peaks and serene lakes of northern Patagonia. Read  our one-day itinerary .

26. Atacama to Uyuni ~ Chile & Bolivia

Appx 550 km (340 miles) | 4-5 days

San Pedro de Atacama, Chile to Uyuni, Bolivia  | Atacama, the world’s highest, driest, oldest desert is simply breathtaking – both literally and figuratively. From the volcano-dotted moonscape of the Chilean plateau, it’s just a hop across the high Andes to Bolivia and another otherworldly destination: the vast salt flats of Uyuni. We tried this journey by road once before but were thwarted by sudden snowstorms. We’re determined to go back and try again.

27. Carretera Austral ~ Chile

Appx. 1,225 km (760 miles) | 1-2 weeks

Puerto Montt to Villa O’Higgins  | Patagonia is addictive. The nature, the wildlife, the outdoor adventure….we could go on. Our short road trips in Chile have whetted our appetites to explore more of this gorgeous country by car and the Carretera Austral, Chile’s Route 7, which winds along parks, rivers, lakes and hot springs and offers plenty of opportunities for trekking and out-of-car nature immersion, hits all the marks.

28. Parks & Wildlife ~ Costa Rica

Appx. 1,100 km (685 miles) | Up to 2 weeks

San José to San José Loop  | This little wedge of land in Central America is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, making Costa Rica an outstanding destination for nature lovers. With a quarter of the country protected in reserves, the hardest part of a road trip is deciding what you can bear to leave out. Our loop through the parks of Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, La Fortuna and Tortuguero served up pristine rainforest, soaring volcanoes, hot springs, beautiful beaches and wildlife watching in epic abundance. Road trip itinerary to come. In the meantime, here’s our round-up of must-see parks in Costa Rica .

29. Classic West ~ Cuba

Appx. 1,150 km (715 miles) | 2 weeks

Havana to Havana Loop  | Legendary Cuba is every bit as vibrant, evocative and distinctive as we’d hoped. From the lively, crumbling capital of Havana, a journey around the western half of this island nation serves up colourful rural villages, tobacco plantations, pretty beaches and World Heritage cities. There are opportunities for horse-riding, scuba diving, cycling and, of course, vintage car rides. While we didn’t drive ourselves (it’s certainly possible), our classic car road trips between each destination took this trip to another level. Read  our 2-week Cuba itinerary .

30. Yucatan Peninsula ~ Mexico

Appx. 2,500 km (1,550 miles) | 2-3 weeks

Cancun to Cancun Loop  | The vast, jungley Yucatan peninsula is like a magnet, drawing us back time and again to explore its pearly beaches,  otherworldly cenotes , vivid historic towns,  vibrant reefs , and epic ancient Mayan ruins (all of it fuelled by delicious tacos al pastor). While it’s easy to get around the Yucatan by public transport or tour, as we have previously, hiring a car is a chance to go at your own pace and search out the many gems of this awesome, ancient place. We’ll be back.

European Road Trips

While Europe may not have the landmass of some other continents, its 44 countries and sheer diversity of people, place, history and culture have led to it accounting for almost half of our top 100 road trip bucket list!

Having spent countless hours, days and weeks meandering by car through the UK and western Europe, plus a couple of months road tripping through northwestern Europe and Scandinavia, we know the possibilities for European road trips are endless. So while we’ve managed to compile close to fifty road trips here which are an absolute must for us, there are literally hundreds more just waiting in the wings. Bring it on!

31. Across the Austrian Alps ~ Austria

Appx. 1,200 km (745 miles) | 2 weeks

Innsbruck to Vienna  | A whirlwind winter weekend in Innsbruck introduced us to the gorgeous alpine-scapes of Austria, and returning to road trip the country is a must for us. Our planned journey starts in Innsbruck, and from there winds a high-altitude path to the western mountains and back across the country’s alpine ranges, via the famed  Grossglockner High Alpine Road , to Vienna in the east. It’s not all epic mountains though – great wining, dining, amazing hiking, history, architecture and much more also await.

32. Istria & The Adriatic Highway ~ Croatia

Appx. 800 km (500 miles) | 10 days +

Rovinj to Dubrovnik  | The glimpses of Croatia we’ve had through short trips to Split and Dubrovnik – of historic cities, charming islands, turquoise waters and epic sunsets – have been more than enough to convince us that a road trip along this stunning Kings Landing coast is a must. Cue the  Adriatic Highway , which winds a magical coastal path from top to bottom. We’ll extend the journey by starting in Rovinj, on the Istrian peninsula.

33. Southern Scandinavia ~ Denmark, Norway & Sweden

Appx. 1,850 km + Car Ferry | 2+ Weeks

Copenhagen to Copenhagen Loop  | This Nordic journey takes in the cool Scandi cities, historical highlights and beautiful, changing landscapes of Denmark, southern Norway and Sweden. We travelled this route as part of a 3-month road trip through northwest Europe and Scandinavia, but as we were rained on for most of the journey, this route is one we’re keen to travel again, in better weather. It can easily be done in either direction, and extended with a  broader circuit of Norway . Itinerary write-up to come.

34. The Mysterious Faroe Islands ~ Denmark

Distance varies | 7-10 days

Tórshavn to Tórshavn Loop  | The seed for a trip to the Faroe Islands was planted as we stood looking out to sea from the port of Hirtshals in Denmark, and it’s well and truly taken root. This wild and remote cluster of islands in the northern Atlantic, a far-flung, self-governing outpost of the Danish kingdom, has an air of magic and legend about it, and the scenery to suit. While driving around an archipelago seems unlikely, the Faroes’ bridges, under-sea tunnels and ferries make road tripping here entirely possible and, by all accounts, entirely unforgettable.

35. Baltic Road Trip ~ Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania

Tallinn to Vilnius  | Apart from a girls’ weekend in Tallinn for Dan in the early noughties, the Baltic states remain a tantalising unknown to us. What better way to discover this under-the-radar corner of northeastern Europe than by car? Highlights include castles, national parks, cool cities with baroque and art nouveau architecture, beaches, charming villages, history in droves, and plenty of scenic driving on a weaving route between Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

36. Ancient Provence ~ France

Appx. 500 km (310 miles) | Up to 2 weeks

Marseilles to Marseille Loop  | Some 2,100 years ago, the Romans turned up in south-east France, named it Provincia Romana and started building. Their legacy can still be found all over Provence, in the form of ancient theatres, temples, bridges, roads, aqueducts and monuments. We’ve driven parts of this route and mapped a bunch more for a fantastic road trip into the distant past. This is also one of the world’s great wine regions. Ancient history + wineries = our perfect European road trip.

37. The Brittany Coast ~ France

Appx. 700 km (435 miles) | 5-7 days

Saint-Malo to Saint-Malo Loop  | If the beautiful rugged coastline wasn’t enough to put this epic road trip on our list, the megalithic sites, primeval forest trails, medieval villages and towns, and renowned food scene have cemented it there. The World Heritage Mont St Michel is also just down the road from Saint-Malo.

38. Island Tripper, Corsica ~ France

Appx. 600 km (372 miles) | 7-10 days

Bastia to Bonifacio  | It took just one pic of a winding coastal road with mountains rising above a crystal clear cove to put a Corsica road trip on our bucket list. This French island, birthplace of Napoleon, packs a Mediterranean punch with wildly diverse landscapes, cute villages, outdoor adventure, beachside chill, delicious food and wineries, all in a relatively compact, very road-trippable space.

39. La Route des Grande Alpes ~ France

Appx. 675 km (420 Miles) | 3 days

Thonon-les-Bains to Menton  | Alpine road trips are probably our fave, and this amazing drive from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean through the French Alps ticks all the boxes: national parks, climbing routes, sky-high villages and lakes, around 20 mountain passes, and some of the highest roads in Europe. It’s open in Summer and early Autumn only.

40. La Route des Vins D’Alsace ~ France

170 km (106 miles) | A couple of days

Marlenheim to Thann  | How could we not include a road trip named for wine? The historic Alsace region is in France’s north-east near Germany and Switzerland, and vino is truly in its DNA – it’s been producing wine since Roman times. This isn’t a long road trip, but with dozens of picturesque villages and around 1,000 producers dedicated wholeheartedly to wine, it’s a journey we want to take slow and savour (literally).

41. French and Italian Rivieras ~ France, Monaco & Italy

Appx. 315 km (195 miles) | 7-10 days

Nice to La Spezia  | Despite taking in three countries, road tripping the Cote D’Azur from Nice to Menton via Monaco and onwards through the Italian Riviera to La Spezia will put little more than 300 km on the odometer. But this is said to be some of the most idyllic coastal driving out there: a gorgeous stretch of Mediterranean lapped by turquoise waters, with beautiful beaches and pretty villages, culminating in the renowned Cinque Terre National Park, a destination we’ve been itching to get back to and hike for 15 years.

42. Journey to the Caucasus ~ Georgia

Appx. 1,100 km (685 miles) | 2 weeks

Tbilsi to Tblisi Loop  | Europe’s far eastern country of Georgia has become a traveller hotspot in recent years and we’ve heard lots of good stuff about it. We’ve also heard road tripping is the best way to get out into the countryside and explore the myriad landscapes, cool historic sites – like the medieval Rabati fortress and Vardzia cave monastery – and the many natural highlights, from canyons, waterfalls, lakes and hot springs to the high peaks of the Caucasus Mountains.

43. The German Alpine Road ~ Germany

Appx. 450 km (280 miles) | 5-8 days

Lindau to Schönau  | People have been drawn to the Bavarian delights of the  Alpenstrasse  – scenic, traditional, cultural and culinary – for more than 160 years. More than a dozen villages and towns dot the beautiful route, which meanders via valleys and meadows, mountains and lakes, and passes dozens of castles, churches, monasteries and palaces.

44. The Castle Road ~ Germany

1,200 km (745 miles) | 1-2 weeks

Mannheim to Prague  | We love a good castle, so naturally, Europe’s greatest dedicated castle road trip is a mandatory entry on our list. Winding a route through scenic central Germany before crossing into Prague, the  Burgenstrasse  links more than seventy historic citadels, including castles, palaces and aristocratic residences.

45. The Romantic Road ~ Germany

Appx. 354 km (220 miles) | 3-4 days

Füssen to Würzburg  | More castles, yes, and dramatic ones (including the famous, Disney-esque Neuschwanstein). But tales of Germany’s Romantic Road through Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg tell a delightful road tripping story of postcard perfect scenery, colourful villages and cobblestoned medieval towns. Plus there’s Bavarian beer at one end and wine country at the other end. Perfect!

46. Highlights of the Mainland ~ Greece

Appx. 2,000 km (1,242 miles) | 2 weeks

Athens to Athens Loop  | Greece is rightly renowned for its beautiful islands, of which we’ve sampled a few. But we’ve always wanted to hit the road on the mainland and experience the culture, scenery and archaeological wonders of this very ancient place. Highlights of our planned mainland Greece road trip include epic sites like Corinth, Olympia, Delphi and Meteora.

47. Minoan Crete ~ Greece

Appx. 745 km (460 miles) | Up to 2 weeks

Heraklion to Heraklion Loop  | Crete is an island of myth and legend: home to the ancient Minoan civilisation and the mythological half-man, half-bull Minotaur. Signs of this highly advanced people remain at archaeological sites such as Knossos and Phaestos, but our own road trip through Crete surprised us with rugged mountain scenery, caves, beaches, beautiful gorges for hiking, Venetian architecture and seriously good food. Road trip highlights to come .

48. The Ring Road ~ Iceland

Appx 1,350 km (840 miles) | Up to 2 weeks

Reykjavic to Reykjavic Loop  | A mystical island of icy glaciers, brooding volcanoes and soothing hot springs; where the summer sun shines all night and strange lights dance across the sky in winter. We were captivated on  our road trip through the south of Iceland  and we’ll definitely be back to explore the rest on the famous island loop  Ring Road . This is said to be one of the best road trips in Europe.

49. The Wild Atlantic Way ~ Ireland

2,500 km (1,550 miles) | As long as it takes

Malin Head to Kinsale  | Ireland remains one of our fave destinations, ever since we first road tripped a loop around the country – and got engaged en route – in 2006. The  Wild Atlantic Way  is our next goal for the island nation. An anniversary road trip perhaps? Spanning six regions of diverse and spectacular Irish coastal terrain, this journey can be done in sections, or in one long, incomparable road trip.

50. Bay of Naples & Amalfi Coast ~ Italy

Appx: 150 km (95 miles) | 7-10 days

Miseno to Salerno  | Road tripping the  Amalfi Coast  is a renowned journey, and rightly so. The stunning SS163 coastal route itself is just 50 km and can be driven end to end in a matter of hours, but we extended our trip to start at ancient Misenum, travelling around the Bay of Naples in the shadow of Vesuvius, taking in the vibrant city of Naples, the extraordinary ruins of Herculaneum and Pompeii, and charming cliff-side Sorrento, before winding through the spectacular coastal towns of Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. Itinerary to come .

51. The Dolomites ~ Italy

Distance TBC | 7-10 days

Bolzano to Bolzano Loop  | There are some superb driving routes through the high altitude scenery of the Italian Dolomites and Alps, including the famed  Grande Strada delle Dolomiti  and the sky-high switchbacks of the  Stelvio Pass . We’re keen to explore them all, so we’ve mapped out a World Heritage Dolomites journey along one of the best driving roads in Europe, taking in mountain passes, mountains lakes, mountain meadows, mountain food, and lots of time out of the car on epic mountain hikes.

52. Tuscan Wineries & Hill Towns ~ Central Italy

Appx. 700 km (435 miles) | 2 weeks

Florence to Florence Loop  | Our love affair with Italy was cemented on the winding roads of Tuscany, Urbino, Perugia and Terni, as we road tripped through a gorgeous countryside of rolling hills, expansive vineyards and striking medieval hill towns. We’ve espoused the highlights of this journey over two posts, one focusing on our  Tuscan road trip through Chianti , and the other our  medieval hill-town hopper , taking in magical Urbino, Assisi, Orvieto, Siena and San Gimignano. It’s one of the Italian road trips we definitely intend to do again.

53. Puglia Discovery ~ Italy

Distance TBC | 10 – 14 days

Bari to Bari Loop  | If someone said we could only road trip in Italy for the rest of our days, well, we’d be ok with that. The region of Puglia, in the ‘heel’ of Italy’s boot, is a corner we finally reached this year: a wedge of gorgeous coastline and popular beaches, wonderful old towns for exploring on foot (including a couple of historic World Heritage sites and the nearby hill-town of Matera), sensational food and wine, and opportunities to get off the beaten path for a taste of quintessential southern Italy. Road trip itinerary to com e.

54. Sardinia Island Loop ~ Italy

Appx. 1,500 km (930 miles) | 2 weeks

Cagliari to Cagliari Loop  | Just when we think road tripping Italy can’t get any better, the island of Sardinia turns up the heat. Its spectacular white-sand beaches, lapped by turquoise waters, are said to be some of the most beautiful on the Med. More than just a pretty face though, Sardinia has charming medieval villages, mountains, caves and canyons, intriguing Bronze Age sites, and a food and wine scene all its own. Check out our two week Sardinia road trip itinerary .

55. Ancient Sicily ~ Italy

Appx. 1,000 km (620 miles) | 10-14 days

Palermo to Palermo Loop  | This wonderful island is ideal for road tripping and it’s a trek we definitely hope to make again. Spectacular World Heritage ancient sites, including some of the very best preserved temples and in-situ mosaics, beautifully evocative villages and historic cities, an active volcano to climb, and endlessly buonissimo eating experiences guarantee an unforgettable Italian drive holiday. Plan your own self-drive adventure with our two week Sicily road trip itinerary .

56. Monasteries, Fortresses and Wine ~ Moldova

Appx. 850 km (530 miles) | 7-10 days

Chișinău to Chișinău Loop  | Wedged between Romania and Ukraine, this little nation flies largely under the tourist radar. Formerly part of Romania and then the Soviet Republic, Moldova’s Orthodox Christian fabric has led to the many monasteries and fortresses which are a highlight of road tripping here. It also has one of the world’s most ancient winemaking traditions and the  world’s largest wine cellar . Say no more.

57. Mountains, Coasts and Fjords ~ Norway

Appx. 1,900 km (1,180 miles) | 3-4 weeks

Oslo to Trondheim  |  Vast, rugged and breathtakingly beautiful, Norway makes for an unparalleled road tripping adventure. We drove and camped a coast-and-fjord route from the capital to Trondheim, taking in some of the most incredible scenery we’ve yet laid eyes on. While our trip continued on into Sweden, you can return to Oslo via Oppdal over 500 km. We’ve still got the northern Svalbard region to explore, but southern Norway makes for a truly epic adventure all its own. Read  our two-week, self-drive Norway road trip itinerary .

The Most Spectacular Drive in the World? It’s a big call, and we’re ready to eat our words, but we reckon the 230km (140 mile) drive along the Fv55, Rv15 and Fv63 roads between Sogndal and Geiranger in Norway is one of the world’s most beautiful – read  why we think so.  Fv63 also continues on to the famous switchbacker, Trollstigen Road.

58. Flores Island, The Azores ~ Portugal

Up to 100 km (62 miles) | 3-4 days

Santa Cruz Das Flores Loop  | There’s a mystical quality to the lush, volcanic landscapes of Flores, one of nine islands in Portugal’s Azores archipelago. You could explore it in a busy day, and you’d be pushing to reach 100 km on the odo, even if you drive the whole thing. But with wild and windswept scenery, waterfalls in abundance, cute villages, lovely hikes and even some diving to be had, we’d look to slow the drive time and linger longer.

59. Lisbon to Porto ~ Portugal

Appx. 850 km (530 miles) | 8-10 days

Lisbon to Porto via Duoro Valley  | Our ideal Portugal road trip follows the west coast north from the capital, winding a route between coastal villages, beaches and medieval towns, and taking in nearly a dozen World Heritage sites. Of course, a couple of days exploring the Duoro Valley wine region (and its prehistoric rock art) is a must before lingering on in Porto, one of our favourite European cities.

60. Transfăgărășan & Transalpina Roads ~ Romania

Appx. 800 km (500 miles) | 1 week

Bucharest to Bucharest Loop  | We’re keen to explore all of Romania by road, starting with this multi-day drive to and from Bucharest, looping across two of the country’s epic mountain roads. The Transfăgărășan gets a tick from the Top Gear crew, weaving its way across the Fagaras Mountains to Transylvania, while the Transalpina, Romania’s highest road, offers panos over 2,000-metres above sea level. Both offer standout alpine hiking and scenery, as well as waterfalls, historic castles, even the ruins of an ancient Dacian fortress.

61. Highlights of Slovenia

Appx. 550 km (340 miles) | 10-14 days

Ljubljana to Ljubljana Loop  | A Slovenia road trip is all about the outdoors and driving through speccy scenery to reach even more speccy places that can be explored on foot. Our itinerary goals include Slovenian highlights such as Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, hiking through high mountains and deep gorges, an Adriatic coastal city with a Venetian past (Piran), World Heritage caves, a medieval castle built into a cave, and much more.

62. Slovakia Showcase

Bratislava to Bratislava Loop  | Another intriguing and beautifully scenic country, Slovakia promises outstanding cultural, historic and nature experiences on a road trip looping from the capital to the east of the country and back. Medieval towns, evocative castles and sites that tell more recent tales of the country’s struggles to come into its own, sit alongside lakes, caves and a backdrop of the stunning Tatras Mountains.

63. Andalucian Adventure ~ Spain

Appx. 1,150 km (715 miles) | 10-14 days

Málaga to Málaga Loop  | Spain is made for road tripping and the southern region of Andalucia is especially awesome. We’ve explored some of the highlights on a previous trip, including the spectacular World Heritage sites of Seville, Granada and Cordoba. There’s plenty to draw us back here though, from historic pueblos blancos (whitewashed villages) and neolithic dolmens, to ancient port cities and the iconic rock of Gibraltar, not to mention all the amazing food and wine!

64. The Basque Circuit ~ Spain

Appx. 480 km (300 miles) | 7-10 days

Bilbao to Bilbao Loop  | Tucked into a northern corner of the Iberian peninsula, the autonomous Basque region,  Euskadi , is a land unto itself, with traditions and a language all its own. The coastline is ruggedly beautiful and its beaches and resort towns renowned. Best of all, this is the unofficial foodie capital of Europe. Pintxos bars abound (the best creation ever!), as do Michelin star restaurants, and the famed Rioja wine region is right on the doorstep.

65. Canary Islands ~ Spain

Appx. 375 km (233 miles) | Up to 2 weeks

Tenerife & La Gomera  | John’s very first foray abroad was a trip with mates to Tenerife when he was 16. Classic, innit. Beyond the resorts where sun-starved Brits congregate though, a road trip of the biggest Canary Island and its smaller neighbour, La Gomera, offers magnificent coastal scenery, forest escapes, charming villages, beaches for chilling, and one epic hiking opportunity to the peak of an active volcano, the 3,718m-high Mount Teide.

66. West Coast Mallorca ~ Spain

Appx. 180 km (233 miles) | 1 week

Palma to Formentor Peninsula  | Mallorca is another sun-drenched Spanish isle beloved by Brits. Like the Canaries though, steer the car well clear of the beach resorts, and there’s a dramatically beautiful island to discover. We’ve read the west coast is particularly spectacular, trailing a route from the capital Palma through the Tramuntana Mountains to the island’s northern tip. While not a long trip by km’s, it sounds like one to enjoy slowly.

67. Across the Pyrenees ~ Spain & France

Appx. 700 km (435 miles) | 1 week

Lourdes to Lourdes Loop  | The great range of the Pyrenees mountains forms a natural boundary between France and Spain, a stunning region that can be explored by road. The must-sees of the central range span breathtaking canyons and glacier-gouged rocky amphitheatres, mountain lakes, a sky-high observatory, and San Juan de la Peña, a monastery embedded in the foot of a cliff, to name just a few.

68. Swiss Alps Explorer ~ Switzerland

Appx. 485 km (300 miles) | 7-10 days

Lausanne to Zurich  | Driving through the incredible scenery of the Swiss Alps is sky high on our road trip bucket list. Our Swiss road trip itinerary goals make the most of the picturesque lakeside cities like Lausanne and Interlaken, the medieval old towns of Bern and Lucerne, and the dramatic, snow-capped mountain panos of Lauterbrunnen and Grindlewald. We’ll also take on the switchbacks of the famous  Furka Pass .

69. Ultimate Turkish Delight ~ Turkey

Appx. 3,000+ km (1,865 miles) | 1 month

Istanbul to Istanbul Loop  | Turkey is one of our favourite countries and while we’ve driven, bussed and toured various parts of it, our goal is an ultimate road trip loop from Istanbul to Cappadocia and back along the south and west coasts. Thousands of years at the cross-roads of eastern and western civilisations have left an extraordinary legacy in the World Heritage and ancient sites that scatter the country. The landscapes are wildly diverse, the food is exceptional, the culture rich and the history astounding. We can’t wait to get back.

70. The Atlantic Highway ~ England, UK

Appx. 115 km (70 miles) | 3-5 Days

Barnstaple to Fraddon  | It’s little more than 100 km, but some say the  Atlantic Highway  is one of the top road trips in the UK. We know from our forays further south that Cornwall’s wildly beautiful coastline is one to linger over. This stretch passes pretty seaside and harbour villages like Bude, Padstow and Clovelly, and mystical sites like ancient Tintagel. There are speccy coastal rambles and delicious seafood eats, all with the wild Atlantic in view.

71. The Hidden Highway ~ England, UK

Appx. 200 km (125 miles) | 3-5 Days

Ludlow to Llangollen  | This  lovely jaunt  weaves along country roads and rolling hills through the borderlands of England and Wales. The invisible divide has changed little in 12 centuries, and the many sites along the way – iron age forts, medieval villages and market towns, ruined castles and abbeys – span as many years and more.

72. South West Explorer ~ England, UK

Appx. 1,350km (840 miles)+ | 2 weeks

South West England starting and finishing in London  | One of our fave UK road trips, this jam-packed two week journey travels from London to Cornwall and back, taking in a huge range of highlights along the way as we pass through the counties of Surrey, Hampshire, Dorset, Devon, Somerset and Wiltshire. We’re talking classic white cliffs, moody moors, crumbling castles, fossil beaches, standing stones, cosy pubs, dramatic coastal scenery (including the World Heritage Jurassic Coast), quaint countryside and fishing villages, and some incredible coastline walks. Check out our ultimate, self-drive South West England Road Trip Itinerary .

73. Yorkshire Moors and Dales ~ England, UK

Appx. 725 km (450 miles) | 5-7 days

York to York Loop  | England’s sweeping moors make for spectacular road tripping and a tranquil journey through the bucolic landscapes of Yorkshire Dales National Park and North York Moors National Park is high on our list. Starting in the fantastically historical hub of York’s old town, this trip takes in the expansive nature, old market towns, castles and abbeys, snug pubs and warm welcome of England’s north.

74. Causeway Coastal Route ~ Northern Ireland, UK

Appx. 250 km (154 miles) | 7 days

Belfast to Derry-Londonderry  |  This famous route  along the beautiful, rugged coast of Northern Ireland weaves a magical journey of spellbinding scenery, ancient castle ruins, clifftop walks, seaside villages and beaches, whiskey tasting, pretty beaches, the oldest human settlement on the island at Mount Sandel, and World Heritage highlight, the Giant’s Causeway. Best of all though, the chance to see puffins!

75. Isle of Skye ~ Scotland, UK

Appx. 850 km (530 miles) | 5 days

Inverness to Glasgow via Skye  | Beyond its legends of fairies and giants, the Isle of Skye is a tale of expansive, fantastical scenery, rolling hills dotted with sheep and the occasional shaggy, orange-coated highland ‘coo’, ancient sites, peaty whisky, brooding mountains and lounging seals. The walks are wild and wonderful, the pubs cosy and warm, and the Scottish breakfasts singularly epic. Read  our Isle of Skye road trip itinerary .

76. North Coast 500 ~ Scotland, UK

Appx. 830 km (515 miles) | 1-2 weeks

Inverness to Inverness Loop  | It is possible to walk all 500 miles of this route (cue the tune), but as it features on just about all of the world’s best road trip lists, drive it we shall!  This iconic journey  skirts the coastal fringe of the northern highlands, showcasing Scotland’s finest scenery and all the things we love best: ancient sites, standing stones, evocative castles, hidden beaches, wildlife watching and bird spotting, and the chance to get off the beaten track.

77. The Dragon’s Spine ~ Wales, UK

Appx. 285 km (180 miles) | 5-7 days

Cardiff to Conwy  | For 1,200 years, the dragon has been the Welsh sigil, so Dragon’s Spine is a fitting name for this road trip along the country’s mountain ‘backbone’ from south to north. Also known as  the Cambrian Way , the A470 travels through two spectacular national parks – the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia – and serves up outdoor adventures like hiking, caving and ziplining. Distilleries, breweries and wineries seal the deal.

Road Trips in the Middle East

The Middle East isn’t the first place that comes to mind when thinking about epic road trip destinations. And yet it’s among these timeless landscapes that we’ve had some of our greatest driving adventures. These are ancient places, and yet some of our newest too – lands where gravelly, well-worn roads intersect spanking new freeways, and historic hill-top forts stand as remote, crumbling outposts to dazzling new, modern cities.

The long and tangible history to be found in the mountains, dunes, deserts, cities and coastlines of this region is without compare, as is the warmth and welcome of the people. A road trip in the Middle East is a road trip you won’t soon forget.

78. Ancient Israel & The Palestinian Territories

Appx. 850 km (530 miles) | 2-4 weeks

Tel Aviv to Tel Aviv Loop  | This wedge of land on the eastern Mediterranean is the epicentre of the world’s three major monotheistic religions, and witness to a complex story of humanity, millennia in the making. Our brief visit to Jerusalem left an indelible mark and convinced us we need to return with time and a hire car, to get off the beaten track and beyond the turbulent narrative curated for us on the outside. A road trip offers the chance not just to seek out the many extraordinary historical and natural sites of Israel and the Palestinian Territories, but to engage first-hand with the people who live here.

79. Amman to Wadi Rum via the Kings Highway ~ Jordan

Appx. 450 km (280 miles) | Up to 2 weeks

Amman to Aqaba  | The ancient landscapes of Jordan have thousands of years of stories to tell, and the road from Amman to Aqaba along the Kings Highway touches on many of them. With neolithic standing stones, biblical mountains, Roman ruins, Byzantine mosaics, crusader castles, the extraordinary Dana Biosphere Reserve, magical side trips to the Dead Sea and Wadi Rum, plus Petra – one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, there’s a reason Jordan is calling us back for a go-slow road trip.

80. Ancient Phoenicia ~ Lebanon

Beirut to Beirut Loop  | 2020 has brought further tragedy to a nation defined by struggle for much of its long history. But Lebanon is as enduring as its legendary cedar tree. The story here spans some 6,000 years, and it can be found in the people, culture and many epic archaeological sites that dot the country. From the bustling Mediterranean cities to the snowcapped mountains and gorgeous inland gorges, the renowned cuisine and warm, vibrant locals, this is a land we can’t wait to explore by road.

81. South-East Arabia ~ Oman

Muscat to Muscat Loop  | Low-key Oman has held its secrets close for millennia. We were intrigued. Cue an amazing two week road trip through a beautiful country of dramatic landscapes: from vast, flat stony deserts to shifting dune deserts to dramatic mountains and gorges. Medieval watch towers stand sentinel over ancient towns, while off-road adventures, rich culture and Arabian hospitality await. Read our Oman road trip itinerary .

82. City to Desert ~ United Arab Emirates

Appx. 335 km (210 miles) | 2-3 days

Dubai to Liwa Oasis  | While glitzy Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been shaped out of the desert by human hand, just a couple of hours to the south-east stretches one of nature’s most wild and inhospitable places: the vast Empty Quarter. Edging this harsh landscape, among a great sea of rose-gold sand dunes – including one of the world’s largest – is the Liwa Oasis, a 100 km stretch of villages and date palm forests. The journey to the oasis, along a purpose-built highway through the desert, is itself said to be spectacular, making this a trip worth taking slow.

Road Trips in North America

It’s little surprise that North America , with its big, expansive nature, excellent roads, and well-established road tripping culture, claims the second largest collection on our top 100 road trip list.

America has dozens and dozens of outstanding dedicated byways, skyways, highways and parkways, while some of the world’s most renowned scenic routes weave a path through Canada’s breathtaking provinces. Each North American road trip we set out on in these beautiful, diverse, easy-going countries leaves us more keen for the next one.

83. Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia ~ Canada

Appx. 300 km (185 miles) | Up to a week

Baddeck to Baddeck Loop  | You can drive the Cabot Trail in a day, but we’re keen to take our time on  this loop  around the northern tip of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, discovering the beautiful landscapes and the island’s unique mix of Aboriginal, Acadian and Gaelic cultural influences. In addition to the panoramic scenery, the drive takes in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where black bears, moose and bald eagles roam, and dozens of hiking trails offer the chance to stretch the legs.

84. Dempster Highway, Yukon ~ Canada

Appx. 730 km (450 miles)  | 2-3 Days

Dawson City to Inuvik  | This incredible journey through the Yukon wilderness has all the hallmarks of an iconic Canadian road trip. Steeped in history, and traversing an old dog sled route, the Dempster’s unpaved roads will challenge us. But it’s diverse, it’s remote, and it crosses the Arctic Circle through dense forest full of wildlife, across dramatic tundra, and past the spectacular Mackenzie and Tombstone mountain ranges. A must!

85. Icefields Parkway, Alberta ~ Canada

Appx. 230 km (140 miles) | 2-3 Days

Lake Louise to Jasper  | Based on what we’ve heard, we’ll definitely be arguing over who does the driving and who gets to sit in the passenger seat and take in the views on the Icefields Parkway. This is said to be one of the world’s most spectacular highways, and it comes up regularly when we ask people about their favourite road trip. Also known as Highway 93, the parkway links Banff and Jasper national parks, serving up hundreds of kilometres of mindblowing Canadian Rockies scenery, including over 100 glaciers, beautiful waterfalls and lakes, and river valleys blanketed in pine and larch forest. So high on the bucket list!

86. Montreal to the Gaspé Peninsula ~ Canada

Appx. 950 km (590 miles) | 7-10 days

Monteal to Gaspé  | Montreal and Quebec City have long been in our sights, and our plan for this epic road trip includes both. Then it leaves the bustling centres behind to wind a coastal route to the tip of the remote and spectacular Gaspé Peninsula, where the history is long and tangible, the birding outstanding, and the scenery superb, with forested wilderness, rugged mountains, ravines and rocky outcrops.

87. Vancouver Island, British Columbia ~ Canada

Appx. 1,500 km (930 miles) | Up to 2 weeks

Nanaimo to Nanaimo Loop  | Gorgeous Vancouver Island is an outdoor lover’s dream. While exploring by road means a bit of backtracking in places, it doesn’t matter when there are so many scenic places to stop. Our road trip served up giant trees, historic villages, totem pole walks, black bear watching, kayaking, a fossil dig, serene forest hikes, wineries and breweries, second-to-none chowder, bald eagles at every turn, a hike to a plane wreck, and so much more. Our itinerary is coming .

88. The Viking Trail, Newfoundland ~ Canada

Appx. 500 km (303 miles) | 3-5 days

Deer Lake to L’Anse aux Meadows  | Viking sagas made the leap across the Atlantic from Europe to North America here, and the landscapes – especially the dramatic mountains and fjords of Gros Morne National Park – are said to be reminiscent of the lands they left behind. There are chances en route of spotting moose, whales and, at certain times of year, icebergs! The road ends at the 1000-year-old World Heritage Viking settlement site of L’anse aux Meadows.

89. Alcan Highway ~ Canada & USA

Appx. 2,200 km (1,400 miles) | 1-2 weeks+ 

Dawson Creek, British Columbia to Delta Junction, Alaska  | This is one of North America’s legendary routes, through the Canadian Rockies and Yukon. It takes in Canada’s highest peak, alpine trails, First Nations culture, stunning mountain ranges, pristine glacier lakes, and remote, untamed parks. It’s also grizzly and black bear territory, along with an abundance of other wildlife, including timber wolves, lynx, eagles, elk, moose and more. Plenty of memory cards needed for this trip!

90. Yukon Golden Circle Route ~ Canada & USA

Appx. 568 km (352 miles) + Car Ferry | 7-14 days

Whitehorse to Whitehorse Loop  | The renowned Golden Circle Route loops a truly wild adventure from Whitehorse in Canada to Skagway and Haines in Alaska, then back into Canada and the grizzly bear country of Kluane. Spectacular alpine scenery awaits, along with vast icefields, picturesque lakes, First Nations sites, Klondike gold rush history, and a ton of outdoor activities and wildlife spotting.

91. Badlands National Park Loop, South Dakota ~ USA

Appx. 62 km (39 miles) | 2-3 days

Wall to Cactus Flat  | It may be one of the shortest routes on our road trip bucket list, but we reckon this journey through the striking geology of the Badlands should be stretched out over days, with early starts and late finishes to max the photo opps. The road winds among buttes, mounds and pinnacles, while bison, prairie dogs and raptors hang out on the grasslands. With a few extra days, we’ll extend the trip into Black Hills National Forest and Custer State Park.

92. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia & North Carolina ~ USA

Appx. 755 km (470 miles) | 5-7 days

Afton, Virginia to Cherokee, North Carolina  | Dan has dreamed about visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains since the early 90s, after falling in love with its scenery in  Last of the Mohicans . So it goes without saying that the opportunity to explore the beauty of the central and southern Appalachians has made it onto our road trip bucket list. The highlights are many on the road between Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains national parks: from sampling delicious local food and wine, and learning about Cherokee tradition, to searching out waterfalls, rivers, gorges and caverns, and stretching the legs on wilderness hikes.

93. Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway, Colorado & Utah ~ USA

Appx. 770 km (480 miles) | 1 week

Dinosaur to Dinosaur Loop  | The fossil-nerd in us both gets really excited about  this road trip , a journey of 150-million-years to some of the best dinosaur quarries and trails, fossil displays and museums around. It even starts and finishes in a town called Dinosaur! Add stunning canyons, rock formations, high plains and petroglyph sites for one amazing themed trip.

94. Highway to Hana, Maui, Hawaii ~ USA

Appx. 72 km (45 miles) | 1-3 days

Paia to Hana  | Another short-distance contender, the Hana Highway is on our list for its sheer wild beauty as it curves no less than 600 times along the northeast coast of Maui. Many do the trip in a day, but there’s plenty to do and see en route – including bridges (59 of them!), rainforest hikes, waterfalls, black sand beaches, a lava tube, roadside stands and markets, and all the visual drama of this volcanic, Jurassic Park-like island world.

95. Grand Tetons, Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, Wyoming & Montana ~ USA

Appx. 885+ km (550+ miles) | 10-14 days

Jackson, Wyoming to West Glacier, Montana  | Touring through the spectacular landscapes of Wyoming and Montana, this road trip takes in the heavy hitter national parks of Grand Teton, Yellowstone and Glacier, and peaks with the renowned  Going-to-the-Sun Road . Mountains, lakes, canyons, geysers, waterfalls, glaciers, wildlife spotting and tonnes of hiking and outdoor pursuits await. Unsurprisingly, these are hugely popular parks, so extending a road trip out to two weeks will mean more time to visit before and after the crowds move on.

96. Pacific Coast Highway, Washington to California ~ USA

Appx. 2,655 km (1,650 miles) | 2 weeks

Seattle, Washington to San Diego, California  | The Pacific Coast Highway is often touted as the classic California road trip. We’re keen though to extend it out beyond Highway 1 to include Highway 101 and drive the length of Washington, Oregon and California, taking in landscapes as diverse as misty rainforest, tall sand dunes, giant redwood forests, the famous Big Sur coast, beautiful beaches, as well as buzzing big cities and cool coastal communities, and winding up in San Diego, where I (Dan) spent my middle and early high school years.

97. Lake Tahoe to Death Valley via Yosemite, California ~ USA

Appx. 1,285 km (800 miles) | 7-10 days

Lake Tahoe to Death Valley  | Much of this classic American road trip follows Route 395, a journey of diversions from the mountains-and-crystal-clear-waters of Lake Tahoe to the scorching desertscape of Death Valley via the world famous scenery of Yosemite National Park. While the changing scenery from the car is bound to be superb, the many outdoor opportunities are also a big appeal, as are potential side trips to wineries, hot springs, groves of ancient trees and historic sites.

98. San Juan Skyway, Colorado ~ USA

Appx. 375 km (235 miles) | 3-4 days

Durango to Durango Loop  | There are a couple of nicknames for the Skyway, including  America’s Switzerland , and a stretch called the  Million Dollar Highway . This is a high-altitude journey in the shadow of mountains soaring 4,000 metres, past waterfalls and hot springs, via the famous ski resort of Telluride, and the intriguing Native American cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park. There’s plenty of hiking, epic panos, and breweries to end each day.

The Ultimate American Road Trip? According to science, apparently so.  This 22,046 km (13,699 mile) adventure  was created by algorithm and loops through all of the 48 connected states of the USA, stopping at a major landmark in each. You could drive it in 224 hours non-stop if you were really keen (or mad), but for us, this one’s more likely to be a lifetime of mini-trips. The guy that created it has also built an itinerary visiting every national park in the linked, mainland states. Epic!

99. The Seward Highway, Alaska ~ USA

Appx. 210 km (130 miles) | 2-3 days

Anchorage to Seward  | The wonderful wilds of Alaska are squarely in our sights. There are a range of drives we hope to do here, like Denali National Park, but the Seward Highway is a stand out. The big nature alone is magnetic – snow-capped mountains, hanging glaciers, dramatic fjords and vibrant wetlands. But it’s the peak wildlife watching that gets us really jazzed about a road trip here: humpback whales, orca, belugas, sea lions, otters, black bears and more than a hundred species of bird are just the tip of the iceberg.

100. National Parks Trail, Utah ~ USA

Appx. 2,000 km (1,250 miles) | 2-3 weeks

Salt Lake City to Salt Lake City Loop  | Utah may well have one of the greatest concentrations of world-class parks and monuments on the planet. We’ve mapped a road trip loop that takes in the state’s showstoppers like Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Monument Valley, Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park, along with extraordinary places like San Rafael Swell, Goblin Valley State Park, dinosaur trails and the petroglyphs of Newspaper Rock. We cannot wait to drive this route!

What unmissable road trips would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!

4 thoughts on “Our Bucket List Of 100 Ultimate Road Trips Around The World”

“Wow, this article really got me excited to plan my next road trip! The diversity of landscapes and destinations mentioned here is truly inspiring. I’ve been to a few of these places, but there are definitely some hidden gems I can’t wait to explore. Thanks for putting together such a comprehensive guide with helpful tips and recommendations. Can’t wait to hit the road and create some unforgettable memories!”

Thanks Charles, glad you found the post helpful. Happy road tripping!!

Amazing!! Congratulacions! Good and best job!! Thank you!! Brazil is not, but undestand! God bless You!!! Have a lot travels!

Hi Adalgisa! Thanks so much for your kind words. You know, Brazil was almost on the list! There are some amazing-sounding off-road adventures that we came across in our research, not to mention the famous Costa Verde, which we travelled part of in 2011. Do you have some road tripping suggestions for Brazil? We’d love to hear them – our list will definitely grow! Happy road tripping, Danielle & John

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The Scenic Route: A Guide to the World’s Best Road Trips

The 10 best road trips around the world, a mix of classic and unexpected, coastal and countryside..

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There’s something about seeing a country or a region on four wheels that lets you feel immersed in a place. The roadside restaurants, the freedom to pause and linger, the exhilaration and pain of getting lost in an age of constant Google Mapping... Isn’t half the fun of travel the detours, anyway? In this package, we pick the 10 best road trips around the world, a mix of classic and unexpected, coastal and countryside. You’d be remiss not to drive California’s Highway 1 at least once in your life—but what about South Africa’s Garden Route?

For a road trip in South Africa, drive the Garden Route.

Photo by Andrea Willmore/Shutterstock

Garden Route, South Africa

Hugging the eastern coastline of South Africa , the Garden Route takes you through the nation’s hits. There are farm stalls brimming with local produce, reserves with wildlife like elephants, ostriches, and monkeys, and memorable scenery throughout. Hiking, swimming, and surfing are all on offer, and you can finish days with a local glass of wine from one of the many wine farms along the way.

Ready to hit the road? Read more here.

North America

Road trip through Alaska.

Michael Rosebrock/Shutterstock and Justin Kaneps

A Loop out of Anchorage, Alaska

This seven-day journey that starts and ends in Anchorage is an outdoorsy road-tripper’s dream. You’ll be awestruck by Denali National Park , as well as the less-trafficked and equally beautiful Wrangell—St. Elias. You’ll meet sled dogs and sample Alaska ’s bountiful produce at organic farms along the way. If you’re really adventurous, take a detour on a bush flight and enjoy Alaska’s small-town delights—and its famous salmon. You’ll want to make time for a glacier trek, so don’t forget your fleece and hiking boots.

Pacific Coast Highway, California

Perhaps the most iconic of road trips, California ’s Pacific Coast Highway takes you all along the state’s picturesque coastline. Winding through beach towns, big cities, and miles of untouched coast, PCH is the perfect way to see the Golden State. There are aquariums, a castle, and, of course, jaw-dropping scenery on this route. Be sure you plan enough time to take it slow, watch for whales, and, when you’re at the car rental, spring for the convertible.

San Juan Skyway, Colorado

This quick jaunt among the 14,000-foot peaks of southwestern Colorado has no shortage of dramatic vistas. The roads are not for the faint of heart—10,000-foot passes beckon. Stomach-churning heights give way to sprawling pastures and waterfall-flecked canyons. Hot springs and tiny mountain towns also make this road trip an irresistible stunner.

Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina

A five-day journey along the Parkway from Charlottesville, Virginia , to Asheville, North Carolina, showcases the wonders of Appalachia. You’ll sample local cheeses, seasonal, farm-to-table cooking, and barbecue. Down-home bluegrass music plus local crafts make for a truly authentic trip into this scenic, mountainous region. There’s no shortage of hikes, ranging from easy to difficult, including an opportunity to set foot on the storied Appalachian Trail.

South America

Go fishing on a road trip in Patagonia, which is known for some of the best fly-fishing in the world.

Photo by Peter Bohler

Patagonia Lake District, Argentina and Chile

Outdoor adventures await throughout the Lake District in northern Patagonia in Argentina and Chile . From white-water rafting to heli-skiing to hiking, there’s something for everyone no matter the season, all amid charming, European-style towns. National parks, volcanoes, and the eponymous lakes dot the route, offering arresting views and more places to stop and explore than you’ll have time for. Locally sourced steak and trout will keep you fueled up on this weeklong journey.

Epic waterfalls are just one of the things you will see on an Iceland road trip.

Photo by Smit/Shutterstock

Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

A drive along Ireland ’s windswept coastline brings endless opportunities for nature walks and hunkering down in cozy pubs. You’ll encounter live traditional music and plenty of chances to get on the water, from boat tours to kayaking. Dolphin and whale-watching tours, too, are on your route. Castles and colorful villages also take center stage on this trip. Although our itinerary covers five days, you could easily take two weeks to discover this massive, 1,600-mile route.

North Coast 500, Scotland

This 516-mile loop out of Inverness showcases the rugged beauty of northernmost Scotland. Cathedrals, historic sites, and distilleries abound here, and you’ll need at least five days to wind your way around the scenic drive. Accommodations range from rustic to country luxury to castle estates, so there’s something for every type of traveler. Fill your plate with loads of seafood and game, then burn it all off with hikes, kayaking, and other outdoor activities.

Ready to hit the road? Read more here .

Diamond Circle, Iceland

This less-traveled circuit in northern Iceland showcases the highlights. Waterfalls and colonies of puffins await alongside opportunities for whale-watching. Days filled with delectable seafood, ancient rock formations, and soaring views create the kind of trip that will have you stopping every few miles for a photo op. No trip through Iceland would be complete without geothermal baths, so a good soak is on your agenda as well.

Drive the Great Ocean Road in Australia.

Photo by Robert Blackburn/Visit Victoria

Great Ocean Road

Spend at least three days on a leisurely tour of Australia ’s Great Ocean Road, a spectacular coastal route that runs south out of Melbourne . There are pristine beaches, yes, but also a stunning national park with waterfall hikes and zipline adventures. Add beachfront hotels and restaurants and you’ve got the makings of a truly special road trip, particularly if you take the time for a beach day or two as you explore. On this drive, you’ll want to remain beach-ready. Pack plenty of sunscreen.

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11 of the most breathtakingly beautiful road trips around the world

There’s no better way to explore the planet than from behind the wheel. Discover our pick of the best road trips in the world

You could say that life is one big road trip, but that is bordering a little too close to poetry. Why not just go on a big ol’ IRL  car journey  instead? The world is filled with incredible roads that stretch on and on, traversing stunning sights and memorable spots that have dominated travel bucket lists for years. You’ll need plenty of fuel in the tank and a carefully curated list of road trip podcasts lined up, but the rewards are seemingly endless. Our selection of the best road trips in the world will take you through a whole load of incredible scenery, not to mention a healthy portion of the weirdest things on the planet . There’s a lot to love out there.

RECOMMENDED: 11 of the most incredible train journeys around the world

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Best road trips in the world

1.  Cabot Trail, Canada

Three hundred kilometres of peaceful Nova Scotia charm? Where do we sign? The Cabot Trail has become a magnet for road trip aficionados, and it isn’t tough to understand why; the stunning wilderness is frequently punctuated by fishing villages and historic communities, blending Canada ’s history with undeniably gorgeous nature. The whole thing takes about five hours without stopping, but come on now, you’re driving around the Canadian wilderness; you’re going to stop plenty. 

2.  Route 66, USA

It wouldn’t be outlandish to say that Route 66 is the most iconic road trip on the planet. The 3,665km between Chicago and  Los Angeles have been permanently etched into American culture thanks to countless books, songs, TV shows, movies and all the rest. They don’t call it the Main Street of America without good reason. Give yourself a couple of weeks to complete this one, basking in the sheer Americanness of it all. 

3.  The Garden Route, South Africa

If you’ve got high expectations from a road known as the ‘Garden Route’, you aren’t going to be disappointed. South Africa ’s gorgeous route from Cape Town to Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) is a true celebration of the country’s incredible nature, from staggering mountains to charming coastal towns with plenty in between. You can do the 300km (give or take) drive in a day, but make the most of it and stop off plenty, making it a six or seven-day road trip in the process. 

4.  Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia

It might seem unconventional to suggest a road trip that doesn’t focus on a road, but the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia are something else entirely. The largest salt flat on the planet, Uyuni does require a little bit of planning as it doesn’t exactly have much in the way of road-trip infrastructure, but get everything in order beforehand and prep yourself for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Start off in Sucre and make it a round trip, although be sure you’ve got a big enough tank (and enough water) for the whole thing. Definitely stop off at the Laguna Colorada, too. Bolivia, you’re spoiling us.

5.  Pula to Dubrovnik, Croatia

What better way to explore the Croatian coast than by driving all the way down it? Start at Pula and snake your way down the coast to Dubrovnik, breaking up the 709km with stops in Rijeka, Zadar, Split and wherever else. Croatia has history and culture in spades, while the alluring fishing villages are from another time entirely. 

6.  Karakoram Highway, Pakistan

The closest you’re going to get to a road trip in actual heaven. Pakistan’s Karakoram Highway is one of the highest paved roads on the planet and an absolute conveyer belt of beauty, although this one isn’t for the faint-hearted. The terrain gets pretty rugged (an understatement), and heavy snow in winter sees the whole thing shut down for months. Those who do manage to travel the 1,300km-long highway get the experience of a lifetime, however, filled with jaw-dropping mountain views and a very tangible sense of history. Start in Hasan Abdal and take the road all the way to the border with China . You won’t regret it. 

7.  Ring Road, Iceland

You can’t have a travel-experience list without Iceland , right? The Iceland Ring Road encircles the entire nation, covering 1,333 kilometres of road, a distance that can be traversed in 12 or 13 hours, depending on speed. Truth be told, you should take a week or so to do it properly, stopping to take in the majestic scenery that only Iceland can produce. This road trip is the perfect way to see just how justified the hype really is.

8.  Ruta 40, Argentina

Argentina ’s Ruta 40 runs the length of the Andes, covering a whopping 5,194km from Punta Loyola in the south to La Quiaca in the north. Needless to say, this is the longest road in Argentina and one of the longest on the planet. That alone makes it very road trip-worthy, but this is a classic journey for more than reasons of distance. It requires planning and plenty of fortitude, but the lakes, glaciers, national parks and mountains make it very much worth it.  

9.  Pan-American Highway

While we’re on the subject of monolithic roads in the Americas, why not continue on at the end of your Ruta 40 trip and conquer the entire Pacific Coast? The Pan-American Highway is a network of roads from Prudhoe Bay in Alaska to Quellón in Chile, an incredible achievement of more than 30,000km. It takes about a month, but don’t rush this one. It isn’t a simple drive, and the Darién Gap causes more than a few issues. Best to break this one up into segments, although there is a special Hall of Fame kind of feeling to completing the whole thing. 

10.  Atlantic Road, Norway

Not all road trips need to be multi-day marathons. Sometimes, going out for a few hours of gorgeous driving interspersed with views (and a picnic, you gotta have a picnic) is all that is needed. Norway ’s Atlantic Road is just over 8km long, but every inch is stunning. The road snakes around the west coast, traversing stunning scenery worthy of the ‘world’s most beautiful car journey’ moniker that it has earned. 

11.  Great Ocean Road, Australia

The Great Ocean Road is a road trip with a difference. Between Torquay and Allansford, you’ll find what’s considered the world’s largest war memorial, dedicated to soldiers who died in World War I. There are plenty of landmarks along the way, and the whole thing is a protected environment, so this is very much a ‘leave a clean camp and a dead fire’ sort of trip. All trips should be, but you get the point. The road hugs stunning coastlines, offering plenty of vista opportunities for the sea-greedy.

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Austria’s Grossglockner High Alpine Road switchbacks up to Edelweiss-Spitze, its highest vantage point. Completed in 1935, the serpentine highway was built on the traces of ancient Celtic and Roman trails.

Here are 10 of the world’s most spectacular road trips

From Transylvania to Patagonia, these breathtaking routes are packed with thrills.

There’s nothing like a road trip: scenic views, surprising stops, the time spent with friends or with your own thoughts. But with untold millions of miles of roadways tracing the globe, it can be hard to pick the best route. Here are 10 of the world’s best road trips.

Climb the switchbacks on the Trans-Andean Highway

The Trans-Andean Highway delivers more thrills than a theme park, coiling along more than 200 miles of mountain passes between Chile’s booming capital and western Argentina’s Mendoza wine country. A defunct railway tracing part of the route only adds to the roller-coaster effect.

A major commercial thoroughfare through the continent’s Southern Cone, the challenging road also offers magnificent sightseeing. Twenty-nine hairpin turns climb some 11,500 feet on the Chilean side of the Andes, and on the Argentine side, drivers can glimpse 22,841-foot-high Mount Aconcagua, the tallest peak in the Western Hemisphere.

Travel tip: Watch out for border crossing delays at the nearly two-mile-long tunnel in Christ the Redeemer International Pass, named for a four-ton statue placed there in 1904.

Sightsee along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Linking the Shenandoah Mountains of Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, the winding Blue Ridge Parkway unspools along ridgetops, into fertile valleys, and past the highest peak east of the Mississippi (Mount Mitchell).

Though it’s possible to drive the traffic light–free road without stopping, farms, fields, and small towns offer plenty of diversions worth braking for. Travelers can climb Sharp Top Mountain, eat cornmeal cakes at the historic Mabry Mill , or listen to bluegrass music as they wander beneath the white oaks, red maples, mountain magnolias, black cherries, and tulip poplars at Flat Top Manor .

Travel tip: Though many drive the parkway in fall for its dramatic foliage, the route inspires no less awe in other seasons—especially spring, when wild ginger, trout lily, and jack-in-the-pulpit wildflowers bloom.

Spectacular fall foliage blankets the mountains as the Blue Ridge Parkway winds through North Carolina.

Brave Bolivia’s “Death Road”

For some 65 miles in the Bolivian highlands, little more than a lane separates drivers from skydivers. North Yungas Road—which includes a 25-mile pass marked with memorial crosses known as the Death Road—descends from the outskirts of La Paz to the subtropical town of Coroico.

Though a safer, paved bypass of Death Road was recently completed, mountain bikers and drivers still dare the one-lane route through the pass of La Cumbre on a barren, 15,255-foot ridge.

Travel tip: Driving on the right side is the norm in Bolivia, but travelers are advised to drive on the left on North Yungas, in order to better gauge the wheels’ distance from the edge of the road—which drops without a guardrail to the valleys below.

Drive a narrow mountain tunnel in China

In 1972, after centuries of isolation, the villagers of Guoliang decided to forge their own route through the remote Taihang Mountains in northeastern China . They had long relied on a steep mountain trail also known as a “heaven ladder.” Then 12 local men hand-carved a rough recess through the mountain over the course of six years, using only heavy hammers and steel drill rods. The Guoliang Tunnel Road (officially known as the Precipice Long Corridor) is just 19 feet wide and 13 feet high, with rough, open “windows” peering out over views of the gorge hundreds of feet below.

Travel tip: This twisting tunnel’s rock walls are badly cracked, with chicken wire at the entrance. Drivers are wise to turn on their headlights and honk their horns as they pass through.

Zoom down Austria’s High Alpine Road

Climbing nearly 3,000 feet in just under 30 miles, classic BMWs and roadsters whip around the curves of the Grossglockner High Alpine Road between the Austrian states of Salzburg and Carinthia. Overhead, griffon vultures and golden eagles circle the Alpine peaks, where rare ibex and pudgy marmots scurry among brown bears and wolves. The joyride delivers drivers to the wilds of Hohe Tauern National Park , the largest nature reserve in the Alps and a magnet for hikers and cyclists.

Travel tip: The Grossglockner charges a toll (around €34.50, or $38). Between May and November, stop off at the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe visitors center, where a funicular shuttles passengers to an overlook of the colossal Pasterze Glacier.

Cruise one of New Zealand’s most scenic highways

The southwest corner of New Zealand’s South Island poses the best kind of driver’s dilemma: Do you zip down wide-open roads or take your time to enjoy the views?

From Queenstown , follow state highways south along the shore of Lake Wakatipu to turn off on Milford Road (aka Highway 94). This scenic, high-altitude route curves northwards through rainforests and past the white-capped Ailsa Mountains before ending up at the mirror-like, tea-colored waters of Milford Sound, a marine reserve home to penguins, dolphins, and New Zealand fur seals.

Travel tip: The Milford Road eventually meets the Avenue of the Disappearing Mountain, where an optical illusion makes the peak appear to shrink as people approach it. Drivers stop at Lake Gunn for a short nature loop.

Related: see the 25 essential U.S. road trips

Step back in time on the Historic Columbia River Highway

Long ago bypassed by an interstate, the skinny, two-lane Historic Columbia River Highway has seen little change since its completion in 1922 as the United States’ first planned scenic roadway. The route winds above Oregon ’s Columbia River Gorge, taking in six state parks, seven waterfalls, and—on clear days—views of five mountain peaks, including Mount St. Helens. Breathtaking in any season, the highway is especially picturesque in spring, when endemic wildflowers bloom, and winter, when waterfalls freeze and massive icicles hang from graceful arched bridges.

Travel tip: At Crown Point, drivers stop at the Vista House, an elegant art nouveau observatory 733 feet above the Columbia River.

Get spooked in the Transylvanian Alps

Romania’s twisting, mile-high Transfăgărășan Road traces a north-south route between the country’s two highest peaks. Vlad the Impaler , the prince who inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula , is perhaps the region’s greatest claim to fame, and tourists can stop at the ruins of 700-year-old Poenari Castle after a scenic drive past the Arges River, the crescent-shaped rim of Vidraru Dam, and the emerald Vidraru Lake. Stop off at the 20-story Bâlea Waterfall to catch a red cable car up to Bâlea Lake, with two year-round chalets and an ice hotel built from scratch each winter.

Travel tip: As if crossing 27 bridges and aqueducts, navigating an unlit tunnel, and keeping an eye out for errant flocks of sheep in the road wasn’t challenging enough—treacherous weather conditions mean Transfăgărășan Road is only reliably open from late June through mid-October.

Transfăgărășan Road snakes through the Transylvanian Alps, also called the Carpathian Mountains.

Explore the Canadian Rockies

Running 144 miles between Banff and Jasper National Parks, Icefields Parkway brings drivers into the imposing landscape of the Canadian Rockies. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of bighorn sheep, caribou, moose, grizzlies, and black bears, though you won’t have to search hard to glimpse surreal, inverted landscapes in the parkway’s mirror-like glacial lakes.

Travel tip: Traffic is usually light—unless there’s a bear on the side of the road.

Climb the mountains of Morocco

Morocco’s Atlas Mountain Road tests drivers’ mettle, with two narrow, guardrail-free lanes snaking around too many blind curves to count. The 116-mile route takes in the otherworldly landscapes visible from Tizi-n’Tichka Pass as the road climbs more than 6,000 feet from Marrakech through the High Atlas Mountains and back down to the desert oasis of Ouarzazate.

Travel tip: Along the way, obstacles range from unpredictable surface conditions to goats, camels, and mules blocking the road.

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The 11 Best Road Trips in the World

There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road on an epic adventure, especially on these incredible stretches of highway

Heading out the door? Read this article on the Outside app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

I love a good road trip, especially in the mountains of Colorado, where I live. It’s when I do some of the best creative thinking, and it feels like the possibilities for exploration are endless. Should I hike a fourteener tomorrow? Cross the border into Utah to go mountain biking?

I scoured the globe to put together this list of the most stunning drives you could imagine, from the snowcapped peaks of Chilean Patagonia to the windswept west coast of Ireland. I’ve completed a handful, driven parts of many of them, and the rest are on my bucket list. I also chose these road trips for their proximity to adventure, and include essential details like the best hikes, beaches, and accommodations along the way. Buckle up.

The Dempster Highway to the Arctic Ocean, Canada

Miles: 550 Road terrain: Mostly gravel Best time to go: The Dempster Highway is open year-round, but traditional summer festivals in the Arctic towns and the aurora borealis viewing in winter are seasonal highlights.

Truly rugged and remote, this overland expedition traverses dramatic tundra landscapes, boreal forests, and mountain ranges en route to the Arctic Sea. Begin in the gold-rush outpost of Dawson City, Yukon, and load up on supplies—the unpaved gravel road is a known tire eater, so be sure you have a spare and a four-wheel drive car. From there the Dempster Highway heads north through the historic Klondike region, crosses the Arctic Circle, and enters the Northwest Territories, where you’ll have panoramas of what’s known as the polar Serengeti, a wide-open wilderness teeming with caribou, moose, and grizzlies.

Along the way, you’ll pass through Indigenous communities such as Tsiigehtchic, reached by ferry in summer after the snow melts. If you’re traveling during August, you can watch canoe races and listen to traditional music during Tsiigehtchic’s Canoe Days celebration. By the time you arrive in Inuvik, Canada’s largest community north of the Arctic Circle, you’ll have logged 457 miles. Pitch your tent or park your teardrop at Happy Valley Territorial Park (from $28), perched on a bluff overlooking the Richardson Mountains and the nation’s largest river, the Mackenzie.

Pick up the final stretch of the trip in town, the Inuvik–Tuktoyaktuk Highway, an 86-mile gravel road that winds past the Pingo Canadian Landmark, a collection of pingo (mounds of earth-covered ice) more than 100 feet high, and ends in the Inuit shorefront hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk.

Scenic Byway 12, Utah

Miles: 122 Road terrain: Paved Best time to go: Early spring and early fall

This expanse of highway connects Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef National Parks , traveling through Dixie National Forest and the northern part of Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument. The whole thing could be completed in three hours, but given its proximity to so many perfect playgrounds for hiking, paddling, biking, and fishing, I suggest a four-day road trip. Bookended by Panguitch to the west and Torrey to the east, this designated All-American Road bisects multiple ecosystems,  from sage flats to slickrock deserts, and sleepy rural communities like Boulder, where you should stop for a meal at Hell’s Backbone Grill . The photo opps are endless, but Powell Point Vista, between the towns of Henrieville and Escalante, affords some of the best views of the area’s distinct Wasatch Limestone formations. If I could overnight in one place along the way it’d be Ofland Escalante , which has a drive-in theater, a pool, and a food truck (from $99).

The Romantic Road, Germany

Miles: 220 Road terrain: Paved Best time to go: Spring or fall

Germany’s Romantische Strasse, or Romantic Road, could be the backdrop of a Grimm’s fairy tale, with its turreted and crenelated castles, red-roofed villages, and lake-dotted countryside in the Alpine foothills. This scenic byway across Bavaria connects the baroque town of Würzburg with the pastel-hued town of Füssen. The former is home to the Unesco-designated Würzburg Residence, one of the nation’s most opulent palaces, while Füssen is five minutes from what many consider the route’s highlight, King Ludwig’s Neuschwanstein Castle , which was the inspiration for the palace in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty . If you want to stretch your legs, you can tackle the hike to Mount Tegel, located behind the castle, or take the cable car up and explore the trail network at the top.

Along the way you’ll pass plenty of beer gardens—the riverfront Lechgarten in the hamlet of Landsberg am Lech is a must-stop—the vineyards of the Franconia wine region (pick up a bottle of dry, white Silvaner), and spend a few hours rejuvenating in the historic spa town of Bad Mergentheim; at the Best Western Premier Parkhotel ($150), you can take advantage of the indoor pool, spa, and gardens.

The Explorers Way, Australia

Miles: 1,864 Road terrain: Paved (and remember, Aussies drive on the left-hand side) Best time to go: Australia’s fall, March through May The ultimate outback odyssey, the Explorers Way is a road trip through Australia’s Red Centre. Much of the drive follows the Stuart Highway, named after 19th-century explorer John McDouall Stuart, the first European to successfully traverse the continent from south to north. Stuart’s expedition took nearly a year, but two weeks is ample time to complete the journey from Adelaide in South Australia to Darwin in the Northern Territory.

I highly recommend detours to Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park to stand in awe of the 2,831-foot-high monolith sacred to Aboriginals and to Litchfield National Park, teeming with waterfalls and wildlife like dingo and wallaby. Dedicate at least a day to explore the Aboriginal art galleries of Alice Springs, the Northern Territory’s second largest city and the approximate midway point of the route. When you reach the Top End, toast your trip with a bush negroni at Willing Distillery in Darwin or celebrate with a bush safari at Bamurru Plains Eco Lodge (from $2,425, all-inclusive), just northwest of Kakadu National Park, home to more than two dozen walking trails .

Atlantic Road, Norway

Miles: 22 Road terrain: Narrow, paved Best time to go: The coast is most dramatic in September and October

Norway has 18 designated national scenic routes, but the fact that the Atlantic Road was selected as the stage for the James Bond film No Time to Die is a testament to its wow-factor beauty. Officially known as Atlanterhavsvegen , this drive links the village of Kårvåg on Averøy Island with the fishing village of Bud on the mainland via an archipelago connected by eight low-lying bridges. Few roads bring you so close to the ocean: roll down your window and you’ll likely be kissed by sea mist.

Essential detours include the coastal path at Vevang to see Jan Freuchen’s “ Columna Transatlantica ,” a sculpture scattered across the rocks and heath-covered hills, and the glass-walled viewing platform at Askevågen, which affords spectacular mountain and ocean vistas. Strømsholmen Seasport, located between the towns of Kristiansun and Molde, offers scuba diving, fishing excursions, and wildlife safaris on the water. It also has four waterfront cabins that sleep up to ten people (from $55).

The Ring Road, Iceland

Miles: 820 Road terrain: Mostly paved, with some stretches of gravel Best time to go: Late spring or early fall

Stretch after stretch of otherworldly landscapes unfold along this famed 820-mile loop , also known as Route 1. It shows off vast lava fields, tumbling waterfalls, spouting glaciers, and bubbling geysers. You’ll want at least seven days to enjoy all the attractions and adventures along the way, and if you do the drive in May, June, or July, you can take advantage of nearly 24 hours of sun.

Most road-trippers start in the capital, Reykjavík, the city closest to Keflavík International Airport. You can tackle it counterclockwise or clockwise, but if you do the latter first, the scenery crescendos from pretty to jaw-droppingly gorgeous. If there’s one thing you shouldn’t miss, it’s a detour to the northern Troll Peninsula, which loops around the headlands past the end of the Skagafjörður fjord.

On the southeastern coast of Iceland , take time to explore Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon studded with icebergs, and nearby Diamond Beach, named for the brilliant chunks of ice that sparkle like gems against its black sands. The geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon, just 20 minutes from the airport, are the perfect final stop. Or tack on an adventure—maybe kayak in a glacial lagoon or ride an ATV along the beach—with outfitter Icelandic Mountain Guides .

Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

Miles: 1,600 Road terrain: Narrow, winding, and paved (you’ll also driving on the left-hand side here) Best time to go: summer to take advantage of longer day-light hours

One of the longest coastal routes in the world, the Wild Atlantic Way hugs the Emerald Isle’s rugged and spectacular west coast for miles, from its northern terminus on the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal to its southern terminus in the town of Kinsale in County Cork. The route is broken into 14 stages, and you’ll want to budget a minimum of five days to complete it.

There are loads of opportunities to stretch your legs on untouched swaths of beach near soaring sea cliffs. Those at Slieve League jut up 1,972 feet at their highest point; follow the Pilgrim’s Path from Teelin village 1.5 miles to the tops, and after pop into town for lunch. You’ll have plenty of options, but I highly recommend the award-winning Rusty Mackerel pub (rooms are also available from $54). The iconic Cliffs of Moher, in the lunar-like Burren region, are one of the natural treasures of Ireland, with a five-mile (one-way) coastal walk that connects the charming villages of Liscannor and Doolin.

On Achill Island, explore Keel Beach, a nearly two-mile stretch of golden sand. When I visited, the waves were pumping and I rented a board and a thick wetsuit from Soundwave Surf School . If the water’s calm, you can rent a stand-up-paddleboard. If your final destination is County Cork, celebrate with a pint at Levis Corner House , a pub in Ballydehob that’s been run by the same family for a century.

Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, Oregon

Miles: 363 Road terrain: Paved Best time to go: Late spring, early fall, or winter

Most people associate the Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH, with California, but the storied road spans from Canada to Mexico. Some of the best lengths, in my opinion, are in Oregon, where the road skirts virgin beaches, craggy mountains, and rocky coves, through a series of quirky seaside resorts and sleepy fishing villages. You could zip along all of it in 10 to 12 hours, but five days is the better plan, stopping at the many parks and public lands along the route. Ecola State Park (sea stacks, tidepooling, wildlife-watching) and Oregon Dunes Recreation Area (whose sweeping sandy expanses are said to have been the inspiration for Dune’ s planet Arrakis) are both top of my list.

About 30 miles northwest of the city of Bandon is Cape Arago; this short detour off the byway takes you through the South Slough National Estuarine Reserve, home to more than 150 kinds of birds and many good hiking trails . In the town of Coos Bay, I like to overnight at the modern cabins at Bay Point Landing ($235). The next day, you can drive 24 miles east to the remote Golden and Silver Falls State Natural Area and hike 1.4 miles to the top of Golden Falls for an eagle’s-eye view of the cascading waterfall and old-growth firs. Schedule your journey for spring and winter and bring your binocs—you can often spot the blows from migrating gray whales as they surface off the coast.

The Garden Route, South Africa

Miles: 124 Road terrain: Paved Best time to go: June to December, when you can spot whales from shore

This ocean-hugging highway showcases the Western Cape’s outrageously beautiful beaches, lush forests, national forests, and abundant marine life. Just under two hours’ drive from Cape Town, the former fishing village of Hermanus Bay is the gateway for the Garden Route. I always stop here to take advantage of the excellent land-based whale-watching between June and December. Continue three and a half hours east on the N2 highway to the harbor town of Mossel Bay, the route’s official starting point. Spend some time trekking around before heading out on your drive; my favorite is the 2.5-mile out-and-back trail from Pinnacle Point to Oyster Bay.

Wilderness National Park , approximately midroute, is a great spot for birdwatching and kayaking and has accommodations that include campsites (from $20), cabins (from $50), and a bed-and-breakfast (from $90). A half-hour farther east is Plettenberg Bay, nicknamed the Saint Tropez of South Africa for its palatial beach homes. Just south is Robberg Nature Reserve , a nice picnic spot where you can observe seal colonies. Spend a day exploring Tsitsikamma National Park , which boasts a 50-mile-long shoreline and an interior with 500-year-old trees. Looking to burn off some energy after hours in the car? I suggest the Otter Trail. South Africa’s oldest hiking trail takes five days to complete and begins near the Garden Route’s eastern terminus at Storms River rest camp.

Queenstown to Milford Sound, New Zealand

Miles: 180 Road terrain: Paved, two-lane highway Best time to go: New Zealand’s fall, March through May, is perfect for hiking Described by Rudyard Kipling as the “eighth wonder of the world,” Milford Sound is big nature on steroids. The drive on the South Island from Queenstown along State Highway 6 (a.k.a. the Southern Scenic Highway) and then State Highway 94 (Milford Sound Highway) will get you there  in just over four hours, but slow down to marvel at the waterfalls and alpine lakes framed by mountains. Te Anau is the halfway point of the drive and an ideal place to overnight, refuel, and stock up on food as there are no services farther en route to the sound. The lakeside town is also the gateway to the glacier-carved wilderness of Fiordland National Park and the jumping-off point for the Milford Track, arguably one of New Zealand’s most famous Great Walks , so consider tacking on a few extra days.

The Carretera Austral, Chile

Miles: 770 Road terrain: Rugged, pock-marked dirt, requiring four-wheel drive Best time to go: Austral spring and summer, November to March  

Waterfalls tumbling from hanging glaciers. Forests of lengua trees and turquoise lagoons. Ancient marble caves and flamingo-filled lakes. The wild backdrop of Chile’s Southern Highway (Route 7) is an adventurer’s fantasy. Also known as the Carretera Austral , this road cuts through remote, mountainous wilderness in northern Patagonia. Set aside at least two weeks so you can take time to visit Queulat National Park and Pumalín National Park , both located along the route.

Puerto Montt, a bustling town in the Chilean Lake District, is your starting point. It’s considered Chile’s seafood capital, so attempt to score a table at Pa Mar Adentro Restaurant and try the caldo curanto , a traditional seafood stew, before starting your journey south.

Coyhaique, the capital of Chile’s Aysén region, marks the route’s midway point. Take a day here to trek the trails of Reserva Nacional Coyhaique, home to two beautiful lakes, Los Sapos and Venus. Campsites are available in the Casa Bruja section of the reserve ($5), or continue a couple hours south to General Carrera Lake and hole up at the family-run  Mallin Colorado Ecolodge ($170). The owners serve terrific farm-to-table meals and partner with local guides who lead kayak trips to the Marble Caves and treks across Exploradores Glacier.

Rumbo Sur Hotel ($190), in the isolated terminus town of Villa O’Higgins, is a comfy final base surrounded by hiking trails and glaciers. A 4×4 is recommended, as most of the road is unpaved.

Outside travel columnist Jen Murphy hates driving but will happily sit shotgun on any road trip. Last fall she navigated on a weeklong mother-daughter road trip through southwest Colorado.

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17 Best Road Trips for 2023

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As road trip addicts we’ve been fortunate enough to have embarked on some of the world’s most beautiful journeys. From stunning coastlines to barren deserts, from historical to modern, across countries and continents we’re sharing our 17 favourite road trips that we’ve taken across the globe: add them to your bucket list now!

The World’s Best Road Trips

‘Let’s go on a road trip’

1 | The Garden Route, South Africa

The Garden Route in South Africa is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world. The spectacular coastal drive stretches from Storms River Mouth in the Eastern Cape to Mossel Bay in the Western Cape and takes in the stunning Plettenberg Bay, the Knysna Heads and one of the highest bungy jumps in the world at Bloukrans Bridge.

Check out our best stops on South Africa’s Garden Route !

2 | The Atlantic Road, Norway

Widely known as one of the most beautiful roads in the world and voted Norway’s engineering feat of the century, the Atlantic road is a 8.3km stretch of immaculately designed road that weaves across the rugged Atlantic coast. It’s difficult to describe how ruggedly stunning the road is: not only is it really fun to drive as it snakes up and down across the archipelago but the viewing points along the way allow you to feel the power of the Atlantic right beneath your feet.

Check out more stunning pics from our Norway road trip !

3 | The Hai van pass, Vietnam

A spectacular mountain pass between the Vietnam cities of Hue and Hoi An, the route was made famous in a Vietnam Top Gear special where it was described as a ‘deserted ribbon of distraction’. It’s the highest pass in Vietnam and its name translates to the ‘Sea Clouds’ in reference to the mist that often shrouds its highest points. The route is filled with amazing vantage points and, at the top, lush green land and turquoise sea contrast for miles and miles.

Read about our Hai Van Pass adventures !

4 | Transfargarasan Highway, Romania

6 million kilograms of dynamite blasted through the Carpathian Mountains to create the Transfargarasan Highway. At over 2,000 metres, the mountain pass is a long and winding road with hairpin bends and steep snakes through the mountains passing lakes, waterfalls and castles. It opens up to overlook a beautiful valley with amazing views of the Highway. It’s a stunning drive and we’d have to agree with another Top Gear declaration: in the words of Jeremy Clarkson ‘this is the best road in the world!’

5 | Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

Stretching from West Cork to Donegal the Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland’s most spectacular road trip. The Wild Atlantic Way encompasses 2,500 kilometres of dramatic coastline, beautiful beaches, jutting mountains and lush scenery. The highlights include a cable car to Dursey Island (which you might have to share with a sheep), Achill Island, Skellig Michael (of Star Wars fame) and the postcard perfect Cliffs of Moher.

6 | The Panorama Route, South Africa

The iconic Three Rondavels, beautiful viewpoints and stunning waterfalls make the Panorama Route a must do roadtrip. It runs along the eastern edge of the Drakensberg Mountains and is filled with rugged beauty and dramatic scenery.

For a lowdown of our favourite stops on the Panorama route check out our round up of the Panorama Route !

7 | Amalfi Coast, Italy

Italy is a stunning country by all accounts but the scenic Amalfi Coast is a real highlight. The UNESCO designated route snakes through lego like pastel coloured villages and picture perfect towns. The roads are narrow and winding but, with the sun in your rear view and a glass of Italian wine waiting at the end of the drive, the Amalfi Coast is truly spectacular.

8 | The South Island, New Zealand

A New Zealand road trip is an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most beautiful countries. With South Island sights including the spectacular Milford Sound, the French town of Akaroa, quaint and quirky Arrowtown, the stunning Golden Bay and the adrenaline junkie hotspot of Queenstown every moment is a delight.

9 | Pacific Coast Highway, USA

The 200 kilometre coastal route from Carmel to Morro Bay is an adrenaline inducing drive with the Big Sur as its highlight. California dreaming at finest.

10 | Lisbon to Porto, Portugal

The coastal capital of Lisbon and the narrow cobbled streets of Portugal’s second city Porto are spectacular cities and the road between them is filled with awe inspiring stops. Quaint village, historic sights and UNESCO World Heritage sites dot the route. Obidos and Sintra are highlights as are the stunning Alcobaca and Batalha Monasteries, this journey is one of our European highlights.

11 | Skeleton Coast, Namibia

Namibia’s Skeleton Coast is barren stretch of coastline named in reference to the many shipwrecks which met their end as a result of the hostile conditions. From sand dunes to ship wrecks to the largest seal colony in the world the drive is unwelcoming yet fascinating and the scenery both stunning and dramatic.

12 | The Road to Mount Nebo, Jordan

A winding road snakes through the barren Jordanian country side to reach an isolated mountain topped with an ancient church. Mount Nebo is the spot where Moses is said to have died and is his final resting place. The view from the top stretches as far as the Dead Sea to Bethlehem and the West Bank and was one of our Jordan highlights.

More on our Jordan road trip adventures !

13| The Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland

The Causeway Coastal Route stretches 315 kilometres from Belfast to Derry and encompass some of the world’s most beautiful coastline. It’s dotted with Game of Thrones filming locations ( check out our favourites here ) making it a must for any Game of Thrones fan. Highlights include the UNESCO listed Giant’s Causeway, the Dark Hedges made famous by the Game of Thrones, the fear inducing Carrick a Rede rope bridge and the delicious Bushmill’s Distillery.

14| Trollstigen, Norway

The Troll Road, or Trollstigen, is an adrenaline inducing stretch of road in Fjordland Norway with a phenomenal viewing platform at the very top. Legend has it that trolls roam the Norway roads at night and turn to stone when they are hit by the morning light, creating the mass of cliffs around the Trollstigen area.

Norway Road trip bucket list!

15 | The Sani Pass, South Africa/Lesotho

The Sani Pass is a mountain pass filled with hairpin bends and white knuckle drops which cuts through the UNESCO designated Drakensberg mountain range linking South Africa with the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. It’s home to beautiful scenery and adrenaline inducing turns, with names such as Devil’s Corner, Suicide bend and Hairpin Bend, it’s one for the road trip bucket list.

A round up of our drive through the Drakensberg mountains and across the Sani Pass !

16| The King’s Highway, Jordan

An ancient Middle Eastern Route from Amman to Petra, The King’s Highway passes through the rural Jordanian countryside and is dotted with fascinating stops including Madaba with it’s 6th century mosaics and the castle remains of Karak and Shobak.

17 | The Baltic States: Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia

Passing through Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia a Baltic State road trip takes in incredible sights. From old towns to haunting war memorials and from stunning beaches to enchanting forests the variety of sights and scenery is mesmerizing.

Our Baltic road trip itinerary

Pin for later!

24 thoughts on “17 Best Road Trips for 2023”

I took the Causeway Coastal Route when I was in Ireland. Some of the most beautiful scenery in the world!

The Causeway Coastal Route is sometime overlooked in Ireland as the Wild Atlantic Way is very popular. Although we think the Causeway Coast is just as beautiful!

These are definitely some amazing road trips around the world, I would love to visit many of these regions. If you visit the USA, check out some of the national parks – there’s a lot of amazing landscape and country to discover here to add to your list.

Hi Noel, thanks for the heads up on the national parks. We’re well overdue a visit to them. Zion and Arches look amazing!

These all look great! I’ve only done the PCH from Seattle to LA. It was gorgeous! I need to find a buddy to go on a road trip with me in another country.

Hi Sadie, the PCH is stunning, definitely one of our favourites!

Glad to see that South Africa, Lesotho and Namibia made it onto your list. Nothing I love more than an African road trip. And I agree that Norway and Ireland are stunning road trip destinations too.

Hi Roxanne, South Africa and Lesotho were incredible. Namibia is amazing too but so different. Africa has some stunning road trips!

This is one amazing list. 17 for 2017, nice concept!!!

Thanks Neha!

Wow! I can’t believe you guys have actually done all these road trips! Especially the ones in South Africa must be so stunning, just put these road trips on my bucket list 😉 Great pictures, as well, by the way! Love from Morocco, Denise

We’re hugh road trip fans and try to rent cars every where we go! South Africa was simply stunning, such a great country and so easy to road trip!

Fab post, feel like I need to get on the road now! I’ve already travelled along the Amalfi Coast and hopefully doing the Hai van pass this summer- just the rest of the list to go!

Hi Charlotte, we loved the Amalfi Coast. You feel like such a rock-star there! Have fun at the Hai Van pass, it’s gorgeous!

Awesome inspiration. We did the Baltics last year and loved it. We have just bought a van and can’t wait to head traveling this summer!

Hi Rohan, the Baltics were amazing. We did the road trip in the winter months and are dreaming of a summer trip there! Love the van, we’re debating investing in one too!

Nice post – addicted to a road trip, and covered a couple of these. Three fantastic weeks in Namibia in 2013, a hectic couple of weeks back in 2006 in a Hummer along the Pacific highway coast – plus a few from our home in the SE of the UK. This may help with our plans for this year

Thanks Gary, Namibia is such a fantastic country. We’ll definitely be back for a longer trip soon!

We are planning a massive road trip from Canada to Argentina so it was awesome to read about these road trips to get in the road tripping mood!

Hi Laura, wow that’s a huge road trip! Best of look with the planning. We’ll have to keep track of you’re progress!

These all look so amazing! I wish I could do all of them!

Thanks Aubrie!

Mouth-watering photos. I want to do all of these! Cheers for the inspiration 🙂

Thanks Shannon, glad the photos inspired you for some more trips!

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The best road trips in the world

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If you're dreaming of setting out to hit the open road, look no further. This is our pick of the best road trips in the world, from majestic day-trips to week-long odysseys.

1. Cabot Trail, Canada

2. the garden route, south africa, 3. columbia river gorge, usa, 4. san juan skyway, usa, 5. gobi desert, mongolia, 6. south island circuit, new zealand, 7. salar de uyuni, bolivia, 8. costa smeralda, sardinia.

• 9. Iceland's ring road

10. The Karakoram Highway, Pakistan

11. tasman peninsula, tasmania, 12. highway 61, usa, 13. northeast coastline, brazil, 14. ruta 40, argentina, 15. the pan-american highway, 16. the golden road to samarkand, uzbekistan, 17. the atlantic road, norway, 18. the outer hebrides, scotland, 19. bollenstreek route, the netherlands, 20. the atlantic highway, england, 21. the basque circuit, spain, 22. the great ocean road, australia, 23. skeleton coast, namibia, 24. avenue of the baobabs, madagascar, 25. driving to uluru, australia, 26. the oman circle, oman, 27. the powder highway, canada, 28. ocean drive, usa, 39. the road to mount nebo, jordan, 30. new york city to niagara, usa, 31. big sur, usa, 32. badlands national park, usa, 33. the road to hana, hawaii, 34. coastal route 15, mexico.

• 35. Corsica's northwest coast, France

Planning your perfect road trip

This 298km road traverses the island of Cape Breton , arguably the most beautiful part of Nova Scotia. The highlight of the trail is the northern section. This takes you through the magnificent Cape Breton Highlands National Park — home to bald eagles, moose and black bears. Take the journey at a leisurely pace to explore charming small villages where the French and Scottish influence is still obvious.

Cabot Trail, Canada © Shutterstock

The lush, slender stretch of coastal plain between Mossel Bay and Storms River Mouth makes for an easy and beautiful introduction to South Africa . As you drive you'll see mountains and vineyards on one side and rocky shores and sandy beaches on the other. The coast is at its most dramatic at Storms River Mouth. Abandon your wheels here to walk the trails, with the surf pounding the rocks below you.

Start planning your Garden route trip today! With the help of our local experts and carefully crafted South African itineraries , you're guaranteed an outstanding experience.

The Garden Route in South Africa © LMspencer/Shutterstock

Travelling east out of Portland , Oregon, Interstate-84 winds its way beside the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. Though it’s just 112km long and easily covered in one day, a few days will enable you to get the most out of the area. Take your time soaking up the views of the USA’s second-longest river, and its many dramatic waterfalls.

Portland, Oregon © Shutterstock

This 380km drive through Colorado’s dramatic San Juan Range will take you past gushing streams and waterfalls in spring, bright wildflowers in summer, and snowy slopes in winter. However, this fabulous route is at its most spectacular in autumn, when the landscape is ablaze with the yellows, oranges and reds of the leaves. It's also one of the reasons that we think makes Colorado one of the most beautiful states in the USA .

Eager to explore the States? Let our tailor-made trip service spare you the hours of research needed for your dream vacation. Rely on us for planning and booking. Our journeys, carefully crafted by local travel experts, can be fully tailored to suit your preferences.

San Juan Skyway is one of the best road trips in the world © Shutterstock

Off-road to your heart’s content in the Gobi Desert , where kilometre after kilometre of nothingness stretches out around you. This truly remote region has a rugged beauty – not least the sand dunes of Khongoryn Els. When you get tired of being behind the wheel, explore on camelback and spend your nights at a traditional Ger camp.

Gobi Desert snow, winter, Mongolia © RethaAretha/Shutterstock

The South Island is where New Zealand ’s landscape is at its most remarkable. Driving around it at your own pace allows you to really soak up the many varied vistas, stopping for an adrenalin fix every now and again. Arguably the most stunning part of the drive is between Te Anau and Milford Sound, which crosses tranquil Fiordland and some of the Southern Alps.

Milford Sound (Fjordland, New Zealand) © Darryl Leach/Shutterstock

Driving across the perfectly flat white expanse of the world’s largest salt lake , it’s easy to believe you’re on another planet. After it rains, the salt flats are turned into an enormous mirror. In the reflection, you'll see the mountain peaks that surround the area. When dry, the surface is so intensely white that it appears to be ice. At night, the landscape is illuminated by the eerie white glow of the moon. There are plenty of adventures to be had in Bolivia, too – start with these beautiful journeys across the country .

Salt lake Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia © Helen Filatova/Shutterstock

Sardinia’s beautiful northern coast, the Costa Smeralda (or “Emerald Coast”), sees the meeting of dramatic headlands and turquoise waters. This is the island’s best-known resort area, with a reputation for glitzy opulence. Visit in late spring or early autumn for the best experience; quieter roads, beautiful weather, and uncrowded beaches.

Porto Cervo Costa Smeralda, Italy © Shutterstock

9. Iceland's ring road

Iceland is known for it's beautiful road trip opportunites . A 1,339-kilometre road that runs right around the island, the N1 enables you to enjoy Iceland ’s awe-inspiring scenery. Drive past fertile valleys and snow-capped mountains to lava fields, vivid blue fjords and volcanic craters. This beautiful, if brutal, landscape of big open spaces is perfect for exploring on four wheels.

On our Ring Road in 10 days tailor made trip, you'll spend time exploring, soaking in thermal tubs, whale watching and more. Our tailor made trips are crated by local travel experts and are completely customisable. 

Askja Volcano Crater, Iceland © Shutterstock

The highest paved road in the world, the Karakoram Highway connects China and Pakistan. Along the way, it crosses the rocky mountain range that separates the two countries. Undoubtedly one of the world’s most stunning routes, the journey takes you through some seriously epic scenery. You'll see towering snow-capped mountains, rocky gorges and pale blue rivers, not to mention past numerous pieces of rock art, which date back as far as 1000BC.

View on the new silk road or Karakoram Highway © khlongwangchao/Shutterstock

This southeastern corner of Tasmania is one of the most stunning parts of Australia. It boasts a rugged coastline that leads down to crystal clear waters of the many beaches. Self-driving is the best way to explore. Allow plenty of time for stops to get up close to the spectacular scenery, not least to see Tasman’s Arch and the Devil’s Kitchen.

Tasmania is a great place for a road trip © Shutterstock

There’s no greater musical odyssey to be had in the United States than that of the Blues Highway – one of our top 5 road trips in the USA. Running south for 2,300km from Wyoming to New Orleans, Louisiana, it follows the course of the mighty Mississippi River for much of the way. The greatest stretch for music lovers is undoubtedly that from the Blues city of Memphis to intoxicating New Orleans .

Memphis, Tennessee, USA Downtown Skyline Aerial © Kevin Ruck/Shutterstock

A road-trip for beach-lovers, taking you between Jericoacoara, with its fine white-sand beach and turquoise lagoon, and Salvador, second only to Rio for the magnificence of its natural setting. In between stretch kilometre after kilometre of unbroken beaches that are undoubtedly among the most beautiful in the world. This is unspoiled Brazil , from sheltered reef beaches to wilder ones backed by mountainous sand dunes and palm trees.

Take your dream trip hassle-free with our tailor-made travel service . Leave the planning to us. Our itineraries , crafted by local travel experts, can be customized to perfectly fit your specific preferences.

Jericoacoara, Brazil © Shutterstock

Running parallel to the spine of the Andes in Argentina , this is one of the longest roads in the Americas and one of our top 6 journeys in South America . The route takes you from tranquil lakes and lush national parks to salt flats and the wilds of Patagonia. Best of all, you can relax at the end of the day with a glass of delicious local wine.

Fitz Roy mountain in Patagonia, Argentina © Shutterstock

Undoubtedly one of the best road trips in the world, travelling from the southernmost tip of Argentina to Alaska . In other words, it takes you from the Antarctic to the Arctic and covers an astounding 48,000km. The world’s longest driving route (only broken in Panama by the rainforested Darién Gap ), you'll encounter almost every ecosystem and habitat on earth along the way.

Dalton Highway in north Alaska in winter © FloridaStock/Shutterstock

Trace ancient footsteps through the heart of the historic Silk Road in Uzbekistan. An eight- to ten-day trip, it's best experienced by hiring a 4WD. The Golden Road journeys through breathtaking landscapes and historic cities – nowhere more impressive than your end goal, Samarkand, home to the beautiful turquoise-domed Registan.

Gur-E Amir Mausoleum, the tomb of the Asian conqueror Tamerlane, Samarkand, Uzbekistan © NICOLA MESSANA PHOTOS/Shutterstock

The route may be short – a mere 8.3km – but it's incredibly impressive. Eight low bridges link the islands between Molde and Kristiansund in the western fjords of Norway . The most beautiful is Storseisundet, curving scenically above the water. In summer you can spot seals and whales, while autumn brings its own appeal, with dramatic rainstorms that pound the road.

Storseisundet Bridge, Norway © alexilena/Shutterstock

The single-track road that runs down this island chain is one of Britain's greatest driving experiences. Rugged, windswept and jaw-droppingly beautiful, this route shows Scotland at its best. Travelling both by road and sea, you can do a bit of island-hopping, experiencing beautiful beaches like Luskentyre, ancient standing stones, and the justifiably renowned Hebridean hospitality.

St. Kilda, Outer Hebrides, Scotland © Shutterstock

The Netherlands is renowned for its flowers, and there’s no better way to experience them then on the Bollenstreek – or Bulb – route. The best time of year to drive the road is, unsurprisingly, spring, when brightly-coloured flowers carpet the plains. And there's more than just tulips – you can expect to see narcissi, hyacinths, irises and dahlias, among many others.

Classic Dutch windmills, Netherlands © JeniFoto/Shutterstock

The A39 from Bridgewater to Bude runs along the northern coast of Devon into Cornwall . You get some of the country’s best sea views on one side, and wild, dramatic hills on the other. With pretty villages and sweeping beaches to explore, not to mention the great expanse of Exmoor National Park, this is perfect for a leisurely few days of exploring.

Kingsbridge Estuary Salcombe © David Hughes/Shutterstock

This 480km route through northern Spain takes you through some of the country’s (many) highlights – Bilbao , Pamplona , the Pyrenees, and back along the coast, with the beautiful Bay of Biscay on your right. You’ll want plenty of time to explore – not least to sample some of the wonderful local food – and to allow for the views to distract you along the way.

Why wait? Let our tailor-made trip service simplify your travel experience by handling all the planning and booking for you. Our trips, designed by local travel experts , are fully customizable to ensure they align perfectly with your preferences and interests.

Spain is a great place for a road trip © Shutterstock

Extending 285km between Torquay and Warrnambool in southwestern Victoria, the Great Ocean Road was conceived as a scenic road of world repute to commemorate the soldiers who died during World War I. The most spectacular part of the drive is undoubtedly the appropriately named “Shipwreck Coast”, home to the dramatic rock formations of the Twelve Apostles.

12 Apostles, Port Campbell, Victoria © Shutterstock

This barren stretch of coast in Namibia is named for the countless shipwrecks that have occurred here over the centuries. Many of the sun-bleached wrecks can still be seen – often shrouded in mist. The Skeleton Coast's appeal lies not only in its dramatic scenery but also in the hostile remoteness of its location. In addition to windswept sand dunes, expect black lava ridges and granite massifs. You might even spot elephants, black rhinos and springboks from your 4WD.

Ready to explore Namibia by car? See our guide to planning the perfect week long itinerary , or see our exisiting Namibia itineraries for inspiration.

Skeleton Coast in Namibia © gg-foto/Shutterstock

This dusty road in western Madagascar , between Morondava and Belon'i Tsiribihina, is lined by remarkable baobab trees. Their stark silhouettes are especially striking in contrast to the low shrubland that surrounds them. Reaching up to 30m height and 11m diameter, and up to 800 years old, the majesty of the baobab can only really be appreciated by seeing them in person – a truly extraordinary sight.

Avenue baobabs, Madagascar © Michail_Vorobyev/Shutterstock

There’s nothing quite like driving through the brilliant red, parched desert of Australia’s Northern Territory and seeing Uluru rising up in front of you for the first time. Despite being one of the most recognizable sights in the world, it’s hard not to be awestruck. Whether drenched in fierce Australian sunlight, or softened by the colours of sunrise and sunset, it’s a memory you won’t ever forget.

Uluru, Ayers Rock, Australia © Uwe Aranas/Shutterstock

Driving this route is a wonderful way to explore this fascinating country. I will allow you to experience the full range of its beautiful landscapes, from deserts and dunes to cave systems and exotic souks. Be sure to take a break from the road to spot turtles on Ras Al Jinz beach, or to try wild-swimming in the river at the bottom of a wadi.

Desert, Oman © Shutterstock

British Columbia’s Powder Highway is the perfect road trip for lovers of the white stuff. The roads that make up this 1,094 km loop run through the heart of western Canada take in traditional ski resorts – including Kicking Horse and Fernie – and backcountry ski lodges, with fabulous mountain views that unfold with every turn in the road.

Glacier National Park in British Columbia © Jiri Kulisek/Shutterstock

There’s no denying that Portland , Oregon, is currently one of the coolest cities in the USA , so start your journey with a few days here, soaking up the vibrant music scene, before heading south down the coast. As you drive, mile after mile of beautiful – and empty – beaches await, complemented by quaint towns. You might even be able to spot grey whales just off the coast.

Heceta Head Lighthouse, Oregon, USA © Allard One/Shutterstock

Following the road 10km northwest of Madaba leads you to Mount Nebo, said to be the final resting place of Moses. It's a place of unique resonance to Jews, Christians and Muslims. Though there’s nothing to see in terms of remains, this journey through Jordan is more than worth it to see the special mountain, which is crowned by an ancient church that houses some marvellous mosaics.

Mount Nebo, Jordan © VLADJ55/Shutterstock

This is an epic drive, covering an impressive 2,100km, from New York City to Niagara Falls , before returning to the bright lights via the Amish farms and vineyards of Ithaca. It's a fantastic route throughout the year – you'll see snow in the Catskills, the lush green countryside in spring and summer or the irresistible colours of the autumn leaves in the Adirondacks.

Horseshoe Fall, Niagara Falls © Alexander Demyanenko/Shutterstock

The USA is full of iconic drives, and undoubtedly one of the most famous is that along California’s Highway 1. The road's undoubted highlight is Big Sur. With 145 km of wild and undeveloped coastline, the road curves through bedrock cliffs above the ocean. Below hide sandy beaches, while inland are grand redwood groves lining river canyons in the shadow of the Saint Lucia Mountains.

Big Sur with the Bixby Bridge in California © Songquan Deng/Shutterstock

There’s a rugged beauty to Badlands National Park , where the layered rock formations, ravines and mesas provide particularly striking panoramas. The classic route through the park is on Highway 240 – or the “Badlands Loop” – where the 51km drive takes you past fourteen different viewpoints where you can appreciate up the sheer scale and isolation of the national park.

Sunrise over Badlands National Park, South Dakota © Paul Brady Photography/Shutterstock

Undoubtedly dramatic, the Road to Hana on the Hawaiian island of Maui encompasses six hundred twists and turns, and fifty narrow bridges, making it surprisingly white-knuckle at times. The pay-off is more than worth it, however, as you pass lush jungle, cascading waterfalls and steep cliffs that lead down to stereotypically picturesque Hawaiian beaches.

The road to Hana in Maui at Kaumahina State Wayside Park Hawaii © Reimar/Shutterstock

An unforgettable road that runs from Nogales, on the US border, to the seaside resort of Puerto Vallarta – once you hit the Pacific, expect ocean on one side and anything from desert to rainforest on the other. You’ll need at least five days to do the stretch justice, allowing time to take in tiny seaside pueblos, colonial villages and the vivid blue of the ocean.

Not sure when to travel? Arm yourself with info on when to go to Mexico around the year.

View of Banderas Bay and Puerto Vallarta © Ferenz/Shutterstock

35. Corsica's northwest coast, France

The 112 hair-raising kilometres of the D81 from Calvi to Cargèse takes you through jagged mountains with unique, savage beauty. Ten days will allow you to really make the most of the journey, from Calvi’s bustling port to the vivid-red rock gorge of the Fango River, and the fabulous views of the Scandola headland to be had from the Croce Pass.

Calvi historic city center with sandy beach, Corsica, France © Eva Bocek/Shutterstock

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12 of the best road trips in the world [epic 2024 guide].

Bradley and I took our first proper road trip back in 2016 and it was far more epic than we ever could have imagined! 

We suddenly realised just how much you could see of a country when you had your own vehicle and the new opportunities it opened up. 

Bradley’s the driver in our relationship, but he absolutely loves driving on the open roads of a new country and being surrounded by new and exciting views. 

It’s not always possible to take a road trip when planning a trip , but whenever the opportunity arises, we take it.

Lately we’ve fallen in love with vanlife; so much so that we actually converted our own van into a campervan !

We’ve taken much more road trips in recent years and honestly, once you’ve done it once, it’s really hard to revert back to long bus journeys and public transport. 

Especially with the recent rise of RV ownership , this is becoming an increasingly popular way to travel!

We’ve undertaken a lot of amazing road trips with a massive focus in Europe. 

Actually it’s allowed us to almost completely see every country in Europe! 

We’ve got a few countries left, but I’m pretty sure that we are going to explore them all via road trips within the next couple years! 

So, if you need some inspiration on what the best road trips in the world are, then keep reading to find out our favourite trips we’ve taken so far. 

Travellerspoint

Benefits of a road trip for getting around

I thought I’d quickly list some positives of choosing to road trip a country, rather than relying on public transport. Of course this is all only possible if you can and are willing to drive in a new country. 

It can save money 

Depending on where you visit, hiring a campervan or a car can actually save you money. 

For example, in expensive countries like Norway or Ireland, if you have your own campervan you can save money on accommodation, or if you’ve got a car, all you need is a tent and you can camp in some amazing places. 

You can go off the beaten track 

Seeing the famous tourist attractions of any country is always great fun, but what’s even better is when you get to discover locations that people haven’t been to yet.

One of the easiest and most comfortable ways of doing this is via your own vehicle. 

You can discover new lakes, viewpoints, and much more when you can just drive! 

It’s more comfortable 

If you’ve travelled in South America , or even Asia, then you’ll know that long bus journeys are part of the experience. 

But as you get older (this line makes me sound really old…) you naturally want to opt for more comfortable travel, even if it does cost you a little bit extra. 

Well, when you’ve got your own vehicle you can drive for as long as you want, take toilet breaks when you want, listen to your own music and just create a comfortable environment and experience. 

Okay, now let's look at where to go on a road trip! 

1. The Lofoten Islands

First on our list of epic road trips in the world is the Lofoten Islands in Norway . 

It’s simply not possible to truly explore the true beauty of the Lofoten Islands unless you have your own vehicle. 

Wild camping is legal in Norway, so if you can hire a campervan in Norway , or instead brave a tent, you’ll get some amazing spots. 

One of my favourite things about a road trip here was just the stunning views that surrounded you all day every day.

I cannot emphasize enough just how beautiful every corner of The Lofoten Islands are. 

If you’re a photographer, then you will be in paradise. 

It’s also an awesome place to road trip all year around. 

The landscape at various times of the year changes dramatically so there is always something new and beautiful to discover. 

We visited during the winter season when it was cold, frosty and snowy. 

That made for some EPIC views and we were in the prime season for the Northern Lights . 

One of my favourite towns in the Lofoten Islands was Reine. 

This is actually quite a famous town, famous for its little red houses against a mountainous backdrop. 

I can tell you, the views of this small Noreigan town are beyond epic. 

Another great thing about a Lofoten Island road trip is that there really aren’t any “crowds”. 

Most of the viewpoints and areas we visited were relatively tourist free, which really felt like you were discovering beautiful locations for the first time. 

Driving The Lofoten Islands is also very unique. 

The islands are connected by spectacular bridges so you’ll be driving across such unique landscapes. 

If you’ve got a drone, then you’re going to get some amazing road trip driving shots here. 

The roads are not busy either, sometimes it can feel like hours before someone drives past you! 

Though it's so remote, don;t worry, there are plenty of good motorhome and campervans rentals in Norway , located around the country.

How long does it take?

The beauty of any road trip is that you can make it as long or as short as you want. 

We managed to drive it in two days. 

This is mainly because we had a lot of ground to cover (we were road tripping all of Scandinavia ). 

But, if you want to do some of the amazing hikes on offer, then you’re going to need longer. 

Be aware that some hikes are not possible in the winter months. 

But I would suggest allowing yourself 3-4 days in the winter and 4-5 days in the summer season. 

Highlights of the trip

• Visiting Reine: This picturesque town is one of the most beautiful views I’ve ever witnessed. 
• Epic beaches: The Lofoten Islands has some of the most stunning beach views I’ve ever witnessed (bookmark here , here , here and here ). I’ve always associated epic beach views with a summer setting, but winter at the beach is beauty on a different level here. 
• Feeling secluded: Driving when it felt like no one else was around always felt like we were explorers discovering somewhere unique and new and that was awesome. 

2. Stockholm to Copenhagen

Driving through Sweden is beautiful.

The north is awesome because you get to experience Swedish Lapland, but driving in the south of the country was such a surprise. 

There were beautiful views everywhere and we kept seeing amazing castles.

Sweden is full of epic castles, everywhere and you could spend weeks seeing them all. 

But on the road trip from Stockholm to Copenhagen, you’ll see some epic castles, including:

• Trolleholms

There are also many amazing places to stop off on this road trip. 

Our favorite stops included the cities of Gothenburg and Malmo. 

Gothenburg was such a cool place and we only had a morning to explore it, so I’d definitely like to return for a city break one day. 

And Malmo was a really cool city that you could rent electric scooters to whizz around and explore. 

One of the highlights of a Stockholm to Copenhagen road trip is getting to go over the Oresund Bridge . 

It was opened in 2000 and is the longest combined road and rail bridge in Europe, stretching over 5 miles. 

It’s really cool seeing two countries connected by this amazing bridge. 

Driving across it is quite epic and of course the views are amazing! 

It’s expensive to drive across, but it’s not something you do regularly, so it’s worth the money. 

If you wanted to extend your road trip and make it a little longer, before you visit Gothenburg, you could take a detour up to the cute town of Fredrikstad, just over the border in Norway.

I would allow 1 week at least to do this road trip. That will allow you time to explore the various cities you stop off at and to take your time. 

Epic castles: Still an amazing highlight of this road trip and because there are two different driving routes you can take, I suggest you take the road that allows you to stop at Läckö Castle which is truly one of the coolest castles I’ve ever seen! 

Food & Ikea: Okay, I know saying going to Ikea as a highlight is probably lame, but I don’t care! I waited to go to Ikea for the first time in Sweden, and we had Sweedish meatballs, so it was a lot of fun!

Stockholm!: Of course, Stockholm itself is one of the biggest highlights! Filled with so much to see and do , it’s officially our second favourite city in Europe (after Rome of course).

3. Zurich to Hallstatt

A few years ago Brad and I had the opportunity to live in Austria, and as part of that experience we were able to do an epic road trip from Zurich (Switzerland) to Hallstatt (Austria) . 

I’ve always wanted to drive through Switzerland because I’ve seen amazing pictures of the Swiss mountains online, and I can confirm that the views driving through Switzerland to Austria are epic. 

But, what surprised me most and what I wasn’t expecting was just how wonderful and amazing the scenery of the Austrian Alps are.

I think Austria is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and the views we got to experience on this road trip were unforgettable. 

We visited in January, and I suggest you do the same because you’ll be greeted with stunning snow capped mountains which adds such a charm to the journey. 

Driving through Austria is truly beautiful on all corners, but finishing up in Hallstatt is a true highlight. 

Hallstatt is a UNESCO Heritage town , and it’s without doubt one of the most picturesque towns I’ve ever seen. 

It’s postcard picture perfect. 

It also looks beautiful all year around. I’ve seen pictures of it during spring and summer and it’s amazing, but we visited in winter and the landscape was breathtaking. 

This is one of my favourite road trip destinations in Europe and a picture-perfect journey. 

The drive itself non-stop only takes around 6 hours, but there are lots of great places to stop off at, so I’d give yourself 4 days. 

You can even make a stop in another country, Liechtenstein, and stop off in awesome Innsbruck , which is one of my favourite European cities. 

The Austrain Alps: This is one of the most scenic road trip views I’ve ever taken. One of the tunnels is quite long, and when you reach the other end, you literally enter one of the most epic landscapes, it’s really cool! 

Great quality roads: Roads in the European Union/EEA tend to be pretty well maintained and that goes for Austria and Switzerland. The roads are very well developed and easy to drive which makes your road trip more enjoyable and fuss-free. 

4. A loop of Sri Lanka (in a Tuk Tuk!)

This is definitely one of the more unique road trips around the world, but probably my favourite. Not everyone can say they’ve driven around an entire country in a tuk-tuk, well we can, and it’s totally possible for you too! Sri Lanka provides this unique road trip experience. 

You’ll need at least 3 weeks to do the whole country properly. 

Lots of people rent for less than a week, rush around and can only do a certain area of the country. 

I think this is a total waste if you’ve flown the whole way out there! 

Rent for at least 3 weeks and you will have the trip of a lifetime and get to experience everything Sri Lanka has to offer . 

The best thing about road tripping Sri Lanka is the fact that it’s actually very diverse. 

You can head to the sunny coast of the south ( Mirissa ) with it’s epic beaches and snorkelling opportunities, then visit the middle of the country ( Nuwara Eliya ) where the whole temperature drops and they actually grow tea.

It’s known as “Little England” because of this. 

Then, if you head north, you’ll enter the cultural capital of Sri Lanka and discover so many unique sights. 

This is a one of the best road trips for couples since a tuk-tuk comfortably fits 2 and there are lots of really romantic opportunities in Sri Lanka. 

How long does it take? 

3 weeks! If you’ve only got 2 weeks, you could cut some parts out, but any less and I don’t think you’ll get the full benefit from it. 

Highlights of the trip 

Our own Elephant safari: We actually got to do our very own elephant safari on the Kataragama Road. This road cuts through an area of national park, so there are typically elephants hanging around waiting for passers by to hand out snacks. This was amazing to see them out in the wild and a memory that will last forever. 

Interaction with the locals : It was actually a lot of fun seeing the look on locals faces when they realised it was foreigners driving a tuk-tuk! This made for lots of fun chats and we got to meet so many cool people and take lots of pictures. 

Driving a tuk-tuk!: Driving a tuk tuk really is an incredible experience, and not at all difficult to learn! Learn more in Bradley’s guide on Sri Lanka tuk tuk rental .

5. The Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland

The Wild Atlantic Way is one of the best bucket list road trips in the world and it’s Ireland’s most famous road trip. 

Bradley and I had the chance to undertake this amazing trip when we rented a Spaceships campervan in Ireland . 

The Wild Atlantic Way road trip covers the entire western coast of Ireland, and actually encompasses a few smaller drives that are amazing in their own right. I’ve listed some of our favourites below so you can get an idea of what to expect on this epic adventure. 

• Ring of Kerry : This is without doubt the most famous drive in all of Ireland. Talk to the locals and they’ll tell you about the Ring of Kerry and it’s in every travel guide about Ireland . It’s no surprise why it’s so famous! It’s absolutely beautiful. The road is 111 miles (179 km) long which means it’ll take around 3.5 hours to drive without stopping. So, once you add in a couple of stops, you’d be looking at around 6 hours, if not more. You can stay overnight to split the drive in two. 
• Ring of Beara : This is a lesser known driving loop in Ireland , but I would argue it’s even better because it’s quiet, and filled with rugged, natural beauty. The route is 130 km (around 80 miles) which would take around 3-4 hours driving, without stopping at beautiful sights. (You’ll want to stop!) So this drive can be done in a day. 
• Killarney : Killarney is actually the starting or ending point of the Ring of Kerry drive, but it’s got some pretty epic driving routes itself. There are so many beautiful mountainous drives in this area, and drives through forests and national parks. 
• Gap of Dunloe: This was probably Brad and I’s highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way road trip. The drive here was rugged, a little scary, but crazy beautiful! The winding roads through the Gap Of Dunloe were tiny, but it felt like we were in a movie scene, it was magical.  ‍
• Donegal : Compared to the rest of Ireland, Donegal is almost a completely different landscape! But on your way up this part of the coast you get to stop off at many of the most unforgettable spots; namely the Slieve League Cliffs , The Atlantic Drive & Malin Head (the most northerly point in Ireland).

To do the full Wild Atlantic Way, we would suggest having at least 2-3 weeks, but longer is better. It’s almost 1600 miles long!

If you’ve only got a limited amount of time then you could just pick a couple of the shorter drives that I’ve mentioned above. 

Feeling like no one was around: We would be driving roads that didn’t have cars pass us for ages, and it was magical. Driving through open national parks, coastlines, every corner of driving through Ireland is beautiful.

Unique wild camping: We absolutely LOVED wild camping in Ireland and we got to experience some pretty epic locations.

Driving a campervan: This was our first real campervan trip and what a way to begin our entry into vanlife! For help finding your ideal home on wheels, here's our guide on the best campervan rentals in Ireland .

6. Tromso to Hamningberg

This is another one of the great road trips that Norway has to offer . 

Tromso is actually a great place to start a Norwegian adventure because it’s got an airport and pretty good car rental options . 

You can even partake in a few tours while you’re there, such as ice fishing (if the season is right!) 

This road trip is going to take you Nordkapp, the most northern point in mainland Europe and it’s one of the most epic places we’ve ever visited.

If you want to give yourself a chance to see the northern lights, it’s pretty much guaranteed up here, providing the weather isn’t cloudy. 

After you’ve got your signature picture at the most northerly point you can then make your way across to Vardo and visit the most northerly fortress , which is really cool, then head towards Hamingbgerg. 

You can get to Hamningberg up until October, after this they actually close the one road in because all of the village's inhabitants go somewhere else for the bitterly cold winter!

We made the drive literally days before the road must have closed and it was a good 3 feet of snow on the road.

But this is one of Bradleys favourite drives and places in the world. 

The drive to Hamingberg seriously feels like you’ve entered another planet. 

There are dramatic frozen cliffs on one side, and crashing waves on the other and there is no one else around! It’s truly EPIC. 

We visited in the winter months, and I highly recommend it. 

Every moment of this road trip was memorable and scenic. 

The drive would take around 20 hours, so if you’re doing around 3-4 hours daily, including sightseeing, then you’re looking at at least 5 days. But of course I would suggest giving yourself a week to allow for any delays and to truly enjoy the experience. 

Epic scenery: Words cannot describe how amazing the views are on this road trip. Northern Norway is one of the most beautiful places we’ve been so this is truly one of the most epic road trips around the world. 

Amazing wild camping: We camped in amazing wild camping locations in Norway. They were so remote and we were able to see the northern lights so many times. I’ll never forget how amazing it was! Wild camping is legal and encouraged in Norway under their Right to Roam . 

7. The coast of Croatia - Rijeka to Dubrovnik

Croatia will always be one of the countries I was most surprised by. 

I didn’t know what to expect when road tripping Croatia, but it was honestly stunning and one of the best places I’ve ever visited. 

We had such an amazing time driving the coastline, especially since we visited in April and the weather was fantastic. 

The first half of this amazing road trip are the gorgeous winding roads that hug the Adriatic coastline, and you’ll genuinely be amazed at the beautiful blues and mountains ranges that surround you. 

The roads in Croatia are also really well maintained and Bradley had no issues driving them. There are so many amazing towns and cities you can stop off at on this road trip, but I recommend at least two stops: Trigor and Split . 

Both have great sights to see and a lovely charm to them. 

Actually, if you’ve got some spare time then you should take the car ferry over to the island of Brac, which is one of the most beautiful little islands we’ve ever driven on. 

Once you reach the beautiful city of Dubrovnik , famous for Game of Thrones, be sure to spend the day exploring and eat lots of delicious ice cream. 

The drive takes around 6-7 hours and with stops at various towns and coastal attractions I would recommend at least 4 days driving this route! 

It’s cheap: Croatia is generally quite a reasonably priced country and food, drinks and petrol/diesel are all well priced. Compared to other parts of Europe, it’s definitely cheaper on average. You can get VERY cheap accommodation too!

Pass through B&H: Bosnia & Herzegovina actually own a small part of the coastline, giving them entry to the Adriatic for supplies etc. You can’t get to Dubrobnik without driving through Bosnia & Herzegovina. And although it’s only a couple of miles, and of course doesn't allow you to experience the country as such, it’s still cool being able to dip into it!

Waterfalls: Croatia is home to some of the nicest waterfalls we’ve ever seen. Two national parks you absolutely have to stop off at are Krka and Plitvica .

8. A loop of Bali (on moped!)

Bradley and I have had the pleasure of visiting Bali twice! 

Both times we used a moped as our primary source of transportation , and we’ve looped (almost) the country. 

This is one of our favourite road trips because of how cheap it is. 

Once you get over the airfare prices, Bali is a very cheap country and you can get moped rental for $2 and accommodation for less than $10 (for 2!). 

This means road tripping Bali is always fun and actually the roads are pretty decent, especially when following the motorway. 

What I really love about road tripping Bali is that it allows you to see the “real Bali”. 

Bali is a beautiful country, but there are no doubts parts of it have become very tourisfied, but renting a moped and driving to the north, deep south and even the east & west, you’ll discover brand new locations with a lot less tourists! 

I recommend giving yourself 2 weeks at least to go on a road trip to Bali. 

That will allow you to see all the best sights and try awesome activities. 

Discovering Sideman: Ubud is a very tourist ridden spot in Bali, but Sideman has even better rice paddies and views, and is virtually untouched by tourists. We wouldn't have discovered this spot unless we went on a Bali road trip. 

Uncovering waterfalls: Bali has A LOT of waterfalls , and lots of them are still undiscovered, but having your own vehicle and driving through the country allows you to find your own unique sights.

9. Santiago to Pucon

When we visited Chile, we never really had any plans to rent a car and road trip.

But when we were there, planning what to do , we suddenly discovered that many of the least discovered sights in Chile are only accessible via car. 

So, we rented a car and set off on our first ever road trip together! 

This was honestly one of the most magnificent road trips we’ve been on anywhere in the world and we got to see fantastic sights that just wouldn’t have been possible with public transportation. 

We were able to visit Cajon Del Maipo , which is an amazing region in Chile home to one of my favorite wines! Perhaps the biggest highlight was finding hot springs secluded in the middle of nowhere. 

We were all alone just chillin' in the hot springs, surrounded by mountains.

I think that was the moment I really just fell in love with Chile and that’s one of the reasons it’s my favourite backpacking destination ! 

It’s a nine hour drive straight, so 18 hours there and back and we spent around 5 days driving this route and if we had longer we could have gone further. But 5 days is a good amount of time. 

Incredible roads: The roads in Chile are tolled, but that means they are in great condition and super easy to drive. It’s one big long road down the country (look at a map of Chile ) and then you just come off for certain sights! Easy to drive. 

Amazing views: The whole road trip was packed with stunning mountain ranges, volcanoes, lakes and more. We got to visit Pucon volcano and the lake was really fantastic. 

10. Finnish Lakeland

I think Finnish Lakeland is one of the most under appreciated places in the world to visit. 

When we think of Finland, we naturally think of Lapland , which is of course great in its own right; but don’t overlook the absolute beauty of the Finnish Lakeland! 

There are 187,888 lakes in Finland (according to Google!) and they’re all connected by beautiful bridges, which makes this one of the most unique road trips in the world. Seriously! 

We visited in the autumn season and the colours all around were fantastic. 

What’s also amazing about a Finnish Lakeland road trip is all the little towns and villages you drive through and discover.

One of our favourites was Savonlina which ended up being home to the most northernmost medieval stone fortress still standing, known as Olavinlinna. It was really cool! 

Finnish Lakeland is quite vast, so it can be as long or as short as you want it to be. We spent around 4-5 days driving through Finnish Lakeland and stopping at a variety of little towns. If you are just roadtripping this part of Finland, ( and not the whole country like us ) then you could hire a car in Helsinki and then head out for a big loop before returning to the city.

The bridges: Because the Lakeland is connected via really cool bridges it makes for a very unique and scenic road trip. It was also an awesome opportunity for really cool drone shots! 

Great quality roads : Finland is a pretty well put together country, so it’s roads are really high quality and make driving easy! There are no road tolls either which is always nice.

Read Also: Our Top Travel Tips

11. Vilnius to Tallinn

This qualifies as a full Baltic road trip as you pass through all 3 Baltic countries: Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

The Baltic states are amazing, and I don’t think they get enough attention. 

There is so much to see on a Baltic road trip and you’ll start in the beautiful Lithuania, which is cheap, filled with unique sights, cool castles and more . 

Afterwards you’ll drive into amazing Latvia , which is small but mighty and has the amazing Gauja National Park which in autumn was one of the best sights of nature I’ve ever witnessed. Finally, you’ll finish up in Estonia, which is another beautiful country with lots of great castles, a beautiful coastline and more . 

Tallinn (the capital of Estonia) is one of the coolest capital cities, and has such a great medieval history. 

I just absolutely loved how “undiscovered” a trip to the Baltics is. 

It feels very untouched and once you’re on the open roads, you’ll be driving with no one around. 

2 weeks is a perfect amount of time to drive through each country and see all the beautiful sights on offer! This was our exact itinerary here . 

Easy to drive: The Baltics are very “flat” countries, which means it’s super easy to drive, and you’re greeted with amazing views for miles all around all day long.

Cheap: This is one of the cheapest road trips in Europe. Accommodation, food, fuel, drink and attractions are all really reasonable in the Baltics! Wild camping is wonderfully set up in these countries with some epic free campsites so it’s encouraged. 

12. The Icelandic Ring Road

For my Dad’s 60th birthday, my sister and I surprised him with a trip to Iceland. We had been planning it for years, so it was pretty wonderful when we actually got to go. 

We rented a car for 5 days and drove the infamous Icelandic Ring Road! 

This is Iceland’s most famous road trip and it’s truly as epic as you think it is. 

The ring road in Iceland is known as the Golden Circle and it’s basically a full ring road that loops some of the best sights in Iceland, which includes some pretty amazing scenery and sights.

We saw epic mountain ranges, discovered secluded hot springs, jaw-dropping waterfalls and the coolest geysers! 

Iceland is truly a nature lovers dream destination and one of my favorite places to drive.

I can’t wait to take Bradley here one day because I know he will absolutely love it. 

The route is 230 kilometres (140 miles) and takes around 3 hours without stops. So once you include stops, you’re probably looking at around 6-7 hours. 

It’s best to split it into two days, but you can drive the Icelandic ring road in one day if you wish. 

All the views: There wasn’t one spot on the Golden Circle route that wasn’t impressive. Seriously! From the Gullfoss waterfall to the Þingvellir National Park , it was all amazing. Plus, the best views in Iceland are free. 

Well maintained roads: I won’t lie to you, I didn’t drive, my dad did, but for someone who has never driven on the other side of the road, he thought it was very easy! The roads are very well maintained, even in the winter when they’re packed with snow and ice. 

So there you have it! 

My guide on our favourite road trips around the world. I hope you’ve enjoyed this post on some of our best road trip destinations.

As we take on more fantastic road trip adventures, I’ll update this list. 

But if you have any fun road trips of your own to recommend, or you’ve been on one of these trips, then just drop a comment below and let us know!

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40 Best Road Trips in the World (The Last One is Epic!)

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If you love hitting the open road every now and then, you’re at the right place. Here’s an ultimate list of the best road trips in the world for your bucket list recommended by travel experts.

The Most Beautiful Road Trips in the World

Grossglockner high alpine road, austria.

One of the most beautiful drives in the world, the Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse stretches between the Austrian states of Carinthia and Salzburg . You are in for an unmatched adventure, as you wind around the sharp curves to climb the 3,000 feet in just about 3o miles . You wouldn’t want to miss this adventure when in Austria . The best time to drive this route is from early May to late October .

While you can drive the entire stretch from Salzburg to the Grossglockner or the other way around in about 3 hours , it takes half a day to fully appreciate the beauty called the Grossglockner! Because It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey!

The ride takes you into the wilderness called Hohe Tauren National Park , the oldest and biggest nature reserve in the Austrian Alps. There are a couple of awesome stop-offs and lookout points on the route with Edelweiss-Spitze , Fuscher Törl , and Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Höhe being the most beautiful.

There are some great accommodation options in Lienz , Heiligenblut , Zell am See , and Bruck for those who want to take hiking in the region.

Icefields Parkway, Canada

By Jacquie Hale of Flashpacking Family

The Icefields Parkway runs from the town of Jasper through Jasper National Park and down to the iconic Lake Louise in  Banff National Park  in Alberta, Canada. It is one of the most iconic roads in the world. You could drive this 268 km stretch of road in 3 hours if you stick to the speed limits and don’t stop, but where’s the fun in that when you’re in one of the most beautiful places in the world? You’ll be able to enjoy spectacular mountain views from your vehicle, but you shouldn’t miss the most popular spots of natural beauty. Stops to make on the trip include the beautiful turquoise lakes ( Lake Louise , Peyto Lake , and Moraine Lake ). The cascading waters of Sunwupta and Athabasca Falls are a sight to behold as is the Athabasca Glacier . If you have time, maybe take a hike or two – although make sure to brush up on your bear safety knowledge. The best time to take the trip would be from June to September when you can appreciate the spectacular blue lakes and not have to worry about winter road closures. If you are there during the summer months, in particular July and August, expect to deal with hordes of tourists (and mosquitoes). You will also need to get up in the very early hours to find a parking space at the most popular lakes. While Banff town, located in the National Park, is a beautiful town and a convenient place to stay, you may want to consider the nearby town of Canmore for slightly cheaper accommodation.

Route 66, USA

By Stephanie Craig of History Fangirl

Driving America’s Route 66 is one of the most iconic road trips in the world. This 2500-mile road starts in Chicago , Illinois , and ends in Santa Monica , California , winding its way through Missouri , Kansas , Oklahoma , New Mexico , and Arizona on the way. The route was historically referred to as the “ Mother Road ” and was a key avenue for Americans moving from east to west to settle the western half of America. It’s featured prominently in Steinbeck’s novel, The Grapes of Wrath , as well as countless films and popular songs. Today, the appeal of a Route 66 road trip is its kitschiness and connection with vintage Americana. Along the way, travelers stay at Mid-Century Modern hotels, eat at classic dives and diners, and stop for typical roadside attractions. Some important stops along the way include the Catoosa Whale , the Twin Arrows , and the Arcadia Round Barn . However, nearly every town or city along the route has something worth stopping to see. You can drive either a portion of the route or the whole thing. The most typical way to take a Route 66 vacation is to start in Chicago and drive to Santa Monica over the course of about two weeks . However, you can opt to do it shorter or faster, seeing as much as you can or having long days on the road. You can also choose to drive the entire route and back or rent a car and drop it off at your final stop. While it’s the most popular in the summer , you can enjoy a Route 66 road trip year-round .

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Great Ocean Road, Australia

By Kimmie of Adventures n Sunsets

The Great Ocean Road is a world-famous road that runs along the coast for about 150 miles just outside of Melbourne , Australia. It passes through a variety of landscapes, from sleepy surf towns to dramatic and steep sandstone cliffs, arches, and rock islands right off the shore. It has to be one of the most scenic drives in the world! Many people have heard of the well-known Twelve Apostles’ lookout , but there are actually tons of other incredible viewpoints and points of interest along the Great Ocean Road that are worth seeing. To name a few, the Bay of Martyrs , Cape Otway Lighthouse + National Park , Loch Ard Gorge , and Castle Cove Lookout provide fantastic Views. While exploring the Great Ocean Road, many choose to explore or stay in Lorne , Apollo Bay , or Port Campbell , which are the most popular places to stay along the Great Ocean Road. There are however a variety of more secluded accommodation options as well. The best time to drive the Great Ocean Road is in Australian summer – when the days are long and the climate is warm(er). Melbourne is known for having temperamental weather, so make sure to always check it! It is possible to do the entire Great Ocean Road trip in one (long) day , and many day tours from Melbourne accomplish this (which is the best option if you are short one time). However, I recommend renting a car and doing a self-drive Great Ocean Road Trip yourself in 2 or even 3 days . This will allow you to see more, spend more time checking out small towns, and visit different lesser-known points of interest at your leisure.

Cairns to Sydney, Australia

By Sinead Camplin of Map Made Memories

A Cairns to Sydney road trip is one of the best road trips in the world due to the diversity of the numerous world-class sights you will see along the route. The best time to drive the nearly 2,500-kilometer route would be Spring or Autumn avoiding soaring Summer temperatures. You need at least 4 weeks to fully appreciate this road trip – even longer would be better! Plus, if you explore the east coast of  Australia in a camper van  or motor home, you have the added bonus of accessing quiet, rural locations to enjoy unparalleled starry night skies. Starting in Cairns, the world-famous Great Barrier Reef is an unmissable experience. A short drive inland provides a contrast to the reef with the hazy rain forests of Mossman Gorge. Further south, it is worth making a detour from the popular coast road to visit the rolling landscapes and pretty waterfalls of the Atherton Tablelands. The Queensland coast is lined with charming towns and expansive beaches. Leave your car behind to take a sailing trip around the stunning Whitsunday Islands or hire a 4-wheel drive vehicle to explore the world heritage-listed Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world. Enjoy whale watching at Hervey Bay or admire the colorful strata at Rainbow Beach. Spend a few days exploring cosmopolitan Brisbane and take a detour into the flat, red landscapes of the Australian outback. From Brisbane, it is a short hop to Bohemian Byron Bay to visit its famous lighthouse and hike the gorgeous Cape Byron Track. The New South Wales coastline offers a host of activities ranging from dolphin spotting and sandboarding in Port Stephens to watching migrating humpback whales in Jervis Bay. Before arriving in the metropolis of Sydney, visit the iconic Blue Mountains and enjoy some of the hikes of this beautiful region. 

Perth to Esperance, Australia

By Hanna Thomas of SolarPoweredBlonde

Hands down one of the best 2 weeks ! The whole trip is around 1800km , and a return trip to Perth will make it a round trip then it’s another 697km back from Esperance. This trip is so iconic as it is so scenic, rugged, and nature-filled! The best time to take this road trip is during the Australian summer. The West Coast of Australia is full of incredible beaches and walks, much better in the sun! In February it was already getting a bit colder. The best way to do this trip is by van! Either from Wicked Campers for cheap and cheerful yet slightly uncomfortable beds or Travellers Autobarn for more comfort. There is an app called Wiki Camps where you can find campsites on the day of your arrival, no need to book in advance, so you can choose to stay in some places for longer if you aren’t ready to leave! Top highlights of this trip include Eagle Bay in Dunsborough , sunset at Sugarloaf Rock , seeing the stingrays at Hamelin Bay , and hanging out with kangaroos on the beach at Lucky Bay in Esperance . On the way back to Perth your drive will be broken up with the incredible Wave Rock , a rock formation in the middle of nowhere. The list could go on! This trip can also be done in 7 days or 10 if time is a constraint. However, this will include a lot of driving. 14 days is perfect to spend two nights in each place. Sleeping in a van under the stars at a campsite on the beach or with kangaroos jumping around makes all the driving worth it. The top tip is to book the Lucky Bay campsite well in advance as this is the only one that gets full! Also, if you have time head to Rottnest Island once you get back to Perth to meet the famous quokkas!

North Coast 500, Scotland

By Kathi of Watch Me See

The  North Coast 500  is one of the most famous road trips in the UK and Scotland’s answer to America’s Route 66. On 500 miles of pristine coast and Highland landscapes, the NC500 leads past some of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches, iconic mountains, and picturesque villages. From discovering fairytale castles to driving up awe-inspiring mountain roads – this road trip offers a quintessentially Scottish experience. It takes at least 5-6 days to drive the North Coast 500, but it is worth spending more time as there is a lot to discover. How could you miss the thrilling drive up the Bealach na Ba pass road or an easy hike at Loch Maree? Stop at Corrieshalloch Gorge near Ullapool and go on a boat trip to the Summer Isles – maybe even in a kayak? Dig your toes into the warm sand at Achmelvich Beach and explore the intricate system of Smoo Cave. Visit John o’Groats, long believed to be the most northerly point of mainland Britain, and stop at one of Scotland’s largest castles, Dunrobin Castle . An absolute highlight is a detour to Orkney , an archipelago north of John o’Groats, or adding a few extra days to explore the Isle of Skye . The best time for the NC500 is off-season because the route can get very busy during the summer. April, May, September, and October are awesome months to visit Scotland. Many people choose to drive the NC500 with a campervan for the ultimate road trip experience, however, be warned of the narrow mountainous roads along the coast. You can move accommodation each night – there is plenty to choose from – or base yourself in 3-4 central locations and explore from there, ideally the areas around Gairloch , Lochinver , Durness , and Wick .

Amalfi Coast Road, Italy

By Chrysoula of Travel Passionate

A road trip along the  Amalfi Coast  is one of the most iconic drives in the world thanks to its dramatic cliffside roads, spectacular landscapes, and a plethora of picturesque towns along the route. Officially speaking, the Amalfi Coast runs from Salerno to Sorrento along a 50-mile stretch of nerve-racking-windy roads, but many visitors choose to add Naples , Capri , Pompeii, and sometimes even Rome to their trip. While 50 miles doesn’t sound like a long journey, the joy of driving the Amalfi Coast is that the narrow, cliffside roads ensure drivers take their time along the route. Instead of ‘completing’ the drive, the pleasure of the Amalfi Coast is enjoying the journey! The numerous stop-off points along the way allow travelers to soak up the scenic views and the must-see towns such as Positano , Praiano , and Ravello are wonderful places to stay overnight to experience the local Italian way of life. The panoramic vistas of azure waters, rocky outcrops, and pastel-colored houses teetering on the cliffsides are what make the Amalfi Coast one of the best road trips in the world. Ideally, you’ll want to put aside at least four or five days for driving the Amalfi Coast, but you could easily while away weeks stopping off at each of the little villages and towns along the way. You don’t want to spend the majority of each day on the road, so spread out your journeys choosing which destinations are must-sees for you. Some of the highlights include the beaches at Sorrento , the Path of the Gods hike near Agerola and the Duomo di Amalfi in the coastline’s main town. If you get the chance, try to take a boat trip or two too so that you can see the beauty of the coastline from a different angle!

Dolomites, Italy

By Kristen and Jeff of Our Passion For Travel

If you’re looking for a road trip to experience some of the best views nature has to offer, consider a  Dolomites road trip . Nestled in the north of Italy is a stunning alpine landscape with snow-capped mountains, lush meadows, and crystal-clear lakes. A drive through the windy mountain passes affords some of the best alpine views you’ll ever see. A 5-night journey through the Dolomites will allow you to experience the highlights of the region. Plan to spend 3 nights in the town of Ortisei . A cute little town surrounded by the Dolomites mountain range, it makes a wonderful base for a few days of exploration. Spend a day driving around the iconic mountain passes of Gardena and Sella . These drives are not for the faint-hearted, with a myriad of twists and turns as you ascend up and then down the mountains. The views are worth all the effort. Make your way to see the alpine lake of Lago di Carezza . The green water contrasting against the jagged mountain peaks is picture-perfect. The next day, give the drive a break with a journey by cable car up to Europe’s highest alpine meadow, Alpe di Siusi . Leaving Ortisei, make your way to Cortina d’Ampezzo . An upmarket village, it will be your base for the next 2 nights. On your way, visit Lago di Braies , a famous lake where you can ride wooden rowboats. Spend a day journeying up to Tre Cime di Lavaredo . These mountain peaks that appear like daggers into the air can be viewed on a stunning half-day hike. As you’re visiting the European Alps, the best time to travel is during the warmer months from late June until early September . However, with unpredictable weather, ensure you stay up to date with any current warnings.

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Ring Road, Iceland

By Albi from Ginger around the globe

Iceland has only one route that goes all around the country. It is the iconic ring road that goes through all the charming places in Iceland, from Reykjavík to waterfalls in the south, glaciers in the east, and stunning landscapes in the north. The whole trip is 1330 km long. It might sound like a lot but it is possible to do this whole trip in 7 days, although 10 days or 2 weeks are recommended. During these adventurous 2 weeks, it is possible to visit the best of Iceland: The famous golden circle – a combination of Geysir, one of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland (Gullfoss), and the national park Thingvellir. Waterfalls in the south – Seljalandsfoss, the waterfall where you can walk around it, and Skogafoss, a beautiful waterfall, that appeared in several movies and series. West fjords – longest fjords in the world filled with birds. Ideal for anyone who loves birdwatching. There are a couple of interesting places to stay around. One of the most favorite accommodations is Hotel Ranga in south Iceland. It is a luxurious accommodation with its own restaurant. Which is great because there aren’t too many restaurants around that area. The best time to do this road trip would be in summer when the weather isn’t too bad and at the same time, there is a lot of light during the day, so it is possible to visit more sights in one day. For this trip it is also better to get a car 4×4, that can go even to highlands without any bigger problems.

Transfagarasan Road, Romania

By Dominika of Sunday in Wonderland

One of the most exciting road trips in Eastern Europe is definitely the Transfăgărășan Road Trip. While planning  a summer Transylvania itinerary , you should add this fantastic experience to your schedule. Transfăgărășan Road was built under the government of Romanian dictator – Nicolae Ceaușescu in the XX century . Today it’s one of the most popular tourist spots in Transylvania and a must-see point during the road trip through Romania. If you start the road trip from the Northern side, you will get the most exciting experience at your first stop. The crazy serpentines climb the Făgăraş Mountains to an altitude of 2,042 meters. This is the very best part of the route for every automotive fan. At the top of the route, you can make another stop, next to the chilly cold Bâlea Lake . By continuing the ride, you will be driving through the green forests and wide mountain clearings inhibited by flocks of sheep. You will eventually reach the next stop – the impressive Vidraru Dam separating Lake Vidraru from the 166-meter abyss. Another stop on the road requires a little bit of better conditions. It’s one of the most famous castles in Romania – the ruins of Poenari Castle . In the former times, it was the mansion of Vlad the Impaler – the cruel inspiration for the famous Count Dracula. His unsubdued fortress was built on the top of the mountain and can be reached only by climbing on ~1500 steps. The Transfăgărășan is around 150 kilometers long and one day is enough to see all its wonders. The road, because of the altitude and the winter snow, is open only during the summer and early autumn. It’s quite hard to reach it with public transportation, so the easiest way is to rent a car or take a dedicated trip from any big city such as Bucharest or Brașov . Along the way, you will find some nice and cozy places to stay if you would like to enjoy this region even more. Făgăraş Mountains are perfect for treks and other activities as well. Here are some cozy places to consider: Cabana Capra, Cabana Zimbru Transfagarasan , or Hotel Posada Vidraru .

Queenstown to Milford Sound, New Zealand

By Francesca Makana of Homeroom Travel

The Milford Road (State Highway 94) is a scenic and stunning journey to get to Milford Sound. This road takes visitors through Fiordland National Park and the Main Divide of the Southern Alps of New Zealand . It follows the path of the native Maori people through unforgettable landscapes and amazing picture opportunities, thus making it one of the best road trips in the world. The trip from Queenstown to Te Anau will take you 2 hours and 10 minutes one way, driving a distance of 172km. The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound will take 1 hour and 45 minutes each way, a distance of 119km. In total, the trip is 582km . The best time to take this road trip is during the summer months of November to March. To break up the drive and have more time in Milford Sound, spend one or two nights in the town of Te Anau. Prior to embarking on Milford Road, make sure you have a full tank of gas as there are no gas stations between Te Anau and Milford Sound. Milford Road has many gorgeous stops along the way. The first part of the journey takes you past the Remarkables , a stunning mountain range, and past Lake Wakatipu . After departing Te Anau, the first must-see stop is the Mirror Lakes . These lakes reflect the mountains in the background for some amazing shots. Next, pull over at Knobs Flat , which offers gorgeous views of the mountains. Along the way, you will drive through the Homer Tunnel . This 1.2-kilometer tunnel is the only way in and out of Milford Sound. After the Homer Tunnel, stop at the Chasm . This 10-minute hike will bring you to a gorgeous waterfall. The final stop of Milford Road is Milford Sound itself with its stunning views and reflective water. These stops make Milford Road one of the best road trips in the world.

Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

By Allan of Bangorni

The Wild Atlantic Way is one of the world’s most famous road trip destinations following the west coast of Ireland from the very north at Maiden Head (Donegal) to the very south at Mizen Head (Cork) . It also connects with many of Ireland’s iconic tourist destinations including the Ring of Kerry , the Cliffs of Moher, Galway City , Connemara , the Burren , and the list just goes on. The full coastal length follows a 1,553-mile stretch of the west coast of Ireland, traveling either north or south, with many opportunities to travel inland to locate some of Ireland’s most iconic tourist sites and attractions. While the journey could easily be covered in under a week , it would be closer to 3 weeks to make the most of both the coastline and nearer inland attractions along Ireland’s West Coast. Most visitors will choose the summer months to take on this road trip when the weather is sunnier, the days are longer, and there is more time during the summer holidays. This also means the attractions will be a lot busier. At the same time, Ireland’s rugged coastlines and warmth in traditional Irish hospitality are awe-inspiring year-round. There are definitely advantages to every season. One of the trickier decisions with this road trip is exactly where to start. From the north or the south, as it is a linear route. Dublin itself is more central and on the east, so it doesn’t make the best starting point for arrivals by flight. However, Belfast in Northern Ireland  has the perfect vantage point for the northernmost point of the Wild Atlantic Way, and the Causeway Coastal Route also leads to Donegal, to cover two of the island’s best road trips in one.

Ring of Kerry, Ireland

By Cath from Travel Around Ireland

One of the best road trips in the world is one which visits the Ring of Kerry. While part of the route is included in the Wild Atlantic Way , the inner section and the beautiful Killarney National Park are not. They are exclusive to the area encompassed by the Ring of Kerry. The Ring of Kerry is a 180-mile circular route that starts and ends in the beautiful town of Killarney . It is a route that is extremely popular in summer and many tourism companies run tour buses around it. While they tend to go in an anti-clockwise direction, if you are driving it, you are best to go in a clockwise direction to avoid getting stuck behind them, although you may need to reverse on narrower sections to let one pass on the other side of the road. While you can technically cover the entire route in a day, you will be pushed for time with the stops you will want to make. Points of interest include Muckross House , the Torc Waterfall , the Gap of Dunloe (only accessible by jaunting car, on foot, motorbike, or bicycle), Kate Kearney’s Cottage , and Ladies View . The Gap of Dunloe is a not-to-be-missed part of the Ring of Kerry. This valley runs between the MacGillycuddy Reeks and the Purple Mountain Group and has no less than 5 lakes connected by the River Loe . A popular thing to do is start at Kate Kearney’s Cottage at the top and take a boat down to the bottom. Ideally, you will want to allow two full days to explore this region of Ireland. One day to drive the outer perimeter and one day to explore the inner parts including the Killarney National Park. If you’d like to hike Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohil , allow another day for that. The best place to stay overnight is Killarney with many hotels and guesthouses. The Ring of Kerry is a part of Ireland that needs to be on your bucket list.

The Karakoram Highway, China and Pakistan

By Marco Ferrarese of Monkey Rock World

The Karakoram Highway is one of the highest paved roads in the world , completed in 1979, and opened to the public in 1985 with the name of China-Pakistan Friendship Highway .  The Karakoram Highway snakes across incredible high-altitude Central Asian mountain scenery for 1300km between Hasan Abdal , just beyond Pakistan’s capital Islamabad, and Kashgar , China’s Xinjiang Province’s second-biggest city. It must be clarified however that, given current trouble in Xinjiang and the need to get expensive permits and a guide on the Chinese side, the part of the Karakoram Highway that travelers mostly visit these days is in Pakistan up to the Khunjerab Pass, the world’s highest land border at4,800 meters of height. It can take anything between a couple of days and a couple of weeks to travel on the Karakoram Highway – it all depends on where you want to stop, as there are so many incredible mountainous boasting peaks that are rarely smaller than 7,000mt — and don’t forget the mind-boggling high-altitude desert scenery, and diversions to side valleys like Shimshal and Chapursan , which add several days to your itinerary. It’s recommended you explore the  Karakoram Highway on a motorbike  for maximum enjoyment. The best time to travel on the Karakoram Highway is certainly in the summer when the weather is best, but you’ll have to share the experience with the highest number of tourists. The shoulder spring season is good too, especially during the fasting month of Ramadan, as you’ll find lower prices and no local tourists, And don’t worry, as the Ismaili Muslim population of the Hunza Valley will definitely offer you food. The must-see stops are definitely azure Attabad Lake , born out of a tragic landslide in 2010, and now a proper tourist spot, and the Passu Cones , also known as the Karakoram’s Highway rock cathedrals. The Eagle Nest viewpoint over the town of Karimabad, with its two UNESCO-inscribed ancient forts, offers incredible sunset vistas over an amphitheater of eternally snow-capped peaks. Try to stay at Rehman Backpackers Hostel , a 10-minute drive from the Passu Cones, and a hike to its glacier, run by a very friendly family in the idyllic village of Gulkhin. Hunza Serena Inn is a good option for families traveling with kids.

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Garden Route, South Africa

By Claudia Tavani of My Adventures Across the World

The  Garden Route , in South Africa, certainly is one of the best road trips in the world. You will love the incredible landscape you will encounter as you drive along; the quaint villages and cities; the beautiful beaches; the forests of Tsitsikamma National Park with its many hiking trails; and the wildlife. You can expect to see anything from seals, whales, and dolphins to elephants and various species of birds, and if you stop at places such as Jukani Conservation Center , a wildlife rescue project, you will also see big cats. Starting from Cape Town and ending in Port Elizabeth , this road trip is best enjoyed in 7 to 10 days , which is plenty to take in all that it has to offer. The best time to drive is late spring when the temperatures are mild, and you will be able to make the most of the beaches. November is also an excellent month to admire whales. Among the unmissable stops along the Garden Route, there is Hermanus , an excellent place to admire whales (which is done in a perfectly responsible way); Wilderness , from where you can access many easy yet enjoyable hiking trails; Knysna , home of the mighty Knysna Heads; Tsitsikamma National Park , where you can spend days hiking; Plettenberg Bay , where you can enjoy some of the best beaches in South Africa. As you will have to make several stops, there are various places where you can sleep along the way. In Wilderness, Waterside Lodge is a nice family-run guest house with a spacious room furnished in a traditional way, set around a lush garden and in a beautiful setting, right along the river. In Knysna, the best place to stay is by far the Turbine Hotel which is located in Knysna Lagoon.

Namibia Road Trip

By Alya of Stingy Nomads

A road trip through Namibia is an unforgettable experience. Crossing the country from south to north you get to see different landscapes from the red-sand dunes of the Namib desert to the lush green jungle of the Caprivi Strip. The total distance of the road trip across Namibia is around 1200km. The ideal time for the trip is one month but it’s possible to shorten it to two weeks. The trip can be done during any season, but for watching wild animals in Etosha National Park, the end of the dry season is the best time. This time of the year there is very little rain and animals in search of water come to a couple of waterholes in the park. The best way of road-tripping in Namibia is to rent a 4×4 with a roof-top tent and a kitchenette. There are many camping sites all over the country some of them are spectacular e.g. Spitzkoppe , Sesriem , Cape Cross , and Ngepi campsites. Most of the main tourist attractions have lodges and hotels but those are usually quite pricey. Out of hundreds of incredible sights in Namibia, there are still some highlights not to be missed. In the south, it’s Fish River Canyon , the second largest canyon in the world, and Colmans Cop an abandoned ghost town that once was a prosperous German settlement. The spectacular red sand dunes of the Namib desert are an incredible attraction that draws thousands of tourists every year. Some parts of the desert are absolutely surreal. Dune 7 , the largest dune in the Namib, and Sossusvlei , a white salt pan with putrefied trees surrounded by the massive dunes are the highlights here. The wildlife of Namibia is incredibly diverse. To see African animals, Etosha National Park is a great place, you can spend days camping inside the park and do safari drives through the vast territory of the park. There are thousands of mammals and birds in the park including; lions, elephants, rhinos, zebras, hyenas, jackals, wildebeest, eagles, thousands of antelopes, eagles, etc. Another unique place to visit on the road trip through Namibia is the Cape Cross Seal colony on Skeleton Coast . One of the largest mainland seal colonies in the world. In the breeding season, up to 20,000 seals gather here. The humid north of Namibia is totally different from the south. The stunning Epupa Falls , giant baobab trees growing along the Kunene River , and the lush jungle. Caprivi Strip is home to large populations of hippos and water buffalos.

Leh-Manali Highway, India

Driving the super curvy and risky 490 km stretch between Manali and Leh is what you call a pure adventure! Leh-Manali Highway takes you through some of the most difficult and high-altitude passes in the world. The journey shows you the beauty and crudity of life at the same time. The highway starts in Manali and ends in Leh, twisting its way through Rohtang Pass, Keylong, Jispa, Baralacha La, Sarchu, Gata Loops, Nakeela La, Lachulung La, Pang, More Plains, Tanglang La, and Upshi on the way. The most beautiful stop-offs include Chandra River, Deepak Taal, Suraj Taal, and Tsarap River . The drive is treacherous with severe weather conditions where atmospheric oxygen drops as one climbs further making it difficult to breathe so it’s recommended to go slow on this route. Spend at least 3 to 4 days on the route to acclimatize better. Plus, you’d definitely want to take time to drink in the beautiful views. The highway was built and maintained by BRO (Border Roads Organization), Ministry of Defence. It remains open from May to October. I’d say, the ideal months to drive the road are July and August .

American Southwest

The Southwest USA is hands down one of the best road trip destinations in the world. This classic road trip is loaded with iconic states, unique natural wonders, and the best national parks in the USA. This unique region covers the US states of California, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado. If you plan to cover all the major attractions on the way, you’d need a minimum of 10 to 14 days though we covered a part of American Southwest in 5 days. The best stops on the American Southwest road trip include Death Valley National Park , Valley of Fire State Park, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park , Capitol Reef National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park, Monument Valley, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon , Grand Canyon National Park , Joshua Tree National Park, and the list goes on. This epic road trip is best driven in fall and springtime !

Big Island, Hawaii

By Noel of This Hawaii Life

If you’re looking for a fun road trip around the Big Island of Hawaii, you can do this as a nice long day trip or do stays along the way. A fun way to start is to  explore the areas around Kona town  and then head south to check out the cool small towns along the way like Kainaliu and Kealakekua for some fun thrift shopping and checking out the shops and vibe in that area. Visit the famous Place of Refuge or Honaunua and take a snorkeling break close by at the famous Two Step . Further down is South Point and the stunning cliffs of the southern point or the gorgeous green sand beach made of olivine crystals. If you’re into national parks, Volcanoes National Park is a must-do visit the caldera and explore this wonderful park or do some easy hikes. Towards the side is Hilo with lovely coastal areas, a cool historic district, and many waterfalls you can explore in the area or further down the Hamakua coastline like Akaka Falls, Onomea historic trail, or the scenic gardens of the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. You keep driving down the lush Hamakua coastline to another sleepy town at Honokaa and check out the stunning lookout point at Waipio Valley – one of the largest and gorgeous gulches that you can also hike down to. Stopping at the historic paniolo capital at Waimea , you can explore the town or grab a nice bite to eat and head back to Kona with stops at the many beautiful white sandy beaches of the Kohala coastline. There’s so much to see and do on a fun road trip around the islands and you will love doing this. A round trip route around the Big Island is approximately 300 miles or more for detours to different attractions from the main circle route that goes around the island. You can easily base yourself at the two main cities in Kona or Hilo and take breaks along the way at any of the many small towns if you want to break up the road trip visit. Since the park is a year-round visitor attraction, there is no one specific time of the year to visit but the most ideal time is in spring when there are more wildflowers, endemic trees, and other local plants in bloom and the weather is nice but not too hot. Spring events and celebrations at the park are also a nice factor in visiting at this time of the year.

Atlas Mountain Road, Morocco

By Sam of My Flying Leap

If you’re ready for a real adventure, head out on what is considered one of the top five most dangerous drives in the country , and some might say in the world. Tizi n’Tichka is a mountain pass that runs 120 miles (157 km) through the spectacular High Atlas Mountains from Marrakech to the city of Ouarzazate . The drive takes just under 4 hours if you go directly, though there are many places along the way to stop and enjoy this incredible landscape of craggy, jagged peaks with precipitous drops.   There are many pullouts to stop to enjoy the beautiful views and dramatic scenery on this narrow and tightly winding road. Stop at the tallest point in these mountains and the highest peak in northern Africa locally known as Idraren Darren , or “Mountain of Mountains.” It’s quite cool, even in the summer. You’ll pass a number of Berber villages , where descendants of ancient nomadic tribes still live. They are very welcoming and may invite you in for hot, sweet mint tea and bread. There are also a number of women’s argan oil co-ops where you can learn more about making this oil in the traditional way by hand.  The Atlas Mountains are a hiking paradise from May to October and there are many beautiful places to go. You do need to be cautious if you plan to go during the winter as the passes are steep and narrow and they will be closed with significant snowfall. Most people head through this mountain range to visit Marrakech and Merzouga , the location of the Sahara sand dunes in Morocco. Enjoy a special treat to break up this long ride of ten hours and stop for the night in Ait Ben Haddou . This ksar , or fortified old city, is a picturesque place featured in many movies and worth visiting. Tizi n’Tichka is an exhilarating drive so fasten your seatbelt and enjoy the adrenaline rush!

Read Next: Road Trip Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Family Road Trip

Miami to Key West, USA

A 150-mile drive for the road trip from Miami to Key West along the Florida Keys is very popular among Southeast USA taking around 4 hours . The Keys are connected by Overseas Highway or U.S. Highway 1 with 42 bridges over it including a seven-mile bridge which makes it one of the best road trips. With the Atlantic Ocean giving you company throughout the drive providing majestic views, what else can you ask for?

The Florida Keys is an archipelago of many islands with major being Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key, and Key West in the order from North to South . Every island is a gem with natural beauty that will make your heart sway.

The busiest and the most lively time to take the road trip is from November to February , but if you want to beat the crowds then we would recommend Feb – March . Florida, being the sunshine state, has the advantage of warm and sunny weather throughout. Florida Keys is prone to hurricanes, so it is better to avoid June to September .

We would highly recommend making halts and staying at different islands over a span of 3-5 days to make the most of it. There are great accommodations in Key Largo and Key West to opt from. We loved our stay at the Hampton Inn at Key Largo and DoubleTree by Hilton in Key West . The free shuttle service is available from the hotel to downtown Key West. The major attractions along the route include John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, Bahia Honda State Park, Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, the Southernmost Point of the US in Key West, and Everglades National Park.

Indulge in water sports, take a deep dive into the colorful aquatic world, relax on the beaches, or enjoy the magical sunset on the cruise.

The Romantic Road, Germany

By Alexander Waltner of Gourmand Trotter

The Romantic Road or Romantische Straße as it’s known in Germany is a lovely network of roads that stretches over 350 kilometers , from Würzburg and Füssen in the regions of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg . The Romantic Road passes by some of the most picturesque towns in Germany as well as spectacular castles from medieval times. It’s definitely one of the best road trips in Europe and in a few days, you can explore some of the best destinations in Germany, including Rothenburg ob der Tauber and the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, which inspired Walt Disney when he created the Disney Castle. Nördlingen, Dinkelsbuhl, and Burg Harburg are some other famous stops along the route. There are a wide number of hotels and guesthouses where you can overnight. Hotel Müller is a great hotel located next to Neuschwanstein, which allows you to visit the castle early in the morning without the crowds. The Romantic Road was originally promoted by travel agents in the 1950s but has since become one of the most iconic routes for international travelers to Germany. The best time of the year to go is definitely during late spring or early autumn. Early summer is also great since you will likely get great weather but still be able to avoid most of the crowds that travel through the region in July and August. For travelers without a car or those who prefer to not rent a car in Germany, there are also guided bus tours that one can join. However, it should be noted that the Romantic Road is best enjoyed while driving on your own, with special guided tours on places of interest.

Andalusia Road Trip

By Inma of A World to Travel

Perfect to uncover one of the most known and touristy regions in Spain, an Andalusia road trip will delight nature and architecture aficionados as Andalusia is as diverse as it gets. You can make it as long or short as you want. Depending on how you are getting around and how many days you have to spend in the region, the route could take you anywhere from a couple of hundred km to over a thousand. I’d suggest a week at least . It will make you enjoy Andalusia as it deserves to be experienced: slowly, and taking time to absorb its unique heritage and traditions. Of course, if you have more time, you can extend it to up to one month . It truly has lots to offer its visitors.

In my Andalusia road trip guide , I have written about different itineraries to take depending on what interests you the most. Avoid the high season (from late Spring to early Autumn) if you don’t want to deal with crowds in the most famous places such as Seville and Granada. Other than that, be well aware that temperatures in Summer can reach 40ºC, and, on the other hand, some places in Andalusia have a rough Winter (ie. the Sierra Nevada, 30min away from Granada). Hands down, an Andalusia road trip for first-timers should include Seville, Granada, Malaga, and Cadiz. Everything else you throw in the mix will be an added bonus. As a recommendation, and if you have time, check Cordoba, Tarifa, Ronda, and the Sierra Nevada . Being one of the most touristy regions in an already very touristy country, the accommodation options are endless. I have great memories of TOC Hostel Sevilla and Alhambra Palace Hotel in Granada. They belong to different worlds but each one is charming on its own. Highly recommended. Avoid weekends in the most touristy spots and book your Alhambra passes well in advance. They tend to sell out quickly. Other than that, taste as many Andalusian dishes as you possibly can, and don’t forget to check the nightlife of the towns and cities you pass by. Spaniards are social animals and for sure love a good party or two a week.

Bergen to Oslo, Norway

The drive from Bergen to Oslo lets you experience the striking mountain passes and out-of-this-world (literally) fjord countryside. The road starts in Bergen and ends in Oslo or the other way around, traversing its way through Voss, Gudvangen, Aurland, Flam, Borgund, Gol, and many other small Norwegian towns depending upon the route you choose. We found the Hardangervidda route the best! The direct drive takes about 7 to 9 hours depending upon the route you follow. Though, it’s wise to spend 3 to 4 days on the road to enjoy all the major attractions on the way. There are quite a number of routes to choose from while traveling from Bergen to Oslo or Oslo to Bergen, each more beautiful than the next. Late spring through to early autumn is the best time to take a road trip in Norway.

Montenegro Road Trip

By Cassie of Cassie the Hag

Home to historic old towns, winding mountain roads, and reflective alpine lakes, Montenegro will make for an incredibly picturesque road trip. There are various different routes to take in one week , but I recommend going from the West (Podgorica) to the East (Kotor) . In between, highlights include Skadar Lake, Durmitor National Park, Sveti Stefan, and the famous Lovcen to Kotor road – best known for its striking 25 hairpin bends! The best time to visit Montenegro for a weekend away might be the summer months when the bays and sea surrounding the historical old cities become warm enough to swim in. However, for a road trip, this may be less advantageous as the roads are tight and with many stomach-churning cliff drops – not the best time to cross seventeen tour buses on the congested roads! Similarly, in the Winter there will likely be many road closures due to bad weather. I visited in the shoulder season and, despite some rain, it was very peaceful. The most iconic spots on a Montenegro road trip have to be the Pavlova Strana lookout of Skadar Lake and a visit to Crno Jezero (Black Lake) – one of the 17 glacier lakes in Durmitor National Park. While in this area, you should also visit the photogenic Durdevica Tara Bridge and Tara Canyon , which is the largest canyon in Europe at 1300m deep .  The most famous road in Montenegro is the Lovcen to Kotor road . The main section is 17km of startling hairpin bends. As you snake up the mountain, the views get even more dazzling with spectacular panoramas from the dramatic, mountainside drops. Thankfully, there are clearly marked places to pull in and take a photo. Stay safe and enjoy the ride!

Alsace Wine Route, France

By Elisa from France Bucket List

The Wine Route of Alsace , in the French region of Grand Est , is one of the best areas to explore on a road trip in France. The route is dotted with picturesque Alsatian towns , beautiful hikes through the vineyards, and of course wine tasting! This road trip is also perfect to get a taste of the Alsatian cuisine to pair with the best Alsatian wines, mostly whites. The best time to do this Alsace Wine Route is after the harvest and with the fall colors . It is recommended to start this road trip from Strasbourg , the capital of Alsace, and spend at least one day visiting the city, with musts like the Gothic Cathedral , or La Petite France . The distance between Paris and Strasbourg is 550 km. Along the route, there’s so much to see and do that it is recommended at least 3 days for this Alsace Wine Route, plus the full day visiting Strasbourg. The drive is easy and there is no need for any special car for this road trip. Along the route, you can admire the stunning green foothills of the Vosges Mountains and the various Alsace vineyards . The cutest villages to visit in Alsace are Colmar, Kaysersberg, Mittelbergheim, Dambach-la-Ville, Ribeauvillé, and Riquewihr. The first two are very popular with tourists, especially on the weekends, so going off the beaten path to explore lesser-known towns may be a good idea to avoid the crowds. As for accommodation, Strasbourg and Colmar are two good places to stay, with a wider choice of hotels and guesthouses.

Pacific Coast Highway, USA

By Maggie of The World Was Here First

If you’re on the hunt for one of the most iconic road trips in the world, then you can’t go wrong with taking a drive on Highway 1 in California , also known as the Pacific Coast Highway! Though the most popular stretch of this route is the  road from Los Angeles to San Francisco , this incredible coastal road spans over 650 miles (1,000 + kilometers) and has so much to see and do along the way. The PCH begins in the town of Dana Point in Orange County , about 60 miles (around 100 kilometers) south of LA, and ends in the town of Legget in Northern California’s Mendocino County , a few hours north of San Francisco. While the road is long and there is so much to see, some of the most iconic stops and spectacular scenery take place on the stretch between Santa Barbara and Monterey and, in particular, the incredible region of Big Sur. If you want to do the entire PCH drive, your best would be to plan for at least five days to one week to be able to enjoy it to the fullest, especially if you want to explore the towns and cities along the way. Enjoying the laid-back vibes of Santa Barbara or Pismo Beach is necessary, as is hiking in Big Sur and taking in the quaint towns of Monterey and Carmel . The Pacific Coast Highway is easily the most iconic road trip in the US and it is the quintessential way to see and experience coastal California and to enjoy just how diverse this beautiful state is.

Johannesburg to Tanzania

By Jenny of TraveLynn Family

Easily the most epic road trip we’ve done with our kids has to be the 101 Days Overlanding Africa in a Land Rover Defender. At the time, our boys were just 2 and 4 years old and we had no 4×4 experience whatsoever. This African road trip starts in South Africa , through to Mozambique , Malawi , up to Tanzania , and back down through Zambia and Namibia , returning to South Africa. A total of 15000 kilometers and 5 border crossings . We traveled in a Land Rover Defender with roof tents and camped almost every night. Expect to deal with corrupt officials, impassable roads, once-in-a-generation weather events, and of course the usual toddler tantrums along the way. But I found that all that paled into insignificance when I think of the seemingly endless nights camping under the African stars, the incredible wildlife experiences, the warm welcome from villages we passed, and the tighter bond we formed as a family. Top tips if you plan to do a trip like this is to plan your route the night before and always have a plan B in case you can’t reach your destination before sunset. Supermarkets are few and far between, so stock up when you get the opportunity. The same goes for fuel. Make sure you have all the necessary vaccinations and take antimalarials. For safety, only stay at fenced and secure campsites. Lots more information about this road trip can be found in our post about  Overlanding Africa with kids . Africa stole our hearts, and the experience will forever change us.

Tbilisi to Kazbegi, Georgia

By Yukti of Travel with Me 247 Blog

Road trip from Tbilisi to Kazbegi  takes through  Georgian Military Road which is a must-do road trip  in Georgia. This is one of the most scenic roads in the South. It has an ancient historical past that has witnessed historic trade, wars, and legends. Located in northern Georgia, just a few kilometers from Russia Kazbegi (also known as Stepsminda) town is famous for Mount Kazbek and Gergeti Trinity Church . Not only this town is very beautiful, but the road from Tbilisi to Kazbegi has many beautiful stopovers in between. First, stop from Tbilisi while going to Kazbegi comes Jvari Monastery in Mtskheta town which you can skip and do while returning also. But the view from the top of the monastery is amazing. Then after a few kilometers comes another beautiful spot which is Zinvali Dam and Reservoir . The road now passes along hilly farmlands and a view of the river which is picturesque. Sometimes, you can spot a herd of sheep or horses crossing the road, which is a truly amazing spot. Then comes the third stop – Ananuri Castle and church , which has an amazing view of the river and hills. This stop is the most photogenic spot on the road trip. Just before you are about to reach Kazbegi, the final stop in between comes which is a small hilly town of Gudauri . Gudauri is a ski resort and has wonderful hilly adventure options like paragliding, biking along the hills, and horse riding across the green hilly slopes. Once again, I must say, this road trip passes through wonderful nature, ancient monasteries, and lovely villages. Tbilisi is about 150 km away from Kazbegi and the drive takes anywhere between 3 to 5 hours depending upon how much time you spend on the stop-offs. Late spring to early autumn is the ideal time to take this drive.

Chapman’s Peak Drive, South Africa

By Clemens of Travellers Archive

One of the most famous and romantic coastal roads in the world is Chapman’s Peak Drive close to Cape Town in South Africa . It runs a bit south from Hout Bay along the Atlantic coast towards the Cape. The road is fondly called “ Chappies ” by the locals. The 9 km long route, which leads in 114 curves around the 596 m high Chapman’s Peak, was blasted into the partly vertical rock walls between 1915 and 1922. This masterpiece of bold road construction runs approx. 150 m above the roaring Atlantic and 450 m below the Chapman summit. The road was carved into the rocks exactly on the rock boundary, where the harder granite base merges into the softer sandstone of the towering rocky peaks. There are many beautiful viewpoints along the way that you just can’t miss. In the area of ​​Chapman’s Peak, there are at least two options for a shortstop. From Noordhoek , you have a wonderful view to the south towards Kommetjie over the white, spacious, and deserted Long Beach . The whole tour lasts about 30 minutes . It can be recommended to do it either very early in the morning or at sunset. If you want to stay nearby, you can do so in The Twelve Apostles Hotel , which is absolutely top-notch.

Jordan Road Trip

By Emma of Wanderlust and Wet Wipes

You can’t get much more iconic than a road trip in Jordan. Imagine traveling to float in a perfectly still Dead Sea as you gaze across to Israel on the other side. Another stop on and you will find yourself hiking through the ancient sites of Petra, marveling at the ruins of the Monastery and the Treasury as well as numerous tombs. Yet Jordan has even more to offer than just these two places. From the Roman ruins in and near Amman to exploring the desert landscape of Wadi Rum just like Lawrence of Arabia to relaxing and snorkeling in the Red Sea – there’s so much to do. To tour Jordan is around 900 km if you take in the main sights of Amman , Jerash , the Dead Sea , Madaba , Petra (Wadi Musa) , Wadi Rum , and the Red Sea (Aqaba) . The roads are of good quality and hiring a car is relatively easy. It is worth keeping your documents handy as there are several security checkpoints on the main roads. There are a few different Jordan itineraries depending on how much time you have. To really do Jordan justice, a road trip is best done in 10-14 days but it is possible to do it in around 8, particularly if you skip Aqaba. There are many good quality hotels in Jordan – consider staying in Movenpick Hotels and take advantage of their 2 for 1 deal using the Entertainer App. There are also many glamping options in Wadi Rum such as Sun City Camp which is a must-do for any Jordan trip. The best time to go to Jordan is before April or after October – the summer months get swelteringly hot. Winter is much less crowded but can be quite cold and many hotels/restaurants will be closed or doing renovations.

Split to Sarajevo, Balkans

By Constanza of Experiencing the Globe

This trip is a dream because it includes all the highlights of the Balkan region: turquoise beaches, Roman and medieval towns, stunning nature, and interesting history. It’s ideal to set aside 10 days to fully enjoy the roughly 400 km road trip. Start in  Split ,  Croatia , where you can explore Diocletian’s palace (a 1700 years old fortress, where the Roman emperor lived), enjoy the forest and the beaches of Marjan Park , and visit a few art museums (don’t miss the Meštrović Gallery ). From Split, you can do a few day trips. The must-see places are medieval Trogir , Krka waterfalls , and at least one of the islands (there are island hopping tours to cover more in less time). Then drive alongside the coast to Croatia’s capital of adventure:  Omiš . Have fun doing ziplining, rafting, or rock climbing. After a few days on the Adriatic coast, head to Bosnia and Herzegovina . The first stop will be in  Kravica waterfalls . Spend a few hours wandering around them and go for a quick swim in the cold water. Then visit  Poćitelj , the first sight that you’re entering a Muslim country. This village looks like an open-air museum: medieval towers and mosques on a cliff overlooking the Neretva River . The next stop is  Blagaj . A historical Tekija –a Dervish monastery– is set on a cliff in the spring of the Buna river . Stay in  Mostar , the best place to learn about the history of Bosnia, especially about the Yugoslav wars. The contrast between Western Croatia and Eastern Bosnia is palpable here. The river divides the town into two different worlds. The last stop is  Sarajevo . Bosnia’s capital is a treat. The best from every conqueror stayed in the town. Walk around to discover layers from Ottomans, Austro-Hungarians, and socialist times.

Carretera Austral, Chile

By Sandra from BlueMarble Vagabonds

Carretera Austral ( Southern Highway ) or Road No. 7 is the most famous road in Chile that stretches from the port city Puerto Montt to the tiny village of Villa O’Higgins , some 1,200 km or 750 miles south. As fjords interrupt the Carretera Austral, you need to take three ferries in between to drive the whole distance. From dense rainforests and spectacular fjords, over mountain passes with views on snowy peaks, through vast steppes with vivid wildlife, to lush green hills, impressive glaciers, and gorgeous lakes – Carretera Austral is breathtaking. Opposite of what the name might indicate, Carretera Austral is anything but a highway. The road is still mostly unpaved, which alongside the stunning landscape of Chilean Patagonia adds a unique charm and without argument makes it one of the best road trips in the world. Two weeks is a bare minimum to experience the highlights, but if you’d like to include camping or several hikes in the national parks dotted along the road, add at least another week to the itinerary. Weather in Patagonia can be unpredictable and harsh during the winter, therefore summer months (December to February) or early Autumn when nature dresses up in dazzling colors, are the best to embark on this journey. Some of the best stops along the way for hiking are national parks Pumalin , Patagonia , and Cerro Castillo, and a few highlights you shouldn’t miss are hanging glacier in national park Queulat , marble caves , and glacier Exploradores near Rio Tranquilo and one of  the most unique towns in Patagonia , Caleta Tortel . Campsites, cottages, homestays, hostels, and B&Bs – there’s no shortage of accommodation along the Carretera Austral, but many are not bookable online, so just ask around once you arrive in a town. And as wild camping is allowed in Chile, you’re able to find your own place to sleep with “a-million-dollar-worth-view” as well.

Southern Finland Road Trip

By Katja of Globetotting

Finland is well known for snowscapes and sleigh rides but this Nordic country has much more to offer. Visit during the summer months and you’ll be rewarded with endless forests, myriad lakes, and long sunny days that last forever. The best way to experience everything that Finland has to offer is on a road trip and the loop around the southern half of the country is the best. Spanning more than 1,000km this road trip combines cool cities with plenty of time in the Great Outdoors and even the chance to meet some Moomins. Two weeks is the minimum you want to allocate for your  Finland road trip . Start your travels in Helsinki , the capital, swimming in the  Allas Sea Pools , and visiting the island fortress of Suomenlinna . From here, travel north towards the Finnish Lakeland region. During the summer months, Finland is awash with blues and greens, the forested landscape scattered with patches of brilliant blue water. Lake Saimaa is the largest lake in the country and the fourth-biggest natural freshwater lake in Europe. Swim, sail, and paddle on the lake waters, and then go in search of the rare Saimaa Ringed Seal. There are also castles to visit and Santa’s summer hideaway to find. The next stop on the road trip is Tampere , on the west coast of Finland. This city is home to some fun museums (both a Moomin-themed one and a Spy Museum) and some great food. Your next stop is Turku , one of Finland’s hippest cities and the country’s original capital. This is also where you’ll find  Moominworld , the home of Finland’s most famous residents. Your final stop on the trip is Helsinki and it’s worth spending a day or two more in the capital.

Pisa to Ascoli Piceno, Italy

By Annabel of Smudged Postcard

If you’re looking for a great overview of Italy, taking in famous art history but also some hidden gems, an  Italy road trip  from Pisa in the west to Ascoli in the east is a great idea. Pisa makes an excellent base for your first few days in Italy: visit the Leaning Tower , take a day trip to Florence or Lucca , or head to the beach at Viareggio . The drive from Pisa south to Siena takes you past a host of lovely towns including San Gimignano and Monteriggioni . From Siena, you can travel west past Pienza and Montepulciano (great wine) and into Umbria . There’s plenty to see in Perugia and Assisi but find time for the smaller towns such as pretty Spello and the excellent wine town of Montefalco . If you’ve had your fill of art and history in Tuscany and Umbria, the drive into Le Marche is a real treat for road trip enthusiasts. The road weaves through the stunning Sibillini Mountains taking in carpets of wildflowers and dramatic mountain peaks. Ensure you start the drive in Norcia and drive along the SP477 . Spring and early summer are the best times to take this trip. Once through the mountains, Ascoli Piceno makes for an enjoyable stop. Enjoy coffee in Piazza del Popolo , possibly one of Italy’s most beautiful squares. If you’re yearning for some beach time, the east coast of Le Marche offers long stretches of sandy coastline. This drive is best done over two weeks but if time is short you could fit it into 10 days . Depending on the exact route, the distance is around 450 kilometers .

Porto to Lisbon, Portugal

By Ann of The Road is Life

The countryside of Portugal has some of the most beautiful scenery and landscapes which makes it perfect for road tripping. The  drive from Porto to Lisbon  is full of gorgeous little villages, amazing medieval castles, and an incredible UNESCO heritage-listed wine region. This road trip can easily be completed in 10 days but it is possible to spend up to 2 weeks , it really just depends on your time frame. The total driving distance covered will be around 600km or 370 mi . The best time to road trip through Portugal is during the spring or summer months to ensure better weather for sightseeing. Fall is also a good time to go because there are fewer crowds and still a good chance of having nice weather. Start off the trip by spending a few days in Porto before carrying on to the first stop on your road trip which is the stunning Douro Valley wine region. Only a 2-hour drive inland from Porto, this historic wine region has some spectacular scenery and is one of the oldest wine regions in the world. With rolling green hills and vineyards growing up the side of the steep slopes, it’s no wonder the Douro Valley is considered one of the most beautiful drives in Europe! Stay in the Douro Valley for 1-2 nights in the town of Lamego before continuing the road trip to Tomar . The small town of Tomar is famous for its Castle of the Knights Templar which is a UNESCO-listed site. There is also a beautiful ancient aqueduct near the castle which is particularly nice to visit at sunset. These sites can be visited in a day before carrying on to the next stop of the road trip, Obidos . To fully explore this picturesque little town, aim to stay in Obidos for 2 nights. Obidos gets very busy with tourists visiting from Lisbon on day trips, if you spend some extra time here you’ll be able to avoid the peak tourist hours. From there, continue to the colorful town of Sintra and spend 2 nights. Full of stunning palaces and mansions, some of your highlights will be visiting Pena Palace , Quinta da Regaleira , and Monserrate Palace . Sintra is very close to Lisbon which will be the endpoint of this epic Portugal road trip. Spend as much time as you like exploring Lisbon before ending the trip.

Adelaide to Darwin, Australia

By Marion of Redz Australia

Road-tripping Australia from  Adelaide in the south through the outback to tropical Darwin  in the north is a 3000 km (1865 mile) introduction to iconic sights, vast distances, world exclusives, and a cross-section of classic Aussie scenery. It’ll only take a few days if you prefer long hours on the road and limited stops but plan for about two weeks if you want to see the sights. Take the trip during the cooler months – that’s May to September down under – summer temperatures can be extreme, so some attractions may be closed. Take the Princes Highway from Adelaide to Port Augusta , then the Stuart Highway north. From there, it’s all outback salt lakes, claypans, and mesas to Coober Pedy , the opal mining capital of the world. Stay underground overnight, before detouring to the Breakaways where several movies were filmed, and past the Dingo Fence , the longest man-made structure on earth! After the South Australia/Northern Territory Border, take the Erldunda turnoff for Uluru and Kata Tjuta , a three-hour drive west. Curtin Springs offers cheaper accommodation than Uluru, but it’s an hour’s drive away from the Rock. Return to the Stuart Highway and Alice Springs , the halfway point and gateway to Central Australia’s amazing mountain ranges, gorges, and red rock formations. A few hours further north stay at Wycliffe Well , Australia’s UFO capital, and watch the sunrise or set at the nearby Devil’s Marbles . As the scenery turns more tropical, several roadhouses and small towns further north offer meals, accommodation, and entertainment, but stay at Bitter Springs or Mataranka and soak away your travel tensions in the thermal pools. Stay in Katherine to tour its famous gorge, take a detour to Litchfield National Park , and then it’s north to Darwin, a gateway to the ‘Top End’ and the end of the road trip.

India to Myanmar

By Amrita of Tale of 2 Backpackers

One of the most epic road trips that you can take is the India Myanmar Road trip crossing the international border at Moreh in India. It was only in May 2018 when the India-Myanmar Land Treaty was signed between India and Myanmar that facilitated an easier crossing of the border by tourists. But this road trip across the Asian Highway will take you across two different countries of diverse cultures, people, and landscapes. While you travel across Manipur in India, you will also explore the various parts of Myanmar like Mandalay , Bagan , Inle , and Yangon . In fact, taking the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway , you can take a  road trip from India to Thailand via Myanmar .

The total distance covered in this epic road trip is about 2600 km starting and ending at Imphal and covering Moreh (India), Tamu, Mandalay, Bagan , and Yangon (All in Myanmar). The entire trip can be covered in 10 days . The best time for this trip would be from November to March . The climate remains pleasant during this time in both India and Myanmar. All the stops on this road trip have their own attractions. Imphal is a beautiful city in Manipur while Mandalay, Bagan, and Yangon are known for their own beauty. Imphal, Tamu, Mandalay, Bagan, and Yangon will be your stops for the night and all these places have hotels and homestays catering to all kinds of budgets. Only Tamu is a small town and has fewer options for accommodation.

Some tips for doing the India-Myanmar Road Trip:

• On this road trip, you have to cross land borders, and please make sure that you have your passport and visa in place.
• Self-driving in Myanmar requires a carnet fee and an escort vehicle. Please enquire about them if you wish to self-drive.
• The distance between Tamu to Mandalay is about 470 km, and that is the longest you might have to travel in a day. The road between Tamu to Mandalay is not yet in excellent condition, and it takes about 12 hours to cover the distance. 
• Even though you are taking a road trip, keep sufficient days in hand for Bagan and Mandalay so that you do not miss the attractions of these places.

Pan-American Highway

By Juergen of Dare2go

If you are looking for an epic road trip like no other, then the Pan American Highway could be for you! It will be the journey of your life, simply because it’s the longest continuous road in the world . It’s one of the longest road trips in the world! But don’t choose the PanAm for your next annual vacation, it’s too long for that. I know of one couple who drove it in 6 months – but you will not see much at such a pace! Their photos were mostly blurred pictures taken out of the moving vehicle. The shortest feasible time to drive the PanAm might be a gap year . Even the most direct route passes so many varied and fascinating sights that you might want to spend much more time. Why not set off slowly and visit some of the diverse National Parks in the USA and Canada ? Mexico and Guatemala are the first exotic destinations that can keep you enthralled for months with their colorful customs and amazing old Aztec and Mayan ruins . Costa Rica and Panama are perfect countries to camp on tropical beaches with crystal clear water. Colombia is an interesting introduction to South America: chaotic cities contrast with colorful relaxed towns and villages. Its people are the most friendly and helpful anywhere. One thing most Latin American countries have in common is beautiful colonial towns with Spanish or Portuguese-style architecture. Ecuador’s capital Quito is a World Heritage-listed example. Peru is considered a “ cradle of civilization ” and has fascinating historic sights, many of which are much older than the famed Machu Picchu . You could spend months zigzagging through this country and never see it all.

The further down you travel in South America the taller the mountains of the Andes become. It takes some time to acclimatize to altitudes above 3000-4000 meters (~10-14000 feet), but it’s worth it. You will find clear blue skies, incredible mountain formations of sometimes unbelievable colors, and solitude you have never experienced before. The final leg of the Pan-American Highway will take you either through Chile or Argentina . Either side closely follows the Andes; you either have mountains to your left or to your right. Many of these are still capped by ancient glaciers. Your most southerly destination, Ushuaia in Patagonia , is the departure point for ships into the Antarctic Ocean . Interesting facts before you begin planning your Pan-American trip:

• The official start of the Pan American Highway is Prudhoe Bay in Alaska ; it ends in Ushuaia at the southern tip of Argentina
• The most direct route passes through 14 countries and is over 24000 kilometers (15000 miles) long; with detours, most people travel between 40 and 60000 kilometers
• You will have to ship your vehicle across the famous  Darian Gap  between Panama and Colombia – there’s no road connection
• You can make the PanAm trip with any vehicle; choose one that is reliable and can be serviced along the way (so nothing too exotic)
• You can drive the PanAm with a regular RV, as long as you choose a compact model
• You don’t need any special papers to drive the PanAm
• No vehicle insurance will cover the entire route, you will need to buy local insurance
• People of all ages travel the PanAm, from families with small children to retirees.  

Your expenses for the trip will very much depend on your lifestyle and traveling pace. Fuel, road tolls, and shipping can be the highest costs. The slower you go, the cheaper it will be per month. The author of this contribution  traveled the Pan American Highway  for nearly 7 years and spent on average $1000/month for 2 people camping.

Over to you! How many of these most beautiful road trips in the world have you taken? Share in the comments section.

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Anjali Chawla

2 thoughts on “40 Best Road Trips in the World (The Last One is Epic!)”

Thanx for the chance to contribute to this post – it’s an awesome collection, and I’m looking forward to trying out some of the road trips I haven’t been on yet 😀

So many beautiful routes – and I’ve only done 7 of them so far. Lots more to discover & experience!

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Bucket List: The 12 Best Road Trip Routes In The World

Ready to explore the planet by road? Enjoy the most scenic road trip routes in the world, from the US to Europe to Asia and beyond!

Read update

Who's Up For A Drive? These Are Some Of The Most Beautiful Routes To Take

• Road trips offer freedom and flexibility, allowing travelers to explore at their own pace and stop as long as they want. No schedules or time constraints to worry about.
• The world is full of incredible road trip routes, from scenic coastal drives to traversing challenging mountain passes. There are options for every type of traveler.
• Some of the top road trip routes include Route 66 in the US, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Great Ocean Road in Australia, Trollstigen in Norway, and the Ring Road in Iceland. These routes offer amazing views and unforgettable experiences.

Traveling by train, like enjoying an adventure on Amtrak's epic sleeper train routes around the world , can be a comfortable way to explore a destination (and multiple, at that!). However, there's far less freedom when traveling by rail because passengers are limited to the time constraints and stops on the journey. What's better than rail travel for folks with wanderlust hoping to be free from the clutches of time limits? Road trips, of course!

Going on a road trip is an amazing way for travelers to discover the world at their own pace; explorers can go wherever their hearts desire and stop for as long as they wish without having to worry about schedules. Moreover, there are countless options for road trip routes that range from scenic coastal drives to traversing rugged mountain passes and immersing oneself in the culture and history of an area (or an entire country, in many cases).

For aspiring roadtrippers looking to see the world, here are the top ten best road trip routes around the globe to add to the bucket list. From the breathtaking vistas of Scotland's North Coast 500 to the remote and challenging terrain of Pakistan's Karakoram Highway, these amazing bucket list road trips offer unforgettable experiences and awe-inspiring views for those who crave adventure on the open road.

UPDATE: 2023/11/30 12:40 EST BY NOAH STAATS

This list covers a number of the most beautiful road trips in the world (in other words, the best!). However, there's always room for more! As such, this article has been updated with two new bucket list road trip routes, both in the US and the most beautiful to embark on ASAP. From Route 66 across the Western United States to the Blue Ridge Mountain Drive, there are endless places to travel by vehicle. Have fun!

Related: Road Trip Bucket List: 12 Major Cities To Stop At Along Route 66

12 Route 66, United States

Welcome to the wild west: route 66 is the perfect desert adventure.

One of the most famous road trips in the world is Route 66 in the United States. Not only has this iconic road-inspired movie like Cars , but it also boasts endless scenery, history, and communities worth stopping in for the night. Most notably, Route 66 offers tons of epic stops and spans over 2,400 miles across states like Arizona, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico and ends in Los Angeles, California.

This is undeniably one of the best driving ideas for a road trip itinerary and should keep everyone occupied from mile one to 2,488. Moreover, Route 66 boasts an eight-state coverage, with something to see and do at nearly every turn. However, much of this route goes through desert landscape, so make sure and bring plenty of water!

• Distance : 2,448 miles
• Time to Drive: 10 days (minimum) , but 2 weeks is an ideal timeframe

11 The Blue Ridge Parkway, United States

This road trip route is known to be the most scenic drive in the united states.

Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most stunning drives in the United States and arguably North America. Here, people can embark on a 469-mile adventure through this famous mountain range, traveling through states like Virginia and North Carolina. Moreover, the Blue Ridge Parkway detours into places like Shenandoah National Park and the Smoky Mountains National Park system. This makes it a perfect choice for mountain lovers and hikers, plus it is a pretty scenic route from start to finish.

It's also worth noting that while on this road trip route, you will drive through countless towns, including Linville Falls, Blowing Rock, Boone, Sparta, Roanoke, Virginia, Bryson City, Mouth of Wilson (Grayson Highlands State Park), West Jefferson, and so on.

• Distance: 469 miles
• Time to Drive: ~9-10 hours

The Blue Ridge Scenic Highway through North Carolina is another epic US road trip route in this region!

10 Great Ocean Road, Australia

Coastal views and cliffside driving make the great ocean road a top road trip.

Covering a distance of 413 miles, The Great Ocean Road is a picturesque coastal route that starts from Torquay and ends in Allansford, near Warrnambool, located on the southeastern coast of Australia.

Constructed by Australian soldiers in remembrance of their fallen colleagues, the road is renowned for its scenic beauty, with stunning oceanic views, cliffs, and rainforests. Exploring this road with its gorgeous scenery is one of the best things to do in Australia.

• Distance: 413 miles
• Time to Drive: ~9.5 hours

9 Trollstigen, Norway

Get ready to turn (a lot) in norway while driving trollstigen.

Trollstigen, which translates to the "Troll's Path" or the "Troll's Road", is a mountainous road located in western Norway, running from south to north from Sylte in Fjord Municipality to Åndalsnes in Rauma Municipality. It is approximately 20 kilometers long and contains 11 hairpin turns that ascend the steep mountainside, with gradients as steep as 10%.

The road was built between 1925 and 1936 and has since become a popular tourist attraction due to its breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and mountains, earning a spot on many lists of the world's most scenic drives. Even though it is not included as one of the things travelers should not miss out on in Norway because it's a bit off the beaten path (and tourists without a car will have to rent one), it provides a breathtaking experience for road trip fans.

• Distance: 31 miles
• Time to Drive: ~1-2 hours

8 Ring Road, Iceland

Also called route 1, this route offers glaciers, volcanoes, hot springs, and falls.

The Iceland Ring Road, also referred to as Route 1 or simply the Ring Road, is an 828-mile-long highway encircling the entire island country of Iceland. The road provides access to some of Iceland's most popular tourist spots, such as volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs, and waterfalls.

Completed in 1974, the Ring Road has emerged as a major tourist attraction in Iceland, offering visitors stunning vistas of the country's diverse landscapes and unique geological formations. Several charming towns and villages in Iceland (other than Reykjavik) dot the road, providing essential services and accommodations to travelers. From Icelandic culinary adventures to marveling at Iceland's unique beaches , Iceland's Ring Road is worth the bucket list because it promises a deep exploration of the entire country.

• Distance: 828 miles
• Time to Drive: Approximately 6 days in summer and 12 days in winter , at a minimum

7 The Garden Route, South Africa

190 miles of beaches, mountains, lagoons, and forests.

Located on the south-western coast of South Africa, The Garden Route is easily one of the most scenic drives in the world; it's a 190-mile-long scenic route between Mossel Bay and Storms River, passing through a range of breathtaking landscapes such as lush forests, pristine beaches, towering mountains, and tranquil lagoons.

As a popular tourist spot, The Garden Route offers visitors an array of attractions and activities throughout the journey, making it an ideal road trip destination. Drive down this road and discover what South Africa is really like .

• Distance: 190 miles
• Time to Drive: 2-3 hours (but it's recommended to take a few days to complete it and appreciate the sights along the way)

6 Amalfi Coast, Italy

High-class living and mediterranean views make the amalfi coast an upscale road trip choice.

The stunning Amalfi Coast is a 31-mile road that winds along the southern coast of Italy, connecting the cities of Sorrento and Salerno. The road passes through a series of charming coastal towns, such as Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi, each with its own unique character and attractions.

The narrow, winding road features hairpin turns and steep drops, providing breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and cliffs. Travelers can stop at scenic overlooks, indulge in local cuisine, and explore historical sites and cultural attractions.

• Time to Drive: ~2 hours

5 A82, Scotland

Catch a glimpse of the lochness monster on scotland's a82 route.

In Scotland, the A82 is a major road that spans approximately 167 miles from Glasgow to Inverness, passing through some of Scotland's most stunning landscapes, such as Loch Lomond, Glencoe, and Loch Ness.

Initially constructed in the 18th century as a military route to the Highlands, it has become a vital transport link and popular tourist route. The A82 goes through several towns and villages, including Fort William, the gateway to Ben Nevis, which is the highest mountain in the UK.

• Distance: 167 miles
• Time to Drive: ~3 hours (but it's better to take one's time to enjoy the stops and views along the way)

Related: Discovering The Beauty Of The Palisades Parkway: A Road Trip Adventure In Northern New Jersey

4 The Karakoram Highway, China/Pakistan

Peaks, glaciers, and valleys from kashgar, china to islamabad, pakistan.

The Karakoram Highway, also known as the Friendship Highway, is one of the best travel routes for road trippers on this list for those who crave adventurous terrain. The route spans over 1,300 kilometers from Kashgar in China to Islamabad in Pakistan. The road traverses through some of the most remote and rugged terrain on earth, including the Karakoram mountain range, which houses some of the world's highest peaks, such as K2, the second-highest mountain in the world.

The construction of the Karakoram Highway was completed in 1986, and it is recognized as a remarkable engineering feat involving the construction of numerous bridges and tunnels through some of the planet's most challenging terrain. The highway provides breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and deep valleys while also providing an opportunity to experience the culture and history of the region.

• Distance: 810 miles
• Time to Drive: ~4-5 days (but travelers can spend longer if they wish to take their time)

Related: From Canyons To Wildflowers: Discovering Anza Borrego On A Scenic Road Trip

3 The North Coast 500, Scotland

Castles, cliffs, pubs, and water views in the scottish highlands.

The Scottish Highlands is a picturesque region in Scotland that boasts natural beauty, rugged landscapes, and historical landmarks. Many scenic routes and roads are scattered throughout the area, offering visitors breathtaking views of the region's unique culture and history. However, none are quite as enchanting as the North Coast 500 drive, which easily earns its place among the world's best road trips for its scenery alone (and the quintessential Scottish pubs en route!).

One of the best road trips in Scotland (or indeed the UK overall) is the North Coast 500, a 516-mile road trip showcasing some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery. The journey begins and ends in Inverness, taking travelers through small villages, historic towns, dramatic mountain ranges, and rugged coastlines. There are plenty of ancient castles, scenic overlooks, and traditional Scottish pubs to stop and enjoy along the way.

• Distance: 516 miles
• Time to Drive: ~ 8 hours 30 minutes

2 The Overseas Highway, Florida Keys, USA

This is the drive between the florida keys and miami beach.

The Overseas Highway , located in the Florida Keys of the USA, is a 113-mile-long road that connects Miami to Key West, the southernmost point in the continental United States. The highway spans a series of islands, providing awe-inspiring views of the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.

Originally built as a railroad track in the early 20th century, it was later converted to a highway to connect the Keys' islands. Today, the highway is one of the best road trips in the world for coastal scenery, passing through several towns and villages, including Islamorada and Marathon, each with its own unique attractions and activities.

• Distance: 113 miles
• Time to Drive: ~4 hours one-way

Related: From Waterfalls To Wildlife: Exploring The Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway On A Road Trip Adventure

1 The Atlantic Road, Norway

This route in norway makes its way to the little island of averøy.

The Atlantic Road in Norway is a 5.2-mile road that runs along Norway's coast, connecting the mainland to the island of Averøy with eight bridges. It passes through some of Norway's most stunning coastal landscapes, offering views of the open sea, rugged cliffs, and tiny islands.

This road is an engineering marvel, completed in 1989, as it required the construction of several bridges and causeways in one of the most challenging marine environments in the world. The Atlantic Road is a popular tourist attraction that offers stunning views of the surrounding scenery to those visiting Norway.

• Distance : 5.2 miles
• Time to Drive: ~10 minutes

This road is short but sweet; however, if travelers want to extend it, they can drive the whole of the super scenic Route 64 ( Route 64 includes the Atlantic Road ). Doing so will add around an hour and 15 minutes to the journey.

Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

The Best Road Trips in the World

Last updated: April 19, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 14 Comments

We’ve been lucky enough to drive some of the world’s best road trips, ranging from Route 66 through to Scotland’s North Coast 500 . And we freely admit – we love a good road trip! The thrill of the open road, setting your own schedule, stopping and starting as you want – there are so many great reasons to take a road trip.

In this post, we’re going to share some of our favourite road trips in the world, to give you some inspiration for your next adventure. This features road trips we’ve done all around the world, and we’re sure they’re going to give you some wanderlust!

Without further ado, let’s get started with what we think are some of the world’s best road trips.

The World’s Best Road Trips

1. route 66, usa.

Route 66 is pretty much the definitive road trip. Spanning two thousand plus miles across eight states, this was the original road trip to take across the US, and it still holds that status today in the minds of many.

It’s no surprise therefore that when we had the chance to drive the entirety of Route 66, Jess and I leapt at the opportunity. We tackled the entire route, sticking to it as closely as we could, from LA to Chicago.

Driving Route 66 today is a blend of stunning landscapes, small town America, quirky roadside attractions, a window into the past, and a view on how our changing transport landscapes can really impact on the livelihoods of towns and businesses.

Along the way there’s everything from derelict windswept towns to interesting museums to diners that still look like they would have in their hey day. There’s a reason this is often regarded as the best road trip in the world, and I urge anyone with the chance to drive it to do so.

If you’re thinking of driving the route, check out Jess’s post on planning the perfect Route 66 trip to get you started, as well as our detailed 1 week and 2 week Route 66 road trip itineraries . You can also see photo highlights from all eight states in this photos series of Route 66 states .

2. Great Ocean Road, Australia

This drive made it into the top five of UK traveller’s wishlists for road trips they wanted to do, and I can definitely see why – I enjoyed it so much the first time I drove it that I did it twice more!

For those of you not familiar with this road trip, it’s a stretch of road in the state of Victoria, that runs along the south coast of the state from Melbourne in a westerly direction for around 150 miles.

There’s a lot to see along the way, from beaches, to rainforest, to spectacular rock formations. It’s not a particularly long trip, and can be done in a few days easily, but is definitely worth adding to your list if you’re in this part of the world.

3. Pacific Coast Highway, USA

If you don’t have time to tackle a huge road trip like Route 66, but still want a fantastic road trip with gorgeous scenery as well as lots of little towns to explore along the way, then the stretch of coastal highway running from San Francisco through to Los Angeles has you covered.

This is the starting point of our suggested two week California itinerary because it’s the perfect way to get introduced to some of wonder that this state has on offer, from giant redwoods, to waterfalls that crash on the beach, to little towns filled with boutique shops and sea food restaurants.

If you’re planning a trip on this road, check our Jess’s detailed guide to driving the Pacific Coast Highway , which covers everything you need to know.

4. North Coast 500, Scotland

We’ve been loving exploring Scotland  since we based ourselves here in 2016, and hopping into a car and heading up into the highlands is definitely one of our favourite ways to explore this country.

From the magnificent drive through Glencoe, through to the unbelievable landscapes that are the Isle of Skye – there’s definitely no shortage of scenic places to enjoy a road trip.

Perhaps the best way to enjoy Scotland is on the North Coast 500 – a 500 mile long road trip that takes in some of the best coastal scenery that Scotland has to offer.

This driving route starts in Inverness and loops around the north coast. Along the way you’ll discover everything from Iron Age buildings through to white sandy beaches, perfect lochs, stunning mountains and winding roads.

If this route interests you, check out our guide to planning a North Coast 500 trip  to get you started. We also have a 7 day North Coast 500 camping itinerary , a guide to the best hotels along the North Coast 500 , and some reasons to drive the North Coast 500 for inspiration!

5. West Coast & Milford Sound, New Zealand

Whilst pretty much all of New Zealand  is a road trippers dream come true, I’d argue that the west coast of the south island, and in particular, the drive to Milford Sound, features some of the best scenery in the country.

On the west coast you’ll encounter glaciers, beaches and rain forests, in a country that is so scenic that it managed to stand in for Middle Earth . And the 75 mile drive from Te Anau into Milford Sound along Milford Road (State Highway 94) is without doubt the highlight.

This winding road takes you into Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO world heritage listed site which is also the largest national park in New Zealand. It passes highlights including the Mirror Lakes and The Chasm, but really, it’s the epic mountainous scenery here that makes the drive so special.

The final destination of the Milford Road is Milford Sound itself, a beautiful fjord that is home to Mitre Peak, a spectacular mountain that rises a straight mile straight up out of the water. This is best viewed by taking a boat tour of Milford Sound , and you can read more on our experience of visiting Milford Sound here.

6. Through the Red Center, Australia

The majority of Australia is taken up with vast expanses of wilderness, making it ideal for a road trip that truly takes you away from it all. I’d suggest that one of the best road trips in Australia is the drive up through the “Red Center”, from Adelaide in the south up to Darwin in the north.

This drive, which is almost 2,000 miles in length, will truly let you appreciate the vastness of this incredible country. There are multiple highlights along the way. These include Coober Pedy, an opal mining town where many of the inhabitants live underground, and the Devils Marbles, a series of boulders that are so-called because they look like a giant game of marbles.

Of course, one of the big attractions of this road trip is Uluru, the gigantic rock in the center of Australia which makes for a spectacular location to watch the sunset. Nearby Kings Canyon is also definitely worth the visit. If this road trip sounds like fun to you, check out our  guide to driving through the Red Center , as part of our series of articles on Australia .

7. The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way is a spectacular driving route that stretches for over 1,600 miles along Ireland’s west coast, from Malin Head in the north, to Kinsale in the south.

This is a truly epic driving route that you could take weeks to fully complete. It’s home to over 1,000 attractions, ranging from castles, to stunning landscapes, to old churches, towns, villages and more.

If you don’t have weeks though, don’t worry, you can always tackle shorter sections of the route. The route is broken down into five sections, with each section offering at least a week’s worth of attractions. Of course, if you have plenty of time, then taking on the whole adventure will certainly be a memorable experience. We suggest a minimum of two weeks for the whole route, but you’ll need to spend 3 to 4 weeks if you want to take your time to take it all in.

8. The Ring Road, Iceland

Iceland has become hugely popular as a travellers destination, and one of the more popular activities in Iceland is to take a road trip around the ring road.

This is an 800+ mile route that circles the entire country, and is home to some of the most spectacular natural attractions in Iceland, from massive waterfalls to volcanic landscapes to black sand beaches. There’s also the opportunity to spot wildlife, including whales and puffins, try the local food, learn about Icelandic culture and of course, go swimming in spectacular geothermal waters.

We’d suggest a minimum of 8 days to drive Iceland’s ring road , although it took us closer to three weeks on a recent trip to the country, as we added in a great many detours. Whilst many of the attractions are on the route, there are lots of notable places to visit in Iceland that are a little way off the main ring road, so taking a little bit longer is definitely going to be rewarding.

One thing to note – driving the ring road in winter can be quite challenging, as winter conditions can result in closures and a generally difficult driving experience. Instead, you might want to check out our 5 day Iceland itinerary and our  7 day Iceland itinerary for alternative options which are perfect year round.

For more on travelling in Iceland, check out our guide to planning a trip to Iceland , as well as our tips for  driving in Iceland .  We’ll have a detailed ring road itinerary soon!

9. The Deep South of the USA

The ninth road trip on our list was another of our favourite road trips in the USA. Whilst this doesn’t follow a definite route like Route 66, this road trip takes you through some of the southern states of the USA.

Here you’ll discover beautiful old plantation homes, learn about both the American Civil War and the American Civil Rights movement, and eat a great deal of incredible food. Another highlight of this region is the warmth of the people – southern hospitality is famous throughout the USA, and on our five week road trip through this area (finishing with Mardi Gras in New Orleans ), we certainly found lots of friendly folk.

Whilst the route is up to you, our suggestion would be to allow 2 to 3 weeks, with a starting point in Charleston, South Carolina, and finishing in New Orleans, Louisiana. On the way you’ll pass through four states, and cities including Savannah, Atlanta, Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans. The last stretch of the trip, we recommend following the River Road, and you can see our comprehensive guide to   Louisiana plantations along the River Road on the stretch between Baton Route and New Orleans.

For more details and ideas, check out our detailed Deep South Road Trip itinerary , which has all the information you need to plan your own trip.

10. Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland, UK

Last, but by no means least on our list of some of the world’s best road trips is the beautiful Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland.

This is a driving route which follows the coastline from Belfast to Londonderry, taking in incredible sights along the way, including the stunning Giant’s Causeway – a UNESCO world heritage listed location.

From old castles to cute villages, from history to golf, from natural geographical wonders to wildlife, there’s something along this route for everyone. Game of Thrones fans in particular will love this route, as many of the filming locations for the show were in Northern Ireland. Check out our guide to visiting the Dark Hedges as a starting point.

Tips for Taking a Road Trip

We’ve taken a lot of epic road trips, from year long trips around Australia through to shorter road trips lasting only a couple of days. All our experiences have taught us a lot, and so we want to share with you a few tips to help make your road trip even more awesome.

1. Plan ahead.

Having an idea of your itinerary, even at a high level, will make sure you get to see everything you want to see on your trip. It doesn’t have to be a super detailed plan, but having at least an idea of where you’ll be stopping each night will make the overall trip go more smoothly.

2. Plan for detours.

It’s always worth building in a little bit of extra time if you can to ensure you can see some of the hidden attractions along the route. These often turn out to be the most memorable parts of a road trip!

3. Learn the rules of the road

If you’re driving in a foreign country, it’s essential that the driver reads up on local laws so as to be sure you don’t fall foul of the law. A hefty driving fine can really put a dampener on a road trip! Depending on where you are coming from, you may also need an international driving license to be able to drive here.

4. Bring some music

No road trip is complete without a road trip soundtrack! Whilst we do like listening to local radio stations, sometimes you’ll want to put on your own tunes, and planning ahead with a road trip playlist can make the trip more fun. When we drove Route 66 for example, I put together a themed road trip with songs about each of the eight states we drove through!

5. Figure out the navigation.

You definitely don’t want to spend your road trip arguing over directions or getting lost. We’d suggest planning ahead with how you’re going to manage directions, either using a GPS device, or an actual paper road map. Don’t rely on having data on your phone – ensure you have an offline set of maps that provides routing even when you have no signal.

6. Pack Accordingly

One thing we like about road trips is that we have a whole car to play with when it comes to taking gear with us, giving us a bit more flexibility. That said, make sure you pack for the trip – don’t just throw everything into your trunk! Look at what the weather is likely to be on the trip, and pack based on the activities you are likely to be doing, as well as how often you will have access to laundry along the way.

7. Book in advance

If you’re travelling a popular route, or at a busy time of year, you will likely want to book in advance for your trip. For example, for the North Coast 500 road trip, we recommend booking in advance at least three months before your trip if you’re planning on travelling over the summer.

Also be aware of events along your route – if you’re driving Route 66 for example, the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico results in lodging being both very expensive and booked out for a week in October.

We have a number of favorite websites we use for booking everything from accommodation to flights, including  Booking.com , Plum Guide and Vrbo . Check out our Travel Resources page for lots more ideas.

8. Save Money by Comparing Prices

If you’re planning on renting a car or RV for your road trip, you can save on fees by comparing providers. We recommend searching for your car rental on Discover Cars here . They compare a range of providers so you can find the best deal for your trip.

For RV rental, we suggest taking a look at Motorhome Republic . They have listings for campervan rentals all around the world from all the major providers, to help you save on rental fees.

9. Consider everyone’s needs and interests

If you’re travelling as group, or even just as a couple, make sure that when you plan your road trip, you take everyone’s need and interests into account, not just yours. This will mean everyone will be happier, and result in less chance of friction during the trip!

10. Be Safe

A road trip is an awesome experience, but that doesn’t mean things can’t go wrong. Always check local road conditions and any travel warnings, pack any appropriate emergency supplies (especially if you’re travelling in remote areas), be sure someone reliable knows your travel plans, be sure to have travel insurance, and have a plan for calling emergency help if it comes to it.

Further Reading to Help you Plan a Road Trip

We’ve written a lot of content about road trips as these tend to be some of our favourite ways to travel. If you’re planning your own road trip somewhere in the world, we think you’ll find the following useful.

• Detailed guides and tips for driving in the USA , driving in the UK , and driving in Iceland
• Guides to how much it costs to travel in the UK , and how much it costs to travel in the USA
• Detailed itineraries for a  two week UK road trip , a  Route 66 road trip , a USA Deep South road trip , a  7 days Iceland road trip , Pacific Coast Highway road trip , and a North Coast 500 road trip
• A guide to driving on single track roads which you may encounter if driving in more rural parts of a country such as Ireland, Iceland, or Scotland.

And those were some of my favourite road trips in the world! Have you got a favourite road trip I missed off this list? Already done one of these road trips? Have a question about planning one of these road trips? Let us know about it in the comments below!

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24th September 2021 at 5:55 pm

Not one Canadian road trip??? Really? You need to get out more. Canada has some of the most scenic routes in the world. Try driving thr Trans-Canada highway. It’s a coast to coast trip with beautiful scenery and so many sites to see. There are other roads as well in Alberta and B.C. that take you through gorgeous wilderness. Disappointed in this article

Laurence Norah says

25th September 2021 at 12:04 pm

Thanks for the feedback and suggestion Tony! A road trip in Canada is definitely on our list to do and we’ll be sure to update the list when we are able to get out and do it 🙂

9th February 2020 at 2:29 pm

Hey they, great info. Thanks. If you’ve not done it?…please don’t forget Highway 89. From Mexico to Canada taking in Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana. I finished it a couple of weeks ago. Blew my mind. So much to see on route. Also voted by National Geographic as the worlds best driving road 😉 I’ve done a lot of great road trips. Like you…Aus red centre etc. Iceland ring road, Pacific coast highway last year, Route 66. All amazing but for me 89 was a cut above. Just remember to go off it occasionally for stuff like the Grand Can, Monument Valley etc 🙂

9th February 2020 at 3:52 pm

Hi Luke – thanks very much!

We haven’t done Highway 89 but you have definitely sold it to us – sounds like it covers some of the best scenery the USA has to offer. We’ll definitely add it to our to-do list 🙂

Safe travels, and thanks for stopping by 🙂

Luke Saxton says

9th February 2020 at 4:53 pm

Great, glad it’s inspired you. Big tip from me is to do it in the winter. No tourists and way way cheaper. Just make sure you have a 4WD or you’ll probably not get much past Salt Lake City! It’s also stunning north of there in the snow. Yellowstone? Grand Tetons etc! Happy travels wherever you go next!

10th February 2020 at 12:51 pm

Thanks very much! I look forward to doing this trip and writing about it someday!

Bennetthouseinn says

21st September 2019 at 7:39 am

The images are really good. Perfect travel knowledge required to express information about destination.

21st September 2019 at 9:22 am

Thanks very much 🙂

Jolene Ejmont says

18th September 2019 at 6:33 am

great read thank you! would love to do route 66 one day!

18th September 2019 at 9:54 am

Thanks Jolene – I hope you get to do it, it’s an amazing drive!

Austin Whittall says

14th April 2019 at 10:59 pm

Don’t forget about two South American classics: Chilean Carretera Austral, into its southern ice fields, lakes, forests and glaciers, more than a match to the West Coast & Milford Sound, in New Zealand. And the other one is Argentina’s Ruta 40, which runs over 5,200 km from the Strait of Magellan to the Puna highlands in the north, along the Andes, It has the highest mountain pass on a National Highway at 4,895 meters (16060 ft) it also goes through the Patagonian forests.

15th April 2019 at 11:45 am

Thanks for those Austin! We have only really road tripped in Ecuador, so will need to add these to our to-do list as they sound fantastic 😀

Biplab Poddar says

8th August 2018 at 6:18 am

Thanks for sharing this. Your tips are very helpful. I am a travel freak and travel a lot. Next year Alaska is on my card.Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow mindedness., and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Next year I definitely want to explore Albany. People often have a theme that they base their worldly travels on, but how about a mental mantra for your travel? Out of a cheerleading event that consisted of our family shouting supportive words at our daughter who was attempting to kill a rather monstrous spider that the rest of us were too chicken to get close to, came this great quote, “If you don’t think, and you just do….then it’s done!”

This quote came back to haunt me when on vacation in Seattle. I thought it would be a great idea to take the kids on the Seattle Great Wheel, the ferris wheel overlooking the ocean, but as we approached it, I realized how high it went and immediately panicked! Just as I had decided to put the kids on it on their own, my daughter says, “Come on dad…If you don’t think, and you just do….then it’s done!” What could I do at that point?! She was telling me to stop thinking and creating more fear about the situation and just get on the thing! “If you don’t think, and you just do, then it’s done!” We all now keep this quote in our back pocket, ready to whip out at any time to push one of us forward into an adventure we know they won’t regret. No hesitations, don’t allow any time for fear to set in, and be prepared for your kids to turn your life advice back on you

2nd September 2018 at 10:34 am

Hey Biplab!

Thanks for your comment and sharing your experiences with us 🙂 You are right, sometimes we just need to not think about things too much, and then we can achieve some pretty great stuff! Awesome to hear you have a travel mantra, and have a great trip to Alaska 😀

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• North America
• The 12 Most Beautiful Scenic...

The Most Beautiful Scenic Roads In The World

From Argentina’s mega-highway, Ruta 40, to the twists and turns of Italy’s Amalfi Coast drive, our round up of the world’s most beautiful roads proves that the journey is sometimes more important than the destination.

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Highway One, Monterey County, California

Ranking high amongst the USA’s most scenic roads, Highway One runs almost the length of California’s coastline– from its starting point south of Los Angeles to Mendocino County in the north– but you’ll find its most scenic stretch in the Monterey region. Heading south from Monterey, Highway One passes through the beautiful seaside haven of Carmel-by-the-Sea and on to California’s rugged Big Sur coastline, featuringmagnificent cliffs, towering redwoods, and the famous Bixby Creek Bridge – just one of Monterey County’s breathtaking arch bridges.

A driving enthusiast’s dream, Norway’s Atlantic Road stretches just over five miles, linking the villages of Vevang and Kårvåg via a beautiful archipelago and series of low-lying bridges. This breathtaking, scenic route is frequently listed amongst the world’s best road trips. Not a drive for the fainthearted, the Atlantic Road twists and turns through one of Norway’s most dramatic, storm-prone seas and across the awe-inspiring Storseisundet Bridge – the tallest of the road’s eight bridges and a curved architectural feat that, when viewed from certain angles, appears to drop off straight into the sea.

Ruta 40, Argentina

At a staggering 3,195 miles, Ruta 4 is not only the longest highway in Argentina (traversing almost its entire length), but one of the world’s longest roads, too. From its southernmost point at Cabo Vírgenes, Ruta 40 meanders through the remote plains of Patagonia, winding northwards and flanked to the west by the magnificent peaks of the Andes. It passes by pristine lakes and bustling cities before reaching its highest point at Abra del Acay (an awe-inspiring 4,952 meters above sea-level) and finally reaches its end in the border town of La Quiaca – a true showcase of Argentina’s stunningly diverse landscape.

Milford Road, New Zealand

Starting out in the lakeside town of Te Anau, the Milford Road leads drivers directly to one of the most beautiful parts of New Zealand – the South Island’s Milford Sound. A truly epic drive passing through New Zealand’s stunning Southern Alps, the Milford Road can be completed in two hours. Drivers are well advised to set aside extra time to see the sights, though – including the beautiful Mirror Lakes, perfectly reflecting the Earl Mountains and the Cleddau River with its dramatic waterfalls – before reaching the pristine serenity of Milford Sound.

Karakoram Highway, Pakistan/China

Beginning just north of Islamabad in Pakistan and ending just over 800 miles later in the city of Kashgar, in China’s Xinjiang region, the Karakoram Highway is amongst the highest paved roads in the world. It was constructed over the course of 20 years and with an elevation of around 4,700 meters at its highest point. Traversing some of the toughest, but most breathtaking terrain on the planet, the highway passes the glacial landscape of the Karakoram Mountains into China, following a path on the ancient Silk Road route.

US Route 163, Arizona/Utah

Seen on the silver screen countless times, from the 1939 western Stagecoach to cult classic Easy Rider, US Route 163 is undoubtedly one of America’s most iconic roads. An American Scenic Byway traveling through Monument Valley, the road cuts though the red rock desert and the magnificent spires of Utah and Arizona’s Navajo country, crossing the San Juan River via suspension bridge before ending in the tiny town of Bluff, a historic settlement nestled amongst spectacular 300-foot-high sandstone cliffs.

Strada Statale 163, Amalfi Coast, Italy

Navigating the twists and turns of Italy’s UNESCO World Heritage -listed Amalfi Coast, Strada Statale 163 is one of the most breathtaking roads in Europe. Starting out in the scenic city of Salerno and winding westwards along the Sorrento Peninsula, Strada Statale 163 is a daredevil drive flanked by towering cliffs on one side and the beautiful blue of the Mediterranean Sea to the other. Traveling the road’s coastal stretch takes drivers past picturesque, pastel-painted villages set dramatically amongst the clifftops, like Amalfi and Positano.

Tianmen Mountain Road, China

Tianmen Mountain Road dramatically snakes its way up the side of China’s Tianmenshan Mountain, and though it measures just under six miles in total, it rises a breathtaking 1,100 meters in that short distance. Often nicknamed the ‘heaven-linking avenue,’ the road leads to Tianmen Cave (or ‘Gateway to Heaven’) – a natural rock arch cut into the mountain accessed by climbing 999 steps. While navigable by bus, Tianmen Mountain Road’s 99 hairpin bends make it one of the most dangerous roads in the world. There is also the option to see the road from a cable car, though – an equally breathtaking trip suspended a dizzying 1,279 meters above the valley.

Great Ocean Road, Australia

Taking drivers along one of Australia’s most scenic stretches of coastline, the Great Ocean Road stretches over 150 miles, from the town of Torquay in the east to just outside Warrnambool in the west. Built by Australian soldiers and completed in 1932, the road is a tribute to the region’s World War I servicemen and women, and was recently added to Australia’s National Heritage List. Driving its full length takes road-trippers past sights such as the Great Otway National Park , with its magnificent waterfalls and the towering limestone stacks known as the Twelve Apostles.

Chapman’s Peak Drive, South Africa

Winding its way from Noordhoek, a suburb of Cape Town, to the town of Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak Drive is a five-and-a-half mile route skirting the side of its mountain namesake that takes in one of South Africa’s most spectacular coastlines. With 114 curves, flanked by both the towering mountainside and sheer drops into the Atlantic Ocean below, Chapman’s Peak Drive is a nail-biting route passing though a number of picnic spots and whale-watching vantage points that offer respite from the hair-raising drive.

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina/Virginia

As one of the National Park Service’s most-visited attractions, the Blue Ridge Parkway has earned its nickname as ‘America’s Favorite Drive.’ The parkway spans a gloriously beautiful landscape, from the edges of Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to just outside Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park. Stretching 469 miles through the rugged mountains and rolling meadows of the Appalachian Mountains, Blue Ridge Parkway passes by tiny mountain towns and scenic overlooks that boast panoramic views of the stunning scenery.

Route 1, Iceland

Iceland’s Route 1 is a ring road, running around the edges of the island nation and taking drivers through some of world’s most dramatic scenery. Setting out eastward from Iceland’s cosmopolitan capital, Reykjavik, Route 1 leads drivers on a magical tour of the country, passing stunning fjord, mountains, tiny fishing villages, and roaming wild reindeer. Must-see sights are aplenty but a couple of bucket list-worthy mentions include the stunning Seljalandsfoss waterfall, the beautiful Lake Mývatn and its hot springs, and the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon.

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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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The World’s Best Road Trips: What Places Do People Want to Visit?

Where are the most popular road trips in the world?

Once you pass your driving test , you are free to travel the open road and really get the best out of your new found freedom. Whether you’re a new driver or have decades of experience, these road trips are some of the best adventure ideas you can experience. The possible journeys are endless.

Using Google search data we have been able to establish which road trips are the most popular across the globe, and which ones interest residents of different nations the most. We have listed the best road trips across the world, the best in the UK, and the best in the US.

Updated for 2023, this report details the most popular road trips across the world, UK, and US, and how our road trip preferences have changed over the last year. 

The World’s Most Popular Road Trips 2022

1 – Route 66 – 6 ,523,000 Global Annual Searches

Moving from second place last year to the top spot this year is Route 66. Bobby Troup cemented the legacy of the world-famous Route 66 with the lyrics “Get your kicks on Route 66” . Route 66, located in the US, stretches almost 4,000 kilometres from Santa Monica to Chicago. The road was once the main route across the country, however, it has more recently become a quieter, more scenic way to cross America due to the development of other main roads.

2 – Big Sur – 4,625,000 Global Annual Searches

With over 4.6 million searches, the second most popular road trip right now was 2021’s most popular. Big Sur Coast Highway, California, USA, is a section of road on California’s ‘State Route 1’ and is breathtakingly stunning. Expect to experience a windy coastal cliff edge flanked by the bright blue Pacific Ocean on one side and the towering Californian mountains on the other.

3 – Dolomites – 3,337,000 Global Annual Searches

In northern Italy, we find some of the greatest driving roads in the world, and the Dolomite mountains are no exception. The Great Dolomites Road is a road trip between Bolzano and Cortina d’Ampezzo that travels right across the mountain range and allows road trippers to take in some spectacular Italian views along the way.

4 – Salar de Uyuni – 2,575,000 Global Annual Searches

Salar de Uyuni is one of the most striking and spectacular landscapes on the planet. Home to the largest salt flats in the world, the Salar de Uyuni sits amongst the Andes mountains in Bolivia. In total over two and a half million people searched for the Salar de Uyuni in the past year, making it one of the world’s most searched for road trips.

5 – Blue Ridge Parkway – 2,046,000 Global Annual Searches

Blue Ridge Parkway finishes our top five most popular global road trips with just over two million annual searches. The parkway is America’s longest linear park, running for 469 miles, and has been the most-visited part of the National Park System every year since 1946, except for four. Blue Ridge Parkway is a new entry to the top five most popular road trips in the world.

Every Country’s Favourite Road Trip

Route 66 is the road trip location that is the most searched in most countries with 46 nations having it as their most popular road trip. The second and third routes which came top in the most countries are the Dolomites and Big Sur, being the most popular in 21 and 19 countries respectively.

The Most Popular British and Irish Road Trips

1 – NC500 – 739,700 National Annual Searches

Maintaining its number one spot as the most searched domestic road trip by British citizens is the North Circuit 500 (NC500) in Northern Scotland, achieving over 150,000 additional annual searches compared to last year. This beautiful and majestic road trip has become increasingly popular in recent years, and it is no surprise as to why, with beautiful driving roads flowing through spectacular mountains and coastline.

2 – Ring of Kerry – 57,300 National Annual Searches

As the name suggests, the Ring of Kerry is a circular route around the southwestern Irish county. Kerry is one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland and this road trip takes you out to the coast from Killarney, where visitors will find fantastic views of the breathtaking Skellig Islands. Movie fans should note these islands were featured in the Star Wars movies. The Ring of Kerry was third place last year.

3 – Glasgow to Inverness – 32,400 National Annual Searches

Knocking the Wild Atlantic Way (last years second place) out of the top three is Glasgow to Inverness. From Scotland to Ireland and back again, our third most-searched-for UK road trip is located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, spanning incredible roads from Glasgow over to Inverness. This trip takes you past Loch Lomond, the Trossachs, Ben Nevis, and many other must-see Scottish landmarks.

The Most Popular US Road Trips

1 – Big Sur 2,729,000 National Annual Searches

Big Sur is the most searched US road trip by Americans with over 2.7 million annual searches. While still the most searched, Route 66 saw over 500,000 less searches this year compared to 2021. One of the more spectacular aspects of this route is the exquisitely engineered bridges that span rivers and gorges where they meet the ocean, with the Bixby Creek Bridge being one of the finest examples.

2 – Route 66 – 2,277,000 National Annual Searches

With over 2 million annual searches in America, Route 66 comes in second for the US’ most searched for road trips. Although it is no longer possible to drive the original Route 66 uninterrupted, due to decommission all the way from Chicago to Los Angeles, much of the original route and alternate alignments are still drivable; some original stretches are quite well preserved.

3 – Blue Ridge Parkway – 1,925,000 National Annual Searches

National Parkway and All-American Road, the Blue Ridge Parkway rounds off our American top three road trips. This trip covers part of the Appalachian mountains and the road through them has spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. The US top three is unchanged from last year, cementing these road trips as America’s favourites.

Methodology

• We looked at multiple online articles listing popular routes to create lists of global, US, and UK road trips to reveal 80 global road trips, 25 UK trips, and 25 US trips.
• By using Google Ads Keyword Planner we were able to find out the number of annual searches globally and domestically for each road trip, taken on 01/04/2022.

The 2021 World’s Best Road Trips Report

If you want to read our previous report you can download it here:

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32 of the Best Road Trips in the World

Do you love planning road trips and are you constantly looking for inspiration and new places to travel? Then you’ve come to the right place! I gathered travel writers from around the globe to put together this guide to the best road trips in the world. Most of these road trip itineraries are easily executable and can be driven by just about anyone. Let’s see what made the list.

This article contains affiliate links. That means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you book or buy something from a link I share. This keeps Southerner Says online and on the road . Thank you for your support.

How to Drive the Best Road Trips in the World

Before we dive in, just let me say that anyone from anywhere can use this round-up for road trip inspiration but since this website is primarily read by North American travelers, the information here is mainly presented for that demographic.

And also, since this list contains road trip itineraries in a wide variety of countries make sure you do your due diligence before you plan on driving in another country.

No one wants to have problems or make mistakes on a road trip so it’s essential that you prepare well and know what you are getting into. It’s highly important to be considerate and respectful of local customs and traditions of the country you are driving in.

Required Documents for Driving in Another Country

First, before you travel to another country, do your research and verify what documents are needed to enter the country to where you’ll be traveling. Verify your passport has at least 6 months before it expires since most countries require that.

Then check, and double check again, that you have everything that’s required to drive in that country. The big important question is are you allowed to drive in that country and are you allowed to do so with a USA drivers license?

While most countries, especially touristy ones, honor valid most driver’s licenses from other countries, some places require an international driving permit or IDP. And some countries like China, don’t allow tourists to drive at all.

Research the Rules of the Road

Since driving rules vary from country to country, it’s also a good idea to investigate the rules of the road in the country you’ll be visiting. Do they drive on the same side of the road as your home country? Are there road features like roundabouts or multiple lanes you might not be used to?

Are there rules about turning or using the car horn? All of these are things you might want to consider and do some research on before your decide to plan your road trip. While you’re at it, it’s a good idea to brush up on your driving skills, in any case.

Rental Vehicles in a Other Countries

Once you finalize the destination and what’s required, you’ll need a rental car or some type of vehicle. Renting a car in anther country might seem overwhelming especially if you are dealing with companies you aren’t familiar with.

This is where research and reviews come in handy. Google and Tripadvisor.com are both solid sites for accurate reviews of practically anything travel related. For rental cars, DiscoverCars.com allows you to browse a variety of options in most countries.

Rental Car Insurance

When road tripping in another country, you should verify exactly what type of rental car insurance is required. Some countries have requirements you may not be used to. Many frequent travelers rely on credit cards that provide collision coverage.

While, these types of benefits can be super helpful, just make sure the insurance your credit card offers is accepted in the country where you will be road tripping. (I’m looking at you Mexico and your liability requirements).

Even though rental car insurance coverage should cover the costs incurred in the case of an accident, purchasing additional travel insurance offers peace of mind and extra coverage for other incidents.

Travel Insurance

Lastly, one of the most important things you need to drive the best road trips in the world, or anytime you travel really, is travel insurance. Having that added protection is super helpful in case of medical emergencies. Many policies include life flights and evacuation to hospitals if you find yourself in a remote area.

Depending on the policy, they will even assist in non-medical evacuations in case of a natural disaster or unexpected political unrest occurs in the country you’re visiting. And of course things like trip interruption and flight cancellation can be included in many policies. Travelinsurance.com is an excellent resource for providing a variety of insurance, that you can compare to find an option to suit your needs.

Best Road Trips in the World

The world is huge, with 195 countries to visit. There are many more road trips in the world but these just happen to be the ones we have room for. Now for the list.

1. The Golden Circle – Iceland

One of the most well known road trips in Iceland if not one of the best road trips in the world is the Golden Circle in Iceland. The Golden Circle is a popular 186 mile scenic touring route that shows off some of Iceland’s best features.

The route includes natural points of interest like volcanoes, waterfalls, thermal geysers and rivers. Named for of the most popular waterfalls on the route, the Golden Circle is easy to do if you plan on road tripping from Reykjavik , the capital of Iceland.

Start a Golden Circle road trip in Reykjavik and include places along the way like Thingvellir National Park, Gulfoss – or the Golden Waterfall – Kerid Crater and many other sites. Cities like Selfoss and Hveragerdi have adventurous activities such as white water rafting and hot springs to soak in.

Along this scenic route, there are a variety of places to picnic, pet an Icelandic horse and watch a colorful sunset. The currency in Iceland is the Icelandic Krona and although the official language is Icelandic, most people in the tourism industry speak some English.

2. Sardinia, Italy

If you are traveling to Italy during the summer and want to see some of the best beaches in the world, hop on a flight to Sardinia and rent a car: Sardinia is the perfect place for a road trip . 

One of the best road trips in the world will take you from Cagliari, the beautiful capital, to Costa Rei. It can be done in a day (it’s roughly 90 km, or 56 miles), but if you wish to spend time at the various beaches rather than just seeing them from a distance, consider spending a night in each location. 

Follow the road that goes along Poetto Beach in Cagliari and Quartu S. Elena all the way to the end, and then follow the signs to Villasimius. Your first stop will be Cala Regina, a small rocky cove with incredibly clear waters, perfect for snorkeling. Spend an hour or so chilling in the water before your next stop. Not far from there, Mari Pintau is a locals’ favorite.

The name means “Painted Sea” and it’s easy to see why! You can rent umbrellas and beach loungers as this is a pebbly beach, so not the most comfortable. The beach is nice and sheltered, there is a kiosk well hidden in the vegetation where you can get a quick meal and a drink too.

Continue driving towards Villasimius, where you can spend the night. The village is picturesque, but its main draw are certainly the beautiful beaches. Make sure to stop in Porto Giunco, where you can hike all the way to the Aragonese Tower for stunning views.

On the way to Costa Rei (your final stop), you can also stop at Punta Molentis beach – however keep in mind this is a protected beach where admission is allowed to no more than 500 visitors per day.

Costa Rei is a 20 minutes drive from Villasimius. Along the way you’ll find many beaches where you can stop: Cala Pira, Cala Sinzias, the tiny yet stunning Cala di Monte Turno and Santa Giusta beach, locally known as the Scoglio di Peppino. 

Since Costa Rei is your last stop, plan to spend a few days there to relax, before heading back. You will find a selection of hotels, beach resorts as well as small holiday rentals perfect for your stay. If you like the idea of being fully pampered, stay at Villas, a magnificent resort with a private beach.

Contributed by Claudia from Strictly Sardinia

3. The Swiss Alps

Switzerland is a great road trip destination because of its stunning scenery, well-maintained roads, and abundance of activities and attractions.

The country is home to the Alps, which offer some of the most breathtaking views in the world. And with its well-developed infrastructure, driving in Switzerland is a breeze.

Switzerland has not one but four national languages (German, French, Italian, Romansh) and English is widely spoken. They use the Swiss franc (CHF) as their currency and credit cards are accepted everywhere.

Although Switzerland has many international airports, Zurich is the biggest one so this is the best place to start your Switzerland road trip . The country itself is not that big but it offers so many scenic locations that it’s recommended to spend at least 10-14 days in Switzerland.

One of the most beautiful regions in Switzerland is the Bernese Oberland, which is home to the Jungfrau-Aletsch area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This region is known for its dramatic mountain scenery, glaciers, and lakes.

A few of the attractions in this area include the Jungfraujoch – the highest railway station in Europe – as well as Grindelwald, Bachalpsee, and the fairytale town of Lauterbrunnen.

Another must-see destination in Switzerland is the Matterhorn, one of the most iconic mountains in the world. It’s also worth spending some time in the beautiful Swiss cities such as Lucerne, Bern, or Zurich.

From the snow-capped mountains to the picturesque lakes and valleys, Switzerland is a nature lover’s paradise. And with its numerous towns and villages, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful country.

Contributed by Kriszti from She Wanders Abroad

4. Estrada Nacional 2, Portugal

One of the best roads trips in the world to take is along the EN2, a main artery road that runs from the north of Portugal to the south. Whether you start in Chaves in the north, or Faro in the south, this road runs for a total of 738km or 458 miles.

The EN2, or Estrada Nacional 2, is the longest road in Portugal. The local currency is the euro, and the language is Portuguese.

While some people in the Algarve may speak some English, once you leave this region and travel through the Alentejo, on into Central Portugal , and then the north, people speak less and less English.

The EN2 has been dubbed Portugal’s Route 66, and passes through 29 municipalities, over 4 mountain ranges, crosses 11 rivers, and goes through the UNESCO World Heritage Town of Evora.

And the landscape changes the further north/south you travel, from lush green, almost Alpine-like landscapes in the north, to the flat, rolling plains of the Alentejo, to the sparse land and orange groves of the Algarve.

This route passes the Serra da Estrela Natural Park in Central Portugal and is a great place to spend a few days, visiting the highest point in continental Portugal and exploring the towns in the foothills.

There are campsites in every municipality in Portugal, but it might be best to stay in small hotels and guesthouses along the way.

Contributed by Cath from Passports and Adventures

5. The Country of Georgia

If you are looking for a less-traveled and one of the best road trips in the world, consider visiting Georgia – a country sandwiched between Europe and Asia.

Georgia has some of the best places to explore as a road tripper, be it the Caucasus Mountainous regions, the Black sea Coast, the “lake region” of Javakheti or the massive cave town of Vardzia , just to name a few.

Georgia is still a developing country, where tourist infrastructure and public transport to various places are scarce, making it one of the best road trip destinations.

Depending on what kind of road trips you like, the country can satisfy everyone’s taste. Some of the most famous road trips across Georgia are riding in semi-dessert, offroading through winding roads of the mountainous ranges, or driving along the coast.

Georgia has its currency called Georgian Lari, or GEL in short. The country also has its own language, Georgian, which doesn’t sound or look like any other language. However, English is somewhat widely spoken, so you can easily get by.

If you are an avid camper, Georgia doesn’t have many limitations or rules on camping spots. Unless you are exploring the national parks, you can camp pretty much anywhere you’d like.

Just practice common sense as you would do anywhere in the world. And depending on your road trip route, there might be guesthouses or hotels along the way to spend a night or two.

Contributed by Baia from Red Fedora Diary

6. North Wales, United Kingdom

One of the best road trip destinations can be found in North Wales. This country has charming towns, beautiful mountains, incredible castles, and stunning waterfalls.

There are two official languages in Wales – Welsh and English. However, most people speak English so you will not have problems with getting around the country.

You can start your road trip in Snowdonia National Park, which is the most famous place to visit in Wales. After climbing Snowdon – the highest mountain in this country, relax at one of the sandy beaches. It takes just 1 hour to drive to Traeth Llanddwyn, which is a beautiful beach with amazing views of Snowdonia.

Anglesey Island is in particular one of the best road trip destinations in North Wales. The beautiful coast and sandy beaches are great to explore during summer. There are also some great campsites on the island such as Brynteg Glamping. 

When exploring North Wales make sure to visit Holy Island . It has a beautiful lighthouse set on dramatic cliffs with views of the Irish Sea.

Just keep in mind to always have the British currency with you which is GBP as you might struggle to find cash machines in some parts of Wales.

Contributed by Paulina from UK Everyday

7. Puglia, Italy

Known as the heel of Italy, Puglia is a fabulous road trip destination. The region has many interesting places to visit, but if you only have a week to spare, your Puglia road trip itinerary should be restricted to a smaller part of the region. 

Your starting point should be Bari, the capital of the region. Pick up your car at the international airport and drive to the city, where you can spend a day browsing the main landmarks of the lovely Bari Vecchia.

If you get hungry, grub a focaccia barese, a mouthwatering focaccia style bread with lots of tomatoes, oregano and olive oil. 

Make your way to Matera, known as the city of the Sassi. While it is actually located in neighboring Basilicata, it’s easy enough to reach from Bari (little over one hour drive) and a great addition to the itinerary.

You won’t be able to drive to the old city, so park your car in the Via Saragat parking lot for all the time you intend to spend in Matera. A good place to stay there is the Dimora di Metello, a beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of the Sassi. 

From Matera you can drive to Alberobello, the famous Trulli town, in less than an hour. This is a pleasant place to explore, albeit it can be very touristy.

Rather than basing yourself there to explore the rest of the Valle d’Itria, head to the nearby Locorotondo, a much lower key town where you will find lots of countryside trulli perfect for a short stay. 

Places you can easily explore from Locorotondo include nearby Cisternino and Martina Franca and further away (but still easy to reach) Ostuni, known as the white city, Monopoli and Polignano a Mare, famous for its scenic Lama Monachile cove completely surrounded by high cliffs and white buildings.

If you fancy a longer drive, go to Lecce, known as the Florence of the South for the many beautiful Renaissance style buildings.

Contributed by Claudia from My Adventures Across the World

8. Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

From Maiden Head (County Donegal) to Mizen Head (County Cork), the most northerly to the most southerly points of Ireland, the Wild Atlantic Way spans the entire west coast of the island of Ireland (2,500km).

As a road trip this route can be taken on either way – or in sections – travelling north along the coast or travelling south with waymarked signs pointing in each direction.

A handy midpoint as well would be the city of Galway which is also one of the highlights of the road trip route. However much of the focus is otherwise on the coastal scenery with some of the more dramatic standalone attractions including the Cliffs of Moher (County Clare) and the Slieve League (County Donegal).

Many of Ireland’s iconic attractions also lie along this coastline, including Killarney National Park and the Ring of Kerry, which is likely the most scenic section of the route and a circular road trip in itself.

In parts, people will speak Irish, but English is pretty much spoken by everyone on the island, and the local currency is Euros.

However, for those starting out from Northern Ireland, which gives a handy vantage point for travel south through Donegal, the local currency will be British Pounds (GBP). Otherwise there are few differences between the 2-countries. 

Contributed by Allan from Bangorni

9. Golden Coast, Spain

Andalucía is one of the most beautiful regions of Spain and it is best explored on a road trip. To cover most of the main cities in the region, it is recommended to spend around two weeks on the road. However, one week it’s enough to see the major sites as well.

An ideal route will start in Malaga, which has one of the most popular airports in the county. From there, follow the high-speed motorways to reach Granada, Cordoba, and Sevilla.

If you have more time, include Jerez de la Frontera, Cadiz, and Tarifa to your itinerary as well. If you want to experience a spectacular, unique scenery, make sure to stop to see the cave houses in Guadix as well, which is located half an hour away from Granada.

As these cities are quite popular among tourists, you won’t have any issues finding people who speak English. In Spain, you will use euro to pay for everything.

It is recommended to spend the nights in hotels, as in Spain you can get some really good deals on four- and five-stars hotels. Keep in mind though that most hotels in Spain do charge separate for parking.

Contributed by Johanna from Andalucia in My Pocket

10. The Julian Alps, Slovenia

Located in the Balkans region in central Europe, Slovenia is a small and often overlooked country. Despite its compact size, it is packed with incredibly beautiful places to explore – from dramatic mountains, glacial lakes and waterfalls to medieval castles and historical towns. 

The best way to get to know this fantastic country is to take a Slovenia road trip . The roads are in excellent condition, which makes it quick, safe and easy to get around by car.

The official language is Slovenian but most people speak at least a little bit of English and also Italian in the regions bordering Italy. The currency used is the euro.

One of the most beautiful areas to explore on a road trip in Slovenia is the mountainous northwestern corner of the country.

Here you’ll find the picturesque lakes of Bled and Bohinj, the majestic mountains of the Julian Alps and the Triglav National Park, where you can go whitewater rafting, hiking and mountain biking.

Whether you prefer to camp, stay in a rustic alpine-style lodge or a modern hotel, there’s a variety of great accommodation options to choose from in the area.

Contributed by Marjut from The Smooth Escape

11. The South of France

The South of France is arguably the most beautiful and varied area of the country, and nowhere is this more true than in Provence.

With sun-kissed shorelines, charming hilltop villages, and bustling market towns, it’s the ideal palace to sample the joie de vivre  France is so famous for. Road tripping in Provence allows you to experience the best of the region, including many stops for sampling the fruits of the earth along the way.

Start in Avignon and wind your way through the impossibly beautiful landscapes of the Luberon Valley. Preferably, you’d have a few days up your sleeve here to explore the markets, vineyards, walking trails, and villages.

Then, drive further East towards the Valensole Plateau that’s awash with fragrant flowers come lavender season in Provence . Take a paddle up the Verdon Gorge, and a dip in Lac de Sainte-Croix before looping back to Aix-en-Provence to take in the famous galleries and museums.

Drive to Cassis for your final stop and where you can spend days enjoying the small fishing village and surroundings. French is the national language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, and you’ll need some euros to pick up your daily baguette. Choose to stay in hotels, or boutique B&B’s along the way.

Contributed by Nadine from Le Long Weekend

12. Italy’s Northern Lakes

A road trip across northern Italy takes in some of the most striking landscapes and most famous cities in Italy.  Starting in the west in the glorious city of Venice, you can delight in all the floating city has to offer.  Only 1.5 hours away, Verona makes a great second stop on your  north Italy road trip .

After getting your fill of cities, head towards the lakes. Lake Garda, Como and Maggiore are the three major lakes, with Lake Idro, Iseo, and Orta being the smaller, less touristy options. 

Dynamic landscapes dominate this area, with views of the Alps, winding lakeside roads and tranquil vistas. Alongside historic castles, royal gardens, luxurious lake islands and amazing food – northern Italy makes for a beautiful road trip destination.

Highlights are Sirmione Castle on Lake Garda. The views from Bellagio over Lake Como. And the peaceful grandeur of Verbania Pallanza and the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore. 

If you have time, add a stop in the Dolomites National Park (after Venice, before visiting the lakes). This spectacular mountain range will remind you of the Canadian Rockies or Tetons.

Lodging throughout this area in Italy is a mix of luxury lakeside hotels, and cute locally run inns and B&Bs. Italy uses Euros (€) as the currency, and Italian is the language spoken. However, many service and hotel staff speak a little English. Greet people with a cheerful ‘Buongiourno’.

Contributed by Hannah from HH Lifestyle Travel

13. Ancient East – Ireland

If you are visiting Ireland, why not forgo the Wild Atlantic Way or Ring of Kerry and take a road trip through Ireland’s Ancient East. This region of Ireland covers some of the most historically important sites in Ireland and can easily be explored during 7-day itinerary for Ireland .

This eastern tourist route on the Emerald Isle spans 17 counties and travels from Waterford and parts of Cork in the south to Monaghan in the north, and from Dublin on the east coast to parts of Offaly in the Midlands.

Sites found within this region include the Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle, Glendalough and its famous Round Tower and monastic site, and the Brú na Bóinne Valley with Newgrange, a Neolithic passage tomb that is older than Stonehenge or the Pyramids of Giza.

Clonmacnoise with its Celtic crosses and the first Viking city of Ireland, Waterford are also to be found within Ireland’s Ancient East.

The route also passes through one of Ireland’s National Parks, the Wicklow Mountains National Park which is a great place to hike and enjoy nature including mountains, lakes and waterfalls.

Ireland uses the Euro, speaks English and accommodation is widely available in the form of hotels, guesthouses and B&B’s.

Contributed by Cath from Travel Around Ireland

14. The Alps of Austria

Austria is perfect for road trips, a large part of the country is covered by the Alps. With these snow covered mountains and rolling hills beautiful views are a guarantee on any road trip in the country. Besides these views there’s also plenty to see and do in Austria. Be it beautiful nature, museums, quaint villages or attractions.

It’s not a super large country, so in a week in Austria one can see different areas. Outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking and mountain biking are easily available and are perfect to interrupt a road trip.

A perfect route – and one of the best road trips in the world – would be starting at Breitenwang, then Innsbruck, Zell am See and ending at Obervellach. There are plenty of things to do on this route.

Not to be missed is the Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse. This is a panoramic toll road with the highest view and the highest mountain of Austria. The road offers stunning views all the way.

The route is best driven with staying at campgrounds. They are right in nature, surrounded by gorgeous mountains.

In Austria the Euro is the currency and they speak German. However, in many places English is commonly spoken.

Contributed by Cosette from Kars Travel

15. The Ring Road, Iceland

In the last few years, most people have shifted their way of traveling, so knowing where the best road trips in the world are is a must these days. However, Iceland was always a beautiful destination – perfect for a 7 to 10-day road trip throughout the island. It’s like the country itself was made for road trips. There’s only one main road that takes you all around the country, you can see more than you could have ever imagined just by while driving around, and there are plenty of campgrounds everywhere (which makes it a great camping destination as well). The used currency in the country is the Icelandic Krona (ISK), but you won’t need to worry about cash as everything can be paid by card here.

The national language is Icelandic (fun fact: this language remained almost unchanged since the Middle Ages, so they can actually understand very old texts with ease) but almost everyone speaks English very well. What’s the best thing to do while driving the Ring Road in Iceland? You must do the Silfra snorkeling or diving experience . It’s the only place in the world where you can do this and it’s definitely worth getting out of your comfort zone for this.

Contributed by Cristina from Honest Travel Stories

16. Tuscia, Italy

Not many people outside of Italy have heard about the region of Tuscia. This hidden gem spans across northern Lazio, southern Tuscany and southern Umbria and is one of the best road trips in the world.

Its capital is Viterbo, a beautiful mid-size city about 1 hour and thirty minutes drive from Rome, the Italian Capital. 

Pick your car directly in Rome Fiumicino Airport and make your way north, driving past Civitavecchia and to Tarquinia. This small town along the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea is famous for being the home of a well kept Etruscan Necropolis and a well curated archeology museum. 

From Tarquinia, you can easily reach Bagnaia, a small medieval village that is actually part of the Viterbo municipality. It’s main highlight is Villa Lante, a 17th century villa surrounded by a beautifully kept Italian style garden complete with intricate fountains. 

Viterbo is a pleasant place to explore, a million miles away from the crowds of Rome. The most scenic part of the city is the historic Quartiere San Pellegrino, where you will find the Papal Palace, home to the first ever conclave in history, and the adjacent Duomo. The city is a good base to visit the rest of the region. 

Places you should make sure to visit include Civita di Bagnoregio , known as the “city that dies” (though it is very much alive!); the nearby Orvieto, which is actually in Umbria; Vitorchiano, a small medieval village of narrow cobbled alleys and stunning views throughout; Soriano nel Cimino, home a the UNESCO protected beech forest; and the world famous Bomarzo Monster Park, a large garden scattered with unique monster-like statues. 

In Viterbo, stay at Hotel Palazzo Verdi, right by Viterbo main theater. It’s a small hotel with clean, modern and comfortable rooms that is in the center of town but easy to access and with plenty of on-site parking.

17. The French Riviera

This French Riviera road trip from Cannes to Nice takes one week, and it explores the most beautiful cities in the Côte d’Azur. French is the language in France, Euro the currency, and seaside hotels the place to rest your head at the end of the day.

However, you should not have problems with English in the French Riviera. If possible, visit this area out of the summer months to avoid the biggest crowds and highest temperatures.

The road trip starts in Cannes, where you will spend two days. Cannes is famous for its Film Festival and sandy beaches. Don’t miss Le Souquet, Cannes’ oldest neighborhood, the port, and a stroll through the iconic La Croisette promenade.

The next stop is Antibes, where you can visit the Old Town and the Picasso Museum. Alternatively, you can hike the Cap d’Antibes and spend the rest of the day on the beach.

The last two days are spent in Nice, famous for its Old Port, Baroque architecture, and many fascinating museums. Don’t miss the iconic Promenade des Anglais, or the stunning view of the Baie des Anges from Castle Hill.

From Nice, you can visit other places on a day trip: Éze, Monte Carlo or Menton.

Contributed by Elisa at Travel France Bucketlist

18. The North Coast 500 – Scotland

The North Coast 500 is an epic route around the very tip of northern Scotland and one of the best road trips in the world. The currency is pounds (GBP) and the language spoken is English.

It starts in Inverness, where you can go clockwise or counter-clockwise – I recommend going counter-clockwise, to save the spectacular scenery on the west coast for the end of the trip.

Some of the most popular stops along the North Coast 500 are Duncansby Stacks near John O’Groats, Dunnet Head (the most northerly point of mainland Britain), Durness, Sandwood Bay, Stoer, the gorgeous mountainous landscapes of Assynt, and the Applecross peninsula.

You’ll find some of the best beaches from Scotland along this route, and amazing hiking opportunities for both low-level walks or mountain hikes. There are lots of accommodation options along the route, although as the region is quite remote these do get booked up far in advance.

Camping is a good option, with plenty of campsites available and spaced out throughout the route – some require advance reservations. The North Coast 500 is a remote part of Scotland, but certainly worth the drive!

Contributed by Maha from Away With Maja

19. Christchurch to Queenstown, New Zealand

A road trip from Christchurch to Queenstown, east to west across New Zealand’s South Island, takes in some of the most spectacular scenery in the world including stops at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Lake Tekapo, Aoraki Mt Cook National Park and the Gibston Valley wine region before finishing on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

The trip is best split into three days with overnight stops at Mt Cook Village and in Wanaka. Both places have camping and hotel options, for those looking to splurge the views at The Hermitage Hotel in Mt Cook are unsurpassable.

Both Christchurch and Queenstown have international airports to fly into and out of. Queenstown, the end point of the road trip is New Zealand’s adventure capital and a great place to spend a few days taking in the incredible scenery, ski slopes and Queenstown’s incredible food .

The currency here – on one of the best road trips in the world – is the New Zealand Dollar and the language is English.

Contributed by Kate from Kate Abroad

20. North Island, New Zealand

The variety of incredible scenery, adrenaline-filled adventures and world-class food and wine make the North Island of New Zealand one of the best places in the world for a road trip.

From arriving in Auckland (the waterfront city of sails), catch ferries to islands in the Hauraki Gulf, discover the deserted bays in winterless Northland, beach hop through the Coromandel, marvel at geothermal wonders in Rotorua, climb through volcanic giants in Tongariro, cycle from winery to winery in the Hawkes Bay, and eat and drink your way around the Wairarapa and Wellington.

With no set route, pick and choose the destinations and accommodations to suit your budget and timeframe, but a two week itinerary is recommended and be sure to explore the incredible Cathedral Cove beach in the Coromandel.

So pack up the campervan or rental car, load some NZ Dollars on your travel card, brush up on your kiwi lingo and hit the road – the left hand side, that is! 

Contributed by Laura from Laura the Explorer

21. Queensland Coast, Australia

One of the best road trips in the world and Australia is along the Queensland Coast between Brisbane and Cairns . This drive is over 2000 km or 1242 miles, of relaxing beaches, exotic Islands, national parks, wildlife interactions, and hiking opportunities.

English is spoken everywhere, the currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD), and credit card options are everywhere.

This journey can be taken in either direction, as Brisbane and Cairns are both international gateway cities. The best way to experience it would be driving yourself, and many will use caravan or camping options to reduce costs. Alternatively, there are plenty of hostels, motels, and luxury accommodations at almost all the popular stops.

Some of the highlighted beaches would be Noosa and Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast, Agnes Water, or Elliot Heads. Venturing off the coast for beaches and underwater activities at places like the famous Whitsundays, Lady Elliot, or Magnetic Island.

Additionally, there are stunning hikes through State & National Parks to waterhole swimming locations like Finch Hatton Gorge. Furthermore, visiting one of the most photographed waterfalls in Australia, Millaa Millaa Falls. This road trip is your beachside coastal adventure and one you won’t forget.

Contributed by Chris from Aquarius Traveler

22. Mae Hong Song Loop, Thailand

The north of Thailand, also known as Lanna, is a mountainous region that borders 3-countries; Myanmar, Laos, and Yunnan China. It is also an ethnically diverse region with unique hill tribes and cultures originating from as far as the Himalayas.

This makes it one of the most fascinating road trips to take on, and the Mae Hong Son Loop is the perfect introduction to the region.

Starting from the Thai cultural capital of Chiang Mai (as most do) the loop shares some of the most fascinating mountain scenery, through roller coaster roads, in the scenic province of Mae Hong Song.

Famous stops along the way include Pai, famous for the old hippy trails, and Doi Inthanon, which is Thailand’s tallest mountain.

Expect cooler climates (even as low as 0’c at times) than what you would expect in Thailand. The entire route is not far – approximately 375 miles – but it’s recommended to spend at least one night at Pai and then Mae Hong Son which would be the main tourist stops in the area.

At the same time, this region is famous for hill tribe homestays , and these always make for a more interesting cultural experience in these scenic parts of Thailand.

Locally people will speak Thai with at least some basic English for interactions but many will also speak English fairly fluently these days so there’s rarely trouble communicating when in Thailand. It is unlikely dollars will be accepted however and Thai baht is best to have on hand. 

Contributed by Allan from Live Less Ordinary

23. The Karakoram Highway, China

The Karakoram Highway, also called the world’s eighth wonder, is an epic road trip. The Chinese section of the highway is the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, which goes from Kashgar to Tashkurgan .

Driving along this section rewards travelers with some of the most incredible scenery imaginable. Majestic snowcapped peaks, Alpine lakes, white sand dunes, camels on the road, and grasslands dotted with yurts are some highlights to look forward to. Foreigners are not allowed to overnight anywhere between these cities. If not crossing into Pakistan, put aside at least two days for the return journey.

Plan to spend a few hours at Lake Karakul, sitting at the base of the Muztagh Ata Mountain (7546m). Here you can hike along the lakeshore or go horseback riding with the local Tajik nomads. Spend the night in a hotel or yurt in Tashkurgan before returning to Kashgar the next day. Or spend an extra day for exceptional hiking and exploring the mountains and grasslands of the Pamir Plateau. The currency is the Chinese Yuan (RMB) in China. While Ughuyr is most commonly spoken here, most people also speak Mandarin Chinese. English is not widely spoken or understood in this neck of the woods.

Contributed by De Wet from Museum of Wander

24. Sahara Desert, Morocco

There are multiple reasons why Morocco is one of the best destinations for a road trip. The country isn’t well connected by public transport, and the best way to experience this destination and get to know more about the locals is via a road trip.

There are multiple paths one can take around the country. As the best way to get to Morocco is via a flight to the international airport of Marrakech, most of the  Morocco road trip  routes start and end here.

Some locations that can be covered are Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, and Rabat in the north and Essaouira, Agadir and Merzouga in the South. 

Since the Sahara desert is located in Morocco, the Eastern route that covers Ouarzazate and Merzouga is quite popular.

You can do quite a few things on the road trip, such as hunt for fossils as you get closer to Merzouga and pass through Dades Valley, which is breathtaking. Once in Merzouga, you can camp in the desert and even indulge in activities such as sandboarding and ATV rides on the dunes.

At most other places, hotels are available at budget-friendly prices. The currency in the country is Moroccan Dirhams and the language spoken is Arabic. However, most people do converse in English, too; hence it is easy to get to know the locals when traveling. 

Contributed by Lavinia from Continent Hop

25. Namibia, Africa

Namibia is a beautiful country in the south of the African continent bordering South Africa, Botswana, and Angola. It’s a great destination for an adventurous road trip. This vast country boasts an impressive landscape and diverse wildlife. There are many incredible places to visit on a Namibia road trip .

From the dry Namib Desert in the south to Etosha National Park and the wetlands of Caprivi in the north. One can spend several weeks driving across the country.

Must-include places in your Namibia trip itinerary are Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world, red-sand dunes and salt pans of the Sossusvlei Desert, the beautiful town of Swakopmund, Seal Colony on the Skeleton Coast, and Etosha National Park.

Road tripping in Namibia one can see a great variety of animals from the famous African Big 5 – buffalo, rhino, elephant, lion, and leopard – to crocodiles, hippos, seals, whales, and hundreds of other animals and birds.

Camping is very popular in Namibia; it’s the most budget-friendly accommodation option in the country. All National Parks have well-maintained campsites with good facilities.

Private campsites can be found everywhere in the country even in very isolated places in the middle of the desert. Most people rent a 4×4 car with a roof-top tent for traveling in Namibia. 

The English language is widely spoken in Namibia. The local currency is Namibia Dollar (NAD). 1 USD is equal to 15 NAD.

Contributed by Alya from Stingy Nomads

26. The Garden Route, South Africa

If you are looking for an epic road trip that includes everything from scenic roads, beautiful beaches, wild elephants, indigenous forests, cute towns, stunning nature reserves and much more, South Africa’s Garden Route is the way to go and one of the best road trips around the world!

Officially, the Garden Route is a 300 km route between Mossel Bay and Storms River – though most people also include Cape Town – which is about 300 km from Mossel Bay. English is one of the eleven official languages of South Africa and is widely spoken along the Garden Route.

The must-stops, apart from Mossel Bay and Storms River, include Wilderness, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Nature’s Valley. There are many beautiful nature reserves around the mentioned stops.

For adventure seekers, a visit to the world’s highest bridge bungee at the Bloukrans Bridge is highly recommended. And nature-lovers should head to Robberg Nature Reserve near Plettenberg Bay.

Though it is definitely possible to camp along the Garden Route, most people opt for hotels or self-catering options. Which you will pay for in South African Rand, the official currency of South Africa. Also, don’t forget to pick up some traditional gifts when you visit.

Contributed by Lara from The Best Travel Gift

27. Marrakech to Essaouira – Morocco

From the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains, to the sweeping Sahara Desert, and the bustling medinas of Marrakech, the diverse landscapes across the relatively small North African country of Morocco, combined with its colorful culture and history, make for a fascinating road trip. For a comfortable three week road trip, begin at Marrakech (where you can hire a car from the airport) and drive north to the blue city of Chefchaouen, via the colourful capital of Rabat.

From Chefchaouen drive to the archaeological site of Volubilis, and then on to the Sahara for a night of desert camping, camel riding and/or sandboarding. Then head back to Marrakech via Aït Benhaddou (used in many Hollywood films) and the Atlas Mountains.

After all that driving you will have covered over 2000km. Head to the beautifully relaxed coastal town of Essaouira, perched over the Atlantic. This is the place to wind down and relax, so splash out and check into one of the best hotels in Essaouira .

The roads in Morocco are well maintained and the tolled motorways are excellent, although do be wary of local drivers drifting between lanes and cutting corners on bends. In the bigger cities, there are guarded car parks to leave your vehicle.

Contributed by Jenny from Explore Essaouria

28. Sub Sahara Road – Africa

Overlanding Africa is perhaps the ultimate road trip and one of the best road trips in the world. Days spent navigating dusty roads through little mud hut villages, spotting game on the great open plains, exploring epic landscapes, and that unrivalled feeling of adventure.

This is not for the faint hearted though as you will need to be comfortable driving a 4WD and ideally sleeping in roof tents (as lodge accommodation is only found in the main tourist areas), and be ready to deal with corrupt officials, and change route in the case of impassable roads.

But all this pales into insignificance with nights camping under the African stars, the incredible wildlife experiences, and the warm welcome from the local communities you encounter.

A classic loop is from South Africa (starting in Johannesburg), through to Mozambique, Malawi, up to Tanzania, and back down through Zambia and Namibia, returning to South Africa. A total of 15000 kilometres and 5 border crossings.

Check through your driving leg the night before you set off and always have a plan B in case you can’t reach your destination before sunset. Supermarkets are few and far between, so stock up when you get the opportunity. Same goes for fuel.

Make sure your have all the necessary vaccinations and take anti-malarial medications. It’s also a good idea to have as many visas as possible sorted before arrival at border crossings. For safety, only stay at fenced and secure campsites.

Contributed by Lynn from Travelynn Family

29. Coastal Road Trip – Oman

Boasting new highways and affordable fuel, Oman is one of the best countries in the Middle East – and the world – for a road trip.

Some of the best places to visit in Oman are outside the major cities and off the highway. Having your own vehicle to explore the landscape is vital and will allow you to explore the best of the country, from magical desert wadis to the sparkling coast and the high Al Hajar mountains.

Oman is located on the Arabian Peninsula. Compared to some of its neighbours, especially the UAE to the west, Oman has done a wonderful job of protecting its culture and heritage in an authentic way. The country is very safe and English is widely spoken. The national currency is the Omani rial.

Muscat, Oman’s capital, is a modest city that still has its old souq marketplaces and corniche. It’s the perfect place to start a road trip, with a number of rental car agents represented at the city’s international airport.

The perfect road trip route starts by going down the coast to the fishing village of Sur, stopping at the gorgeous Wadi Shab and Bimmah Sinkhole along the way. Further down the coast, Ras Al Jinz is home to one of the world’s most important turtle nesting grounds, where green turtles can be seen almost year-round on special night tours.

Arcing inland towards Oman’s Sharqiya Sands desert, the landscape changes to one of wide open sandy plains and rocky peaks. The Al Hajar mountains offer breathtaking scenery, hiking opportunities, and beautiful mud villages and fortresses to explore.

There are a range of accommodation options for any budget, including hotels, guesthouses and Airbnbs. Wild camping is legal in Oman so for a real adventure, bring your own tent!

Contributed by Emily from Wander Lush

30. Pacific Coast Highway, Costa Rica

One of the best road trips in the world and in Costa Rica is along the Pacific Coast from Uvita south to Corcovado National Park.

In Uvita, it is possible to walk out on a jutted out piece of beach during low tide to experience a phenomenon in which the land resembles a large whale’s tail. Uvita is also a great place to see humpback whale migration with a whale watching tour. 

From Uvita, the main road heads south along the coast. Playa Arco and Playa Ventanas are two nice beaches to stop at along the way.

Eventually, the road heads inland to the town of Palma Norte. In Palma Norte it is possible to either continue south on the main road to Chacarita and then south east to the town of Puerto Jimenez.

The other option is to take a short drive from Palma Norte to Sierpe. From here, cars are parked in a guarded lot and visitors can take a boat to Drake Bay. Both Drake Bay and Puerto Jimenez are great jumping off points for exploring Corcovado National Park on a guided day, two day, or three day hike.  

Corcovado is an impressive national park that spans 164 square miles. The park contains 3% of the world’s biodiversity and is filled with wildlife including the occasional jaguar sighting. 

It is important to note that the main language in Costa Rica is Spanish, but most people in tourism speak some English. The main currency is Costa Rican colones, but US dollars are also widely accepted. 

By law, all gas stations in Costa Rica are full service. This means that customers must stay in their car while an attendant fills the gas tank. Also, most gas stations have public restrooms. Usually these are accessible from outside the gas station building.

Contributed by Sarah from Costa Rica Vibes

31. Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Pretty much anywhere in Mexico would would make a perfect road trip but my most recent favorite trip took me across Yucatán, Campeche, Tabasco, Chiapas and back again. 

Drive from Mérida to Campeche (2hr30) where you should absolutely spend a day or two checking out the fabulous museums and the fort before heading down to Isla Aguada (2hr along a very interesting road once you hit the coast).

Isla Aguada is a tiny fishing village from where you can take a tour to see the dolphins that frolic in the bay.

After leaving, drive to Tapijulapa in Tabasco (5hr30) and spend a few days soaking up the atmosphere in this tiny and very beautiful pueblo magico. It’s a fairly short drive from here to Palenque in Chiapas (2hr30).

Palenque, of course, is one of the most famous archaeological sites in Mexico. From Palenque, drive back into the state of Chiapas for another night either at the beach or in Campeche city (4hr30). It’s a short drive back to Mérida, perhaps taking in Uxmal and the Ruta Puuc on the way. 

Tip: In Yucatán and Campeche the roads are generally very good. There are toll roads and gas stations. In Tabasco and Chiapas the roads are not always of such high quality. Currency is Mexican Pesos (MXN) and Spanish is the primary language in Mexico, however, in Chiapas, many people speak Mayan.

Contributed by Cassie from Mexico Cassie Goes International

32. Route 66 is One of the Best Road Trips in the World

Another one of the best road tips in the world is Route 66 – the iconic North American road trip that takes travelers on a journey through the heart of the United States all the way from Chicago to Santa Monica.

Along the route, you’ll see a diverse range of landscapes and experience the vibrant cultures and traditions of the communities. You’ll pass through classic small towns, vibrant cities, and breathtaking natural wonders, all while enjoying the nostalgia of the “Mother Road.”

Some must-see stops include the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo and the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a fun adventure, driving Route 66 is an unforgettable experience.

Route 66 is super easy to drive because there are plenty of opportunities to stop for food, gas, and other necessities. The route is clearly marked, and there are many guidebooks and resources available to help plan your journey.

Lastly, the road’s popularity as a tourist destination means that many businesses cater to travelers, making it easy to find accommodations, restaurants and other services along the way. Overall, these factors make Route 66 a fun and accessible road trip for drivers of all experience levels.

Best Road Trips in the World Round-Up

This list of 32 best road trips in the world is a real labor of love by travel writers, and myself, that truly adore road tripping. So, what did we miss? I’d love to hear your suggestions. Please leave me comment and tell me where in the world is the best road trip.

See you on the road!

Author: Lori Blalock

A girl raised in the south, Lori is the founder of Southerner Says and has over 100k miles of solo road trip experience. A lover of public lands, sunsets and good barbeque, Lori spends her time in Georgia and Nevada when she isn’t on the road.

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European road trips: 15 of the best journeys across the continent

Sep 13, 2022 • 13 min read

Coasting through Italy's Dolomites Mountains © Artur Debat / Getty

In light of the recent travel chaos at airports across Europe, there has never been a better time to buckle up and explore Europe’s legendary landscapes by road.

Lonely Planet's new Epic Road Trips of Europe book  is the perfect inspiration to get out there and explore Europe by road. The new book offers a gorgeous collection of routes, gathered from contributors around the world. Enjoy the unique freedom a road trip allows while exploring Europe's wondrous landscapes, delicious regional food and drink and fascinating local culture and history. 

From ancient ruins to some of the world's best wine, here's a first look at the new essential European road trip companion guide.  

Ancient ruins and coastal views

The Peloponnese, Greece

Start: Ancient Corinth End: Nemea Distance: 395 miles (635km)

History and legend collide on this mountainous peninsula where you’ll find classical temples, Mycenaean palaces, Byzantine cities and Venetian fortresses. Combined with dramatic peaks and deep gorges that give way to turquoise seas and deserted beaches, it makes a glorious spot for a road trip. In the northeast corner of the peninsula sits Ancient Corinth, a mostly Roman city, home to Jason of the Argonauts, stealer of the Golden Fleece. From here, you can take a route that combines historic, fortified cities with beaches and some of Greece’s most interesting wineries. Head for the sanctuary of Zeus at Nemea, hilltop Mycenae or coastal Epidavros with its 4th-century-BC theatre, one of the best preserved ancient Greek structures in the country. Then loop by the mountaintop Byzantine city of Mystras, ancient Olympia, home to the original games, and the Lousios Gorge where you’ll find the cliffside Prodromou Monastery.

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The Costa Brava, Spain

Start: Girona End: Girona Distance: 118 miles (190km)

Mixing Greek and Roman ruins with medieval towns, the eccentricities of Salvador Dalí and a wild and rugged coast, Spain’s Costa Brava makes a fascinating, eclectic destination for a road trip. Begin   by exploring Girona’s hilly medieval core with its web of alleys and Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque churches. From here it’s an easy trip to Besalú, its strikingly well-preserved medieval streets fanning out around the handsome 11th-century Pont Fortificat (Fortified Bridge). Heading east to Figueres things get decidedly more bizarre at the Teatre-Museu Dalí , a fittingly trippy tribute to the local hero and Surrealist artist. Dalí spent his later life nearby in Port Lligat near Cadaqués , a whitewashed village with a pretty harbor and bohemian vibe. South along the coast are the extensive ruins of the Greek city Empúries and its later Roman neighbor, while inland is Castell de Púbol, a 14th-century castle that was Dalí’s gift to his wife and muse, Gala.

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Hvar, Croatia

Start: Hvar Town End: Jelsa Distance: 22 miles (35km)

Fought over by the Illyrians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Venetians, Hvar has long been a sought-after destination. Medieval walls topped by an imposing Spanish fortress enclose the Old Town, whose marble streets are lined with elaborate Gothic and Renaissance palaces. In high summer, Hvar attracts a party-hard international jet set, but outside the peak it’s a magical place that acts as the perfect gateway to crystalline waters and quiet villages. Head for Stari Grad on the north coast, a quieter town set on a horseshoe bay, to visit Stari Grad Plain , a Unesco Cultural Landscape whose stone walls and terraces of olives and grapes were laid out by the ancient Greeks. Drive backcountry roads through a patchwork of lavender and rosemary to discover isolated beaches and hidden coves, colorful former fishing villages such as Vrboska or Jelsa, and some of Croatia’s best wineries.

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Captivating lakeside drives

Lake Ohrid to Lake Prespa, North Macedonia

Start: Ohrid End: Oteshevo Distance: 34 miles (55km)

Lake Ohrid is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in the world, straddling the border between North Macedonia and Albania . Despite its Unesco status and being home to a multitude of endemic species, it remains remarkably unvisited. Begin in the ancient, picturesque city of Ohrid, continuously occupied since Neolithic times. Its Grecian theatre, recently rediscovered and restored, hosts an arts festival each summer. As you drive south you pass fortresses and monasteries, teetering dramatically above the water. Leave Lake Ohrid on a series of switchbacks climbing up through Galičica National Park, where at the road’s highest point a trail leading farther up offers a view across both lakes. Descend to the tranquil Lake Prespa in time for dinner, stopping at one of the many small restaurants in Oteshevo that serve fish landed straight from the lake.

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Annecy, France

Start: Annecy End: Annecy Distance: 25 miles (40km)

Lake Annecy found fame in Paul Cézanne’s Le Lac d’Annecy painting, a post-Impressionist masterpiece that captures all the beauty, grandeur and violence of the landscape here. But nothing beats seeking out that drama yourself. It takes just a lazy day’s driving to travel its circumference, along glimmering blue water with snowcapped Alps behind. Base yourself   in Annecy and explore the gorgeous Old Town and lively markets before setting off. Impressive Château Menthon is well worth visiting and has guided tours throughout the summer months. Stop at Talloires for lunch – it has a fine selection of restaurants and good swimming beaches – and then,   if you’ve still got the energy, hike one of the many trails that wind up to the peaks that surround the lake. Finish back in Annecy for a sunset drink with panoramic views across the water at the Hotel Belvédère.

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Finnish Lakeland

Start: Varkaus End: Anttola Distance: 86 miles (138km)

A quarter of the Finnish Lakeland region is water – there are at least 55,000 lakes here, making it the largest lake district in Europe. To drive in this area is to lose all distinction between the water and the road. From Varkaus, it’s less than an hour’s drive to the Järvisydän spa , offering every type of soaking and sweating you can imagine. It’s not all about relaxing though – as you drive across this watery landscape there is ample opportunity for swimming and canoeing, fishing and boat trips, or, in winter, skating and snowshoeing. Finland’s ‘Right to Roam’ means that camping is permitted just about anywhere, but the hotels might still tempt you. The Ollinmäki Wine Farm, just outside Anttola, has villas, fabulous food, homemade wine and nearby lakes for a final road trip dip.

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North Coast Gozo, Malta

Start: Ramla Bay End: Dwejra Distance: 10 miles (16km)

Gozo is the second-billed island in the Maltese archipelago, but for scenic appeal it easily rivals Malta proper. A drive along Gozo’s north coast reveals one of the country’s least built-up corners. Begin with a dip at Ramla Bay , a wide and largely wild beach not to be confused with the resort of the same name on the main island. Once you’ve brushed off its characteristic orange sand, take a coastal drive through the small harbor of Marsalforn, beyond which the route passes a surreal landscape of seaside salt pans. The road gets gravelly after it ducks round the inlet of Wied il-Għasri , but stick with it if you can along the clifftops to reach Wied il-Mielaħ, a natural sea arch to replace the famous Azure Window that collapsed in 2017. The location of the latter still makes a fitting trip finale, with sunset views beside the Dwejra Inland Sea.

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Mount Pantokrator Circuit, Corfu, Greece

Start: Pyrgi End: Pyrgi Distance: 41 miles (66km)

Mount Pantokrator is the highest point in Corfu (2972 ft/906m), and a lap of its flanks brings generous mountain and coastal views as you round the northeast corner of the island. Start in Pyrgi village and proceed north and clockwise if you want to get the climbing done early. From Pyrgi the road zigzags up past olive groves through the villages of Spartylas and Strinylas. Here you can drive east on a road up to the summit of Pantokrator itself (a car with a nimble turning circle is an advantage) where there’s a small but richly decorated monastery under a rather unfortunate communications mast. Return to the coast at the resort town of Acharavi, and head east as the road snakes round lushly wooded bays and charming villages such as c and Kalami, with views towards Albania just two miles across   the water.

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Lipari Loop, Italy

Start: Lipari Town End: San Salvatore Distance: 17 miles (28km)

Lipari is the middlemost of the Aeolian Islands , and as you drive the encircling main road, each of the other volcanic islands puts in an appearance on the horizon. Lipari Town is reached by car ferries and faster hydrofoils from Sicily , and heading out north the route is a palm-lined corniche running along a yacht-filled bay. From the road skirting the shingle beach at Canneto , you’ll have views towards the islands of Panarea and – half-concealed behind it – the ever-smoking cone of Stromboli. Past the pumice quarries at Lipari’s northeast corner, twin-peaked Salina lumbers into view, and after that, more distant Filicudi and Alicudi, if summer haze doesn’t obscure them. Last to appear as you turn the southwest corner is Vulcano. It’s visible from the main road, but for a close-up, end your drive at the viewpoint beside the Geophysical Observatory in San Salvatore, at Lipari’s southern tip.

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Europe's best vineyard drives

Douro Valley, Portugal

Start: Porto End: Miranda do Douro Distance: 222 miles (358km)

Portugal kept this one up its sleeve for a long time, but oenophiles have finally clocked on to the romance – and increasingly outstanding wines – of the Douro Valley . The world’s oldest demarcated wine region (in 1756, for the record) is a real beauty, with mile after mile of twisting, terraced vineyards that rise sharply from the Douro River. Its true heart is the Alto Douro (Upper Douro), a Unesco World Heritage Site. The drive kicks off in the grand port lodges of Porto , gradually inching east to the Spanish border. En route expect to find an abundance of historic wine estates – Quinta Nova and Quinta do Crasto are names to remember. And you’ll want to linger at the Casal de Loivos lookout, where the gasp-eliciting view over the vines is the Douro reduced to postcard format. Allow five days to a week to do the drive justice.

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Lavaux Vineyards, Switzerland

Start: Lausanne End: Château de Chillon Distance: 25 miles (40km)

Easily doable in a day trip from Geneva , this short but sublime drive takes in the Unesco World Heritage-protected Lavaux vineyards , which stagger up from the northern shores of Lake Geneva in a series of sheer, stone-walled terraces that beggar belief. The road trip along Rte 9 begins in the higgledy-piggledy French-speaking city of Lausanne and takes in pretty lakeside towns like Vevey before swinging southeast to Montreux (of summer jazz festival fame) and Château   de Chillon , an extraordinary 13th-century fortress, brought to world attention in 1816 in Lord Byron’s poem ‘The Prisoner of Chillon’. Painters William Turner and Gustave Courbet subsequently immortalized the castle on canvas. In the vineyards, pause at a cave to taste beautiful Chasselas white wines that are crisp, minerally and usually only produced on a small, artisanal scale. Lavaux Vinorama in lakeside Rivaz whisks you through the region’s 300 wines and offers insightful tastings.

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Chianti Road, Italy

Start: Florence End: Siena Distance: 44 miles (71km)

Toscana simply doesn’t get more bella than this classic drive on the SR222 through Chianti country. Linking two great medieval cities, the road meanders languorously through gently rolling countryside striped with cypress trees, olive groves and vines. After an art and architectural feast in Florence , it’s time to head south to Siena , crowned by its magnificent cathedral   and 12th-century Piazza del Campo . In between are honey-colored hill towns, where life revolves around the town square, and is punctuated by the chiming of the campanile. Stop by enotecas (wine shops), open for tastings of the region’s revered red wines, including Chianti Classico, a sangiovese-dominated drop. The road   is technically drivable year-round but is perhaps at its most photogenic during the late springtime eruption of poppies and other wildflowers.

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Trappist beers of Belgium

Start: Westmalle End: Vleteren Distance: 347 miles (558km)

Explore Belgium while tasting beers from Trappist breweries, where monks have been creating flavourful beers for centuries before the contemporary focus on craft beer. Begin northeast of Antwerp at Café Trappisten , where Westmalle beers are matched with cheeses also made by monks from the adjacent Westmalle Abbey . Heading south through Brussels , beers from the Rochefort Brewery are partnered at local cafés with venison from the nearby Ardennes region. It’s then a 50 mile (80km) drive further south to Orval for their bottle-conditioned beer, a favorite of many craft brewers around the world. To the northwest, a quick spin of the wheels through France brings you to Scourmont Abbey , the base for Chimay. At the Poteaupré Inn at the Espace Chimay visitor center, try the Chimay 150, originally brewed in 2012 to celebrate the brewery’s 150-year anniversary. From here, it’s then a two-hour drive north to Vleteren, to end the trip with some excellent beers from Westvleteren.

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Southeast Ireland suds explorer

Start: Dublin End: Cork Distance: 236 miles (380km)

Guinness in Dublin and Murphy’s in Cork are two of Ireland’s most renowned breweries, and linking these heavyweights is this itinerary visiting up-and-coming craft breweries in between. After touring Guinness’ historic St James’s Gate brewery, continue south for a hoppy Wildfire red ale from Wicklow Wolf Brewery , before making the 20-minute drive along the Irish Sea to the Wicklow Brewery. Sunday roast for lunch is always a good time to visit the brewery’s Mickey Finn’s pub. Continue through a patchwork of farmland to YellowBelly Beer in County Wexford . YellowBelly’s seasonal brews include unusual sours and farmhouse ales, while the Gallow’s Hill barley wine, found west at the Dungarvan Brewing Company, is ideal in cooler months. Complete a hop-fuelled Irish journey with a pint of Murphy’s stout at the Shandon Arms in Cork.

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German beer loop

Start: Cologne End: Düsseldorf Distance: 1130 miles (1818km)

Beer has been brewed in Germany for three millennia. It’s a major part of the country’s culture, with many regional styles. Begin with a delicate straw-colored kölsch in the shadow of Cologne Cathedral before heading southeast to Bamberg , home of interesting rauchbiers made with smoked malt. South, near the border with Austria , Munich is famous for its golden Helles lagers and the annual Oktoberfest beer festival, while to the north, in former East Germany, the traditional beer style of Leipzig is gose, a tart beer flavored with salt and coriander. Nearby, Berlin is famous for Berliner Weisse beers, refreshingly low in alcohol, and often spiked with berry syrup. To the southwest, via Hanover and Saxony , Düsseldorf is the heartland of copper-colored altbiers – the name translates to ‘old beer’, as this is one of Germany’s most historic brews.

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The best countries for road trips around the world

--> BY Eliza Sholly

Last updated . 16 December 2020

Cutting your own path on a road trip through a country is the best way to make the journey part of the adventure.

There are many ways of getting from A to B when travelling, but there is a case to be made for slowing down to enjoy the ride – starting with the views you’d otherwise miss. A road trip helps you make the most of the journey and these countries offer some of the best routes to entice you there sooner.

Wide open spaces, seemingly-endless hills of orange sand dunes, African wildlife within reach – Namibia is a destination unlike anywhere else in the world. It’s also one of the most sparsely populated places on Earth, and a year-round destination for jaw-dropping road trips.

The roads are well-managed and maintained and you’ll find plenty of camping facilities along the way to break up the journey with a good night’s sleep.

Begin in the Namibian capital, Windhoek . From here you can wind your way through the breathtaking orange Sossusvlei sand dunes, passing through the adorable town of Solitaire. Alternatively, opt for a wildlife sojourn through Etosha National Park , which can be done from the comfort of your own vehicle.

The deep valleys of Fish River Canyon also provide plenty of alluring landscapes, as well as endless starry night skies to gaze at each evening when the sun goes down. No matter where your itinerary takes you, a road trip through Namibia will deliver wild delights, delicious food and conversations with friendly locals; and all within a dramatically beautiful setting.

Namibia is a destination unlike anywhere else in the world

It’s not hard to wax lyrical about the many charms of Italy. Neapolitan pizzas paired with bold red wines from Chianti, the sparkling water of  Lake Como  and the romantic fishing villages of the  Cinque Terre  – the country’s combination of world-class food, culture and natural wonders make it an irresistible destination. And what better way to experience it all than on four wheels?

Driving Italy’s most scenic stretch of coastline, the Amalfi Coast, may be an obvious place to start, but it’s hard to beat the breathtaking Mediterranean beauty and enchanting pastel-coloured villages encountered along this route. Begin the journey in Salerno and continue west along the coastline stopping at Ravello, Amalfi, Positano and ending in Sorrento.

For foodies, Tuscany’s vineyard-dotted landscape is the way to go. Starting in Florence, cruise along the SS22 until you reach the heart of the Chianti wine region. Spend your days sipping on Italian wine and dining on the best produce in the region – only leaving when your food-coma threshold reaches maximum capacity.

For a breathtaking alpine drive opt for a road trip through the UNESCO World Heritage listed Dolomites. The 140km Grande Strada delle Dolomiti, or the Great Dolomites Road, starts at Cortina d’Ampezzo (two hours’ drive north of Venice ), climbs up to Falzarego Pass and eventually ends in Bolzano in Trentino-Alto Adige. There are plenty of day hikes and regional Italian fare to be enjoyed along the way.

Morning view of Amalfi cityscape

New Zealand

It is often said that a road trip through New Zealand will spoil you for life. No other country can compare with the otherworldly beauty of New Zealand’s landscapes, forged through volcanic activity to deliver a variety of prehistoric vistas to marvel at along the drive.

Aside from the views you’ll encounter on the North and South Islands of New Zealand, you’ll also get a chance to immerse yourself in Maori culture, learn about the nation’s European history, spend time indulging in the allures of its main cities and explore countless natural wonders.

Highlights of a New Zealand road trip include the Turquoise lakes in Pukaki and Mackenzie country, driving and hiking around Coronet Peak and Crown Range, the thermal wonderlands in Rotorua, the picturesque lakes of the South Island, the night sky over Lake Wanaka and oh-so-much more.

For more inspiration, follow our 8 day road trip itinerary through New Zealand’s North Island.

Driving through New Zealand’s Mackenzie Country

Portugal’s glorious coastline, fabulous flavours and photogenic cities make it one of Europe’s hottest destinations. When explored by car, its hidden escarpments reveal themselves and any wrong turn will happily deliver you to an unexpectedly beautiful town or village. Plus, most major towns are only about 3-4 hours apart, making it extremely accessible to hop from city to city by car.

The bustling region of Porto is a popular place to start. From here, venture through the Duoro Valley, home to Portugal’s most popular wine region. Spend time exploring the many wineries, sipping the best vinos and dining at the many restaurants.

Alternatively, head for the sun-soaked southern region of the Algarve to explore its many beaches, plunging clifftops, picturesque towns and charming coves.

Travel the idyllic mountain roads of Portugal’s Madeira

Iceland’s Route 1 or Ring Road, as its name helpfully suggests, is a loop around the entire, pristine island.

For many, the journey begins (and ends) in the capital of Reykjavik. Sticking close to the coast, six to 10 days should give you ample time to explore. Make time to stop at the spellbinding Jökulsárlón glacial lake with its floating monoliths and the volcanic Lake Mývatn.

You’ll also come across national parks, lovely villages, enigmatic black-sand beaches, and dramatic waterfalls, such as the life-punctuating Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. The only problem will be deciding which ones to squeeze into the journey.

For many, the journey begins (and ends) in the capital of Reykjavik

Holding the title of the world’s second biggest country comes with some equally big perks. Full of fantastic places to see, unspoiled nature to marvel at and many an adventurous activity to be had, the Canadian highways are ready and waiting to be explored.

The Trans-Canadian highway is arguably the most famous route, passing through all 10 provinces. It’s a recommended route for first-timers who are keen to experience as much of the beautiful country as possible. Highlights include St John’s (Newfoundland), Gross Morne National Park, Quebec and the picture-perfect Lake Louise in Banff National Park, where you can expect incredible encounters with a variety of wildlife – including moose, elks and bear – close to the snow-capped Canadian Rockies.

The Arctic Circle, along the Dempster Highway, is one for those who prefer the path less travelled. Driving along this scenic route is a sure fire way to immerse yourself in the Arctic, through the middle of the tundra, jagged mountains and endless wilderness.

For coastal views, the Cabot Trail is our pick. Crossing over 300km of Nova Scotian wilderness, you can expect breathtaking sea views at every turn.

But the beauty of Canadian wilderness culminates in the Icefields Parkway. The road stretches for 232 kilometres through the Canadian Rockies, connecting the famously beautiful towns of Jasper and Banff. It’s often described as one of the world’s most scenic highways, so plan for several pit stops for marvelling at glaciers, waterfalls, dramatic rock spires, turquoise lakes and sweeping valleys.

Road Trip in the Rocky Mountains

If you’re at all into breathtaking scenery, rich history, charming towns and villages – you’ll need little convincing as to the allure of an Irish road trip.

In the Ancient East, explore a living, breathing museum spanning some 5000 years. Even the most astute of history buffs will be in left in awe at sites such as the sixth-century monastic site of Glendalough; the medieval town of Carlingford which has traces of Viking and Norman history; and the Rock of Cashel, a collection of remarkably preserved medieval buildings perched on a rocky limestone outcrop.

Driving the sparsely populated Northern Headlands region is another option. Some of Europe’s highest sea cliffs call this place home, rising out of the foaming waters below, neighboured by lonely light houses, and frequented by the appearance of the Northern Lights.

Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route is known as one of the world’s greatest road journeys. Following the north-eastern coast between the cities of Belfast and Derry-Londonderry, this region is famous for the UNESCO World Heritage listed Giant’s Causeway, a natural wonder consisting of 40,000 basalt columns resembling stone steps, with a compelling legend to go with it. The route, which is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace with plenty of stops along the way, is dotted with plenty of important historical sites, and other natural bounties.

Journey on wild Irish roads

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