Top 15 Best Road Trips in The World
A road trip is a journey made by car or other vehicle, typically for leisure or vacation purposes. It involves traveling along roads to different destinations and experiencing new places, cultures, and landscapes. Road trips can be planned or spontaneous, and are often seen as an opportunity to relax and have fun while exploring new areas.
The United States boasts a diverse landscape and has a vast road network that makes it an ideal place for road trips. Some of the most popular road trip destinations in the United States include Route 66, the Pacific Coast Highway, Florida's Overseas Highway, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
These roads offer breathtaking views of mountains, forests, deserts, and coastline, making for an unforgettable road trip experience.
Fascinating Aspects of Road Trips
1. Flexibility - Road trips allow for a great deal of flexibility and spontaneous stops, detours and adventure.
2. Scenic Routes - Road trips offer the opportunity to see beautiful and picturesque landscapes, scenic routes and natural wonders.
3. Quality Time - Road trips provide an opportunity for quality time with friends, family and loved ones, away from the distractions of daily life.
4. Budget-Friendly - Road trips can be a budget-friendly option compared to air travel, especially for shorter distances.
5. Personalized Experience - Road trips allow for a highly personalized experience, tailoring the journey to one's interests, taste and pace.
6. Food and Local Culture - Road trips provide the opportunity to sample local cuisine and explore different cultures, traditions and ways of life.
7. Self-Discovery - Road trips can also be a time for introspection, self-discovery, and personal growth.
8. Unforgettable Memories - Road trips often result in creating unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the journey and destination.
Top 15 best road trips in the world
1. Pacific Coast Highway, California, USA
2. The Garden Route, South Africa
3. Route 66, United States
4. The Great Ocean Road, Australia
5. The Amalfi Coast, Italy
6. Scotland's North Coast 500
7. The Ring Road, Iceland
8. The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
9. The Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina, USA
10. The Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
11. The Norwegian Scenic Routes, Norway
12. The San Juan Skyway, Colorado, USA
13. The romantic road, Germany
14. The Tasmanian Adventure, Tasmania, Australia
15. The Trans-Labrador Highway, Canada
1. Pacific Coast Highway, California, USA
The Pacific Coast Highway in California, USA is a famous and scenic road trip destination, stretching along the California coastline from Monterey to San Diego. It offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, picturesque seaside towns, rugged cliffs, and rolling hills.
The drive takes you through Big Sur, one of the most scenic areas in California, with its rugged coastline and breathtaking views.
The Pacific Coast Highway is a popular destination for travelers looking for an outdoor adventure, and there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, surfing, and camping along the way.
2. The Garden Route, South Africa
The Garden Route in South Africa is a scenic road trip that stretches along the southern coast of the country from Mossel Bay to Storms River. This route takes you through some of South Africa's most beautiful landscapes, including rolling hills, lagoons, forests, and coastline.
Along the way, you can stop at small towns, beaches, and nature reserves to explore the local flora and fauna, including whales, dolphins, and the famous Knysna elephants.
Some popular attractions on the Garden Route include the Knysna Heads, the Tsitsikamma National Park, and the picturesque town of Plettenberg Bay. Whether you're an adventure-seeker or just looking for a scenic drive, the Garden Route is sure to impress.
3. Route 66, United States
Route 66, also known as the "Main Street of America," is a historic highway in the United States that stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica, California.
It was one of the original highways in the US highway system and was once a major thoroughfare for travelers moving west during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. Today, Route 66 is a popular road trip destination for those seeking a glimpse into America's past.
The route takes you through small towns, forests, deserts, and mountains, and passes by iconic landmarks such as the Gateway Arch in St. Louis and the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo.
The route is also famous for its vintage diners, motels, and gas stations, which offer a unique insight into America's road-trip history.
4. The Great Ocean Road, Australia
The Great Ocean Road in Australia is a picturesque coastal drive that stretches along the southeastern coast of the country from Torquay to Warrnambool. This route takes you through some of Australia's most stunning landscapes, including rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and lush forests.
Along the way, you can stop at famous attractions such as the Twelve Apostles, a series of towering limestone stacks that rise from the ocean, and the lush rainforests of the Otway National Park.
The Great Ocean Road is also a popular destination for outdoor activities such as surfing, hiking, and whale watching. Whether you're looking for a scenic drive or an adventure-filled trip, the Great Ocean Road is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
5. The Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Amalfi Coast is a popular road trip destination in Italy, known for its stunning coastline, picturesque villages, and scenic drives. Some must-see stops along the way include the towns of Amalfi, Positano, Ravello, and Sorrento, as well as the island of Capri.
The drive along the coast offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the rugged cliffs, and is considered one of the most scenic drives in the world.
To fully enjoy the experience, it's recommended to rent a car and take your time, stopping to explore the villages, relax on the beaches, and sample the local cuisine.
6. Scotland's North Coast 500
The North Coast 500 is a 500-mile scenic road trip route along Scotland's northern coast, starting and ending in Inverness. The journey takes you through some of Scotland's most stunning landscapes, including the rugged Highlands, picturesque coastal villages, and dramatic cliff-lined coastlines.
Some must-see stops along the way include the medieval castle of Dunrobin, the seaside town of Dornoch, the whisky distilleries of the Highlands, the beaches of Torridon, and the fishing village of Ullapool.
The route also passes through some of Scotland's most iconic scenery, including the famous Loch Ness, the dramatic mountains of Assynt, and the rugged beauty of the Wester Ross.
A road trip along the North Coast 500 is an unforgettable experience that allows you to explore the wild beauty of Scotland at your own pace.
7. The Ring Road, Iceland
The Ring Road, also known as Route 1, is a scenic road trip that takes you around the perimeter of Iceland, covering a distance of approximately 832 miles.
The journey offers breathtaking views of the island's diverse landscapes, including glaciers, hot springs, waterfalls, geysers, and black sand beaches.
Some must-see stops along the way include the capital city of Reykjavik, the stunning Golden Circle, the Vatnajokull glacier, the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, and the rugged beauty of the Eastfjords.
The Ring Road is a popular destination for self-drive tours and is best experienced by rental car, allowing you to explore the country's natural wonders at your own pace.
It's recommended to plan your trip carefully, taking into account the unpredictable weather conditions, road conditions, and the limited services available in remote areas.
8. The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
The Wild Atlantic Way is a scenic road trip route along Ireland's west coast, stretching over 1,550 miles from County Donegal in the north to County Cork in the south. The journey takes you through some of Ireland's most stunning landscapes, including rugged cliffs, rolling hills, sandy beaches, and quaint villages.
Some must-see stops along the way include the Cliffs of Moher, the Dingle Peninsula, the Ring of Kerry, the Burren National Park, and the city of Galway.
The Wild Atlantic Way is a popular destination for self-drive tours and offers the opportunity to experience the natural beauty and rich culture of Ireland at your own pace. With its dramatic landscapes, historical sites, and charming villages, a road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way is an unforgettable experience.
9. The Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina, US
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic road trip that runs for 469 miles through the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina in the United States. The journey offers breathtaking views of the rolling hills, forests, and vibrant fall foliage of the Appalachian Mountains, as well as opportunities to explore the rich history and culture of the region.
Some must-see stops along the way include the town of Asheville, NC, the Mabry Mill, the Peaks of Otter, and the Rock Castle Gorge. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a popular destination for road trips and is best experienced by car, allowing you to stop and explore the many scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and cultural attractions along the way.
With its stunning natural beauty and rich history, a road trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway is an unforgettable experience.
10. The Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
The Dalmatian Coast is a scenic road trip destination along the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, known for its stunning coastline, historic towns, and clear waters.
The journey takes you through a region steeped in history and culture, with ancient ruins, medieval fortresses, and charming fishing villages set against a backdrop of the sparkling Adriatic.
Some must-see stops along the way include the historic city of Split, the island of Hvar, the coastal town of Dubrovnik, and the charming villages of the Makarska Riviera.
The Dalmatian Coast is best experienced by car, allowing you to fully explore the region at your own pace and stop to enjoy the many beaches, scenic views, and local cuisine along the way.
With its combination of stunning scenery, rich history, and vibrant culture, a road trip along the Dalmatian Coast is an unforgettable experience.
11. The Norwegian Scenic Routes, Norway
The Norwegian Scenic Routes are a network of 18 designated road trips in Norway, each offering breathtaking views of the country's stunning landscapes and natural wonders.
These scenic drives take you through some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in Norway, including fjords, mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls.
Some must-see routes include the Atlantic Ocean Road, the Rondane National Park, the Geiranger-Trollstigen, and the Sognefjellet Mountain Road.
The Norwegian Scenic Routes are best experienced by car, allowing you to stop and explore the many scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and cultural attractions along the way. With its dramatic landscapes and rich natural beauty, a road trip along one of Norway's Scenic Routes is an unforgettable experience.
12. The San Juan Skyway, Colorado, USA
The San Juan Skyway is a 236-mile scenic drive through the heart of southwestern Colorado's San Juan Mountains. It passes through the towns of Durango, Telluride, Ouray, Silverton, and Cortez, and offers stunning views of mountain peaks, forests, valleys, and historic mining towns.
The road trip can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on how many stops you make along the way to hike, sightsee, or explore.
Some popular attractions along the route include the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and the Ouray Ice Park.
13. The romantic road, Germany
The Romantic Road is a scenic route in southern Germany, stretching approximately 350 kilometers (217 miles) from Würzburg to Füssen. The road winds through picturesque towns and villages, rolling hills, and the stunning landscapes of the Bavarian Alps.
Along the way, visitors can see medieval castles, fortresses, and churches, and stop at charming villages to sample local food and drink.
Some popular sights to see on the Romantic Road include the Würzburg Residence, the medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and Neuschwanstein Castle, which served as the inspiration for the fairy tale castle in the Disney movie "Sleeping Beauty."
The Romantic Road can be explored by car, bus, or bike, and typically takes 3-7 days to complete, depending on how many stops you make.
14. The Tasmanian Adventure, Tasmania, Australia
The Tasmanian Adventure is a road trip through the Australian island state of Tasmania, offering scenic drives, breathtaking landscapes, and unique wildlife experiences.
The trip can start and end in Hobart, the capital city, and takes in the best of Tasmania's rugged west coast, the beautiful Bay of Fires on the east coast, and the stunning landscapes of the central highlands.
Some of the must-see attractions on the Tasmanian Adventure include the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, the Freycinet National Park, and the Tasman Peninsula National Park.
Along the way, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and wildlife watching, as well as sample local food and wine. The Tasmanian Adventure typically takes 7-10 days to complete, depending on the route and how many stops you make.
15. The Trans-Labrador Highway, Canada
The Trans-Labrador Highway is a remote and rugged road trip through the wilderness of Labrador, a region in northeastern Canada. The highway spans approximately 1,100 kilometers (683 miles) from Happy Valley-Goose Bay to Labrador City, and takes visitors through some of the most remote and untamed landscapes in North America.
Along the way, visitors can see pristine wilderness, glistening lakes, and rolling hills, and encounter unique wildlife such as caribou, moose, and black bears.
Some popular attractions along the route include the Churchill Falls, Battle Harbour, and the Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve. The Trans-Labrador Highway is a challenging road trip and is best suited for experienced drivers, as the road can be rough and narrow in places. The trip typically takes 4-7 days to complete, depending on the speed of travel and the number of stops you make.