Ah, road trips – there’s nothing quite like ’em. Stunning scenery, the open road, and a cracking playlist – surely the perfect recipe for a good time. But where to start? Of course every country has its own charm, but some definitely stand out more than others as particularly enjoyable to traverse via car. I’ve pulled together some of the best places in the world to take to the roads.
Great Ocean Road, Australia
Hailed as one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, the Great Ocean Road is a three-day tour starting in Melbourne and ending in the historic fishing village of Port Fairy. Make your way through the country’s beautiful natural scenery, under treetop canopies and along crashing coastlines. Soak in the bright Aussie sunshine and get a snap of the iconic twelve apostle limestone stacks along the way.
Route 66, USA
Perhaps the most iconic road trip of all time, Route 66 spans almost the entire length of the United States, starting in Chicago and ending in Santa Monica. Steeped in history, this trip will take you through Missouri, Oklohoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. It’s got the lot, from big cities to wide open landscapes. If you’re looking for a classic adventure, Route 66 is the trip for you.
The Ring Road, Iceland
The Iceland Ring Road, or Route 1, runs 828 miles around the whole country. It’s the perfect road trip route because it passes close to the majority of Iceland’s main attractions – from the blue lagoon to Reykjavik, to black sand beaches, to crashing waterfalls. The country is home to some of the world’s most stunning natural beauty and route 1 is the perfect way to wind through these vast landscapes.
Pacific Coast Highway, USA
Driving the 656 mile road along the Californian coastline is somewhat of a dream. Seeing the sunshine sparkling on the stretch of ocean beside you is truly magical and there’s plenty to see along the way. From the Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco to the beautiful beaches of Malibu to the star-studded streets of Los Angeles – you can tick some seriously big bucket list items off during this trip!
West Coast & Milford Sound, New Zealand
New Zealand has to be one of the best places in the world for road tripping, due purely to its outstanding natural beauty. A trip along the West Coast to Milford Sound is the perfect place to see some of the best the country has to offer. Make sure to stop off at the Franz Josef Glacier along the way, the steepest and fastest-flowing glacier in the world, and visit the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown, where you can go bungee jumping, jet boating, or white water rafting. Round your trip off at one of the most visually stunning spots you’ll ever see – Milford sound.
The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
The Wild Atlantic Way encompasses some of the best Ireland has to offer. Visit charming old villages, marvel at ancient castles, and wonder at the Cliffs of Moher. It’s 1553 miles, chock-full of beautiful scenery, making it the perfect place to tune out from the noise and lose yourself.
The Deep South, USA
The American Deep South is a place like no other, filled with rich history, culture, and amazing food. Discover the country music scene in Nashville, creole cuisine in New Orleans, and the picturesque streets of Savannah. If you’re looking for a trip that’s jam-packed with cities and culture, the deep south is for you.
Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse, Austria
Named after the Grossglockner, Austria’s highest mountain, the Hochalpenstrasse is the highest surfaced mountain pass road in Austria. This means the road loops through the alpine mountains, offering truly awe-inspiring views. It’s only 30 miles long, so perfect if you want to incorporate a shorter road trip into the rest of your visit to the country.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Italian coastline has quickly become a favourite for road trippers. The trip promises stunning sea views, quaint Italian towns and, of course, the most delicious food in the world. The route is almost cinematic in its beauty and combines plenty of historical & cultural sites with numerous relaxing beach opportunities. Beware that this route is highly popular in tourist season, making it a little less fun to drive. It might be worth visiting in the shoulder season to truly appreciate its beauty!
The Romantic Road, Germany
Fall in love with the fairytale towns of Bavaria whilst driving the Romantic Road. Here you’ll find 285 miles of fresh green landscapes, turreted castles and colourful medieval villages. Bavaria looks like a postcard come to life and the best way to fully enjoy it is by car. Get to know all of the beautiful small towns and escape into the lush landscapes that you’d never uncover otherwise.
