Amazing Road Trips to Take Around the World
There’s something timeless about hitting the open road — the freedom to explore at your own pace, the landscapes unfolding mile after mile, and the discoveries made along the way. Across the globe, certain routes have earned legendary status for their beauty, culture, and sense of adventure. From coastal highways to mountain passes, here are some of the most amazing road trips to take around the world.
1. Pacific Coast Highway – California, USA
Stretching along California’s rugged coastline, the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) is one of the most iconic road trips in the world. With stops in Big Sur, Monterey, and Malibu, travelers enjoy ocean cliffs, charming seaside towns, and endless sunsets over the Pacific.
2. Great Ocean Road – Australia
The Great Ocean Road is a 243-kilometer route that winds along Australia’s southern coast. Highlights include the Twelve Apostles, limestone sea stacks rising dramatically from the ocean, as well as surfing towns, lush rainforests, and abundant wildlife.
3. Ring Road – Iceland
Encircling the island, Iceland’s Ring Road takes travelers through volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, and black-sand beaches. With natural wonders like Skógafoss, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and the Northern Lights in winter, it’s a road trip full of otherworldly beauty.
4. Garden Route – South Africa
The Garden Route stretches between Mossel Bay and Storms River, offering a blend of beaches, forests, and mountains. Known for its scenic towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, as well as national parks filled with wildlife, it’s a road trip that combines adventure with natural charm.
5. Amalfi Coast Drive – Italy
Few drives are as glamorous as the Amalfi Coast. Narrow roads hug cliffs above the Mediterranean, passing through pastel-colored villages like Positano and Ravello. Each curve reveals breathtaking sea views, making it one of Europe’s most romantic drives.
6. Route 66 – USA
Known as the “Main Street of America,” Route 66 is an American classic. Running from Chicago to Santa Monica, it passes through deserts, small towns, and nostalgic roadside attractions. For travelers seeking Americana and retro charm, Route 66 is unmatched.
7. North Coast 500 – Scotland
Scotland’s North Coast 500 is a loop around the Highlands, showcasing rugged coastlines, castles, lochs, and whisky distilleries. With dramatic landscapes and charming villages, it’s a road trip that combines history with natural splendor.
8. Ruta 40 – Argentina
Running parallel to the Andes, Ruta 40 stretches over 5,000 kilometers, making it one of the longest roads in the world. Travelers encounter glaciers, deserts, salt flats, and vineyards — a journey that reveals the vast diversity of Argentina’s landscapes.
9. Cabot Trail – Canada
On Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, the Cabot Trail is a stunning drive through the Cape Breton Highlands. With ocean views, hiking trails, and Celtic culture, it’s one of Canada’s most scenic routes, particularly beautiful in autumn when the leaves turn fiery red and gold.
10. Alpine Road – Germany
Germany’s Deutsche Alpenstraße (Alpine Road) winds through the Bavarian Alps, offering views of mountains, lakes, and fairy-tale castles like Neuschwanstein. Charming villages and traditional inns make this route as cultural as it is scenic.
✨ Why Road Trips Capture the Spirit of Travel
Road trips embody freedom. They let you pause for unexpected moments, linger at hidden gems, and truly feel the landscapes you traverse. Whether cruising the Amalfi Coast in a convertible or exploring Iceland’s volcanic terrain, these journeys remind us that sometimes the road itself is the destination.
