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The 10 best road trips in the world

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.

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.

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The 30 Best Country Road Trip Songs, Ranked

Choosing the right playlist is essential to a successful road trip, but fortunately, you can't really go wrong with country music.

This genre offers tons of options, whether you're driving through the West Virginia mountains or down Texas back roads. Whether it's a carefree adventure or you've got something on your mind, country music has the perfect song for you.

In this list, Taste of Country has compiled the perfect soundtrack for any trip. Here, you'll find windows-down, uptempo tracks by the likes of Keith Urban , who's perfect the art of the carefree road anthem. You'll also find ballads from Tim McGraw and Julie Roberts, who know that going on a long trip often means leaving something — or someone — behind.

If mainstream country's your jam, you can't do better than these hit submissions from Florida Georgia Line and Sam Hunt . But sometimes, the open road calls for something a little rootsier — so don't forget to add these janglers from Dierks Bentley , Robert Earl Keen , Eddie Rabbitt and Roger Miller, too.

As for the No. 1 country road trip song of all time? Well, as far as we're considered, there's only one right answer. Scroll down this list to see if you agree with our top pick.

30 Best Country Road Trip Songs, Ranked

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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.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

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:

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

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

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

10 Best Cross-Country Road Trip Routes in the US

The open road, blue skies, fresh air: a cross-country road trip may just be what you need to go somewhere new, spend some time by yourself or with your loved ones, and gain some perspective.

The great American road trip became popular in the 1950s, when there was a rapid increase in the number of families owning cars post-World War II.

With the recent changes in travel and diminished financial capacity, people are looking for different ways to explore new places. It definitely looks like driving cross-country will see a revival.

In this article, you’ll learn about the best routes to travel as well as tips and resources on how to plan a cross-country road trip that you (and your loved ones) will remember for years to come.

The 10 Best Cross-Country Road Trip Routes

These 5 routes are by no means the only ways to go on a cross-country road trip, but these are certainly popular and scenic.

The first three routes are coast-to-coast road trips, while the last two run north to south along the west and east coasts, respectively.

1. America’s Mother Road: Historic Route 66

Who Should Take This Route: Those who long for the nostalgia and romance of small-town America

Don’t mess with a classic.

Route 66 is the legendary cross-country road trip destination for tourists, not only Americans but also foreigners. The Pixar animated movie Cars is greatly responsible for sparking renewed interest in driving this road.

In the 1930s, it was the route of choice for workers who wanted to try their luck in the west, and later in the 1950s and 1960s, for vacationing families to go to the Grand Canyon and Disneyland.

As the road became more popular, tourist traps, motels, diners, gas stations, car repair shops, and other roadside attractions sprang up, earning Route 66 the moniker “Main Street of America.”

Sadly, it was decommissioned in 1985 as motorists favored using I-40; it can get them from one point to another much quicker.

Even though it’s officially decommissioned, more than 80% of the original route can still be driven today thanks to road maps and websites dedicated to reviving the route as well as the small towns and businesses along the road.

The “normal” direction to take this road trip is from east to west, but eastward is good if you want to go coast to coast.

That is, if you start from California and want to continue your trip to the east from Illinois all the way to Massachusetts, you can turn on US-20 from where Route 66 ends on Joliet Road in Countryside, Illinois (more details on US-20 below).

States (West to East)

Notable attractions/stops by state.

• Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica
• Pete’s Rt 66 Gas Station Museum, Williams
• Petrified Forest National Park
• Route 66 Monument, Tucumcari
• Blue Swallow Motel, Tucumcari

• Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo
• Pops 66, Arcadia
• Rock Café, Stroud
• Route 66 State Park, Eureka
• Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, St. Louis
• World’s Largest Covered Wagon, Lincoln, Illinois
• The Start of Route 66, E Adams St., Chicago, Illinois

Miles Covered

2,278 miles (3,665 km) long; recommend setting aside at least 12 to 14 days for 3 to 5 hours of driving a day

Best Time To Travel

Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are the best times to drive this route, when the temperatures are just right and there are fewer cars on the road.

More Information

We’ve previously written about other Route 66 attractions in detail.

2. The Oregon Trail: US-20 Route

Who Should Take This Route: History buffs who love long drives and diverse sights

Historic Route 66 may be the more popular road, but US Route 20 is actually the longest road in the US, earning it the nickname “Big Daddy.”

Not only is it the longest, but US-20 also offers the most contrasting sights and sounds. From mountains, lakes, rivers, and beaches, to “frozen in time” small towns and the most modern urban cities.

Again, east to west is the popular way to go on this road trip, but starting from the west gives you a chance to go parallel to the path formed by the Oregon National Historic Trail , which was followed by pioneer families on wagons from Missouri to Oregon.

• Montana (less than 10 miles)
• Pennsylvania
• Massachusetts

Notable Attractions/Stops

• South Beach State Park
• Willamette Valley
• Cascade Mountains
• Oregon High Desert
• Craters of the Moon National Monument
• Yellowstone National Park

• Carhenge, Alliance
• Field of Dreams Movie Site, Dyersville
• Indiana Dunes National Park
• Cedar Point Amusement Park, Sandusky
• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Cleveland
• Presque Isle State Park, Erie
• Finger Lakes Region
• Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Park, Canandaigua
• The Tepee, Cherry Valley
• Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge
• Kenmore Square, Boston

3,365 miles (5,415 km); recommend setting aside at least 15 to 21 days for 3 to 5 hours of driving a day

Summer (June to August) is the best time to travel this road, notwithstanding the weather and crowds. Most places are closed during the winter, as this trail lies mostly in northern states, and spring and fall mean unpredictable weather.

3. The Loneliest Road: US-50 Route

Who Should Take This Route: Those who love solitude

If you look forward to driving alone with nothing but nature around you, you will love driving US Route 50.

The “loneliest road in America” moniker applies to the section of US-50 that goes through Nevada from Ely to Carson City; there’s little more than mountains, skies, and endless desert to see on this 300-mile stretch of road.

Eventually, the entire US-50 became popular enough that Time Magazine featured it in the mid-90s, calling it the Backbone of America, as history, success, failure, and revival are all documented along this long and often winding road.

Portions of the US-50 route overlap with such historic trails as the Santa Fe Historic Trail as well as the Pony Express National Historic Trail.

Along the way, you’ll see towns that have flourished into cities, cities that have collapsed into ruins, and small towns that have bounced back from near-death.

The western end of US-50 lies in Sacramento, California, but if you want to make this a true blue coast-to-coast drive, drive another 100 miles to San Francisco via I-80.

States (East to West)

West Virginia

• Washington, D.C.
• Sky Meadows State Park, Delaplane
• Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, Winchester
• Capon Bridge
• Tygart Lake State Park
• Chillicothe
• Daviess County Amish Country
• George Rogers Clark National Historic Park, Vincennes
• Carlyle Lake, Carlyle Township
• Gateway Arch, St. Louis
• Lake of the Ozarks
• Whiteman Air Force Base
• Old Drum, Johnson County Courthouse, Warrensburg

• Guy & Mae’s Tavern, Williamsburg
• Midway Sign, Kinsley
• Santa Fe National Historic Trail
• Great Plains
• Madonna of the Trail Monument, Lamar
• The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, Cañon City
• Gunnison National Forest
• Colorado National Monument, Grand Junction
• Arches National Park
• Canyonlands National Park, Utah
• Notch Peak, Utah

• Great Basin National Park
• Pony Express Territory
• Spooner Lake–Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, Carson City

3,073 miles (4,946 km); recommend setting aside at least 14 to 17 days for 3 to 5 hours of driving a day

Late spring (May to June) and autumn (September to October) are the best times to drive this route.

Keep in mind that you’re passing through some contrasting landscapes: mountains, deserts, lakes, and seas. Winter will be too cold and the roads may be too slippery for you to drive safely, while summer will be too hot when passing through the desert.

4. The Pacific Coast: US-101 Route to California State Route 1

Who Should Take This Route: Beach bums who like sunny weather, salty air, and breathtaking ocean sunsets

Taking a cross-country road trip along the Pacific Coast is one of the most scenic drives you’ll ever take.

Called Highway 101 in Washington and Oregon, and Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), California State Route 1 (SR1), or Highway 1 in California, this road takes you right beside the Pacific Ocean and the western border of the contiguous United States.

The I-5 eventually replaced the old US-101 as it passes more major cities and has less dangerous curves to navigate, but for natural beauty and ambiance, you can’t beat the US-101.

US-101 meets up with US-20 in Oregon, so if you want to go north from California to Oregon and then eastward from Oregon to Massachusetts, you can have a west coast road trip and then a coast-to-coast one.

States (North to South)

• Olympic National Park
• Lake Crescent, Clallam County
• Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, Ilwaco
• Astoria–Megler Bridge, Washington to Oregon

• Cannon Beach
• Cape Kiwanda, Pacific City
• Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area, Otter Rock
• Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Newport
• Newport (intersection with US-20)
• Seal Rock State Recreation Site, Seal Rock

• Thor’s Well, Yachats
• Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Reedsport
• Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
• Redwood National and State Parks
• Avenue of the Giants, Humboldt County
• Leggett (US-101 merges with Highway 1)
• Glass Beach, Fort Bragg
• Point Arena Lighthouse, Mendocino
• Bodega Bay, Sonoma,
• Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County
• Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
• San Francisco (Start of Highway 1/PCH)
• Half Moon Bay
• Pigeon Point Lighthouse, Pescadero
• Carmel-By-The-Sea
• Pismo Beach
• Santa Barbara
• Malibu Beach, Malibu
• Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica (Where Historic Route 66 begins)
• Los Angeles

1,550 miles (2,500 km); recommend setting aside 7 to 10 days for 3 to 5 hours of driving a day

Any time of year gives you great driving weather on this road, though if you want to avoid crowds, you might want to avoid driving in July and August.

We’ve previously described a detailed itinerary for the California portion of this road trip.

5. The Atlantic Coast: I-95 Route

Who Should Take This Route: Tourists who appreciate all types of scenery, from New England’s historic architecture to Florida’s tropical charm

The west coast is gorgeous, but don’t write out the east coast just yet.

Interstate 95 is the longest north-to-south interstate highway that runs parallel to the Atlantic Ocean.

Driving a cross-country road trip along the I-95 takes you from historic towns to glamorous cities, from wetlands to forests to beaches.

• New Hampshire
• Rhode Island
• Connecticut
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Maine: Houlton and Old Orchard Beach
• New Hampshire: Portsmouth
• Massachusetts: Middlesex Fells Reservation
• Rhode Island: Pawtucket or Providence
• Connecticut: Mystic, New Haven or Groton

• New York:  The Bronx, Manhattan, and George Washington Bridge
• New Jersey:  Newark, Elizabeth and New Brunswick
• Pennsylvania:  Philadelphia

• Delaware:  Wilmington
• Maryland:  Baltimore, and Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge, Fort Washington
• Virginia:  Occoquan Historic District, Fredericksburg or Richmond
• North Carolina:  Roanoke Rapids, Wilson and Fayetteville
• South Carolina:  South of the Border in Dillon, Florence, and Santee State Park in Santee
• Georgia:  Savannah , Brunswick, or Kingsland

• Florida Georgia State Line, Yulee
• Jacksonville, Florida
• Fuller Warren Bridge, Jacksonville
• Castillo de San Marco National Monument, St. Augustine
• Beaches: Daytona Beach, Vero Beach, West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach,  Miami , or Dixie Highway in Miami

Worthwhile Detours

These detours will take you away from I-95, and you’ll have to add a few days more to your road trip if you want to explore these attractions.

• Mansions in Newport, Rhode Island
• Central Park, New York
• North Carolina Beaches
• South Carolina Beach Towns
• Georgia Beaches
• Florida Keys

1,920 miles (3,090 km); recommend setting aside 8 to 12 days for 3 to 5 hours of driving a day

Beaches are best appreciated in the summer, but any weather is good for taking a road trip through I-95. Winter may mean snowfall in the northern states on this route, while spring and fall give you mild weather and less crowded beaches.

6. TransAmerica Trail

An east-to-west, off-road adventure trail, which lets you take in the scenic beauty of the East Coast to the West Coast while taking you off major highways to discover hidden attractions.

Who Should Take This Route: If you’re a history buff, this road trip takes you to the path pioneers and early settlers followed.

Here are some interesting stops along the TransAmerica Trail:

• Virginia/North Carolina : Pass by Blue Ridge Parkway – one of the most scenic roads in the country with breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains.
• Kentucky : Stop by Berea, the heart of Appalachia, for cool arts and crafts mementos. If you have a day or two for this stop, you can explore the world’s longest cave system in Mammoth Cave National Park.
• Missouri : Visit the Gateway Arch and explore St. Louis’ rich history.
• Oklahoma : See American bison at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge and explore the rugged landscapes of the southern Great Plains.
• New Mexico : Discover the art and culture of the historic Taos nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
• Colorado : Be in awe of the tallest dunes in North America at Great Sand Dunes National Park, then visit the charming Telluride mountain town for a laidback stop.
• Oregon : Once you reach the Pacific Coast, you can explore the stunning coastline and visit towns like Astoria, Cannon Beach, and Newport.

7. The Great Northern Road: US-2 Route

The Great Northern Road follows the US-2 Route. It stretches from the northernmost border with Canada to the Pacific Ocean on the West Coast.

Who Should Take This Route: A coast-to-coast road trip through the northern states, which is perfect to embark in during the summer or for people who love visiting charming small towns.

The Great Northern Road offers numerous opportunities to visit rugged parks like the Acadia in Maine or White Mountains in New Hampshire, the lakeside cities of Vermont, and the always-amazing Niagara Falls.

There are also cultural spots in Missoula (Montana), Spokane (Washington), and Michigan’s Mackinac Island.

I recommend you end your Great Northern Road trip at Seattle.

Other Cross-Country Road Trip Routes

I did say there are infinite possibilities depending on where you want to start, where you want to end, what you want to see, and how much time you have.

Here are other cross-country road trip routes you can explore.

8. Southern Pacific: US-80

• Who Should Take This Route:  Another coast-to-coast road trip through the southern states; great to take in the winter

9. Big Muddy: The Great River Road

• Who Should Take This Route: Drive alongside the Mississippi River and explore the 10 states that border it. I wrote about this road trip more extensively on this post .

10. The Road to Nowhere: US-83

• Who Should Take This Route: North to south road trip right through America’s heartland

Tips For Planning A Cross-Country Road Trip

Driving across the country is great fun, but there are plenty of things and factors to consider when planning. Here are some of them so you can arrange a road trip with no hassle.

Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy. Have everything checked: fluid levels, brakes, tires, lights, drive belts, etc.

Also, make sure you have jumper cables, spare tires, a tire jack, and everything else you need in case of car trouble.

Have a plan, but don’t have a plan. Sounds confusing, but the point is to have a general plan for how many days you want to take, what to do per day (sights and places you can’t miss versus those who want to see but can skip), how many hours you’ll drive, and where you’ll stay per night.

Beyond that, booking hotels and making restaurant reservations way in advance may not be a good idea. You’ll want to have some flexibility in your schedule to make room for emergencies and side trips and detours.

Sign up for emergency roadside services. If you’re not already a member of AAA or any other reputable roadside assistance service, join one before your road trip.

Prepare for areas that don’t have mobile service. Camping in the middle of nowhere? Chances are you won’t have a cellphone signal. If your plan is heavily dependent on having an internet connection, you’re asking for trouble.

Download your maps on your smartphone beforehand or use paper road maps. Take a GPS navigation tool that’s not dependent on a mobile signal.

Have a packing list.

Here are travel essentials you’ll need on your cross-country road trip (or any road trip, for that matter):

• Driver’s license
• Vehicle registration
• Insurance card
• Emergency car kit
• Gasoline container
• GPS navigation tool
• Cell phone signal booster
• Powerbank and car chargers
• Flashlight/lantern
• Playlist (music/audiobook)
• In-car games and activities
• Hiking shoes
• All-weather set of clothes
• Electronic toll pass or change to pay toll fees
• Tent (if camping)
• Cooler (with plenty of water)
• Sunshades for windshield and windows
• Vitamins and medication
• Pillow and blanket
• First aid kit

Take your time.

Giving yourself an allowance would also allow you to take side trips to charming small towns, cool landmarks, hidden gems, and one-of-a-kind restaurants.

The less rushed you are, the richer your adventure will be.

Must-Use Cross-Country Road Trip Tools and Apps

You’ll get by with a little help from these tools, sites, and apps to plan your road trip.

Road planners

• Roadtrippers
• MyScenicDrives

Navigation and checking traffic

• Google Maps

Find places to eat

Find places to rest or sleep.

• Recreation.gov
• Free Campsites

Go On A Cross-Country Road Trip Soon!

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with family, the memories made on an epic cross-country trip are ones that last a lifetime.

You’ll get to see the magnificent natural beauty of these United States, meet strangers that enrich your lives, visit amazing places you never thought existed, and understand your country better.

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The Best Road Trips in the World

"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

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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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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5 million people can't be wrong

Are you ready for a Road Trip? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.!

Pacific Coast

Border to Border

The Road to Nowhere

The Great River Road

Appalachian Trail

Atlantic Coast

The Great Northern

The Oregon Trail

The Loneliest Road

Southern Pacific

Classic American Road Trips

Pacific Coast Highway

Starting at the northwest tip of the United States at Washington’s Olympic National Park and remaining within sight of the ocean all the way south to sunny San Diego, this 1,650-mile, mostly two-lane road trip takes in everything from temperate rainforest to near-desert.

Highlights along the Pacific Coast Route: Olympic National Park (WA), Three Capes Loop (OR), Redwood National Park (CA)

Historic Route 66

The romance of traveling along historic Route 66 from where it starts in Chicago and ends in Los Angeles continues to captivate people around the world. If you’re looking for great displays of neon signs, rusty middle-of-nowhere truck stops, or kitschy Americana, do as the song says and “get your kicks on Route 66.”

Highlights along Route 66: Chicago (IL), Meramec Caverns (MO), Tucumcari (NM), Painted Desert (AZ), Santa Monica (CA)

• Barnes & Noble
• Books-A-Million
• Indigo (Canada)
• Powell's Books
• Apple Books

Running coast-to-coast from San Francisco to Ocean City, Maryland, “The Loneliest Road in America” is a 3,200-mile odyssey from sea to shining sea. US-50 passes through a dozen different states, four state capitals, and the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.

Highlights along the Loneliest Road: South Lake Tahoe (CA), Moab (UT), The Million Dollar Highway (CO), Washington D.C.

Following in the footsteps of pilgrims and pioneers, US‑20 takes in a little of everything during its two-lane trek from Oregon’s rugged coast to the glorious sea and sand of Cape Cod.

Highlights along the Oregon Trail: Cannon Beach (OR), Fort Boise (ID), Yellowstone National Park (WY), Mt Rushmore & Carhenge (NE)

Dubbed the Great Northern in memory of the pioneer railroad that parallels the western half of the route, US‑2 is truly the most stunning and unforgettable, not to mention longest, of all the great transcontinental road trips.

Highlights along the Great Northern: Tumwater Canyon (WA), Glacier National Park (MT), Lake Michigan (MI), Acadia National Park (ME)

The Appalachian Trail

This driving route of the Appalachian Trail parallels the epic hike. From the top of New England to the heart of Dixie, it takes you through continuous natural beauty—without the sweat, bugs, or blisters.

Highlights along the Appalachian Trail: Mt. Washington (NH), The Poconos (PA), Shenandoah National Park (VA), Great Smoky Mountains National Park (NC)

Old Man River, Father of Waters, “body of a nation,” Big Muddy: By any name, the mighty Mississippi River cuts a mythic figure across the American landscape. Tag along from its headwaters in Minnesota to where it meets the sea in Louisiana via the GRR.

Highlights along the Great River Road: Main Street USA (WI), St. Louis (MO), Natchez Trace Parkway (MS), New Orleans (LA)

Starting at the Statue of Liberty and ending with a drive across the Overseas Highway to free-wheeling Key West, these almost 2,000 miles of roadway run within earshot—if not sight—of the Atlantic Ocean.

Highlights along the Atlantic Coast: The Statue of Liberty (NJ), Assateague Island National Seashore (MD), Savannah (GA), Cocoa Beach (FL)

Starting at Canada’s Jasper National Park, and winding down in the Sonora Desert, this route traverses some of the wildest and most rugged lands imaginable: mighty mountains, glaciated valleys, raging rivers, and two very different deserts.

Highlights along the Border to Border Route: Columbia Icefield (AB), Bitterroot Mountains (MT), The Extraterrestrial Highway (NV), Joshua Forest Parkway (AZ)

Once the only entirely paved route from Canada to “Old Mexico,” US‑83 cuts across America’s heartland and remains a must-do long-distance byway—transnavigating this broad, odd nation without once grazing a conventional tourist destination.

Highlights along the Road to Nowhere: Sitting Bull Memorial (SD), Nebraska Sand Hills (NE), Monument Rocks (KS), Paint Rock Pictographs (TX)

Following old US-80 and its contemporary equivalents takes you through more varied cultural and physical landscapes than you’ll find along any other cross-country route. From deserts to bayou swamps and Tex-Mex to barbecue, this route offers a full-flavored taste of America.

Highlights along Southern Pacific: The Desert View Tower (CA), Tombstone (AZ), Roswell (NM), Civil Rights Movement National Historic Trail (AL)

15 of the best road trips in Europe

May 13, 2024 • 13 min read

Hit the road in Europe with these top driving routes © Miemo Penttinen - miemo.net / Getty Images

Be inspired to explore Europe by car this summer on one, or more, of these themed driving routes.

This summer, dodge airport disruption and 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.

These driving routes, grouped by theme – ancient sites, lakes, Mediterranean islands, vineyards, and breweries – were gathered from Lonely Planet contributors around the world as part of the Epic Road Trips of Europe   book.

So strap in and prepare to hit the road. Here are some of the top driving experiences across Europe.

Europe's best road trips through ancient history

Explore the archaeological sites of 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-BCE theater, 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 .

First time visiting Greece? Plan your trip with these top tips

See northeast Spain on this loop through the Costa Brava

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.

Looking for more driving routes in Spain? Give these a try

Drive backcountry roads on the Croatian island of Hvar

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.

Traveling in Croatia as a family?   Here's what you need to know about visiting with kids

The best lakeside driving routes in Europe 

Follow switchbacks between lakes ohrid and 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 theater, rediscovered in the 1980s 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.

Travel around Lake 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.

Don't want to drive? Ride a bike around Lake Annecy instead

Take a dip into 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.

Experience the best of Finland with this guide to the country's top experiences

The best drives around Mediterranean islands

Marvel at the incredible scenery of gozo's north coast.

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.

Want to see more beaches? Here are Malta and Gozo's best

Summit Mount Pantokrator in Corfu, Greece

Start: Pyrgi End: Pyrgi Distance: 41 miles (66km)

Mt 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 Kalami, with views towards Albania just two miles across   the water.

Plan your time on the Greek islands with this guide to how long you need there

Loop around the Italian island of Lipari 

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.

First time in Italy? Here's what you need to know

The top driving routes through European wine regions

Linger for a drink in portugal's douro valley.

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.

Don't miss Portugal's other great food and drink experiences

Pause for wine tasting in the vineyards of the Lavaux, 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.

Want to see more of Switzerland?  Follow these other spectacular road trips

Cruise this classic route through Chianti country, 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.

Here's how to experience the best of Tuscany

Europe's best driving routes for beer lovers

Drive the 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.

Not ready to stop exploring?   Here are some other great driving routes in Germany

Visit breweries serving Trappist beers in Belgium 

Start: Westmalle End: Vleteren Distance: 347 miles (558km)

Explore Belgium while tasting beers from Trappist breweries, where monks have been creating flavorful 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 cafes 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.

Spending more time in Belgium?   Here are the best places to visit

Taste the suds of southeast Ireland

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.

Here's how to find traditional pubs loved by locals in Dublin

This article was first published Sep 13, 2022 and updated May 13, 2024.

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Road Trip Enthusiasts: Here Are The 10 Countries With The Best Road Trips In The World

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America's Second-Coolest City Is In North Dakota

7 state parks just like glacier national park, but better, 7 small beach towns where it's still warm in the fall.

• Costa Rica: Lush greenery and picturesque coastlines make road trips here super fun. Best road trips: San Jose to La Fortuna, La Fortuna to Monteverde.
• South Africa: From seas to mountains, South Africa offers diverse natural features on road trips. Best road trips: The Garden Route, Panorama Route, The Wild Coast.
• Namibia: With a great road system and unusual natural scenery, Namibia is perfect for road trip enthusiasts. Best road trips: Windhoek to Sossusvlei, Rundu to Mulilo, Windhoek to Noordoewer.

Road trips are exciting and one of the best ways to explore a country. Nothing beats the feeling of driving past amazing scenery and getting to see so many attractions in little time. Plus, the freedom to stop and stretch the legs at will and also get to explore a place or attractions better. The feeling is just incredible.

While every country in the world has some kind of road that offers opportunities for road trips, these countries stand out for many reasons. Besides their diverse landscapes which offer great natural scenery, most of them also have so many attractions lined up on the way to make the trip even more exciting. Whatever one's idea of a satisfying road trip is, these are the countries with the best road trips in the world.

10 Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the most sought-after destinations in Central America and an amazing place for road trips. Here, adventurers will be met with glaring lush greenery and picturesque coastlines which makes driving super fun.

There are several amazing options available for the pleasure of road trip lovers enthusiasts and each promises to be memorable.

• Best road trips in Costa Rica: San Jose to La Fortuna (84 miles), La Fortuna to Monteverde (92 miles), San Jose to La Fortuna (84 miles)

Related: Overlanding Costa Rica: 10 Things To Do On Your Road Trip

9 South Africa

A road trip in South Africa can be one of the best things to happen to a road trip enthusiast. The country is endowed with amazing natural features from seas to rivers, mountains, deserts, and diverse wildlife.

The majority of these amazing natural features can be seen on a road trip and there are lots of options to choose from here. On some road trips in South Africa, visitors will get to see gorgeous towns, as well as a beautiful beach filled with penguins , which is kind of a rare sight in Africa and even the world.

• Best road trips in South Africa: The Garden Route (124 miles), Panorama Route (120 miles), The Wild Coast (217 miles)

Related: South Africa's Most Scenic Road Trip: Chapman's Peak Drive, Gateway To The Best Coastal Views

Namibia is a country with one of Africa's best road systems, making road trips a pleasurable experience here . The country is also blessed with unusual natural scenery and so many interesting attractions, making Namibia one of the countries with the best road trips around.

Whether one seeks a scenic drive in the desert to capture unusual scenery or drive through a wilderness area to see wildlife, Namibia has something for all road trip enthusiasts.

• Best road trips in Namibia: Windhoek to Sossusvlei (245 miles), Rundu to Mulilo (323 miles), Windhoek to Noordoewer (783 miles)

Italy is one of the most awe-inspiring beautiful countries in the world and taking a ride on its roads is an amazing way to capture all that beauty. In Italy, visitors will not only get to witness natural scenery but also get the opportunity to explore lots of historic sites and charming small towns.

There is even an overwhelming number of things to see and do in Italy, so a road trip is the best way to see so much in little time.

• Best road trips in Italy: Amalfi Coast road trip (46 miles), the Great Dolomites Road (78 miles), Catania to Ragusa (103 miles)

Canada is the world's second-largest country, and that gives it a fair advantage when it comes to road trips. There are so many road trips awaiting adventurers in this country from scenic drives that take a few hours to complete to those that take days and even weeks to complete.

What makes road trips in Canada even more impressive is that they take people through all the amazing natural endowments the country has to offer from mountains to lakes, forests, and more. Canada is one of the best countries for road trips thanks to its scenery.

• Best road trips in Canada: Cowboy Trail (362 miles), Icefields Parkway (146 miles), Cabot Trail (185 miles)

Iceland is endowed with amazing natural scenery at every turn and one of the quickest and most effective ways to savor all that is by taking road trips. Road trips in Iceland will have adventurers speeding past picturesque natural features like fjords, glaciers, mountains, beaches, and so much more.

And those who have a lot of time can stop and explore further as much as they like. Most of Iceland's top attractions are even on road trips, so a trip to the country is incomplete without engaging in this adventure.

• Best road trips in Iceland: Golden Circle (140 miles), Diamond Circle (155 miles), Iceland Arctic Coast Way (560 miles)

Ireland is home to an abundance of road trips most of which present amazing coastal scenery. The Wild Atlantic Way which is the best road trip in the country , for instance, offers views of dramatic cliffs, empty beaches, charming small towns, and interesting ancient ruins.

So many road trips in the country are like the Wild Atlantic Way and riding them gives one that feeling of freedom and overwhelming joy.

• Best road trips in Ireland: The Copper Coast (25 miles), the Wild Atlantic Way (1600 miles), the Ring of Kerry (111 miles)

3 New Zealand

New Zealand is blessed with so much beauty and adventures and road trips are some of the best ways to enjoy these endowments. Road trips in New Zealand are magical as the scenery is always changing.

Within just a few miles of driving, the views can change from those of beautiful lakes to towering snow-capped mountains, and shorelines. Besides the scenery, there is so much more to see and do while on many road trips in New Zealand like hiking, swimming, and fishing.

• Best road trips in New Zealand: Milford Road (157 miles), Auckland Loop (650 miles), Inland Scenic Route (294 miles)

2 Australia

Australia is so massive and it only makes sense that it is going to have a lot of extremely long roads. Most of these roads run beside coastlines, through small towns, and several attractions, making them perfect for road trips. There's already so much to do in Australia and road trips offer a way to do so many things at once.

On a Great Ocean Road trip , for instance, one can see the Twelve Apostles, surf at Bells Beach, see wildlife, and do other exciting things all in one big adventure. Indeed, road trips are great ways to save time and Australia has a lot of them to offer.

• Best road trips in Australia: Great Ocean Road (150 miles), the Grand Pacific Drive (87 miles), Gibb River Road (410 miles)

1 United States

If one only has one country to visit for road trips then it should be the United States. The country has something for everybody. Whatever type of road trip adventure one desires, one will find it in this country. Whether it's a desert, coastal, city, or forest road trip, this country has them all.

In addition to the diverse landscape in the US, most road trips in this country are also lined up with attractions that will make people spend more time on their feet than in the vehicle. The amazing road across the country even makes the whole experience even more enjoyable.

• Best road trips in the US: Hana Highway (52 miles), Blue Ridge Parkway road trip (469 miles), Route 12 Utah (124 miles)

Add these countries to the bucket list to experience some of the best road trips in the world, and remember to buckle up!

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The Best Road Trip Apps That Help You Find Cheap Gas, Avoid Traffic, and More

Download these before you hit the highway.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

Carmen Martínez Torrón/Getty Images

Technology has revolutionized the way we travel in countless ways. Paper maps and GPS navigation systems have been replaced by Google and Apple Maps, old-school CDs by music streaming services, and guidebooks by apps that can notify road-trippers of roadside attractions in real time. One thing is certain: the smartphone has made road trips infinitely easier and, arguably, cheaper.

Whether you need a digital road trip planner to map out your next journey or something to help you avoid traffic jams, here are 11 of the best road trip apps to download ahead of your next adventure.

Roadtrippers

Roadtrippers is one of the most practical and popular road trip planning apps out there. Maybe you want to see national parks or the quirkiest roadside attractions. Perhaps you want to stop for the night at an iconic or underrated hotel. You can plan your stops right in the app, adding up to three waypoints for free or 150 with a Roadtrippers Premium account. There are also Basic and Pro memberships that allot you 20 and 50 waypoints per trip, respectively. The higher-tier memberships allow you to collaborate with friends and family and use navigation. The app features lodging, sights, outdoorsy destinations, restaurants, activities, shopping, fuel, and more all around the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

The app is free, but you have to upgrade to a membership plan to enjoy all the bells and whistles. The Basic plan costs $40 a year, the Pro plan $50 a year, and the Premium $60 a year. It's available on iOS and Android .

Google Maps

Every road-tripper needs a trusty navigation app in their arsenal, and Google Maps is consistently one of the most — if not the most — downloaded in the U.S. every year. Its dominance can be attributed to how comprehensive its data is, which allows it to generate the very best directions based on distance, road conditions, and traffic patterns.

Google Maps gives you route options and provides accurate estimates of how long it takes to get from A to B. Plus, you can plot several waypoints along your route — be it a mid-morning coffee stop or a hotel for overnighting (you can see reviews right in the app).

Google Maps is free and available on iOS and Android .

Waze is another one of the top navigation apps. With real-time updates that help you avoid traffic jams, construction, and more, it will have you navigating new cities and unfamiliar streets like a seasoned local. It's perhaps a little more proactive than Google Maps in changing up a route when problems arise, and that means Waze users should prepare for their drive to be a little unpredictable.

No one wants to spend hours sitting in traffic instead of exploring, so the fact that Waze collects data from other drivers to streamline the driving experience is a huge help. The app is free and available on iOS and Android .

Paying for fuel can eat up a good chunk of your road trip budget, but GasBuddy can save you a few bucks. The app crowdsources up-to-date fuel prices for more than 150,000 gas stations around the U.S. and Canada. The app also tells you how recent the submission is so you know whether it's outdated.

GasBuddy is not just helpful for finding cheap gas but also for finding gas stations in general (and parking), which can be difficult in foreign territory. The app is free and can be downloaded on iOS and Android . While using it, be a good road-tripper and submit gas prices you see as you travel.

Roadside America

Barry Winiker/Getty Images

The offbeat and kitschy roadside attractions you can find throughout the U.S. are often some of the most delightful parts of a road trip. The Roadside America app helps you find the most unique attractions worth stopping for, like the large sculpture of a cartoon mouse holding a cheese platter in Plain, Wisconsin — where else? — or the decidedly odd larger-than-life-sized three-way electrical plug that rests on a lawn in Philadelphia. The app features museums, murals, tours, quirky restaurants, and photo ops.

Roadside America costs $3 to download, which gets you access to one region in the app. You can purchase more regions for $2 or get access to all of the U.S. and Canada for an extra $7. The app is available only on iOS .

iExit Interstate Exit Guide

Knowing where to stop for road trip snacks, a drive-through latte, or a public restroom can be challenging with all the exit signs whizzing by at 70 mph, but iExit Interstate Exit Guide takes the guesswork out of it. The app will list which exits are coming up on your route, what's there, and what they offer — including food, lodging, fuel, and even hospitals. It pulls fuel prices from OPIS (the Oil Price Information Service) and displays Yelp reviews for businesses.

The app is free to download. Find it on both iOS and Android .

HotelTonight

Even if you've planned out all your stops ahead of time, you might find that you need to pull over for a night unexpectedly. Driving is tiring, and unplanned naps can be life-saving. HotelTonight can help you find accommodations in a pinch. The app offers day-of deals on unsold rooms, and the user-friendly interface means you can book a discounted room in minutes. There are well over 1,000 properties to choose from in cities all over the world, from Mexico City to Jakarta (in case you happen to take your road-tripping global).

It's free to download and available on iOS and Android .

If staying in a tucked-away A-frame cabin, a yurt, or a private guest house in someone's garden is more your travel style than bouncing between hotels, then Airbnb is the ticket. On the Airbnb app, you can search properties (millions in the U.S. alone) on a map and read reviews before you book, which you can do in advance or at the last minute.

The app features not just vacation homes but also activities, so if you're keen to experience a city like a local you can do so via a pottery class or a guided walking tour, for example.

The Airbnb app is free. You can download it on iOS or Android .

Patchareeporn Sakoolchai/Getty Images

Travelers who dream of camping out under the stars should download The Dyrt , a free app that helps you find tent, RV, and cabin sites across the U.S. One of the top camping apps on iOS and Android , it has more than a million registered users who submit reviews, pictures, and tips. On The Dyrt, you get real intel on campsites and a built-in community that makes camping on a road trip especially fun and safe. You can even book some of the campsites right on app.

The app is free, but there's a premium version for $36 a year that allows you to plan trips and search campsites while offline — convenient for remote regions.

What is a road trip without a perfect playlist? Whether you're keen to create a soundtrack of nostalgic singalongs, modern pop songs, or music inspired by your destination, you'll find even the most obscure tunes on Spotify , a catalog of more than 100 million tracks. When you tire of Taylor Swift, you can turn to podcasts or an audiobook to keep you company. Road trips are a great opportunity to delve into a docuseries like "Serial," an all-time favorite.

Spotify is free to download and listen to, but the ad breaks are annoying and streaming can chew through your phone data. A better option is to purchase a premium membership for $11 a month. It's ad-free and you can download music to listen to offline. The Spotify app is available on iOS and Android .

Electric vehicles are increasingly commonplace and great for more environmentally friendly road-tripping. The problem is often finding charging stations, as most EVs can go 100 to 300 miles before they need to be plugged in. PlugShare lists 700,000 charging stations across North America, Europe, and beyond. Users share their reviews of the stations, helping to guide EV drivers to the best, fastest, and most reliable charging spots.

PlugShare is free and available to download on iOS and Android .

Related Articles

Best Road Trip Cars in 2024 and 2025

We compiled a list of vehicles that are great for road trips. These vehicles are fuel-efficient, reliable, and comfortable, which will help you out on all of your highway adventures.

Kia Motors America |

The Best Cars, Minivans and SUVs for Road Trips

Summer is prime road trip season, whether that means hitting up a national park or getting together with family at a lakeside cabin. Choosing the right new car for an epic road trip can make your vacation more comfortable, more fuel efficient, and even safer, thanks to the new technologies found in many new vehicles. It can also mean less arguing, thanks to USB ports that keep devices charged, Wi-Fi hotspots that keep everyone entertained, and roomy back seats that keep siblings from touching.

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We've rounded up the best road trip vehicles available this summer, with everything from sports cars to pickups, with plenty of family-friendly SUVs on the list. As new information becomes available, we update our reviews, so the data found in these slides might not match those reviews exactly.

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. |

2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid

$34,050 | usn overall score: 8.0/10.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid is a more fuel-efficient version of the popular compact SUV, with up to 43 mpg in the city. A 7-inch touch screen, smartphone connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot and four USB ports come standard to keep everyone powered up and entertained.

The interior is one of the nicest in the class, and the standard upholstery is stain-resistant. The seats are comfy in both rows, with room for adults to stretch out even on road trips. The rear seats recline, so whoever is off driving duty can take a nap. Standard adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist help reduce the fatigue that can come with hours of driving.

More on the 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid

• Find the best price on the 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid »
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• Read the 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid Full Review  »
• See Hybrid SUV Rankings  »

Volkswagen of America, Inc. |

2024 Volkswagen Atlas

$36,985 | usn overall score: 8.1/10.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas has enough room to bring along everybody and all their gear. It's available with either three rows of seating or two rows in the Cross Sport configuration. The third row is comfy for kids and adults on shorter trips. The Atlas has more cargo space behind the third row than most in its class.

Refreshed for 2024, in either configuration, a 12-inch touch screen with smartphone connectivity and a Wi-Fi hot spot are standard, along with wireless device charging and four USB ports. The Atlas can also tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly configured if you plan to bring a small camper or want to tow some toys for your vacation.

More on the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas

• Find the best price on the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas »
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• See Midsize SUV Rankings  »

Ford Motor Company |

2024 Ford Mustang

$30,920 | usn overall score: 8.1/10.

Sometimes you want to live the American road trip dream in an impractical sports car. But guess what – the redesigned 2024 Ford Mustang is a rather practical sports car. It's as exciting to drive as you could hope, and it still manages to turn in great fuel economy numbers that won't put a damper on your budget.

The Mustang's interior has been updated with a more modern, tech-forward look. Its standard infotainment system has a large 13.2-inch touch screen and a Wi-Fi hot spot. Standard safety tech includes automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. But maybe most importantly, for purposes of the dream, the Mustang is available as a convertible.

More on the 2024 Ford Mustang

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• Read the 2024 Ford Mustang Full Review  »
• See Sports Car Rankings  »

General Motors |

2024 Chevrolet Suburban

$59,200 | overall score: 8.2/10.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban is the classic family road trip SUV, and it's the winner of our 2024 Best Large SUV for Families award. It's huge, with more cargo space than almost any SUV out there. It can be configured to seat up to nine people, though that means someone has to sit in the middle of the front bench seat. In any case, the third row provides enough legroom for adults.

The interior is sturdy enough for epic journeys, and it comes with an 8-inch touch screen, wireless smartphone connectivity and six USB ports. Depending on how you configure it, the Suburban can tow up to 8,300 pounds, enough for the average camper. It also comes with driver-assistance features like lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist.

More on the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

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• See Large SUV Rankings  »

2024 Kia Carnival

$33,600 | overall score: 8.2/10.

The 2024 Kia Carnival makes a strong case for the classic family minivan as the ultimate road-trip vehicle, especially with pricing that's among the most affordable on this list. It comes with a good list of standard safety features for long drives, including lane-keep assist and blind-spot monitoring.

The interior is upholstered with easy-to-clean materials, and all three rows have enough room for adults, though the third row has a bit less legroom than the first two. It also has lots of cargo space, even with all three rows in use. If you don't need the last row for passengers, it folds flat into the floor for even more cargo space. An 8-inch touch screen, smartphone compatibility and a whopping seven USB ports come standard.

More on the 2024 Kia Carnival

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• See Minivan Rankings  »

Stellantis |

2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

$53,425 | usn overall score: 8.3/10.

The plug-in hybrid 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid achieves up to 30 mpg in combined driving when operating in hybrid mode, which is great for any minivan. Once you reach your destination, plug this family hauler in overnight to be able to drive about 32 miles on electric power.

There's also a ton of tech included, like a 10.1-inch touch screen, wireless smartphone connectivity and Amazon Alexa compatibility. All three rows of seating have lots of head- and legroom, and there's plenty of storage space. Standard safety features include stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

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John M. Vincent | U.S. News & World Report

2024 Lincoln Navigator

$82,765 | usn overall score: 8.6/10.

Wherever your road trip takes you, the 2024 Lincoln Navigator will make sure you arrive in comfort and style. It's one of the best luxury large SUVs, with a well-built and high-quality interior. Standard features include a 13.2-inch touch screen, wireless smartphone connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot and five USB ports.

Every seat in all three rows is comfortable, and the available L model adds extra space to an already roomy cargo area. Though the Navigator is large, its powerful engine easily gets it up to speed on the highway. Standard safety features like lane-keep assist and stop-and-go adaptive cruise control can help reduce driver fatigue too.

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• See Luxury Large SUV Rankings  »

Hyundai Motor America |

2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

$32,575 | usn overall score: 8.6/10.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is among the best in its class and was a finalist for our Best Hybrid SUV for the Money and Best Hybrid SUV for Families awards this year. The regular hybrid is the best for road tripping, with up to 38 mpg on the highway. But it doesn't sacrifice power for efficiency, with enough get-up-and-go for passing on the highway. All-wheel drive is standard for a sure-footed feel.

Inside, there's tons of room for adults in both rows of seating and a huge cargo area. A 10.25-inch touch screen is standard, along with Apple CarPlay , Android Auto , four USB ports and wireless device charging.

GENESIS MOTOR AMERICA |

2024 Genesis G90

$89,200 | usn overall score: 8.7/10.

If your road-trip budget allows for a little luxury. the 2024 Genesis G90 delivers. It has a capable V6 and an optional mild-hybrid powertrain that improves acceleration when passing on the highway. The available air suspension makes long drives a dream, and the extensive list of standard safety features–including adaptive cruise control and a head-up display–eases the tedium of driving.

The Nappa leather interior wraps the road tripper in luxury, and both rows of seating are comfortable for adults. The trunk is large enough for several suitcases, and it opens automatically as you approach. The G90 also has one of the longest powertrain warranties in the business.

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• See Luxury Large Car Rankings  »

2025 Ram 1500

$40,275 | usn overall score: 8.7/10.

If your road trip plan involves a camper or boat, you'll want to look into the 2025 Ram 1500 . When properly equipped, it can tow up to 11,580 pounds. As with most pickups, you can configure the 1500 in whatever way works for you, with bed, cab and powertrain options in addition to trim levels and packages to add on.

All of the available body styles have a spacious, high-quality interior. Quite a few safety features are standard, including stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert. The infotainment system got an upgrade for the 2025 model year, which means even more available features, including three screen sizes, three sound systems, and a long list of available tech features.

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2024 Honda Civic

$23,950 | usn overall score: 8.7/10.

You probably need one car to handle both the daily commute and the road trip vacation, and you need it to be affordable. Enter the 2024 Honda Civic . It's one of the best compact cars in its class, and we named it the 2024 Best Compact Car for the Money . All of its scores are high, especially when it comes to safety. It has the lowest MSRP on our list yet comes standard with desirable amenities like adaptive cruise control and traffic-sign recognition. It's also thrifty, with up to 42 mpg on the highway.

A 7-inch touch screen and smartphone connectivity come standard. The front seats in particular are supportive over the long haul, and the Civic has more overall interior space than most rivals.

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Road Trip Car Characteristics

Passenger space: People turn cranky when they aren't comfortable after hours on the road. There needs to be space for everyone to stretch out.

Cargo space: At the very minimum, you'll be bringing luggage along and maybe also camping gear or tubes for floating the river. Make sure there's space for your gear.

Fuel economy: Stopping for gas on a road trip can get expensive. Fuel efficiency, particularly from hybrid powertrains, can ease the pain of stopping at the pump.

Infotainment: An AM/FM radio is no longer sufficient for most people. An infotainment system that's easy to use while driving and can connect to smartphones is key.

Safety tech: Driving long distances causes fatigue, and fatigue causes accidents. Modern driver-assistance features can help you stay alert and in your lane.

Reliability: No one wants to be the car in the breakdown lane while on their road trip. A good predicted reliability score shows that a particular model has on average been a solid performer over time.

Genesis Motor America |

Road Trip Car FAQs

What is the best car for road trips.

The best car for road trips is the one that fits your budget and your needs, so there's no one vehicle that will work for everybody. That said, the 2024 Honda Civic is a strong pick. It provides comfort, features, safety and reliability, and all for one of the lowest price tags on this list.

What is the best SUV for road trips?

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid combines a long list of standard features with great fuel economy, and it has one of the most spacious interiors in its class.

What is the best luxury car for road trips?

The 2024 Genesis G90 will take you anywhere in comfort and style. Most of its best features are standard, including leather upholstery.

What is the most comfortable car for long trips?

On a list of very comfortable vehicles, the 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid is probably the most comfortable, especially for back-seat passengers who can take advantage of the reclining seats. If comfort is your priority, take a look at our list of most comfortable cars for more options.

U.S. News and World Report |

More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report

Plenty of families take road trips, so you might want to check out the winners of our 2023 Best Cars for Families awards too. Maybe you've been left stranded on an unfamiliar road by your former car and are looking for the most reliable cars available. If you know you need to bring along a lot of gear, see our roundup of compact SUVs with the most cargo space .

When you're ready to buy a new car, use our Best Price Program to pre-negotiate a great price with a local dealership. You can arrange for online buying and even vehicle delivery through the program.

U.S. News & World Report |

Best Cars for Road Trips in 2024 and 2025

• 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid: $34,050 | USN Overall Score: 8.0/10
• 2024 Volkswagen Atlas: $36,985 | USN Overall Score: 8.1/10
• 2024 Ford Mustang: $30,920 | USN Overall Score: 8.1/10
• 2024 Chevrolet Suburban: $59,200 | Overall Score: 8.2/10
• 2024 Kia Carnival: $33,600 | Overall Score: 8.2/10
• 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid: $53,425 | USN Overall Score: 8.3/10
• 2024 Lincoln Navigator: $82,765 | USN Overall Score: 8.6/10
• 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid: $32,575 | USN Overall Score: 8.6/10
• 2024 Genesis G90: $89,200 | USN Overall Score: 8.7/10
• 2025 Ram 1500: $40,275 | USN Overall Score: 8.7/10
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20 Road Trips Through America’s Wine Country

America’s wine country offers some of the most scenic and enjoyable road trips, combining beautiful landscapes with world-class wineries. Whether you’re winding through the rolling hills of Napa Valley, exploring the charming vineyards of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, or taking in the breathtaking views along Virginia’s wine trails, these routes provide an unforgettable experience for wine lovers and travelers alike. In this article, we’ll highlight some of the best road trips through America’s wine country, where you can savor exquisite wines, discover hidden gems, and enjoy the natural beauty of these renowned regions.

Napa Valley, California

Napa Valley is perhaps the most famous wine region in the United States, offering a scenic road trip through rolling vineyards, charming towns, and world-renowned wineries. The route stretches along Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail, passing through picturesque towns like Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga. The valley is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, with countless opportunities to stop for tastings at iconic wineries such as Robert Mondavi, Opus One, and Domaine Carneros. The views are stunning year-round, with autumn bringing vibrant fall colors to the vineyards. A tip: book your winery visits in advance, especially during peak seasons, and consider taking the Napa Valley Wine Train for a unique perspective on the region.

Sonoma County, California

Sonoma County offers a more laid-back and diverse wine country experience compared to its neighbor, Napa Valley. The road trip through Sonoma takes you along scenic backroads, including the Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Alexander Valley. The region is known for its Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, with wineries like Kendall-Jackson, Jordan Vineyard & Winery, and Rodney Strong providing exceptional tastings. Sonoma’s coastal influence and varied terrain create breathtaking views of rolling hills, redwood forests, and the Pacific Ocean. A tip: take a detour to the charming town of Healdsburg, known for its farm-to-table dining and boutique shops.

Willamette Valley, Oregon

The Willamette Valley in Oregon is a must-visit destination for Pinot Noir enthusiasts. The route through this region takes you along the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway, passing through lush green vineyards, quaint towns, and scenic farmlands. Notable wineries include Domaine Serene, Stoller Family Estate, and Sokol Blosser, where you can enjoy tastings with views of the Cascade Mountains. The valley’s temperate climate and fertile soil make it ideal for growing cool-climate grapes. A tip: visit during the fall harvest season to experience the valley’s vibrant foliage and harvest celebrations.

Finger Lakes, New York

The Finger Lakes region in upstate New York offers a beautiful road trip through rolling hills, pristine lakes, and over 100 wineries. The route winds around the shores of Seneca, Cayuga, and Keuka Lakes, with stunning views of the water and surrounding vineyards. The region is known for its Riesling, with wineries like Dr. Konstantin Frank, Hermann J. Wiemer, and Ravines Wine Cellars offering exceptional tastings. The Finger Lakes also boast charming small towns, waterfalls, and state parks, making it a perfect destination for both wine lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. A tip: take the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail or the Seneca Lake Wine Trail for a curated experience of the region’s best wineries.

Paso Robles, California

Paso Robles, located on California’s Central Coast, offers a diverse and scenic wine country road trip. The route takes you through rolling hills, oak-studded landscapes, and over 200 wineries known for their bold red wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Rhône blends. Key stops include Tablas Creek Vineyard, Justin Vineyards & Winery, and Eberle Winery. Paso Robles also has a vibrant downtown area with tasting rooms, restaurants, and shops. A tip: explore the nearby hot springs and the Hearst Castle for a unique addition to your wine country adventure.

Santa Barbara Wine Country, California

The Santa Barbara Wine Country offers a road trip through the picturesque Santa Ynez Valley, with its rolling vineyards, oak-covered hills, and charming towns like Solvang and Los Olivos. The region is known for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah, with wineries such as Sanford Winery, Fess Parker Winery, and The Brander Vineyard providing top-tier tastings. The area’s Mediterranean climate and proximity to the Pacific Ocean create ideal growing conditions and stunning views. A tip: take the scenic drive along Highway 154, also known as the San Marcos Pass, for breathtaking views of the valley and the ocean.

Walla Walla Valley, Washington

Walla Walla Valley in Washington state is a hidden gem in America’s wine country, offering a road trip through a region known for its rich and bold red wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot. The route takes you through the valley’s picturesque vineyards, rolling wheat fields, and historic downtown Walla Walla, where you’ll find tasting rooms, art galleries, and gourmet dining. Notable wineries include L’Ecole No. 41, Leonetti Cellar, and Pepper Bridge Winery. A tip: visit during the spring or fall release weekends, when wineries open their doors for special tastings and events.

Virginia Wine Country

Virginia Wine Country offers a scenic road trip through the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Piedmont region. The route includes stops at some of the state’s top wineries, such as Barboursville Vineyards, King Family Vineyards, and RdV Vineyards. Virginia is known for its Viognier, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, with many wineries offering tastings in historic settings or with views of the surrounding mountains. The region also has charming small towns like Charlottesville and Middleburg, which are perfect for exploring. A tip: consider visiting during the fall for spectacular foliage and cooler weather, ideal for enjoying a glass of wine outdoors.

Texas Hill Country

Texas Hill Country is a surprising and delightful wine region located just outside of Austin and San Antonio. The road trip takes you through rolling hills, wildflower-covered fields, and charming small towns like Fredericksburg. The region is known for its Tempranillo, Mourvèdre, and Tannat, with notable wineries including Becker Vineyards, Pedernales Cellars, and William Chris Vineyards. The scenic countryside and warm Texas hospitality make it a unique wine country experience. A tip: visit during the spring when the Texas Bluebonnets are in bloom, creating a stunning backdrop for your wine tasting journey.

Mendocino County, California

Mendocino County offers a road trip through one of California’s most scenic and lesser-known wine regions. The route takes you along the Anderson Valley, known for its cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as through the Redwood forests and along the stunning Pacific coastline. Notable wineries include Goldeneye Winery, Navarro Vineyards, and Roederer Estate. The region’s remote location and natural beauty make it a peaceful and picturesque destination. A tip: take the time to explore the nearby Mendocino Coast, where you can enjoy dramatic ocean views, charming coastal towns, and hiking trails through the Redwoods.

Santa Cruz Mountains, California

The Santa Cruz Mountains offer a road trip through a rugged and beautiful wine region that spans from the Pacific Ocean to the Silicon Valley. The route takes you through winding mountain roads, redwood forests, and vineyards with stunning ocean views. The region is known for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon, with wineries like Ridge Vineyards, Mount Eden Vineyards, and Thomas Fogarty Winery offering exceptional tastings. The cool coastal climate and diverse terroir create unique wines with great complexity. A tip: visit the small, family-owned wineries in the region for a more intimate and personalized tasting experience.

Lake Erie Wine Country, Pennsylvania and New York

Lake Erie Wine Country offers a scenic road trip along the shores of Lake Erie, stretching from northeast Pennsylvania to western New York. The route takes you through rolling vineyards, charming small towns, and along the picturesque lakefront. The region is known for its cool-climate grapes, particularly Riesling, Chardonnay, and Ice Wine, with wineries like Mazza Vineyards, Presque Isle Wine Cellars, and Johnson Estate Winery providing excellent tastings. The proximity to Lake Erie creates a unique microclimate that is ideal for grape growing. A tip: take the Lake Erie Wine Trail for a curated experience of the region’s top wineries and scenic stops.

Temecula Valley, California

Temecula Valley is Southern California’s premier wine region, offering a road trip through rolling vineyards, sun-drenched hills, and Mediterranean-inspired estates. The route takes you along Rancho California Road, where you’ll find a variety of wineries known for their robust reds, such as Syrah, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Notable stops include Wilson Creek Winery, Ponte Winery, and South Coast Winery. The region’s warm climate and inland location create ideal conditions for grape growing, and the scenic views of the valley add to the experience. A tip: visit during the week to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed tasting experience.

Hudson Valley, New York

The Hudson Valley offers a picturesque road trip through one of America’s oldest wine regions, located just north of New York City. The route takes you along the Hudson River, with stops at historic estates, charming villages, and scenic vineyards. The region is known for its crisp white wines, such as Seyval Blanc and Chardonnay, as well as its growing reputation for craft spirits and ciders. Notable wineries include Brotherhood Winery, the oldest operating winery in the U.S., as well as Millbrook Vineyards & Winery and Benmarl Winery. A tip: take the time to explore the region’s historic sites, such as the Vanderbilt Mansion and the home of Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Livermore Valley, California

Livermore Valley, located just east of San Francisco, offers a road trip through one of California’s oldest wine regions. The route takes you through rolling hills, expansive vineyards, and historic wineries that date back to the 19th century. The region is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, and Chardonnay, with wineries like Wente Vineyards, Concannon Vineyard, and Murrieta’s Well providing top-tier tastings. Livermore’s warm, dry climate and well-drained soils create ideal conditions for grape growing. A tip: visit during the summer concert series at Wente Vineyards for a unique experience that combines wine, music, and stunning scenery.

Dundee Hills, Oregon

Dundee Hills in Oregon is the heart of the Willamette Valley’s wine country, offering a road trip through a region renowned for its Pinot Noir. The route takes you through picturesque vineyards, lush hillsides, and charming towns. The red volcanic soils of Dundee Hills contribute to the unique character of the wines produced here, with wineries like Domaine Drouhin, Archery Summit, and The Eyrie Vineyards offering exceptional tastings. The scenic beauty of the region, combined with its world-class wines, makes it a must-visit destination. A tip: plan your visit around the International Pinot Noir Celebration held annually in nearby McMinnville for a deep dive into the region’s offerings.

Charlottesville, Virginia

Charlottesville, located in the heart of Virginia Wine Country, offers a scenic road trip through a region known for its rich history and thriving wine scene. The route takes you through the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with stops at some of Virginia’s top wineries, such as Barboursville Vineyards, King Family Vineyards, and Jefferson Vineyards. The region is known for its Viognier, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, with many wineries offering tastings in historic settings or with views of the surrounding mountains. Charlottesville also boasts a vibrant downtown area with restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions. A tip: explore the nearby Monticello, the historic home of Thomas Jefferson, who was an early advocate for American winemaking.

Santa Lucia Highlands, California

Santa Lucia Highlands, located in California’s Monterey County, offers a road trip through a cool-climate wine region known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The route takes you along the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains, with stunning views of the Salinas Valley below. The region’s coastal influence creates a long growing season, allowing grapes to develop complex flavors. Notable wineries include Roar Wines, Morgan Winery, and Pisoni Vineyards. The scenic beauty of the vineyards, combined with the region’s exceptional wines, makes it a perfect destination for wine lovers. A tip: visit during the annual Santa Lucia Highlands Wine Artisans Gala for a chance to taste the best wines from the region.

Traverse City, Michigan

Traverse City, located in Michigan’s scenic Leelanau Peninsula and Old Mission Peninsula, offers a road trip through a region known for its cool-climate wines and stunning natural beauty. The route takes you along the shores of Lake Michigan and through rolling vineyards, with stops at wineries like Chateau Grand Traverse, Black Star Farms, and 2 Lads Winery. The region is particularly known for its Riesling, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines, with the lake’s moderating influence creating ideal growing conditions. Traverse City also offers charming small towns, beautiful beaches, and outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking. A tip: visit during the Traverse City Wine & Art Festival to experience the region’s wine, food, and culture.

Yakima Valley, Washington

Yakima Valley in Washington state offers a road trip through one of the oldest and most diverse wine regions in the Pacific Northwest. The route takes you through rolling hills, fertile farmlands, and vineyards that produce a wide range of varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. Notable wineries include Owen Roe, Gilbert Cellars, and Treveri Cellars, known for its sparkling wines. Yakima Valley’s warm, sunny climate and volcanic soils create ideal conditions for grape growing, resulting in wines with rich flavors and complexity. A tip: visit during the spring or fall wine release weekends, when wineries host special tastings and events.

This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise .

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Fall Is the Best Season for Road Trips in the USA—Here Are the Top 8

If you’re craving a roadside adventure this autumn, consider one of these trips..

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A road trip can be as simple as taking an afternoon drive to view some fall color (with an excellent soundtrack or podcast , naturally). Or it could be slightly more ambitious: spending a full weekend exploring the autumnal glory and fall foliage of neighboring states you may not have seen in awhile. Take in the changing trees, inhale the crisp air, and taste local foods on one of these eight fall road trips across the United States.

One of the best places to see Savannah’s live oak trees is at the Wormsloe Plantation Historic Site.

Courtesy of Jose Llamas/Unsplash

1. Atlanta to Savannah to Charleston

• Start : Atlanta, Georgia
• End : Charleston, South Carolina
• Approximate distance : 350 miles

What better time to tour through the South than the fall, when the temperatures are mild and roadside nature gets especially attractive? Start with a city adventure in Atlanta , exploring historical points of interest like the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and art at Westside Cultural Arts Center . Next, head toward the coast to Savannah, Georgia , where you can indulge in delicious institutions like Leopold’s Ice Cream and Common Thread .

End your trip in Charleston , South Carolina, a city worth lingering in to get to know its most iconic foods or learn about Gullah-Geechee cuisine and African American history .

Where to stay along the way: Perry Lane Hotel

• Book now : perrylanehotel.com

Once in Savannah , spend the night at the luxurious, centrally located Perry Lane Hotel , complete with a bar and restaurant, rooftop pool, and expansive lawn for lounging in between sightseeing.

2. West Virginia’s natural wonders

• Start : Blackwater Falls State Park
• End : New River Gorge National Park
• Approximate distance: 200 miles

West Virginia’s location in the Appalachian Mountain region makes it a beautiful place to visit in the fall, especially in October. One of the best ways to tour this area is on a three-day adventure visiting Blackwater Falls State Park, Seneca Rocks, and the New River Gorge National Park. Experienced rafters may want to come earlier in the fall because there’s plenty of exhilarating white water rafting on the Gauley River once “Gauley Season” comes around (the six weeks or so following Labor Day).

Where to stay along the way: Adventures on the Gorge

• Book now : adventuresonthegorge.com

Stay deep within West Virginia’s nature with Adventures on the Gorge , which offers wooden cabins and stargazing opportunities. (Some cabins have a private porch and hot tub.) To maximize the experience, Afar associate director of SEO Jessie Beck suggests catching a sundown drink at nearby restaurants Smokey’s on the Gorge or Chetty’s Pub.

While in San Antonio, don’t miss its 15-mile-long River Walk.

Courtesy of Robin LeeAnn/Unsplash

3. Hill Country, Texas

• Start : Austin
• End : San Antonio
• Approximate distance : 235 miles

The worlds of cowboys and wine collide in Texas Hill Country , where fall colors take over the region in October. Starting in Austin , head to Bandera, the self-proclaimed “Cowboy Capital of the World,” and catch a rodeo. Then dip into the wineries that line Wine Road 290 in Fredericksburg. There are more than a dozen other towns to explore, including New Braunfels (where two rivers flow through) and Lockhart, one of the state’s best places for barbecue .

Where to stay along the way: Hoffman Haus

• Book now : hoffmanhaus.com

For some true Southern hospitality , Fredericksburg-based boutique hotel Hoffman Haus delivers breakfast daily to each door at 9 a.m. in a picnic basket.

The Linn Cove Viaduct, at mile marker 304.4, is one of the most ambitious and technically challenging segments of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Photo by Anthony Heflin/Shutterstock

4. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia to North Carolina

• Start : Charlottesville, Virginia
• End : Asheville, North Carolina
• Approximate distance : 470 miles

Launched in 1935 as a New Deal project, the Blue Ridge Parkway took 52 years to complete and is now one of the country’s most iconic highways. Come fall, it’s also one of its most vivid. To make the most of the experience, give yourself plenty of time to cruise from Charlottesville, Virginia, to Asheville, North Carolina . You’ll want that time to hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail, pop into Blue Ridge Music Center for a little bluegrass , and savor both barbecue and fall colors.

Where to stay along the way: Oakhurst Inn

• Book now : oakhurstinn.com

Start your road trip with a good night’s sleep at Oakhurst Inn in Charlottesville, Virginia, a cluster of buildings from the 1920s turned into a comfortable boutique property. Along the next leg of your journey, seek out a secluded Airbnb or vacation rental (there are plenty to choose from in the Blue Ridge Mountains ). Save a few days at the end of your drive and check in to one of Asheville’s best hotels so you can leisurely explore the city’s multicultural dining scene and nearby hikes .

The nearly 1-million-acre Olympic National Park has more than 3,000 miles of rivers and streams.

Courtesy of John Thomas/Unsplash

5. Olympic Peninsula Loop Drive, Washington

• Start : Edmonds
• End : Olympia
• Approximate distance : 300 miles

Yes, you might get rained on during a fall visit to the Olympic Peninsula —the wild, mossy arm west of Seattle that encompasses Olympic National Park. But part of the charm is seeing the changing colors of deciduous trees contrast the evergreens found in its rainforest . Start in Kingston, a city 17 miles north of Seattle, and begin where Highway 104 meets Highway 101 (your road for most of the drive) and follow it counterclockwise around Olympic National Park. Along the route, learn to pronounce the names of small towns like Sequim (“Skwim”) and Dosewallips (“Doh-si-wall-ips”), hike to waterfalls flush with seasonal rain, and walk the raw coast on the westernmost edge of the peninsula.

Where to stay along the way: Lake Crescent Lodge

• Book now : olympicnationalparks.com

Start your trip with a stay in a cabin at Lake Crescent Lodge , which has a waterside location with scenic views of the surrounding mountains. The property offers cottages, cabins, and rooms for overnight stays, as well as boat rentals for exploring the nearby lake.

On a road trip through Idaho, dip into Kirkham Hot Springs.

Courtesy of Idaho Tourism

6. Boise to Sun Valley, Idaho

• Start : Boise
• End : Sun Valley
• Approximate distance : 200 miles

Nearly two-thirds of Idaho is public land, making this state ideal for outdoor adventure . Add in some gorgeous fall foliage and hot springs (there are more than 120 you can soak in throughout the state) and you’ve got yourself a road trip . Starting from Boise, take Highway 21 (aka the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway ) for 131 miles to get to Stanley. From there, take Highway 75 (known as the Sawtooth Scenic Byway ) for 63 miles to get to Sun Valley. Along the way, these routes take you through the autumn colors of Boise National Forest and Sawtooth National Forest.

If you’re up for taking an hour-long detour from Boise, head to Bruneau Dunes State Park . On Friday and Saturday nights through mid-October, its observatory has night sky and solar viewing.

Where to stay along the way: Modern Hotel and Bar

• Book now : themodernhotel.com

Kick off your Idaho adventure with a stay at the Modern Hotel and Bar . The 39-room property was a boarding house during the Great Depression, but was renovated in 2007 to become a midcentury, minimalist hotel.

The Green Mountains are postcard perfect.

Photo by Dennis MacDonald/Shutterstock

7. Connecticut River Byway, Vermont

• Start : Stewartstown
• End : Vernon
• Approximate distance : 320 miles

New England in the fall is a no-brainer, and the nearly 500-mile Connecticut River Byway showcases the full beauty of the region in the autumn . The majority of the road is in Vermont—following the border between New Hampshire—and presents views of the red, orange, and gold trees on the Green Mountains. Be sure to keep an eye open roadside farmstands and country stores serendipitously dotted along the route. You’ll want to load up on the season’s bounty of maple syrup, apples, and pumpkins.

Where to stay along the way: Twin Farms

• Book now : twinfarms.com

Woods, meadows, hills, and a nine-acre pond are all part of Twin Farms, a 300-acre property that guests can explore via nine miles of trails. In 2023, Twin Farms added eight tree-house accommodations that include floor-to-ceiling windows, a living room, a deck, and air conditioning.

Yosemite explodes into color in the fall.

Photo by Luc Stadnik / Shutterstock

8. U.S. Route 395, California

• Start : New Pine Creek
• End : Hesperia
• Approximate distance : 550 miles

While California’s Highway 1 (also known as the Pacific Coast Highway ) is a prime summertime drive, the best fall drive is the inland U.S. Route 395 . The complete route goes from the Mojave Desert to the Canada–U.S. border near Laurier, Washington, but California’s 550-mile or so portion traces the eastern Sierras and terminates in Hesperia, around 80 miles northeast of Los Angeles . Embark on the trip from mid-September to October for peak fall foliage, and take your pick of national and state parks— Yosemite , Kings Canyon, and Sequoia to name a few—to see the shifting colors until the end of November.

Where to stay along the way: Evergreen Lodge

• Book now : evergreenlodge.com

If you want to stop by Yosemite on this fall foliage drive, the more than 100-year-old Evergreen Lodge is a great option for families, located about one mile from Yosemite National Park’s western entrance. Afar deputy editor Michelle Baran says her Thanksgiving stay at the lodge was “downright magical” ; highlights include a heated pool, two outdoor playgrounds, and nightly s’mores.

This article originally appeared online in September 2020; it was updated on September 12, 2024, to include current information.

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