Top 10 Road Trips Around the World

The open road, the expansive scenery, and the wind in your hair are what make a road trip great! Add to that visiting a new country and experiencing the unique culture, cuisine, and local attractions in the area, and you’ve got the perfect vacation.

Due to concerns surrounding coronavirus, road trips are set to take the lead as the next big travel trend. As many countries open back up for tourism, and people are considering traveling again, a great option is a road trip.

There are many incredible road trip routes across the world, and each offers a unique experience, so you’ll have no problem finding the perfect trip for you.

Below we’ve listed the top 10 road trips around the world:

1. Amalfi Coast, Italy

This 35 mile drive along the coast of Southern Italy is a dream. You’ll drive through small villages filled with pastel villas and historic churches, and see tall cliffs, mountains, and beautiful beaches.

The drive stretches between the cities of Sorrento and Amalfi. The road was originally built by the Romans thousands of years ago. The Amalfi Coast is largely considered Italy’s most scenic drive.

The easiest way to access the road is by starting in Salerno. While on your trip you should stop in one of Italy’s most romantic and beautiful towns, Ravello. The small town is perched on a steep terraced slope, and is full of lush gardens, incredible ocean views, and a couple of famous villas. End your journey in Sorrento, a popular coastal town.

Keep in mind, the Amalfi Coast Drive is notoriously winding, narrow, and terrifying. But, everyone who takes on the challenge agrees that the views, and coastal attractions are well worth it.

2. Great Ocean Road, Australia

One of the most beautiful, scenic coastal drives in the world, is in Southwest Victoria. Australia itself is home to gorgeous beaches, unique wildlife, and tons of adventure opportunities. Great Ocean Road, is the all the best parts of Australia in one incredible drive.

The 158 mile Great Ocean Road features craggy cliffs, beaches, wildlife, and incredible hikes. While on the drive you can’t miss the lighthouses along the coast, and the many national parks where you’ll be able to spot anteaters, kangaroos, koalas, penguins, and parrots.

Start on Great Ocean Road in Melbourne, and enjoy Victoria’s scenery, including the famous Bells Beach, charming fishing villages, and the 12 Apostles. Travelers can stop to surf, hike, try the local cuisine, and learn about Australia’s Aboriginal culture.

3. The Alcan Highway, Canada to Alaska

This long haul road trip takes you on a 1,346 mile journey from Canada to Alaska. The Alcan Highway was constructed during WWII to connect Alaska with the rest of the continental United States. Starting in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, and ending in Delta Junction, Alaska, this scenic route passes through some of the most beautiful parts of North America.

This road is open year round, and has rarely been closed due to weather conditions, which might surprise you given the extreme weather in the North. On your trip, watch for wildlife, you’ll be able to spot stone sheep, caribou, and bison herds.

There are lots of attractions and landmarks along the Alcan Highway in both British Columbia and Alaska. Favorites include Peace River Bridge, the longest water span on the highway, the historic Fort St. John North Peace Museum, Muncho Lake, Liard River, and the Antler Academy of Flying & Reindeer Games, where you can meet Santa’s reindeer in the North Pole.

4. Ticlio Pass, Peru

Ticlio Pass is not for the faint of heart. This 82 mile drive in Peru is 16,000 feet above sea level, and winds through the Andes Mountains. It features terrifying turns, llamas who often dart into the road, and the occasional landslide. But, for those brave enough to take on the drive, the scenery is stunning, and the view at the end of the road is worth the couple of near death experiences.

Ticlio Pass was originally built as a railway to service the nearby mining community, and send minerals like zinc and lead down the mountain. Today, it’s used mostly by adrenaline junkies who aren’t scared of dodging falling rocks and leaping llamas.

Along the drive are many roadside cafes, which offer local delicacies such as ceviche and fried guinea pig. Don’t be food shy though, you may end up finding your new favorite dish.

5. Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

Over 1,550 miles of road along the coast of Ireland. The Wild Atlantic Way is split into six regions; Northern Headlands, Surf Coast, Bay Coast, Cliff Coast, Southern Peninsula, and Haven Coast.

The Northern Headlands feature rising cliffs, untouched crags, and a wild spirit. This coastal area is truly marvelous. The remote terrain is spotted with historic megalithic sites, glaciated valleys, and Gaeltacht speaking communities.

The Surf Coast is one of the most stunning and picturesque stretches of road along the Wild Atlantic Way. In this region you can find remote islands and horseshoe shaped beaches along full of history and the occasional mystical legend. Surf Coast is great for both those seeking a solitary vacation, or a thrilling adventure.

Here in the Bay Coast is where the wild coastal edges meet good towns. You’ll find remote villages, beautiful beaches, coves, and islands. On the small town streets you’ll witness local artists, musicians, storytellers enjoying the fresh sea air, and sharing their talents with the world.

The Cliff Coast is rightly named! Jagged cliff edges give way to the waves creating the colossal natural wonders of Ireland’s coast. This region is known for the locals who love creativity and community, and who will make you want to keep coming back.

The zig-zagging Southern Peninsula turns into lush forest, perfect for hiking, coasteering, and kayaking. This region has a wonderful history, and the towns are full of culture and unique character, that will leave you wanting more.

Haven Coast is known for world class dining, ancient tombs, and relaxing shores along the Wild Atlantic Way’s most southern coastline. Here you’ll find some of the best food in Ireland, thrilling wildlife, dreamy scenery, and lively locals.

6. Garden Route, South Africa

One of the most popular road trip routes in South Africa for both locals and tourists is the Garden Route. The 125 mile drive takes you through National Parks, lush forests, blue lakes, and pristine beaches.

Along the Garden Route there are an abundance of places to stop and enjoy some outdoor recreation. You’ll have the opportunity to learn how to surf, dive down into the ocean and see shipwrecks, plunge into water-filled canyons, and relax on a yacht.

On your drive make sure to stop at the Garden Route National Park and rent a canoe to explore the lakes. If you plan your drive accordingly you’ll hit Sedgefield, where on a Saturday morning you can find a lively farmers market. And of course, you won’t want to miss out on visiting a winery.

7. Hana Highway, Hawaii

The Hana Highway is a popular route for tourists on Maui. The 64 mile road in Hawaii connects the towns of Kahului and Hana. The highway passes over 59 bridges as it twists and turns through the tropical rainforest.

This trip may take you a few hours, as there are so many amazing places to stop and explore. Waterfalls are scattered throughout the rainforest, and many beaches are accessible from the highway. Don’t forget to bring your hiking shoes to get to these places!

8. Ring Road, Iceland

A road trip around Iceland’s Ring Road is every adventure traveler’s dream. Located along the road are geothermal springs, volcanoes, ice caves, glaciers, waterfalls, mountains, wildlife, and rainbows.

The entire road takes you in a circle around the entire edge of Iceland in 800 miles. This drive is best done over multiple days, as you’ll be wanting to stop every couple of minutes to see the incredible scenery Iceland has to offer. Make sure to give yourself some extra days for bad weather, so you don’t miss any highlights. Snow storms are common in the Spring, Fall, and Winter.

Most travelers start and end their journey in Keflavik, where the airport is. Along the way there are incredible attractions that are a must see for most travelers. These include Thingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly moving away from each other. Here you can hike the trails, and visit Silfra, where you can scuba dive and snorkel between the plates.

Other top attractions include the Sólheimasandur plane crash, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, and hidden crystal ice caves. You may even get lucky and spot the Northern Lights on your trip!

9. Ruta 40, Argentina

Ruta 40, also known as National Route 40, is a 3,227 mile drive down all of Argentina. The route follows the Andes Mountains. While the whole road is not completely paved, much of the Southern portion is, and that section has become a popular destination for adventure travelers.

The route begins at the Argentina-Bolivia border in the city of La Quiaca, and ends in Punta Loyola. Ruta 40 goes through 20 National Parks, 18 rivers, and 27 passes in the Andes. Along the drive there are many important historical sites, like Cueva de las Manos, which contains cave art dating back 13,000 years. Also on the route is Los Glaciares National Park, the second largest National Park in Argentina.

The road’s construction began in 1935, and has undergone many changes throughout the years. Before 2004 the route was divided into a Northern and Southern road. The road is still being fully paved, but the majority of it is already done.

10. Milford Road, New Zealand

This 75 mile road through the mountains in New Zealand will impress even the most avid world travelers. The drive takes you through South Island from Te Anau, into Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park. It is highly considered one of the most scenic routes in the world.

The jaw dropping scenery includes towering cliffs, snow capped mountains, stunning waterfalls, and tall fern trees. Plus, all the unique wildlife that inhabit New Zealand. Must see destinations on the route include Eglinton Valley, the Avenue of the Disappearing Mountain, and the Mirror Lakes.

When you stop, make sure to hit up the Blue Duck Cafe & Bar in Milford Sound Village, where you’ll find delicious and hearty breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and locally made beer.

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