The Best Road Trips in the World: 10 Epic Journeys to Embark On

Road trips are the perfect way to explore new places, bond with family and friends, and create lasting memories. From cruising along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway to winding your way through the Rocky Mountains, there’s a road trip out there for everyone.

In this blog post, we’ll share 10 of the best road trips in the world, from iconic American routes to hidden gems around the globe.

Best Road Trips

The best road trips are taken by car, and they often include routes and destinations known for their beauty, cultural significance, or adventure opportunities. Road trips provide a fantastic opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes around the world. Here are some of the best road trips worldwide, each with its own unique features.

#1. Pacific Coast Highway, USA

Stretching along the stunning California coastline, this road trip offers breathtaking ocean views, charming coastal towns, and iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Big Sur.

#2. Great Ocean Road, Australia

Located in Victoria, the Great Ocean Road is famous for its dramatic cliffs, picturesque beaches, and the iconic Twelve Apostles rock formations.

#3. Ring Road, Iceland

Circumnavigating the entire island, Iceland’s Ring Road takes you through a diverse landscape of volcanoes, waterfalls, glaciers, and geothermal hot springs, offering a glimpse into the country’s unique natural beauty.

#4. Garden Route, South Africa

Running along the country’s southeastern coast, the Garden Route showcases South Africa’s diverse wildlife, pristine beaches, lush forests, and charming towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.

#5. North Coast 500, Scotland

This scenic route takes you through the rugged Scottish Highlands, offering breathtaking views of castles, lochs, mountains, and picturesque villages like Ullapool and Dornoch.

#6. Amalfi Coast, Italy

Known for its picturesque cliffside towns, stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, and winding coastal roads, the Amalfi Coast is a dream destination for road trippers seeking beauty and charm.

#7. Trollstigen, Norway

Translating to Troll’s Path, this road trip takes you through Norway’s dramatic fjords, towering mountains, and hairpin bends, offering unparalleled views of nature’s grandeur.

#8. Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

Stretching along Ireland’s western coast, the Wild Atlantic Way offers rugged cliffs, charming fishing villages, ancient ruins, and breathtaking vistas of the Atlantic Ocean.

9. Cabot Trail, Canada

Located in Nova Scotia, the Cabot Trail is a scenic drive that takes you through Cape Breton Island, offering breathtaking views of rugged coastlines, lush forests, and the iconic Cape Breton Highlands.

#10. The Great Ocean Drive, Australia

Located in Western Australia, the Great Ocean Drive showcases stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and unique rock formations such as the famous Wave Rock.

Best Types of Road Trips

There are various types of road trips available, each tailored to your interests and preferences. These trips can be adventurous, culinary, natural, family-friendly, or personally introspective, offering a variety of experiences to suit everyone’s needs and preferences.

#1. Adventure Road Trips

These road trips are all about seeking adventure and adrenaline. They often involve activities like hiking, camping, water sports, or exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. The focus is on experiencing thrilling outdoor adventures and immersing oneself in nature.

#2. Foodie Road Trips

Foodie road trips revolve around exploring different culinary delights and local cuisines. Travelers can plan their route to visit renowned restaurants and food markets, or even take a food-themed tour. It’s an opportunity to indulge in regional specialties and discover hidden culinary gems along the way.

#3. Scenic Road Trips

Scenic road trips are all about breathtaking views and natural beauty. These trips often take you through picturesque landscapes, such as coastal drives, mountainous regions, or national parks. The focus is on enjoying the journey and capturing stunning vistas.

#4. Historical Road Trips

Historical road trips are ideal for those interested in exploring the past. These trips involve visiting historical sites, landmarks, and museums that offer insights into the local history and culture. It’s an opportunity to learn about significant events and immerse oneself in the heritage of a region.

#5. Family-Friendly Road Trips

Family-friendly road trips cater to the needs and interests of all family members. They often include stops at kid-friendly attractions, amusement parks, or natural parks with activities suitable for children. These trips aim to create lasting memories and provide entertainment for the whole family.

#6. Solo Road Trips

Solo road trips are perfect for those seeking solitude and self-discovery. They offer a chance to explore at your own pace, make spontaneous decisions, and enjoy the freedom of the open road. Solo road trips can be a transformative experience, allowing for personal reflection and growth.

#7. Music-themed Road Trips

These road trips revolve around exploring the musical heritage of a region. They can include visits to iconic music venues, museums, and landmarks associated with famous musicians or genres of music. Examples include the Blues Highway in the southern United States or the Motown Trail in Michigan.

#8. Wine Country Road Trips

Wine country road trips are perfect for wine enthusiasts. They involve visiting renowned wine regions, vineyards, and wineries, where travelers can enjoy wine tastings and vineyard tours and learn about the winemaking process. Examples include the Napa Valley in California and the Bordeaux region in France.

#9. Cross-Country Road Trips

Cross-country road trips involve traveling from one coast of a country to the other, covering vast distances, and experiencing diverse landscapes, cultures, and attractions along the way. They offer a comprehensive exploration of a country or continent.

#10. Off-the-Beaten-Path Road Trips

Off-the-beaten-path road trips are for those seeking unique and lesser-known destinations. These trips involve exploring hidden gems, remote areas, and unconventional routes, providing a sense of adventure and discovery.

Best Road Trips In The U.S.

Road trips are a great way to explore the United States, and there are many scenic routes to choose from. These road trips offer a variety of experiences, from scenic drives along the coast to routes that take you through national parks and historic landmarks. Whether you’re looking for a short weekend trip or an epic cross-country journey, there’s a road trip on this list that will suit your needs. Be sure to plan, pack accordingly, and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

The best road trips in the US are:

#1. Pacific Northwest Loop

This road trip takes you through the scenic landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, including the Oregon Coast, Columbia River Gorge, Mount Rainier National Park, and Olympic National Park. It offers a mix of coastal beauty, lush forests, and majestic mountains

#2. Route 66

Route 66 is a classic American road trip that stretches from Chicago to Los Angeles, taking you through small towns, deserts, and iconic landmarks like the Grand Canyon.

#3. Blue Ridge Parkway (North Carolina and Virginia)

This scenic drive winds through the Appalachian Mountains, offering breathtaking views of rolling hills, vibrant forests, and charming mountain towns.

#4. Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)

Located in Glacier National Park, this road trip takes you through the heart of the park, offering stunning alpine scenery, glacial lakes, and the opportunity to spot wildlife.

#5. Overseas Highway (Florida)

The Overseas Highway connects the Florida Keys, offering picturesque views of the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean, stunning bridges, and the chance to explore the unique island culture of the Keys.

#6. Highway 1 (California)

Highway 1 runs along the California coast, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and iconic landmarks like the Bixby Creek Bridge and Hearst Castle.

#7. The Loneliest Road (Nevada)

U.S. Route 50 in Nevada is known as the Loneliest Road, taking you through vast desert landscapes and ghost towns and offering a sense of solitude and adventure.

#8. The Great River Road (Multiple States)

The Great River Road follows the course of the Mississippi River, offering scenic views, charming river towns, and the opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of the region.

#9. The Black Hills and Badlands (South Dakota)

This road trip takes you through the stunning Black Hills, home to Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park, and the rugged beauty of Badlands National Park.

#10. The Outer Banks (North Carolina)

The Outer Banks road trip takes you along a string of barrier islands, offering beautiful beaches, historic lighthouses, and the chance to explore the unique coastal culture of North Carolina.

Best Road Trips Songs

The best road trip songs are based on personal preferences and musical tastes. Creating a playlist with a mix of genres and songs that resonate with you and your fellow travelers will make your road trip even more enjoyable.

There are numerous road trip songs available, including popular ones frequently included in playlists.

#1. “Life is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane

This upbeat anthem captures the spirit of adventure and the open road.

#2. “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen

A classic rock song that embodies the freedom and excitement of hitting the road

#3. “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson

This country tune is a perfect companion for any road trip, with its catchy melody and lyrics about traveling.

#4. “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

While it references a specific location, this iconic song has become synonymous with road trips and the American South.

#5. “Route 66” by Chuck Berry

An iconic road trip song that pays homage to the famous highway and the spirit of travel

#6. “Take It Easy” by Eagles

This laid-back rock song is perfect for cruising down the highway and enjoying the journey.

#7. “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey

A feel-good anthem that’s perfect for singing along and creating a memorable road trip experience.

#8. “Hotel California” by Eagles

This classic rock song has a captivating melody and lyrics that evoke a sense of mystery and adventure.

#9. “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston

A fun and energetic pop song that’s perfect for singing and dancing along during a road trip.

#10. “Dancing in the Moonlight” by King Harvest

A catchy and upbeat tune that sets a positive and carefree mood for your road trip

What Are the Best Road Trips?

The best road trips include the Pacific Coast Highway, Historic Route 66, Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Northern on U.S. Route 2, Overseas Highway, and Trail Ridge Road/Beaver Meadow National Scenic Byway. These road trips offer scenic views, iconic landmarks, and opportunities to explore diverse landscapes and attractions across the country.

How To Do a Road Trip Without Money?

To do a road trip without money includes budget planning, finding free accommodations through camping or platforms like Couchsurfing, cooking your meals, volunteering or working in exchange for accommodations, utilizing car relocation services, ridesharing, engaging in budget-friendly activities, and traveling during off-peak seasons. By being resourceful and creative, it’s possible to make a road trip more affordable and enjoyable, even without a lot of money.

Can I Camp On A Road Trip?

Yes, you can camp on a road trip. Camping can be a cost-effective and enjoyable way to experience the outdoors while traveling. There are various options for camping during a road trip, such as designated campgrounds with amenities, wild camping (following local regulations), car camping, and using apps or websites to find campsites. Planning, packing necessary gear, and following Leave No Trace principles are very important. Camping on a road trip offers a chance to connect with nature and enjoy the freedom of the open road.

Things To Do On A Road Trip?

On a road trip, you can keep yourself entertained with activities like listening to music or audiobooks, playing games, taking scenic stops, capturing photos, trying local food, engaging in conversations, planning interesting stops, watching movies, stargazing, keeping a travel journal, and more. Plan your activities according to your interests and make the journey as enjoyable as the destination.

How To Do A Road Trip Without Owning A Car?

There are several options for doing a road trip without owning a car. These options include renting a car, using public transportation or ride-sharing services, joining a travel group or finding travel companions, hiring a driver, or buying a car if you plan to travel extensively. It is important to plan, consider costs, and select the option that best fits your preferences and budget.

Is A Road Trip Worth It?

Whether a road trip is worth it depends on individual preferences and circumstances. Road trips offer benefits like flexibility, freedom, and the ability to experience local culture. However, factors like cost should be considered. Ultimately, the worth of a road trip depends on personal preferences and desired experiences.

Conclusion

The best road trips can be adventurous, culinary, scenic, historical, family-friendly, solo, music-themed, or wine country. Adventure trips involve outdoor activities, while foodie trips explore local cuisines. Scenic trips offer breathtaking views and natural beauty. Historical trips explore the past, while family-friendly trips cater to all members. Road trip songs are a personal preference and can be a mix of genres and songs. The best road trips in the US offer a variety of experiences, from scenic drives along the coast to national parks and historic landmarks.