15 Of The World’s Best Road Trip Destinations

It’s no secret that, not being the biggest fan of cities, I enjoy spending time outdoors and discovering the wonders that nature has to offer. And even if I’m not the best driver out there, one thing I love about exploring a country when time or budget permits is driving, windows open, wind in my hair on a road trip along some of the most beautiful roads. That’s why I’m going to share with you the destinations I’ve found for the best road trips! Here are my 15 favorites!

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1. West Coast, Australia

While many people talk about the Great Ocean Road as an unmissable stop on their trip to Australia, and while I can’t deny its coastal beauty, my heart tends to prefer the road trip I took on the country’s fabulous West Coast.

With its rugged beaches, red dirt, breathtaking sunsets, empty roads as far as the eyes can see and tranquility, this is the kind of road trip you’re looking for if you like a quiet but more adventurous getaway.

Spectacular scenery and a wilderness like no other await you here, in Australia’s most desolate regions!

Alternative: often overlooked, Tasmania offers unique fauna and flora as well as unspoiled nature. If you have the time, do yourself a favor and include the island in your itinerary!

2. Route 66, USA

I pretty much grew up watching movies like Little Miss Sunshine and Easy Riders, in which the characters travel along the mythic Route 66. So it’s not surprising that I dreamt of riding along this same stretch of history and tradition that represents such an important part of the United States for me. After all, it was these movies and many others that inspired my wanderlust!

From deserts to landmarks to the crossing of different states, Route 66 is the road trip not to be missed in this part of the world, isn’t it?!?

Alternative: the Hana Highway in Hawaii is another popular road, although more winding than Route 66, ideal for those seeking breathtaking views over tropical forests, waterfalls and beaches.

3. Ring Road, Iceland

Moving on to a slightly colder destination: Iceland. Here, don’t expect a desert or scorching temperatures; you’ll be greeted by splendid glacial landscapes and sumptuous fjords. If you’re more of a winter wonderland type of person, you’ll be delighted to travel this 1,322 km (820 miles) road by campervan.

Grab your duffle coats and fluffy plaids, make yourself a cup of hot chocolate and get ready to admire one of the most beautiful Nordic roads on Earth.

4. Chapman’s Peak Drive, South Africa

Looking for a spectacular drive amid towering cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean as your backdrop? Then look no further than Chapman’s Peak Drive! The road that stretches from Hout Bay to Noordhoek will surely not leave you indifferent.

So don’t forget to put it on your bucket list if you’re planning to visit Cape Town soon!

Alternative: and if you’re up for a more challenging drive, you should check out the scenic Sani Pass!

5. Qinghai-Tibet Highway, China

At over 4,000 meters above sea level, the road will take you across vast grasslands, never-ending plains, mountains and rivers before you finally enter Tibet!

If you’re a thrill-seeker, you’ll probably find it hard to beat this road, as you’ll also need to carry oxygen bags or altitude sickness medicine as a precaution.

Alternative: you can also opt for a drive to the Guoliang Tunnel, carved into the Taihang mountains by the locals themselves.

6. Hai Van Pass, Vietnam

Translated as “Ocean Cloud Pass” because of the mystical mists rising from the sea, this road is a must on many travelers’ itineraries and with reason, as it’s one the most impressive coastal passes in Vietnam.

Driving your scooter from Hue to Da Nang, through its winding roads and rich landscapes, is sure to leave memorable souvenirs, believe me!

Alternative: the Ha Giang Loop is another famous route in Northern Vietnam, where you’ll pass through traditional villages and majestic natural beauty.

7. Amalfi Coast, Italy

Fancy a taste of the charm of European cities overlooking the Mediterranean sea? This is what awaits you on a road trip along the turquoise coastal roads of Amalfi.

But be warned, this isn’t a route for those suffering from motion sickness, though, due to its many turns and narrowness. So your best bet is to take anti-nausea medicine and avoid the high season if you don’t want to find yourself in a traffic jam.

8. Atlantic Road, Norway

Back to our Nordic friends and their masterpiece of road engineering. The eight bridges connecting small islands are not only unique in their architecture, but also in their position above the ocean and the panoramic views they offer of the mountains.

Kind of feel like you’re going to end up in the sea with your not-so-submersible car, aren’t you? Don’t worry, it’s just an optical illusion!

9. Transfagarasan, Romania

How I love sinuous road trips! Let me take you to Romania, not to visit Dracula, but to have some fun on the Transfagarasan mountain road. It is considered as one of the best passes in the world thanks to its nice, although sometimes difficult, driving but also thanks to its charm and famous Balea lake.

While today it’s a popular 90 km road, its construction claimed the lives of many untrained soldiers who used explosives to cut through the mountain under the Ceausescu’s regime in the 1970s.

10. Suhua Highway, Taiwan

I know the majority of the road trips I’ve mentioned aren’t straight and easy routes, but wouldn’t it be boring if they were? I mean, I guess the most superb ones have to be a bit challenging for us to enjoy unparalleled views.

And Suhua Highway is no exception! Between narrow tunnels and rockfall netting, the reward is well worth the effort, as the panorama over the winding cliffs and the Pacific Ocean is incredible!

11. The Milford Road, New Zealand

Is there a more iconic road in New Zealand? It’s hard to say, but what is certain is that taking this highway will lead you to one of the country’s most popular and stunning landscapes: Milford Sound!

The crystal-clear waters, powerful waterfalls and dramatic, sometimes eerie atmosphere of the fjord will undoubtedly remain a unique and unforgettable experience in the land of the Kiwis.

And if you’d like to explore the magic of New Zealand even further, here’s my itinerary!

Alternative: looking for breathtaking wildlife and hiking adventures? Check out Arthur’s Pass!

12. Mount Cook, New Zealand

One thing’s for sure, New Zealand has no shortage of scenic drives, and if you want to admire nature’s wonders while having the road to yourself, I’d say there’s no better road trip than the one to Aoraki/Mount Cook.

Not only will you be greeted by the spectacular views of the Southern Alps right in front of you, but you’ll also get to see some incredible spots along the way, including a historic village, a sparkling blue lake, a lavender field, not to mention some of the country’s greatest hikes once you reach your destination.

13. Ruta 40, Argentina

A road trip filled with awe-inspiring landscapes and unforgettable memories? I say yes! Ruta 40, over 5,000 km long and crossing the country to the Bolivian border, is as mythical as Route 66, if not more so, and when you see the incredible and varied scenery it offers, it’s not surprising!

With its canyons, prehistoric caves, lakes and extensive wildlife, let this adventure fill your soul and bring back lots of travel stories that won’t take up space in your luggage!

14. Magnetic Hill, India

A hill that defies gravity, where your vehicle, parked in a designated spot, starts to move on its own? Real phenomenon, extraterrestrial force or simple optical illusion? Well, I’m sorry to break it to you, but it’s the latter, as this weird incident is caused by our brains thinking that the downhill slope is an uphill slope. Fascinating, isn’t it?

Still, a road trip to this part of the world, though confusing at first, remains for me a must, thanks to its superb rugged landscapes and uncanny beauty.

15. Skeleton Coast, Namibia

No, I’m not taking you into the catacombs of some dark and scary place, but if you’re familiar with the movie Mad Max, I’d say the experience is probably pretty similar thanks to its guarded skull gates, arid road and mysterious atmosphere.

Why Skeleton Coast? Because at one time, whale bones used to littered its shores during whaling operations, but also because many ships ended up here due to the difficult sailing conditions (fog, strong winds, currents…).

So, if you’re looking for a spooky journey surrounded by barren land but unreal beauty, the Skeleton Coast would be my preferred choice.

What about you? Have you ever taken any exciting and unusual road trips, or do you have any other must-sees on your list? Feel free to leave them in the comments!

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