The World’s Best Road Trips
Thinking of a long road trip? Look no further. Below are our picks of the greatest trips and destinations around the world, from breathtaking day-trips to week-long epics – take your pick.
1. Great Ocean Road Australia – Victoria, Australia
The Great Ocean Road is one of the most scenic routes not only in Australia, but in the world. Starting from Melbourne, your top quality rental car will take you through some remarkable landscapes, including the Bells Beach, Apollo Bay, The 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, The Bay of Islands and Warrnambool. With a car hire, you can achieve the complete Great Ocean Road experience at a more relaxed pace for a three-day trip.
Looking for more great road trips in Australia? Check our top 5 most popular road locations.
2. Pacific Coast Highway/Route 1 – California, USA
With more than 500 miles of spectacular coastal scenery and some of California’s favourite family destinations, the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the the world’s best scenic routes. Here you can start your road trip at either end. From Los Angeles and Santa Barbara in the south to the Bay area in the north, the Pacific Coast Highway weaves its way through stunning redwood forests, dramatic cliff edges and breathtaking coastline, like Big Sur, Monterey and Carmel-by-the Sea.
Searching for other scenic drives in the U.S.? Read our Top 10 Best Road Trip Destinations in the USA.
3. Transfagarasan – Romania
Considered to be one of the most famous roads in Romania, and even in Europe and rest of the world because of its spectacular landscapes and plenty of switchbacks, a road trip Transfagarasan will surely not disappoint. Constructed between 1970-1974, the highway stretches about 150km long, crossing over the Fagaras mountains in Transylvania.
4. Garden Route – South Africa
Stretching more than 200 km, The Garden Route is one of South Africa’s best scenic spots. View from driving the Garden Route is a stunning journey. In fact, there is so much to see and do here. Not only is the scenery breathtaking but the opportunities for fun and action-packed activities are almost endless.
5. Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley – India
https://www.instagram.com/p/BXp5BHDAq0t/?tagged=arakuvalley
Araku Valley is a hill station in Andhra Pradesh, situated about 120 km from Visakhapatnam and close to the Odisha state border. The driving time from the coastal bank of Vizag to the slightly more terrestrial route towards the Araku Valley is approximately three hours via rental car, or rail (five hours). The million-year-old Borra Caves is one of India’s most favourite tourist destination.
The best time to visit this place for a road trip is between November and February although by December to January the temperature usually drops to four degrees. However, after the monsoon or during August, is the start of the tourist season.
6. Geiranger to Trollstigen – Norway
Known as Norway’s most popular tourist road, the National Tourist Route from Geiranger to the bottom of Romsdal valley cover a ground of 100 kilometres. If you want to get an adrenaline rush, this two-hour drive from Trollstigen to the bottom of the great Geirangerfjorden is guaranteed to make you feel that way. The trip will take you through the powerful nature of Fjord Norway offering stunning views and sights, with steep mountain slopes and flowing waterfalls. Note however that Trollstigen’s road is usually closed in October and reopens in May.
7. Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
Renowned for beautiful beaches, Mayan ruins and adventure activities, the Yucatán Peninsula is another popular tourism gateway not only Mexico, but in the world. With plenty of things to see and do: from the glistening white beaches of Playa Del Carmen and Cancun to the legendary ruins of Chichen Itza to Bohemian alleyways of Tulum – you simply can’t go with this road trip.
8. Route One – Iceland
Still looking for other options? Then a road trip around Iceland’s Ring Road, or Route One, is our best best. Certainly the most popular road trip in Iceland, there are plenty of adventures and surprises waiting for you here. In fact, most of the famous tourist attractions are on or near the road, so make sure you drive on the right side of the road.
9. Verdon Gorge circuit – France
Deemed as one of France’s finest natural sites, thousands of tourists visit here for the spectacular road trip round the edge of the gorge. Others because of the thrilling hiking trails in and around the gorge. While a few come here to take pleasure in paddling up the bottom end of the gorge in a kayak or canoe.
With so many things to see and do in Verdon Gorge, no wonder a lot of visitors from around the world come here.
10. Tuscany, Italy
Considered as one of the wealthiest regions in Italy, road trippin’ in Tuscany will captivate you with its history, culture and excellent cuisine. Florence cannot be missed when you begin your Tuscany road trip. Also, you can opt to go through parts of Via Francigena, or take a pilgrim route which begins in Canterbury and ends in Rome.
So, where are the places you had your best road trips? Make sure to share your experiences in the comment section below.
Share this:
About The Author
jayson
A writer, blogger, and editor for more than 10 years, Manila-based Jayson Paor has written for numerous publications and entertainment websites such as BANDS Magazine, mnl-online.com, and PEP.ph. When he is not writing, he works as a freelance publicist and social media correspondent, researching and tracking new artists and bands, setting up and conducting interviews for local and international print and website. His interests are varied and range from live concerts, gadgets, travel, photography, cars and tennis.