Discover the Best Road Trips in the World

Is there anything better than exploring a new country or a city? Yes, it’s exploring the place in a car. The euphoric feeling of setting off on a road trip to discover a hidden gem or a unique scenery is second to none. When you are behind the wheel, you feel free. You feel alive.

Here’s a list of the best road tours worldwide to enjoy unforgettable road trips of sun, sea, and sand from dawn to dusk.

Cabot Trail, Canada

This 185 miles road crosses the island of Cape Breton, undoubtedly the most beautiful region of Nova Scotia. The climax of the trail is the northern part. Here you move through the gorgeous Cape Breton Highlands National Park, habitat of bald eagles, moose, and black bears. Take the journey at an unhurried pace to explore pretty small villages where the French and Scottish impact is still visible.

The Garden Route, South Africa

The luxuriant, slim stretch of coastal territory between Mossel Bay and Storms River Mouth presents an impressive and beautiful introduction to South Africa. As you drive, you’ll witness mountains and vineyards on one side and craggy shores and pristine beaches on the other. The coast is at its most spectacular at Storms River Mouth. Leave your car here to walk the trails, with the waves splashing the rocks below you.

Columbia River Gorge, USA

While traveling east out of Portland, lead your way beside the incredible Columbia River Gorge. Though it’s just 70 miles long and easily covered in a day, a weekend spent here will allow you to get the most out of this place. Take your time enjoying the views of the US’ second-longest river and its numerous magnificent waterfalls.

San Juan Skyway, USA

This 236-mile drive through Colorado’s exciting San Juan Range will take you past fast-flowing streams and waterfalls, colorful wildflowers, and steep slopes. However, this fabulous path is at its most compelling in fall, when the landscape bursts with the yellows, oranges, and reds of the leaves. Such beauty makes Colorado one of the most beautiful states in the USA.

South Island Circuit, New Zealand

The South Island is that part of New Zealand where its landscape is the most remarkable. Driving in your own way enables you to admire various views, stopping in genuine surprise again and again. Arguably the most exciting part of the path is between Te Anau and Milford Sound, which crosses peaceful Fiordland and some spots of the Southern Alps.

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Moving across the ideally flat white area of the world’s largest salt lake, you can easily imagine you’re on another planet. After it rains hard, the salt areas turn into an enormous mirror. In its reflection, you’ll see the mountain tops that circle the area. When dry, the surface is so much white that it looks like ice. At night, the landscape is lit with the ghostly white glow of the moon. There are multiple adventures to experience in Bolivia, too – start with these beautiful trips across the country.

The Karakoram Highway, Pakistan

The Karakoram Highway is the highest paved road on the planet that joins China and Pakistan. Along its way, it cuts the rocky mountain range that separates the two countries. Indeed, it is one of the world’s most impressive routes, and the journey takes you through some seriously fantastic landscapes. You’ll see magnificent snow-covered mountains, rocky valleys, and light blue rivers, not to forget mentioning numerous pieces of rock art.

Tasman Peninsula, Tasmania

This southeastern part of Tasmania is one of the most impressive parts of Australia. It boasts a rocky coastline that goes down to transparent blue waters of the numerous beaches. Take your time to get close to the dramatic scenery and admire Tasman’s Arch and the Devil’s Kitchen. Driving on your own is the best way to explore this stunning route.

Northeast coastline, Brazil

A road tour for traveling enthusiasts, taking you between Jericoacoara, with its warm white-sand beach and aquamarine lagoon, and Salvador, is close only to Rio for the splendor of its natural beauty. In between, stretch mile after mile untouched beaches that are undoubtedly among the most attractive in the world. This is unexplored Brazil, from sheltered reef lines to wilder ones surrounded by mountainous dunes and palm trees.

The Golden Road to Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Follow ancient pace through the center of the historic Silk Road in Uzbekistan. It may take you up to ten days to tour; however, it’s the best experience to have. The Golden Road trips through breathtaking sceneries and historic cities – nowhere more impressive than your final destination, Samarkand, home to the beautiful blue-domed Registan.

The Atlantic Road, Norway

The way is short – approximately 8.3km – but it’s incredibly spectacular. Eight low bridges connect the islands between Molde and Kristiansund in the western parts of Norway. The most impressive is Storseisundet, bending picturesquely over the water. In summer, you can notice seals and whales, while fall brings its appeal, with significant rainstorms that flood the road.

The Outer Hebrides, Scotland

The single-lane road that is descending along this island chain is one of Britain’s unforgettable driving experiences. Rocky, windy, and amazingly beautiful, this track unveils Scotland at its best. Traveling by road, you can do some sightseeing, admiring beautiful beaches, old rocks, and the incredible Hebridean hospitality.

Bollenstreek Route, the Netherlands

The Netherlands is famous for its tulips, and there’s no better way to admire them than on the Bollenstreek route. The best time to drive the road is undoubtedly in spring when brilliant-colored flowers cover the plains. And actually, there’s more than just tulips – you can even see colorful narcissi, vibrant hyacinths, vivid irises and dahlias, and many others.

The Atlantic Highway, England

The route from Bridgwater to Bude goes along the northern coastline of Devon to Cornwall. You may admire the country’s best sea scenery on one side and wild, remarkable hills on the other. With charming villages and vast beaches to explore, not to mention the great area of Exmoor National Park, this is an ideal few-day leisure.

The Black Forest, Germany

Perhaps Germany’s most picturesque area, with extensive evergreen forests and rolling hills beautified with charming villages and small towns; the Black Forest is the perfect driving place. After a long day exploring, have a rest in one of the spa towns like Baden-Baden to restore your body and soul.

The Great Ocean Road, Australia

Stretching for 177 miles, the Great Ocean Road was designed to commemorate the soldiers who perished during World War I. The most remarkable part of the drive is undoubtedly the appropriately named “Shipwreck Coast,” home to the magnificent rock creations called Twelve Apostles.

Skeleton Coast, Namibia

This infertile part of the coast in Namibia is named for the innumerable shipwrecks that have taken place here throughout the centuries. Many of the faded wrecks can still be seen – often immersed in mist. The Skeleton Coast’s appeal rests not only in its terrific scenery but also in the unfriendly remoteness of its location. In addition to dunes, await black lava ribs and granite ranges to see. You might even capture elephants, black rhinos, and springboks from your car.

Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar

Remarkable baobab trees line this dusty road in the western part of Madagascar. Their impeccable silhouettes are fascinating in contrast to the small shrubland behind them. Being up to 30m in height, 11m in diameter, and up to 800 years old, the great baobabs can only really be estimated by seeing them at arm’s length – a truly wonderful sight.

Driving to Uluru, Australia

There’s nothing like moving through the vivid, bone-dry desert of Australia’s Northern Territory. Despite being one of the most popular sights on the planet, it’s hard not to be astonished. Whether dried due to fierce Australian sunlight or smoothed by the colors of dawn and dusk, it’s an impression you won’t ever forget.

The Oman Circle, Oman

Driving this route is an exciting way to explore this beautiful country. It will enable you to experience the full range of its exciting landscapes, from vast deserts and dunes to long caves. Don’t forget to take a break from the trip to spot turtles on Ras Al Jinz beach or enjoy wild-swimming at the bottom of the river.

Ocean Drive, USA

Arguably, Portland is currently one of the best cities in the USA, so take your time with a few days here, enjoying the vibrant scenery, before moving south down the coastline. As you drive, pay attention to the beautiful and empty beaches meeting you, accompanied by charming towns. If you are lucky enough, you might even spot grey whales just off the coast.

The Road to Mount Nebo, Jordan

Following the road northwest of Madaba, you approach Mount Nebo that is believed to be the final resting place of Moses. It’s a place of a unique blending of Jews’, Christians’, and Muslims’ cultures. Though there’s nothing to see in terms of relics, this journey through Jordan is more than worth your attention, especially to admire the magnificent mountain and the ancient church that amazes with its beautiful mosaics.

The Road to Hana, Hawaii

Undeniably spectacular, the Road to Hana on the Hawaiian island of Maui includes nearly six hundred twists and turns and numerous narrow bridges. However, the efforts to get here are more than worth it as you pass luxuriant jungle, showering waterfalls, and sharp cliffs that lead down to incredibly picturesque Hawaiian beaches.